TOP 7 REMARKABLE SIGHTS IN PRAGUE

Rising some 130 meters above the beautiful river Vltava, the Petrin hill is almost entirely covered with parks. You can walk up the hilly terrain winding your way through the myriad footpaths that ascend the slope. At the very top of the hill, there are gardens that are full of life throughout the year. But the best part by far is the 360-degree view from the top of the Petrin Hill Observation Tower that combines all other view-points overlooking the countryside. On a clear day it is possible to spot amazing physical features within a radius of 150km – including the highest peak in the country (Mount Snezka).

Vysehrad is a fort shrouded in myths and legends that are as old as the nation itself. Believed to have been built in the 10th century to serve as the seat of a mythical princess, this extensive complex is the last resting place of some of the most eminent people in the world. Just beyond its massive Spicka gates is the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul which is modified in a neo-Gothic style – in itself a masterpiece of history and originality. One can sit on the battlements of River Vltava and enjoy watching the magical sunset sharing this magical spirit with the Czech greats like Karel Capek and Bedrich Smetana who are buried here. Vysehrad is also home to Prague’s oldest surviving building – the Rotunda of St Martin.

Karlstejn is a guarded gothic castle which holds an absolutely exceptional position among Czech historical treasures. Built centuries ago by the Czech King Charles IV as a place to safely keep royal treasures and holy relics, the castle has an impressive layout which is bound to captivate any visitor with its ingenuity. Although a few changes have been done to its structure, the original medieval state remains perfectly in place waiting to be explored.

Also known as the “House of Life” or “Beth Chaim”, this is the second oldest Jewish Cemetery in Europe. It is situated in the town quarter of Josefov in which Jews are believed to have settled between the 10th and 15th century. The oldest gravestone spotted here is dated April 1439. The entire cemetery comprises 12,000 tombstones which seem to be pressed to each other in layers and are variously inclined – probably due to lack of space.

The Memorial of the Communist regime was unveiled in Prague in 2002 and today, more than 13 years down the line; it is home to a line of statues commemorating heroes who died between 1948 and 1989. A painful reminder of Czech’s dark past, it consists of a bronze strip that runs across the entire park showing estimated numbers of those affected by communism. This Memorial park symbolizes the struggle of political prisoners who bore the brunt of a cruel communist regime.

Novy Svet is a long, winding cobbled street that was previously inhabited by servants of the Hradcany castle which was in its neighborhood. Today, unlike in the past, the street is a haven of peace and tranquility (it is a quiet home for artists and creative writers). This area dates back to the 14th century and all this time it has retained the atmosphere of a small village despite its proximity to the madding crowds of the greater city. There is a playground suitable for kids discreetly hidden within this quarter waiting to be explored.

This garden was created early in the 17th century in the lower part of Mala Strana District. An orderly garden decorated with trimmed box trees, topiary decorations and fountains, its neatness and elegance gives an almost alarming feeling. Artistic grotto, bronze sculptures and an impressive Sala Terrena dominate one of the aisles extending towards the Wallenstein Palace. At the edge of this garden, there is a former Riding Hall which was converted into a gallery in the 50’s. To-date, this hall is still used to organize exhibitions.