Art Nouveau
Prague The Mother of Cities
Due to the fact that Prague is one of the most popular tourists destinations in Europe it counts will a fair enough accommodation infrastructure.
Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is located on the Vltava River. It’s a city with a long and proud history as the cultural, economic, and political center of the Czech state for more than 1000 years. Today, approximately 1.2 million people call the city home.
Prague is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. In fact, it ranks sixth in popularity behind London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, and Berlin. It is considered by many to be among the most beautiful cities on the Continent as well. Some of its nicknames include “The Mother of Cities,” City of a Hundred Spires,” and “The Golden City.”
One of the reasons Prague is thought to be so beautiful is that it experienced much less destruction during World War II than did other cities. As a result, many of its historic architecture remained intact. The buildings of Prague represent a variety of architectural styles, such as Art Nouveau, Baroque, Renaissance, Cubist, Gothic, Neo-Classical, and modern.
Prague contains many fascinating and beautiful sights as well as cultural attractions. One popular place to visit is Old Town, an extremely charming part of Prague. It was the original location of the first settlement in Prague. The city then grew in the 14th century when Charles IV founded New Town.
Within Old Town stands the Prague Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square. The clock hangs on the southern wall of Old Town City Hall. It’s comprised of three main parts. The astronomical dial represents the sun and the moon as well as several other astronomical details. The Walk of Apostles shows the figures of the Apostles of Jesus Christ each hour; all twelve Apostles make an appearance at noon every day. The calendar dial has medallions that stand for the months of the year.
Along with the showing of the Apostles on the hour, four figures who stand to either side of the clock are also set into motion. These figures represent the four things despised by the people of Prague at the time of the clock’s creation. These things are: Death, who appears as a skeleton; Vanity, who holds a mirror; Judaism, who carries a bag; and the Turkish, wearing a turban.
Another fascinating sight within the city of Prague is the Lennon Wall. Originally, this wall was nothing more than a plain historic wall. However, beginning in the 1980s, people have covered it with graffiti honoring singer John Lennon. And, in 1988, the wall was used by young people for listing grievances against the communist regime.
The wall changes constantly and the portrait of John Lennon that was one of the original works of graffiti is now obscured by layers of paint. Although authorities have tried over the years to stop the graffiti by painting over the wall, new graffiti always appears sometimes as soon as the second day. Today the wall is owned by the Knights of the Maltese Cross who allow the graffiti to continue as a symbol of love and peace.
Tourists planning to visit Prague will enjoy the accommodations the city has to offer, such as its hotels and holiday apartments.
Examples of hotels in Prague are:
Palace Hotel, Prague: This Vienna Art Nouveau style hotel is located in Wenceslas Square at the center of Prague. There are 124 luxurious rooms in this elegant building. Each room is decorated with period furniture and has many modern features as well, such as satellite television, Internet access, mini-bar, and option to connect a fax machine.
Hilton Prague Hotel: 788 rooms are contained in this huge modern glass building. The hotel is located in a quiet area of Prague and features a magnificent atrium. There are three different types of rooms available classic, business, and executive so this hotel is sure to meet your needs whatever they are. Attractions like Old Town Square, Charles’ Bridge, and Prague Castle are within walking distance.
Green Lobster Hotel, Prague: This four-star hotel is in two consecutive 14th Century buildings that have been completely refurbished to their current baroque style. If the colorful name isn’t enough to gain your attention, the hotel is luxuriously furnished in period furniture and rooms are equipped with all the modern conveniences, including LCD satellite television, Internet access, mini-bar, and a spacious bathroom. The location of the hotel makes it a great place for vacation stays since it is close to Prague Castle and Charles’ Bridge.
Examples of holiday apartments in Prague are:
Sazavska Apartments: There are 26 apartments over four floors in a 19th century palace available to tourists as holiday accommodations. The building was recently renovated in an Italian style and offers a picturesque quality with modern aspects. Apartments sleep up to six people and have fully equipped kitchens. The building is located close to tram and metro services.
Zizkov Historic: This bright apartment is located in a 19th century historic building near Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. In its three bedrooms, it sleeps up to eight guests. Other nearby attractions include the Art Nouveau Municipal House, Jindriska Tower, and the cemetery where Franz Kafka is buried.
Little Quarter View Apartment: This two-bedroom apartment was one the Prague Mayors’ apartments. It’s just around the corner from Charles’ Bridge and a five-minute walk to the Prague Castle. The apartment’s 10 windows overlook Lesser Town Square.
With its fabulous attractions and luxurious vacation accommodations, it’s really no surprise that Prague is such a popular vacation destination. Tourists looking for a good mix of culture, landmarks, and beauty won’t leave the city disappointed.
Gaizka Pujana
View all articles by Gaizka Pujana
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