Insight Pocket Guide Prague

by Horn, Alfred; Bell, Brian

• ISBN13: 9781585731619
• ISBN10: 1585731617
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-10-01
• Publisher: Insight Guides

Table of Contents

History and Culture
From the Hussites and the Habsburgs to Soviet Hegemony, the Prague Spring and the Velvet Revolution -- an account of the forces and events that have shaped Prague	11	(10)
City Intineraries
Thirteen day or half-day tours cover the city. The first three tours link the must-see highlights. Stops for refreshment and relaxation are included
The Old Town begins in Wenceslas Square in the heart of the Old Town, and visits the Old Jewish Quarter. The afternoon is devoted to more evocative buildings and museums and the mighty Powder Tower	21	(4)
Charles Bridge, Lesser Town & Hradcany Castle explores the Lesser Town and Hradcany Castle, taking in numerous historic churches and palaces along the way. See St Vitus' Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and the Kafka House, and sample Bohemian cuisine	25	(6)
Wenceslas Square and the New Town proceeds from the National Museum to the historic Hussite HQ of the Church of Our Lady of the Snows before looking at the cultural highlights of the National Theatre and the Laterna Magika. After lunch and a walk along the river bank, visit Faustus House and the New Town Hall	31	(4)
The Royal Way follows the Bohemian kings' route from the former Royal Court to Hradcany Castle	35	(2)
Hidden Gems of the Old Town explores the narrow alleyways and romantic courtyards of the Old Town, stopping off at St Michael's Church for 'the Prague Story', relating some of the mystical stories about Prague	37	(2)
Loreto and the 'New World' takes a tram to a replica of the 'Holy House', where the Archangel Gabriel is supposed to have told Mary of the birth of Jesus	39	(2)
Strahov Monastery travels by metro to one of the most beautiful historic libraries in Europe	41	(1)
Enchanting V ysehard is a trip to the 'high castle' where the Czech nation was supposedly born	42	(2)
Green Prague finds rest and recreation on Petrin Hill and Letna Park - the city's largest green spaces	44	(1)
Along the Vltava explores the cafes and mouseums along the banks of the Vltava (Moldau) River	45	(2)
Zizkov focuses on one of Prague's most colourful neighbourhoods, taking in its rich, historic atmosphere and the incongruous, space-age Television Tower	47	(1)
Vystaviste (Exhibition Grounds) has something for everyone in these former imperial hunting grounds	48	(3)
Bila Hora includes sightseeing, a walk in the woods and a taste of Czech beer in an authentic setting	51	(4)
Excursions
Six excursions to worthwhile destinations within easy reach of Prague
Karlstein is full-day trip to Charles IV's fairy-table 14th century castle	55	(2)
Tabor to the Vitava explores the Hussite stronghold of Tabour and Castle Konopiste	57	(2)
Karlovy Vary 'takes the waters' at Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), west Bohemia's leading spa resort	59	(3)
Pilsner Beer in Plzen travels by car or bus to the sources of the world-famous beer	62	(1)
Kutna Hora visits a medieval mining town's Gothic cathedral, mint and the ghoulish 'Bone Church'	63	(2)
Cesky Raj (Czech Paradise) spends a delightful day enjoying the attractions at a heavenly nature reserve	65	(28)
Leisure Activities
Shopping, eating out and nightlife	67	(10)
Calendar of Events
A guide to festivals in Prague	77	(2)
Practical Information
All the background information you are likely to need for your stay, with a list of hand-picked hotels	79	(14)
Credits and Index	93