Of course there will be tourists at these sights, but just not nearly as many as at the main ones. These are just some possibilities; honestly, Prague is a city with a rich history and culture.
The Nový Svět Area
This quaint little pocket just beyond Prague Castle is virtually tourist-free. Nový Svět is named for a long winding alley that starts near the castle and continues past several quiet residential streets that house art galleries. Because Nový Svět used to be a poor neighborhood, it doesn’t have the grand architecture that is typical of central Prague, but it has tons of charm. The combination of walled streets, cobblestones, trees, old street lamps, and charming houses give the area a calm beauty. At the far end is the Loreta, an impressive Baroque church and cloister.
Near Nový Svět is Strahov Monastery, which overlooks Prague and is easily reached from Malá Strana (the Little Quarter) or Prague Castle. Founded in the 12th century, it was rebuilt several times after fires and wars. It is now famous for its incredible library of old books and illuminated manuscripts. Strahov Monastery also houses a basilica, an art museum, a brewery, the Museum of Miniatures, and the Galerie MIRO, with modern art exhibits. The grounds offer wonderful views of Prague.
Prague Castle is surrounded by beautiful formal gardens, including the terraced ones directly below the castle and the Royal Garden just past the castle, but Valdštejn Garden (Wallenstein Garden), located in Malá Strana below Prague Castle, is part of the Valdštejnský palác (Wallenstein Palace), a 17th century Baroque palace that is now home to the Czech Senate. These formal European gardens are a peaceful respite from the busy sightseeing of Prague’s center. The entrance can be hard to notice-it is located on Letenská Street near the Malostranská metro station.
Vyšehrad
Vyšehrad is Prague’s other hilltop castle. Actually, little remains of the castle from the 11th century, but there is still a lot to see in this quiet spot above the river in Prague. You will see the impressive Gothic cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, with its intricate doors and murals by art nouveau master Alphonse Mucha. Vyšehrad Cemetery is a must-visit: its sculptures, painted walkways, grandly decorated headstones, and stunning art nouveau monuments are beautiful. The cemetery is also of great cultural importance because it is where many famous Czechs are buried. Vyšehrad also includes an 11th century rotunda, ruins of a lookout tower and castle walls, and green space for you to relax—bring a picnic and soak in the views of Prague and the Vltava River.
day-trip
Very few people think of taking a day-trip as far as Olomouc and instead go to Kutná Hora to see the bone church or to a nearby castle, but with fast trains going to Olomouc in about 2 hours, it’s easy to visit this charming city in a day. The city receives only a small number of tourists, so you can easily witness daily Czech life there. Olomouc, the fifth-largest city in the Czech Republic and former capital of the region of Moravia, offers plenty to do. It is home to the old and prestigious Palacký University and has the highest density of university students in Central Europe. Besides people-watching and taking in daily life in Moravia, you can visit St. Wenceslas cathedral, the enormous plague column (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the squares with their lovely fountains, the local shops and cafes, and the town hall with its communist-inspired astronomical clock.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
No comments:
Post a Comment