"A visit to a City with a memorable past. " a Prague Travel Page by dabidc

The city centre that escaped the devastation in World War 2 was also locked away for the next 35 years behind the the Iron Curtain, became a much visited place in the 90's. I was among the multitudes and enjoyed the many architectural wonders from the middle ages, with only minor changes or additions over some 300 years. The old city nestled along both sides of the Vltava and under the protecting gaze of the Castle.

The outstanding feature as shown in the photo is the Hrad or castle, but it is not like most other castles in Europe. There are no massive walls set high on a cliff to help defend and protect the Ruler and his Court. It is primarily a massive Cathedral to St Vitus, surrounded by buildings that look more like offices or a stately mansion than the defensive walls to keep out the marauders.

The area below the castle is the red roofed houses in Mala Strana, the view is from Petrin Hill and the buildings in the distance are apartments, probably built in the last 40 years.

A little description of the various districts within the old city cenre, is in order to assist the traveller.

Looking to the north the Vltava river flows along the approximate centre line between the older parts of the City. Near the north end the the river turns east and winds its way around the Castle in a big bend.

The Castle and St Vitus' Cathedral are located in the North West section with Mala Strana or Little Quarter below the castle and reaching as far as the river on its eastern boundary. To the South of the Castle, Hardcany, there is an expansive green hill known as Petrin Hill. It is a place for leisurely walks in the park which lead down to the river near the Legii bridge.

On the east side of the river leading from Legii bridge and to the north as you walk along Narodni as the is Stare Mesto, Old Town. To the east is the Vinohrady, the royal vineyards from the 14th century.

Finally to the north of the Stare Mesto is Josefov once one of Europe's important Jewish communities.