Prague is one of those places in Europe where you can find the historical gems of all eras and for everyone: for kids, for adults, for history and art lovers, for food gourmands…
I’ve been lucky to visit it a half-dozen times, and with this blog, I’m continuing my introduction to Prague! Check the first part of my guide here.
11. Petrin Hill
Petrin Hill is elevated over 300 meters above sea level. Take the Funicular Railway if you want to get to the top as quickly and conveniently as possible and visit the 63.5m high Lookout Tower with panoramic views over the city.
And there are a few other attractions to visit: think of the Mirror Maze and the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence. You can also have a nice coffee with some food at the bar nearby.
12. St. Nicholas Church (Malá Strana)
St. Nicholas Church (don’t mix with the church on the Old Town Hall Square!) is definitely the landmark you won’t like to miss because it’s a church with absolutely breathtaking Baroque interiors.
It was built in the first half of the 18th century on the site of the previous Gothic church dedicated to the same saint. For the views, climb the Town Belfry by St. Nicholas Church. Interestingly, it actually has never been a part of the church and has always served as a municipal building.
13. Franz Kafka Museum
Franz Kafka, one of the most influential writers of the last century, was born in Prague in 1883, and Prague was the main city in his life – you can see many references to it in his books. As Kafka was a Czech Jew, make sure you visit the Jewish quarter (see below) – and you’ll see many references to him just walking along the streets!
And if you’re a literature lover like me, the Kafka Museum, which opened in 2005, is a must-visit. In this museum, you can learn about his life as well as his masterpieces, The Metamorphosis, The Trial, and The Castle. Some rare artifacts, such as first editions of his books, diaries, and letters, are also on display.
14. Piss by David Černý
As absurd as Kafka’s writings are, there are the Peeing Men figures beside his museum! These mechanical urinating statues were created by famous artist David Černý, and the water pond actually resembles the shape of the Czech Republic. With the water, they ‘pee’ from their penises; they can even pee a message you can send to a particular number written on a sign nearby!
15. Museum of Senses
Museum of Senses is actually a small museum of illusions where you can explore illusions of all sorts, with the most famous sites being the Inverted Room, studying optical illusions, and Head on the Plate zone. With a toddler, this was a really fun visit!
16. Prague Zoo
Prague Zoo opened in 1931 and is one of the nicest zoos I’ve been to (my first visit was like 17-18 years ago): it’s located on a hill, and you can literally walk miles there because it’s huge, and houses over 4000 animals!
The zoo is divided into different geographic areas and offers educational talks and meetings. Make sure you visit animal pavilions as they feel as if you’re really traveling through different areas of our planet; the Indonesian jungle and Elephant Valley were by far my favorites!
The zoo is very well known for its species preservation activities, with many animals breeding here in captivity as Przewalski’s horses or Chinese pangolins.
17. Josefov Jewish quarter
Josefov, or the Jewish district, started forming in the 13th century when Jews were ordered to live in one particular area of Prague, with the history of Jews in Prague tracing back to the 10th century.
The area was named Josefov after Emperor Joseph II, who issued the Edict of Toleration in 1782, which provided Jews with more freedoms and rights than before (full equality was reached only a century later).
Under the Jewish museum in Prague, there are several synagogues – Maisel Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue, Klausen Synagogue, Spanish Synagogue, – Robert Guttmann Gallery, the cemetery, and the ceremonial hall. See more in a different article of mine coming soon for more info..
18. Obecní dům
Municipal House, or Obecní dům, right next to the Powder Tower, is a stunning Art Nouveau building you must pop in!
It’s home to Smetana Hall and an Art Nouveau cafe with a splendid interior and nice desserts (I visit it every time I’m in Prague).
19. Strahov Monastery
Strahov Monastery, or Strahovské nádvoří, frequently falls off the radar of visitors, and that’s a real shame.
Located not far from the Prague Castle, Strahov monastery Strahov Monastery is a Premonstratensian monastery that dates back to 1143. It has one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever seen, and there are more hidden landmarks to explore!
Strahov monastery consists of several buildings. One of those are Strahov Library with two halls: the Theological Hall in Baroque style dating to 1671-1674 and the Classical Philosophical Hall dating to 1794, Overall, it has a collection of about 20000 precious books and science-related objects.
The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Strahov Gallery, with a vast collection of paintings and sculptures from the 14th to the 19th centuries, are two other parts of the complex not to miss.
20. Loreta Church and Santa Casa
Loreta is a gorgeous baroque complex of buildings dating to the 17th century. It was commissioned by Katerina Benigna, a rich aristocratic woman from the Lobkowicz family, and the architect behind the project was Giovanni Orsi.
In the courtyard, you can find Santa Casa (or Holy House), a copy of what is believed to be the Virgin Mary’s house. Per legends, it was brought by angels from Nazareth – where she lived and where the annunciation by the archangel Gabriel took place – to Tersatto in today’s Croatia, then to Loretto, Italy (hence the name), and then to Prague. This is the reason why this church has always been a site of pilgrimage!
Other parts of the complex include the church of the Nativity, the carillon tower, and the cloister. Now you can also observe its large collection of art objects and pieces related to the church services, with the most precious object being a diamond monstrance called Prague Sun.
You might also like:
Panoramic spots of Prague
Prague with kids
Guide to Prague: p.1
Hope you liked my blog,
Yours,
Anna xxx
