Prague Travel

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Posted on Fri. 2007-04-13 02:39 Categories: Czech Republic | SightSeeing in Czech Republic | Prague Travel

Charles BridgeVisitors to Prague know the geographic and cultural importance of the Charles Bridge. The east end of the bridge opens to the old town, the Jewish Quarter and all the sights therein. The west end of the bridge is the path that most visitors take up to the castle. So, why pass up a chance to stay in a hotel a mere 50 meters from the west end of the bridge?

The Archibald at the Charles Bridge, located in the Kampa area of Mala Strana, is a wonderfully located, cozy little 26-room gem of a hotel. Parts of the hotel’s two buildings belong to 16th century structures that were among the first buildings in the area, yet the interior of the hotel feels extremely up-to-date and modern. The 21st century feel makes sense given the fact that the Archibald at the Charles Bridge underwent a complete overhaul renovation in 2003.

We were luck enough to get a room on the top floor that incorporates the dark-wooden beams of the roof eaves. The other rooms appeared to be similarly decorated: new hardwood floors with area rugs, simple décor and rustic yet functional furniture. We ate all of our breakfasts in the hotel restaurant. The breakfast spread laid out around the restaurant’s bar offered up plenty of hot and cold options to cater to most tastes. The restaurant is also a wonderful place to sit and have a delicious Czech beer after a day of sightseeing as the space exemplifies the Archibald’s history with lower ceilings and dark woods décor.

Posted on Tue. 2007-03-27 23:40 Categories: Czech Republic | SightSeeing in Czech Republic | Prague Travel

PraguePrague would never have become the fascinating city that it is without the Prague Castle. The 9th century landmark looms over Prague today and visitors to the castle can experience the history of the region through art and architecture.

Visitors to the castle should start at the Matthias Gate and enter the first of several courtyards in the complex. There is a picture gallery housed here in the old stables of the castle containing a collection of over 4000 pieces of art with a fair representation of Renaissance and Baroque paintings.

It is in the second courtyard that the splendor of the Prague Castle really comes out. Here you will find the amazing St. Vitus’s Cathedral. This landmark cathedral is where many of the Bohemian royals are buried as well as the home of the Bohemian crown jewels. There is plenty to see in and around St. Vitus’s and the cathedral is the real highlight of a trip to the castle. The cathedral is gothic but there are plenty of more modern touches added to the building all the way up into the 20th century. Alfons Mucha’s stain-glass windows manage to look modern and yet fit in with the general aesthetic of the building.

The Prague Castle is also home to the Royal Palace, the beautiful vaulted chapel of St George’s Basilica, and several more museums. Make sure to stroll down Golden Lane, a picturesque row of homes near the White Tower along the north wall. If you are still looking for sights to see around the castle, you can enjoy the nearby, well-kept Royal Gardens. The complex is open at 6:00 am in winter (5:00 am in summer) and remains open until 11:00 pm (midnight during summer) making for a wonderful stroll any time of day.

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