City of a Thousand Spires
Prague is a former communist block city, and what a fascinating city it is. The contrasts in style and architecture between the fabulous Wenceslas Square, the State Opera and the National Museum with the dull, boring grey, characterless Russian-influenced apartment blocks outside the city centre are incredible! Prague is one of Europe's 'in' cities with excellent entertainment opportunities as befits a city taking full advantage of their new-found freedom.
The 20th century brought massive trauma for Czechoslovakia and Prague as a country was occupied by the Germans during World War II. Then spent the best part of five decades subjugated under Soviet communist rule, with attempts to win greater democracy in the 1968's 'Prague Spring' brutally crushed under the weight of Russian tanks. The Czech spirit remained undaunted and in 1989, as the Berlin Wall tumbled, the Czechs finally broke free of communism during the 'Velvet Revolution', which was quickly followed by the 'Velvet Divorce' as the Slovak portion of the old Czechoslovakia chose to go its own way.
Prague is one of the most stunning cities in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage listed gem much eulogised as the 'City of a Thousand Spires'. The Czech capital has become the archetypal post-communist city success story with seemingly not a month going by without a travel pundit or writer conjuring up another city as the 'New Prague'. A most enjoyable walking tour can be had through the Old Town from Powder Tower to Royal Parade to the Old Town Square dominated by the Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock and apostles. Continue along the Parizska Street (Art Nouveau) through the former Jewish Quarter to the Rudolfinum. Enjoy a magical view of the Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle.
