Prague Information

Monday, April 23, 2007

LA TIMES READERS RECOMMEND PRAGUE

PRAGUE PUB / CLUB CRAWL

Interested in nightlife? Want to party and try the traditional Czech shots and perhaps Absinth as well? Pub crawl with experienced nightlife guide is the best you can do! The guide will tell you about the Prague Nightlife and you will visit historical pubs with legends and the most popular clubs where you can dance till the morning.Our quality pub crawls were recently recommended in LA TIMES TRAVEL SECTION: VISIT:

PRAGUE COMMUNISM TOUR

1st World War, 1st Czechoslovak Republic, 2nd World War and then Communistic era, the Prague Spring and Velvet Revolution that finally brought democracy, followed by very a popular topic for tourists – the separation of Czechoslovakia and the establishment of an independent Czech Republic, as well as the latest chapter in Prague's long history - joining the European Union – and all this all in one century!
Your guide will explain how the life used to be in Communistic satellite countries before the “Iron Curtain” fell, and how Communism affected the life, thinking, architecture and general development of the country. Why the Velvet Revolution happened exactly on the 17th of November, and why this day is a bank holiday for all students, as well as answers to the rather interesting question - why is it Velvet Revolution? Visit of Museum of Communism is included in tour.

PRAGUE and FAMOUS CZECH BEER

“Blessed Beer through the Ages” – Czech Beer – world famous and most blessed has a long history and all thanks to Good King Wenceslas! We will visit the traditional Czech Pubs and Restaurants, the Beer Gallery and Beer Factory…
Possible to provide an excursion to Staropramen, Strahov, U Fleku or New Town Brewery…

ART PRAGUE

Prague has been a cross road and a seat of culture since its founding. Many important personalities found their inspiration here, such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart who used to compose his masterpieces in Bertramka, world famous writer Franz Kafka, whose literature was born in the Jewish Ghetto, Prague was very much connected to his literature…

CUBISTIC PRAGUE, CONSTRUKTIVISM, FUNKCIONALISM, POST MODERN (20th century)

The most amazing part of the architecture, because Prague is the only city in the world that offers to discover and admire original CUBISTIC and RONDOCUBISTIC buildings.
You will learn about Constructivism and Functionalism, and Social Realism and at final Post Modern architecture.

ART NOUVEAU PRAGUE

At the end of the 19th century when the artistic style seemed to be doomed, Art Nouveau was born to protest against all official art styles that had gone before. The idea was to break away and create something previously completely unperceived, and can be seen now in particular in the window decorations around the city. Its roots are difficult to track due to the style exploding in cities across Europe at the same time. This tour will include a visit to the museum of Afons Mucha, the world famous Czech Art Nouveau painter.

PRAGUE REVIVALIST STYLES (late 19th century)

Revivalist styles or pseudo styles such as Neo–Romanesque, Neo–Gothic, Neo–Renaissance, Neo–Baroque and Eclectics were established with the passion of a Czech Nation who had fought for their rights to officially use their own language, and for their independence from the Habsburg’s predominance. They were returning to past centuries to re-awaken old styles and culture from the forgotten times of an independent Czech kingdom.

CLASSICISM PRAGUE + EMPIRE PRAGUE (early 19th century)

Initially Classicism originated from Italy, but was brought to Prague as the 'Empire' style by the French. This style is based on simplicity of shape, and is much calmer than the preceding Baroque and Rococo periods. It is inspired by medieval Antique styles, and is mostly found in train stations etc. which were built at this time when the industrial revolution was taking place.

BAROQUE PRAGUE + ROCOCO PRAGUE (late 17th century - late 18th century)

The world comes to Prague to see its Baroque art, which includes exquisite examples of illusion frescoes, elliptical churches, and unique decoration by extremely talented architects as genius Killian Ignac Dietzenhofer etc. who created their art with talent, tempo and passion. Baroque style is art from the heart, and everything we can admire nowadays is a huge heritage.

RENAISSANCE PRAGUE + MANNERISTIC PRAGUE (late 16th century – early 17th century)

While exploring the city you will be impressed by beautiful decoration and arcades of houses and palaces built in the Renaissance style. Renaissance was brought to Prague from Italy, and was developed by Rudolf II Habsburg, who loved art, alchemy, astrology and astronomy. His passion for art created Mannerism – one of the most fascinating art and architecture styles in all history, which can be found only in 3 countries in Europe, one of which being Prague – so don’t miss it during your stay!

GOTHIC PRAGUE (13th – early 16th century)

The mystical gothic architecture is one of the main attributes of Prague. Take this tour to understand why Prague is a city of black stone, and learn about world famous Charles IV. – Emperor of the Holy Roman Land. Charles IV. – also fondly referred to as the “father of the nation” established the Charles University, Charles Bridge, New Town, and extended the size of the majestic Prague Castle – which is now the biggest Castle complex in the world.

ROMANESQUE PRAGUE (9 – 12th century

At the end of the 9th century, there exists a note from a Jewish business man - Ibrahim Ibn Jakub, who said: “I see the city of Praga built from stone”. Learn and discover about the first Czech Royal family of Premysleds, and about the Romanesque monuments of Prague which are dated to the early 10th century and have survived till today. You will be shown particular examples of Prague's 'second city', found in the form of Romanesque tunnels under the town hall and Strahov Monastery or the Old Town hall. You will also be told all about St. Wenceslas – the patron to thank for developing the world famous Czech Beer!

PRAGUE TROJA CHATEAU and ZOO

Troja Castle is situated in Prague 7 near the Prague ZOO, beautiful Castle built in Early Baroque offers spectacular 3D frescos and statues, all year long exhibition of National Gallery and presents the most requested get off from the beaten tracks monument which is a great combination with ZOO visit.

PRAGUE VINOHRADY + ZIZKOV district

Discover where the inhabitants of Prague actually relax and live! Vinohrady – a royal district used to be famous in the past because of its wine cellars and wine production, and is home to beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, Vinohrady’s theatre and the Cubistic Church, or the 'Most Holy Heart of the Lord' at the square of George of Podebrady. Also take a trip up the iconic TV Tower of Prague and see the city with birds view, find the biggest horse statue in the world on Vitkov hill with Memorial of those who died during the fight in the 1st World War.

VYSEHRAD CASTLE

The two black towers of Neo – Gothic Vysehrad Castle are wrapped in the legend of the first princess Libuse and are situated on Vysehrad Cliff, on the opposite river bank from Prague Castle. Wonder the streets less marauded by tourists in this peaceful part of Prague, and relax with a walk along the castle walls, taking in the breathtaking view of Prague and it's bridges that besieges you. You can also visit the national cemetery here, which holds some of the Czech Republic's most famous personalities… Vysehrad is also home of beautiful parks with statues, a former Citadel, a Gothic gallery found in a cellar, the rests of St Lawrence's rotunda, St Martins Romanesque rotunda, and the Devil Stones. You won't get bored!

PRAGUE CASTLE – HRADCANY TOWN

Prague Castle is a complex made up of palaces, 3 courtyards, majestic St. Vitus Cathedral, Country Rolls, the Basilica of St. George and the legendary Golden Lane with little houses and the Daliborka – a northern tower used as a prison in the past. The castle is situated in Hradcany, another historical town of Prague, with beautiful house signs and a spectacular part called “New World”.

All these towns were developed individually for nearly nine centuries until Josef II, the son of Maria Terezia Habsburg, united them all into the ROYAL TOWN OF PRAGUE. This is where the attribute – 'Mother of the Cities' comes from.
Why not get off the beaten tourist trail and visit the exquisite Vysehrad castle, and the delightful Vinohrady and Zizkov neighborhoods?

PRAGUE CHARLES BRIDGE

One of Prague's most famous architectural icons, this Gothic Bridge built from mortar mixed with eggs in the 14th century, complete with it's 3 beautiful bridge towers and decorated with 30 baroque statues, has a mystic side with it's legendary five star symbol. People have for centuries touched the legend-wrapped symbol entrusting their dreams here. Ancient legend says it that it will make your dreams come true too! Charles Bridge has survived many floods and battles, and according to 600 year old legend it will stay forever! On Charles Bridge you really can be transported back to the age of Golden Prague.

PRAGUE LESSER TOWN

Beautiful renaissance houses and palaces, Baroque and Rococo decoration and statues with the amazing baroque church of St. Nicholas built by Kilian Ignac Dientzenhofer – the centre piece of Lesser Town, also known as the little Quarter. It is occupied by a rampart called the Hungry Wall, while the Mannerist Church of Infant Jesus of Prague, with the Venice of Prague called Kampa Island and Devil's Stream will make you feel like you're in a fairy tale whilst exploring it's narrow winding streets.

PRAGUE NEW TOWN

The New Town of Prague was established by Charles IV. in the 14th century, and was at that time the largest town in Europe, bigger than than both London or Paris. The main sights to be seen in the New Town are Wenceslas Square, the house of Wizard Faust, the National Theatre, Dancing house, Cubistic candelabrum and much more…

PRAGUE OLD TOWN

The Old Town of Prague is dated to the early 10th century, when craftsmen and traders from all over Europe began to establish a large market place on the Old Town Square. Later they went on to establish their own Town Hall, which now boasts the most admired Astronomical Clock showing the time of eternity. Your guide will teach you how to understand and read the clock, how to navigate the narrow winding streets from the middle ages, and tell you the many secrets that aren’t in the guide books!