We began with a walking tour of the Old Town Square about 10 minutes walk from our hotel along cobblestone streets lined with cafes and interesting shops; many selling Czech crystal and marionette puppets. On the way we passed a street which is still gas lit. At the end of the street is the theatre that Mozart's Don Giovanni was first performed.
The Old Town Square originated in the 12th century. We saw the old town hall, founded in 1338, the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, the wonderful astronomical clock dating to the beginning of the 15th century, the Baroque St Nicholas Church the Rococo Kinsky Palace and the Stone Bell House. It was interesting to see all the apostles come out when the astronomical clock struck the hour. There were also many Art Deco buildings to be found including our own Radisson Alcron Hotel which retains many Art Deco features.
Many of the buildings in Prague survived because Hitler loved Prague so much he did not order any bombing . Prague was only bombed twice: once by the Americans in error and then by the Germans two days before the end of WW2 to "get rid" of bombs after Hitler's death. Many bombs did; however, land outside Prague.
Our tour then went to view the Charles Bridge and ended with coffee and cake at the famous Grand Cafe Orient in the only Cubist inspired and decorated building in Prague.
In the afternoon we took the local metro to the Castle District. There is an excellent public transport system and Prague is very tourist friendly. Maps showing local attractions and how to get to them by public transport are readily available. We toured the Castle complex including the beautiful St Vitus Cathedral, the old royal palace and St George's Convent which are all steeped in Czech history.
We then walked back to the hotel over the Charles Bridge with it 31 statues, beautiful views, atmosphere, hawkers and artists.
