On the banks of the scenic Vltava River,
Prague is the only Central European capital to escape the
ravaging bombings of World War II. This capital of the Czech
Republic is one of the best-preserved cities in all of Europe.
Winding cobblestone streets are lined with a dazzling array of architectural styles,
from Romanesque, to Gothic to Baroque to
Italian Renaissance to Art Nouveau.
Tucked between Germany and
Austria, the Czech Republic has emerged from 40 years of
Communism to become one of Europe's most popular tourist
destinations — minus the exorbitant prices of so many other
European locales..
Marvel over the historical
treasures. Ponder Communist curiosities. (The Museum of
Communism shares a building with a casino and a McDonalds.)
Sample some of the world's finest beer. Browse shops
ablaze with crystal. Chill to some underground jazz
or just settle in for a lingering dinner at a sidewalk café
beneath the spires of the 13th-century Týn Church on Old Town
Square — these are just a few of the treats that Prague has
in store.
With three weeks to explore this
fascinating city, students have the luxury to visit all of the
top sites, as well as experiencing the quiet corners and hidden
treasures to be found in every quarter of this one-of-a-kind
city,
For over 900 years, Old Town Square has been the
site of Prague history. Just a few minutes walk from the Prague
Institute, visit Old Town Hall, Church ofOur Lady before Týn, the baroque St.
Nicholas church, the Stone Bell house
— a gothic city palace from the 14th
century now the Municipal Gallery
— and the masive Memorial to Master Jan Hus
sculpted by Ladislav Saloun.
Prague Castle Prazský
Hrad
This national Czech monument has been a work in
progress since the 9th century. The residence of princes and
kings of Bohemia, this historic complex
includes the Cathedral of St. Vitus, the old Royal
Palace, St. Georges Basilica and the Golden Lane
Petřin Hill
Ride the funicular to the peak of 1000-foot Petrin
Hill and climb the 299 steps to the top of this smaller version
of Paris' Eiffel Tower for spectacular views overlooking al of
Prague. At the base of the Observation Tower is
a memorial to the victims of Communism.
created by the Czech sculptor Olbram Zoubek.
Jewish
Quarter Josefov
Established in the mid-15th century, the Old
Jewish Cemetery served as a burial site till 1787. Its 12
000 tombstones mark perhaps six times as many graves. The
Spanish Synagogue is a marvel of Moorish architecture,
and the Pinkas Synagogue bears the hand-inscribed names
of all 77,297 Czech victims of the Nazi holocaust and exhibits drawings
of children from Terezin concentration camp
Charles Bridge Karluv Most
The oldest Prague bridge, Charles Bridge, was
founded by Charles IV in the year 1357. Both ends of the bridge
are fortified by towers — the Lesser
Town Bridge Towers, the Old Town Bridge Tower. From 1683 to 1928,
30 sculptures and sculptural groups of the saints were
placed on the bridge piers. Street musicians and artists ply
their trade along the bridge. Any trip to Prague should include
a dawn crossing of Charles Bridge.
Czech Beer Pivo
Beer is considered a part of the national
heritage of the Czech Republic. The Czech beer industry's
worldwide fame dates from the Renaissance, as does the Bohemian
tavern which is famous throughout Europe. The Czech Republic is
renowned for growing the finest hops in the world, and pilsner
beer was first brewed here.
The 63rd Prague
Spring International Music Festival
May 12 – June 4
Musical Performances and competitions at various
venues around Prague, including the
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra,
Nigel Kennedy,
the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Alfred Brendel and many more.
Prague Castle
Jewish
Quarter
