Central Europe

Description:

Probably Munich's most photographed building, the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) was built between 1867 and 1908. The most famous part of the town hall is the Glockenspiel which does its thing twice a day (11am and noon) every day of the year, with an additional performance at 5pm from May through October. You can also visit the top of the tower by taking an elevator up to the ninth floor.

Description:

The Old Town Hall is the oldest building on Marienplatz. The majority of the building dates from a building period of 1470-1480 by Jörg von Halsbach, who also designed the cathedral (Frauenkirche). The tower was completely destroyed in allied bombing in world war two, but it was rebuilt for the 1972 Olympics to the same style as it had been in the late 1400s. Today, the tower is home to Munich's toy museum while the rest of the building is used for large events held by the city council.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is the square where Hitler came to power and frequently gave speeches. Two lions stand at one end of the square. People rubs their noses for good luck.

Description:

Construction of this gigantic, symmetrical square began in 1816, several years after the plans for a western entrance to the city had been drawn up. The Propyläen to the west (Doric), Glyptothek to the north (Ionic) and the Ausstellungsgebäude (now the State Collection of Antiques) on the southern side (Corinthian) are symbolic of religion, history and art. Crown Prince Ludwig, later Ludwig I, intended it to be a cultural forum. The Führerbau (Führer Building) and Haus der Kulturinstitute (now the Academy of Music and the State Collection of Graphics) can still be seen on the east side of the square.

Our Local Expert Says:

The area around Sendlinger Tor is known for its gay and model-friendly community. It is a trendy neighborhood where you can feel free to be yourself.

Description:

In the early 14th century, the city underwent great structural improvements as part of the expansion programme ordered by Duke Ludwig VI of Bavaria. Sendlinger Tor was first documented in 1318 as the 'gateway to Italy' and, along with Neuhausertor and Isartor, formed part of secondary fortifications built in the 14th century. The main tower was demolished in 1810, yet both side towers were restored by Zenetti in 1860. In 1906, the three routes through the gate were substituted with a single one by Bertsch. The oldest cinema in the city, Filmtheater Sendlinger Tor, is located opposite St.Matthäus Kirche (1953-55) on the other side of the square.

Our Local Expert Says:

During hot summer days spent in the city, this fountain almost begs to be run through! This may not be so acceptable, so instead buy a gelato from one of the shops nearby and simply enjoy the fountain's mist as you watch passerbys.

Description:

Munich's most beautiful fountain is located on a terrace up on Lenbachplatz, overlooking the clusters of trees on Maximilianplatz. Like the other buildings on the axis of Karlsplatz, Lenbachplatz and Maximiliansplatz, Wittelsbacher Fountain was constructed at the end of the 19th century. This landmark depicts allegories of strength and water: the man hurling stones and the woman bearing a bowl provide a successful example of historicism which, in this case, combines Roman Baroque with classical elements. The fountain was sculpted between 1893-95 by Adolf von Hildebrand, to celebrate the installation of a municipal water supply.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a hot spot in the city center. If you are interested in taking a tour or having your picture taken with traditionally dressed Germans, this is a spot to check out.

Description:

Set against a clear blue sky, the towers of the Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) form Munich's most celebrated landmark. The distinctive towers - built in 1525 - make the church of considerable architectural interest as they are considered to be the precursors of the Renaissance style. The church itself was designed by Gothic architect Jörg von Halsbach in 1468. Its size is imposing, but its simplicity and symmetry rule out any suggestion of ostentation. The interior is mainly Gothic, but the altars were redesigned in the 18th Century under Baroque influence.

Description:

After Duke Otto converted this building into a hospital, it wasn't again converted into a church until 1327. In the 18th century, the interior was once again according to the tastes of the Asam brothers. The church suffered severe damage during the war, but its structure was successfully restored. The most valuable work of art is the Hammerthaler Madonna (1450) at the altar to the Blessed Virgin. The Late Gothic crucifix is very important.

Description:

One of the most significant Renaissance churches north of the Alps, St. Michael's was originally built for the Jesuits. The inside is lavishly decorated and home to the second largest free-standing vaults in the world. There is an interesting answer as to why the church does not have a tower: when the first tower was destroyed while being built, Duke William V took it as a bad omen and built a much larger church, but without a tower. In the so-called "royal vault," visitors will come across the resting place of 40 members of the Wittelsbacher royal family.

Description:

The small, but impressive, church was built by two regionally famous brothers Cosmas and Damian Asam. The official name of the church is the Church of St. Johann-Nepomuk, but everyone knows it only as the Asamkirch (Asam church) for the brothers who built it. The outside is striking, but once you enter the door you will understand why your tour guide pointed out this spot which isn't on most local tours. Open daily during normal church hours.

Description:

When one of the Bavarian royals said that he was going to the castle, he could have meant any number of places, especially if he was Ludwig II. But if he said that he was going home, he could only be referring to the Residenz. This enormous palace, with a history almost as long as that of the Wittelsbach family, was the official residence of the rulers of Bavaria from 1385 to 1918. Added to and rebuilt over the centuries, the complex is a conglomerate of various styles. Depending on how you approach the Residenz, you might first see a German Renaissance hall (the western facade), a Palladian palace (on the north), or a Florentine Renaissance palace (on the south facing Max-Joseph-Platz).

The Residenz was restored after its almost total destruction in World War II and now houses the Residenz Museum, a concert hall, the Cuvilliés Theater, and the Residenz Treasury. The Residenz Museum (tel. 089/29-06-71), the southwestern section of the palace, has some 120 rooms of art and furnishings collected by centuries of Wittelsbachs. To see the entire collection, you'll have to take two tours, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. You may also visit the rooms on your own.

The Ancestral...

Description:

The original Neuhauser Tor served as Munich's western city gate until Elector Karl Theodor had the city walls demolished in 1791 to open the city up for easier commerce. The original gate was demolished as well, but a commemorative gate was built and named Karlstor after Elector Karl Theodor. The entire platz was redesigned by the archetect Gabriel von Siedl between 1899 and 1902. Most visitors to Munich enter the old town through this gate as the main train station is to the west of the old town.

Description:

Marienplatz has been the central sqaure of Munich since its founding by Henry the Lion in 1158. It was originally named Schrannenplatz and once held the salt and grain market, but it is now used by the city for various concerts and events, but mainly by tourists trying to get photos of the old and new town halls. After the market was moved around the corner starting in 1807, the square was renamed Marienplatz. The statue of Mary has stood in the center of Marienplatz since 1638 and is the reason of the new name of the square.

Description:

Alter Peter (Old Peter) is the tower of the oldest parish church in Munich, St Peter's Church. The valiant visitor who manages to climb the 302 steps to the top will have an incomparable view of Munich and, on a clear day, the Alps look close enough to touch. St. Peter's was named after the old hill on which it stands, the Petersbergl. There was apparently a chapel on the site before Munich was founded, which was then replaced with a Romanesque structure in the 11th century and later a Gothic building. In the 14th century, the double-tower was redeveloped to form the single tower facade of the church which remains today. Over the centuries, St. Peter's underwent even more changes, mainly in the Baroque and Rococo periods.

Description:

When the foundations of the city walls were laid in 1791, Prince Karl Theodor ordered the construction of a square in front of the Neuhauser Tor, now the Karlstor. The square was named Karlsplatz after the prince, although the locals call it Stachus, probably after the Wirtschaft zum Stachus, or Stachus Inn, opened by Eustachius Föderl in 1755. The circular structures were built in 1899-1902 by Gabriel von Seidl in place of an earlier building erected in 1803. Karlsplatz was one of the busiest squares in the world in the 1920's. It was pedestrianised in 1972 to form the western edge of the pedestrian zone and, despite an unfortunate fountain and the traffic on Altstadtring which cuts the square off from the western side of the city, it is a popular meeting-place and one of the last sunny spots in the evening.

Description:

This fountain was built in 1962 by Hans Wimmer as a memorial to Richard Strauss (1864-1949), Munich's most famous composer. He is celebrated as creator of the Rosenkavalier, Alpensinfonie and Also sprach Zarathustra, but is known above all for reviving the opera and defeating his competitor Richard Wagner with his one-act pieces Salomé and Elektra. The 6m-high bronze pillars in front of the Alte Akademie depict scenes from Salomé and provide a nice little counterpoint.

Our Local Expert Says:

The castle has a beautiful yard. On days with nice weather it is a rather romantic location. Art exhibits are occasionally displayed as well.

Description:

Formerly used for hunting and pleasure by Bavarian princes, Blutenburg Castle was built in 1425 by Albrecht III, who stayed there with his lover Agnes Bernauer. She is one of the popular, tragic figures of Bavarian history, having been taken prisoner by Albrecht's father in 1435 and drowned as witch. Blutenburg is a moated castle situated between two branches of the River Würm, one of which was dammed to form two lakes. It is an example of late gothic architecture which, by the time the prince's stables were constructed in 1529, had been significantly extended (the castle church was added in 1488 and the New Hall in 1456). There are lovely gardens designed by Teutsch. The castle has housed the International Youth Library since 1983, which, with over 500,000 volumes, is the largest of its type in the world. There is a lending library of books in 15 languages, available free of charge to young people under 18. The Michael Ende Museum has also been located in the building since 1996.

Description:

Originally created for the 1972 Olympic games the park is now used for a variety of sports, events and fun activities. The 291,28 m high Olympic Tower offers two viewing platforms (one indoor, one outdoor) that enable visitors to even see the Alps on good days. It also houses a rotating restaurant. The park also houses the large Olympic indoor swimming pool complete with diving boards as well as the Olympic hall and the Olympic stadium used as a venue for concerts, theatrical displays, conventions and sports events. The ice rink doubles as a basketball court housing both the Munich Ice Hockey Team as well as the local Basketball team. The Olympic hill was built up with rubble left in the city after the bombings of WWII. The park is also home to Munich's SeaLife aquarium.

Description:

Hotel Constans is made up of three 16th-century houses and is located in the Lesser Town area of Prague, only 100 metres from Prague Castle. Guestrooms have original features with modern furnishings and offer satellite television, Internet services and minibars. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast before a day of sightseeing; in the evening the bar is open for drinks and relaxation.

Description:

Hotel Constans is made up of three 16th-century houses and is located in the Lesser Town area of Prague, only 100 metres from Prague Castle. Guestrooms have original features with modern furnishings and offer satellite television, Internet services and minibars. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast before a day of sightseeing; in the evening the bar is open for drinks and relaxation.

Description:

This monumental gate (just to the left of the Municipal House) dates from 1475 and was rebuilt at the end of the 19th Century. Renovated in the mid-1990s, the gold fixtures stand out brilliantly against the tower, now darkened to a coal gray from years of exposure to the elements. Originally used for storing armaments and gunpowder and to guard the entrance to the Old Town, it is now one of only two such towers remaining from the original thirteen. Inside is a small historical exhibition that traces the architecture of the building over the centuries. The tower is open from April to October.

Description:

This fairy tale Gothic church with its twin towers is an Old Town landmark, and its ominous presence has dominated the square for centuries. Most noteworthy on the inside is the tomb of Rudolf II's personal astronomer, Tycho Brahe. When lit up at night, it adds to the "magic Prague" effect the city has on many visitors. Work on the church began in the first half of the 14th century but it was not until the end of the 16th century that it was completed. Its 80-meter towers topped by four small spires were customary during the reign of Emperor Charles IV.

Description:

This is the vortex of tourist activity in Prague, whether it be to catch a glimpse of the clock's elusive statuettes, check out one of the town hall's exhibitions or climb the tower. It was in 1338, during the reign of King John of Luxembourg (1310-1346), that work began on the building of a town hall. The oldest parts of this complex of buildings are the Gothic sections and the tower. In May 1945, the Nazis set fire to the building as their last act during the occupation, but most of the damage has been repaired. The clock originated from the beginning of the 15th century and, every hour, the Twelve Apostles (added in 1490) move across just above the clock face, bowing to the crowd on the square. Finally, the clock strikes the hour.

Description:

Historically, Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske Namesti) has had many faces. Originally the central horse market in Prague, it later became a hub for political demonstrations (exemplified by the monument to local students who committed suicide in the square in protest of the Soviet invasion of Prague) and local celebrations (such as of major sporting victories). More like a long boulevard than an actual square, the Wenceslas Square of today is lined with restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs, and shops. At the top of the square, you'll find the square's namesake and Czech hero, St. Wenceslas, seated valiantly atop his horse. Behind him lies the National Museum and, just next to that, the Prague State Opera.

Description:

Since the 10th century, Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) has been the central square in Prague. At its conception, it was the city's main market place. Then, in the 20th century, buildings began to rise around its rim, bringing with them stories of ghosts and intrigue. Now, the square stirs with cafes, souvenir shops, and art galleries. A mixture of Romanesque and Gothic buildings surround the Old Town Square, the most notable being the Old Town City Hall (on whose exterior the Astronomical Clock can be found), the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, St. Nicholas Church, and Kinsky Palace. Old Town Square's centerpiece is a monument to reformer, martyr, and Czech hero, Jan Hus.

Description:

This huge park overlooks the Old Town. It is instantly recognizable by the high red reverse pendulum (the Metronome), which can be seen from the Old Town. Until 1956, a statue of Stalin occupied this place, but times have changed and it is long gone. The view of the Old Town and the Moldau from here is lovely, and one can follow footpaths along the river back to Prague Castle.

Description:

Located between Old Town Square and the Vltava River, the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) is what remains of Prague's Jewish ghetto. In the 13th century, Prague's Jewish community was ordered to all move to this one small area. As time passed, the population grew and this part of Prague became extremely overpopulated. In late 19th century, an intense redevelopment was undergone but that doesn't mean the Jewish people were off the hook. They remained in this ghetto until WWII, when the majority of the Czech Republic's Jewish population either died or was forced out of the country by communist leaders. Today, Josefov is an important cultural area. Within its borders lies the best-preserved group of Jewish historical monuments in Europe. This includes six synagogues, including the Old-New Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogue, the Jewish Town Hall, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and museums, such as the comparatively new Robert Guttmann Gallery. Most of these sites are controlled by the Jewish Museum in Prague.

Description:

At the time when it was opened, in 1783, the classicist Estates Theater was called Count Nostitz's Theatre, after the aristocrat who had it built. It was part of 18th century enlightenment principles, which saw theaters as demonstrations of a nation's cultural standards. In 1798 the Czech Estates bought Count Nostitz's theater, re-naming it the Theater of the Estates (Stavovske Divadlo). It was for a time dedicated to showing exclusively Czech performances until 1862, when it was taken over by a German ensemble and re-named the Royal Provincial German Theater. Finally, in 1920, it again became the Theater of the Estates and, except for a brief time during WWII, has maintained this historic name. Although there were some complications, Czech performances took over the stage and this became a place for Czech people to enjoy high art. Here, Mozart premiered two operas, Don Giovanni and La Clemenza di Tito. Still intact, the Estates Theater is Prague's most beautiful theater and experiencing a performance here is a true delight.

Description:

The monument to Jan Hus stands in the centre of Old Town Square. It was sculpted by Ladislav Saloun and unveiled in July 1915 on the 500th anniversary of Hus' death. Jan Hus (1369-1415) was a Czech theologian and preacher who became Rector of Charles University in 1403. He drew attention to the poor social conditions in the city and criticised the funding of the Papal Wars. He was tried for heresy in 1415 and burnt at the stake, thus becoming a Czech martyr and national hero whose death is celebrated with a national holiday on July 6th each year

Description:

The Old-New Synagogue (Staronova synagoga) is one of the Jewish Quarter's must-see sights. Completed in 1270, it was one of Prague's first buildings built in the gothic style. This is the synagogue where Franz Kafka had his bar mitzvah. Furthermore, it is said that the body of Golem (created by Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel to protect the Jews) is kept in the attic, which is not open to the public. Because the streets have been raised since the time it was built, the building is low and, in turn, quite dark inside. Even in the darkness, though, one can appreciate the Cathedral-esque interior, which hasn't been altered for more than 700 years.

Description:

Czech art in the Middle Ages achieved a level of genius which was not to be reached again for several successive centuries. Fourteenth-century Bohemian painters developed a style involving heavily-modelled, individualized faces combined with an expressive emotionality, whose popularity spread westwards during the reign of the powerful Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. The greatest of these painters was Master Theodoric with his portraits of saints as well as the Masters of the Vyssi Brod and Trebon Altars. Major masterpieces were also created in sculpture. The collection includes a brilliant bronze statue of St George - a replica of which has been placed in the courtyard flanking St Vitus' Cathedral.

Description:

This illustrious library was founded in 1891 and it works hard to provide easy access to literature, cultural aids and other services. The library has overcome many serious obstacles, including the Nazi occupation and extensive flooding in 2002. It's a public access library and it also holds many educational activities for adults and children. Check the website for more details.

Description:

Hotel Constans is made up of three 16th-century houses and is located in the Lesser Town area of Prague, only 100 metres from Prague Castle. Guestrooms have original features with modern furnishings and offer satellite television, Internet services and minibars. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast before a day of sightseeing; in the evening the bar is open for drinks and relaxation.

Description:

This is an alley of miniature 16th-century cottages in a variety of colours built originally for the Palace Guard. However, by the 19th century the lane had become home to artists and craftsmen, and then in the early part of the 20th century, several well-known personalities came to live here. No. 22 is where Franz Kafka's sister lived and for a time in 1917, Kafka himself used the premises to write some of his stories. In 1951, the Communists threw out the residents and turned the lane into a souvenir street for tourists. Running along the roofs above the shops is a gallery containing an exhibition of armour and period costumes (entry from no 24). Chalk this one up as a must see when visiting Prague.

Description:

The Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) is the largest castle complex in the world and one of the most important cultural sites in the Czech Republic. Founded in the 9th century as a wooden fortress, it expanded to include a palace, three churches, and a monastery. Extensive renovations took place in the early 20th century and again after the Velvet Revolution. Over the course of its many face-lifts, the castle has taken on Baroque, Gothic, and Neo-Gothic qualities. The complex includes three courtyards, in which you can find such important sites as St. Vitus Cathedral, Mihulka Powder Tower, and St. George's Basilica, among others. The ceremony of the changing of the guard takes place every hour; at noon, some fanfare accompanies this ceremony. The Prague Castle currently houses the Czech President and is the seat of Czech political power.

Description:

A Gothic work of art, St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála sv Vita) is the largest and most significant church in Prague. Commissioned in 1344 by Kind Wenceslas, the cathedral was not actually completed until the second half of the 19th century due to the Hussite War and Thirty Years' War. St. Vitus Cathedral has seen a number of royal coronations. Today, visitors can walk through the Golden Portal (south entrance) and see the Last Judgment Mosaic. Further important parts include the decorated Chapel of St. Wenceslas (Svatováclavská kaple) and the Wallenstein Chapel (Valdstejnská kaple), where the cathedral's architects lie. In front of the high alter stands the Royal Mausoleum. Underneath, the Royal Crypt houses the bodies of some notable kings and queens. Additionally, the Sarcophagus of St. John of Nepomuk has a bit of legend associated with it. Allegedly, the body was exhumed in 1721 and, shockingly, Nepomuk's tongue was still full of hot blood. This was likely a ploy to create a new legendary hero for the Czech people and it accomplished this nicely. Additionally, St. Vitus Cathedral houses the Crown Chamber, the storage room for the Bohemian Coronation Jewels. This area is not accessible... read more

Description:

The Strahov Monastery (Strahovsky Klaster) was established by the Premonstratensians, a Catholic religious order of canons founded by St. Norbert. The Romanesque stone monastery was first built in 1140. However, the abbey has met with serious challenges. In 1258, a fire almost completely destroyed the church. Hussites plundered the monastery, followed by a similar event during the Thirty Years' War. Then, in 1742, the French army bombarded the church. In dealing with this devastation, the Strahov Monsatery was reconstructed in the Gothic style then given Baroque qualities in the early 18th century. Finally, in 1989, the monastery was given back to the Premonstratensians. Today, believers still take pilgrimages to this site. On the Strahov Monastery's peaceful and beautiful grounds are an important museum and word-renowned library, rife with rare volumes.

Description:

The lookout tower (Petřínská rozhledna) on Petřín Hill looks much like a miniature Eiffel Tower. Built in 1891 as a celebration of the Czech lands, it initially did the trick. However, since that time it has become a topic of debate, with many people harboring serious dislike for what seems like an inferior version of Paris' main attraction. Although the exterior is the source of some resentment, the tower's purpose makes it a major tourist attraction. Set atop Petřín Hill, it takes a mere 299 steps to reach the top, where a breathtaking view awaits. It is said that on a clear day, you can see 150 km in any direction. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and offering the most comprehensive bird's eye view of the city, Petřín Observation Tower has earned its spot as one of Prague's top-ranking tourist sites.

Description:

This stunning stone bridge in the Gothic style replaced the Judith Bridge, which collapsed in a flood. Called the Stone Bridge for several centuries after its construction in 1357, Charles Bridge (Karlův most) connects Old Town to Lesser Town. Allegedly, egg yolks mixed into the mortar strengthened the bridge's construction. Perhaps it is those egg yolks that helped Charles Bridge to survive many disastrous floods. At each end of the bridge stands a tower, like bookends for the row of 30 Baroque statues that have lined the bridge since 1657. Today, Charles Bridge is a constantly bustling pedestrian bridge, lively with artists, musicians, and vendors.

Description:

Ride a cable car from street level to the top. Once up there, the Petrin Observation Tower, built in 1891 and modelled on the Eiffel Tower, affords a magnificient view. There is also an observatory and two formal gardens. At street level is a rose garden planted around a children's maze. Through a gate in the ancient wall (the Hunger Wall) lies a lush, quiet garden with a small waterfall and pond with many varieties of flowers. This is possibly one of the most idyllic spots in the city.

Description:

The Mirror Maze is in Petrin Park, near the Petrin Observation Tower. It resembles a medieval castle and has a hall of mirrors inside, to the confusion and delight of children and parents alike. The building also houses a large, realistic painting of the Czechs and Swedes battling for control of Charles Bridge in the mid 1600s.

Description:

The charming Victorian Funicular is one of Prague's most popular sights, and is run by the public transit authority. It offers a slow, but enjoyable trip to the top of Petrin Hill where there are splendid panoramic views of the city, a replica Eiffel Tower, and a strange Mirror Maze. The funicular, tower and maze date from an exhibition in 1891. Although the small train was out of service for two decades, it was beautifully restored and reopened in 1985.

Description:

The construction of St. Nicholas Church was finished in 1756 and it is truly one of the most magnificent baroque buildings in Prague. It features a dominant cupola and bell tower, as well as one of the largest paintings in Europe in the nave, which depicts St. Nicholas in various guises. On one of his visits to Prague, W. A. Mozart played the organ at the church and there are now frequent lunchtime and eventide recitals of his music.

Description:

A baroque-style palace and garden setting named after Albrecht von Wallenstein, an important Hapsburg military commander. Built between 1624 and 1630, this was one of the first buildings of its architectural era in Prague. There is more to this site then simply an old building. Within the walls one can find the Avenue of Sculptures, a small pond and an old riding school, which now houses exhibitions of modern art by the national gallery. There is also an exquisitely manicured garden in period style, but is only open during the summer months.

Description:

Rising from the Old Town side of Charles Bridge, this Gothic, pointy-tipped structure (built in 1373) is flanked by sculptures of St Vitus and Charles IV. It is open to the public and excellent views of the Old Town, the Vltava River and the castle can be enjoyed upon climbing the narrow staircase. The tower was used to show off the heads of twelve Protestant leaders in 1621 after their execution, and was also the site of the final conflict of the Thirty Years War (1618-1648).

Description:

Separated from the left bank, just to the left of Charles Bridge by a narrow stream called Certovka (Devil's Brook), is Kampa, a little island on the Vltava River. Washerwomen would gather here to wash their laundry using the water from several flour mill wheels which still worked until the mid 1930's. One of the best places to spend a lazy summer day, this attracts a wide range of visitors from elderly, morning dog-walkers to dread-locked frisbee throwers to romantics relaxing on the spacious lawn. There are a number of bars and restaurants in this small area for a quiet reflective time. Playground too.

Description:

Hotel Constans is made up of three 16th-century houses and is located in the Lesser Town area of Prague, only 100 metres from Prague Castle. Guestrooms have original features with modern furnishings and offer satellite television, Internet services and minibars. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast before a day of sightseeing; in the evening the bar is open for drinks and relaxation.

Description:

Discover the impressive Bohemian Gothic Karlstejn Castle on a guided coach half day coach tour from Prague. Built in the 14th century by Charles IV, the Czech King and Roman Emperor, the castle was believed to hold the treasure of the Holy Roman Empire including the imperial coronation jewels. You'll get up close, viewing the foundation stone of Karlstejn, laid in 1348. Explore the main building works which lasted until 1356, the year of Charles' coronation as emperor. You'll discover just how much care Charles IV devoted to the rich interior decoration of the castle, until the time of his death in 1378. The castle was then modified in the Renaissance style and re-built in the purism style between the 19th and 20th century. In winter, if the Karlstejn Castle is closed, an alternative visit to the Cesky Sternberk Castle is arranged. Cesky Sternbeck is an imposing castle on a romantic rise above the river Sazava. This Castle features rich stucco decorations and unique collections of weapons.

Description:

Poised atop a hill, Vysehrad was the seat of Czech power for many years after its establishment in the mid-10th century. After losing its position to the Prague Castle, Vysehrad was left to fall into ruin. Now, there is still much to see in the area. The grounds form a massive and beautiful landscape, which contain the Gothic Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, the exceptionally old St. Martin Rotunda, the culturally-significant Vysehrad Cemetery, the Tabor Gate, and the ruins of a former fortification of the castle. As if that wasn't enough, an absolutely stunning view of Prague awaits here. Crumbled stone walls, gorgeous scenery, and outdoor sculpture make Vysehrad and enchanting place to visit.