The Czech Republic, the Center of Europe

The Czech Republic is quite literally the center of Europe and whenever traveling through Europe you will more than likely take a road that goes through here.

But please do stop and spend some time in this beautiful country and enjoy its culture and energy.

Two things that have to be experienced are time in the capital of Prague and a lazy sojourn on the Vltava River.

Once these have been completed then venture out off the beaten track to get a taste of the Czech Repulic's wonderful history. There are many glorious castles and chateaux to explore each coming with fascinating tales.

A little bit of information here - Good King Wenceslas of the famous Christmas carol was in fact a prince and the land that he looked out over was the ancient territory of Bohemia. Beatified as St Wenceslas he remains to this day the country's patron saint.

Useful reading before traveling to the Czech Republic

The coasts of Bohemia - Derek Sayer
Prague in Black and Gold - Peter Demetz
The Joke - Milan Kundera
Me, Myself and Prague - Rachael Weiss

A Short Tour of Prague

Prague is a lovely mixture of the past, present and future where your days can be filled with history, art and architecture and your evenings spent at lively bars, clubs and restaurants.

The longer you spend in this city you will get an understanding as to why it has gained the enduring reputation as one of Europe's most exciting cities.

Sights

Prague Castle and Hradcany (www.hrad,cz)

One of the highlights of the castle is the jewel-studded St Wenceslas Chapel in St Vitus Cathedral and the view from the cathedral's tower is spectacular.

Be sure to spend time in the Old Royal Palace were you will see the fantastic Vladislav Hall.

It is here that you will see Prague's finest Romanesque church the Basilica of St George.

In the Convent of St George you will find the national Gallery's collection of Czech art from the 16th to 18th centuries.

There are two tours the Long Tour and the Short Tour. If you opt for the Short Tour you will not get to see the Old Royal Palace.

The Long Tour includes: the Basilica of St George, the Convent of St George, the Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, and the Story of Prague Castle Exhibit.

Should you just wish to wander freely around the castle gardens and courtyards there is no charge. You can also watch the changing of the guard at noon also with no charge.

Open - 9am - 5pm April- Oct, 9am to 4pm Nov- March.

Mala Strana

From the castle head downhill to the Mala Strana (The Little Quarter) and in this area of Prague you will find St Nicholas Church (www.psalterium.cz), one of the city's greatest baroque buildings.

Escaping from the tourist throng of the Mala Strana head for Kampa, a broad park that sits beside the river.

Take time to look round the Franz Kafka Museum (www.kafkamuseum.cz) and see what this writer was all about.

Opposite the Franz Kafka Museum you will find the 'Piss' Sculpture by David Cerny. This sculpture is of two figures piddling in a puddle that is shaped like the Czech Republic.

Towards the north end of Kampa is the Charles Bridge. This elegant bridge was constructed in 1357 and is graced by 30 statues dating from the 18th century.

Across the river is where the Charles Bridge Museum (www.muzeumkarlovamostu.cz)
is located. It is here that you will discover 650 years of turbulent history showcased.

Stare Mesto

The Stare Mesto is the Old Town here you will find Gothic Staromestske nam dominated by the steeples of St Nicholas Church and Tyn Church.

And of course the Old Town Hall where there is an astronomical clock (1410) that entertains the visitors on the hour with its bell ringing skeleton and parade of apostles.

In the center of the square is the Jan Hus Monument. Erected in 1915 this monument was established on the 500th anniversary of the execution of the religious reformer.

Josefov was at one time Prague's Jewish Quarter and today its fascinating monuments now comprise the Prague Jewish Museum (www.jewishmuseum.cz ). Highlighted here are the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Maisel Synagogue and the Old-New Synagogue.

Nove Mesto

Although the name literally means New Town it is only new in relation to Stare Mesto. The avenue of Wenceslas Square is dominated by a statue of St Wenceslas on horseback and is lined with restaurants, shops and banks.

When in Nove Mesto take the metro to Vysehrad on the southern edge and enjoy a picnic whilst enjoying the superb views that this ancient hilltop fortress offers.

Events and Festivals

Prague Spring Festival (www.festival.cz) - Summer gets a kick-start with classical musical from may12th to June 3rd .

Prague Fringe Festival (www.praguefringe.com) - Late May eclectic action

Khamoro (www.khamoro.cz) - A celebration of Roma culture in late May

United Islands (www.unitedilands.cz) - World music held in mid June

Prague Autumn (www.pragueautumn.cz) - held from 12th September to 1st October this festival celebrates the end of summer.

Prague International Jazz Festival (www.jazzfestivalpraha.cz) - Held in late November.

Day Trips

If you are based in Prague whilst visiting the Czech Republic there are a couple of day trips that are worth doing.

Karlstejn

Karlstejn Castle (www.hradkarlstejn.cz) was built in the mid-14th century by the Emperor Charles IV and in fact crowns a ridge above Karlstejn village.

This is just a 20- minute walk from the train station and is open all year apart from Jan, Feb & Dec.

Trains from Praha-hlavni nadrazi station run to Beroun run hourly and stop at Karlstejn.

Kutna Hora

Kutna Hora is a striking medieval town with many historical attractions.

Back in the 14th century Kutna Hora rivaled Prague as the most important town in Bohemia due to its growing wealth thanks to the ore lacing the rocks beneath it.

Once in Kutna Hora visit the information Center (open 9am - 6pm) for information on accommodation, internet access and bicycle hire.

In the center of Kutna Hora sits the Hradek (Little Castle), which is a 15th century palace and home to the Czech Silver Museum (www.cms-kh.cz). Whilst in the museum put on a miner's helmet and join the hour and a half 'Way of Silver' tour. On this fascinating tour you will travel through 500m of medieval mine shaft.

Rivaling Prague's St Vitus for magnificence is the Gothic Cathedral of St Barbera in Kutna Hora.

Remember the Czech Republic is far more than just a country to pass through on your way to another part of Europe, stay and enjoy.

Source: Europe on a Shoestring - The Lonely Planet