#挑战30天在头条写日记 #
There is such a saying: "Kafka is Prague, Prague is Kafka". It shows how deep a person's influence is on a city, and how much a city affects a person.
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Located in the heart of Europe, it is one of the best cities on the continent and the main economic and cultural center of the Czech Republic. The city has a rich architectural heritage that reflects both Bohemia's uncertain historical currents and urban life more than 1,000 years ago.
Prague has a lot to see and see. The most famous of these is the Charles Bridge across the Vltava River.
The continuous bridges and changing views of the Vltava River contrast with the ubiquitous backdrop of the magnificent castle. Prague Castle is located behind huge walls towering over the hill, overlooking the left bank area of the city.
The narrow streets, taverns and restaurants of the old town contrast with the wide Wenceslas Square, modern parks and residential developments, while the great Baroque palaces of the 18th century have their own elegance and splendor. Seen from the surrounding hills, the numerous church towers form a unique perspective that has made Prague known as the "City of a Hundred Towers". Post-1945 planning reinforced this architectural harmony, preserving the city's ancient core. In 1992, the historic city center was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
Prague is famous for its cultural life. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived there, and the premieres of his Symphony No. 38 in D major (also called the Prague Symphony because it was performed in Prague) and Don Juan were performed there. In addition, the great Czech lyrical composers Bedrich Smetana, Antoni Dvořák, Franz Kafka and Leoš Janáček, who are commemorated every spring festival, are also seen here. Janáček.
Most tours in the Czech Republic start in Prague, the cradle of Czech culture and one of Europe's most fascinating capitals. Known for its Gothic architecture and incredible Prague Castle, this city is also a vibrant city with beer gardens, modern and traditional cafes, and a food scene that continues to make a name for itself:
Charming Charles Bridge
This picturesque bridge connects two districts of Prague. Climb the bridge tower on the Old Town side for a bird's-eye view of this intricate bridge, with Prague Castle towering over the bridge in the background.
Charles Bridge is the second oldest bridge in the Czech capital, spanning the Vltava River from the Old Town to the Lesser Town. With the support of King Charles IV, its construction began in 1357 and lasted until 1402. When completed, it was the only river crossing and the most important mode of transport between Prague Castle and the surrounding area until 1841.
The tower at the top of the old town is considered one of the most stunning Gothic buildings in the world. The bridge is decorated with 30 statues on either side of the bridge, most of them in the Baroque style, carved around 1700. It is a very popular area to see many local and traveling artists selling their art.
Traditional café
Prague has become a paradise for specialty coffee lovers. Slow drip, nitro brewing, chemex – coffee lovers have it all. The popular Vinohrady district has the highest concentration of modern cafes, but you'll find quality coffee throughout the city.
You may be more interested in experiencing the charm of yesteryear at one of Prague's more traditional cafes. Grand Cafe Orient is housed in a stunning cubist building near Old Town Square. Café Imperial takes you back to the days of the First Republic. Kavárna Slavia was once a popular meeting place for the late Czech President Václav Havel, with live performances by professional pianists every night from 5pm.
Prague Castle
More than 1,000 years of history are nurtured within the walls of Prague's hilltop castle, a complex of churches, towers, halls and palaces that resemble an almost independent village. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the cultural and historical heart of the Czech Republic and the backdrop for many major historical events, such as the election of Václav Havel as President in 1989 and the coronation of the King of Bohemia. St. Vitus Cathedral, the crown jewel, is a magnificent display of Gothic architecture.
Built in the ninth century, Prague Castle is one of the grandest fortresses in Europe and worth seeing. It now houses the jewels of the Bohemian crown and has been the residence of major political figures such as King of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperor, President of Czechoslovakia, protector of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, Reinhard Heydrich.
With a total length of 570 meters and a width of 130 meters, it is the largest ancient castle in the world. Inside it houses the Prague Cathedral, St. George's Monastery featuring bohemian art, St. George's Cathedral, the Royal Palace, etc.
Tip: Also make time to wander around the charming Golden Lane. This old path is lined with small colorful houses that were originally built as residences for castle guards. Later it housed local goldsmiths, hence the name.
Historic buildings
Baroque architecture can be seen everywhere in Prague, especially in the Lesser Town. The Church of St. Nicholas is a good example. Richly decorated with frescoes on its walls and massive green dome, this cathedral is one of the grandest Baroque buildings in Central Europe.
The era of Cubism may have been short-lived, but Prague had a special affinity for the style. The diagonal lines of Prague Cubism can be studied at the Black Madonna House in the Old Town, where there is a small museum of Czech Cubism, as well as the Grand Cafe Orient, designed by Cubists.
Astronomical clock
Prague's masterpiece, the Astronomical Clock, was built in the Middle Ages: it is the oldest running clock in the world. Every hour on the hour, 12 mechanical apostles march in a procession between small doorways above the clock face. As the fun spectacle unfolds, hordes of tourists begin to gather hourly.
Located on the south wall of Prague's Old Town Hall, the Astronomical Clock is a very popular tourist attraction. It was built by Nicholas, a watchmaker at Kadan, and Jan Šindel, a professor of mathematics and astronomy at Charles University in Prague. It has a very complex design and mechanism, being one of the oldest clocks of its kind still in operation.
It is very interesting to watch it in action, the levers and movements on the surface of the watch are in harmony, and stopping to see it will be an experience to remember.
Prague's Old Town Square has the oldest clocks in the world
Tip: While everyone is watching this spectacle, pickpockets also need to be on the lookout at this time.
Hearty Czech cuisine
The Czech Republic has some classic dishes such as svíčková (beef sirloin and bread dumplings topped with cream sauce), vepřo knedlo zelo (roast pork with sauerkraut and bread dumplings), fried cheese, and some widely adopted staples from neighboring countries, such as goulash and schnitzel. These traditional delicacies can be tasted at a local chain bar called Lokál, which offers well-prepared dishes that even the most discerning older Czech generation will enjoy. Don't forget to have a refreshing beer to aid digestion, such as Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen brewed in Prague or dark Velkopopovický kozel with malt flavors.
Tip: Smaller breweries have also taken Prague by storm. A local favorite, the Dva Kohouti (Two Roosters) mini brewery is located in what was once an industrial area in Karin and is now a hipster area.
Náplavka Relax by the river
On sunny afternoons, you will find many Czechs relaxing in the area on the banks of the Náplavka River. It's lined with barges selling refreshments, from classic sausages to beers and cocktails – day and night. At sunset, this is a particularly beautiful place to hang out in Prague. Please bring a bottle of wine, a few companions and a blanket to sit on. Hang your feet above the water and watch the swans and ducks float on the water.
Tip: The Saturday farmers market is another great time to visit, with organic produce, freshly baked goods, and live music.
Petrina Prague
Petzhin Tower is a steel watchtower made of a 60-meter-high metal lattice structure on the Prague horizon, located on the top of Petřín Hill. This currently popular attraction was built in 1891 as an observation and radio tower for the National Jubilee Exhibition in Prague. Nowadays, the tower is a popular attraction because if the weather is clear, it offers an excellent panoramic view of Prague, as well as the Říp Říp Žipu Mountain, the Czech Central Massif and the Giants Mountains. The upper level houses a gift shop, mirror maze and small café, while the lower level houses a museum dedicated to Jára Cimrman.
If you like to exercise, you'll love walking up Petřín Hill, where there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the beautiful view of Prague. Another, gentler option is to take a small cable car to the top. Since it is part of Prague's transport system, you can use the same cable car tickets as trams and metros.
Tip: Once at the top, climbing the real Petzhin Tower can be dizzying. If you are up for the challenge, you will be rewarded with fantastic views.
Relax in Prague's lush parks and hiking locations
Prague has many green spaces with many shaded seating areas. Plus the beer garden is a big attraction, especially on hot summer days. The hilly parks in Letná or Riegrovy Sady also offer views of the city.
If you're craving to get away from nature, Prague has some great hiking opportunities just a stone's throw from the city centre. The Prokopské údolí valley is one of the most popular hiking destinations for locals in Prague, with winding trails through forests and meadows. Divoká Šárka is another great wilderness area with creeks and swamps to explore.
Vyshehrad Castle
There are two neo-Gothic minarets that are part of the outline of the Prague skyline and belong to the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul located on the top of Vysehrad Hill. The historic Vyšehrad Fortress was built in the 10th century and a century later became the seat of the first Czech ruler, King Vladislav II of the Przemyslid dynasty.
Vyšehrad ("upper castle" in Czech) is one of the most famous medieval walled enclosures in Bohemia. It is located on a steep hill on the right bank of the Vltava River at the mouth of the Poti River south of the Czech Nové Mesto.
Over time, Vyšehrad has become a symbol of the Czech state, and the site is a true hidden gem that still sits on the edge of the most popular tourist attractions.
Prague Zoo
Opened in 1931 in the Troja district in northern Prague to advance research in zoology, wildlife education and its conservation, the Prague Zoo covers an area of 45 hectares and houses about 4,400 animals of 670 species from all over the world. In 2007, Forbes Traveler magazine ranked Prague Zoo as one of the top zoos in the world. It's a fun daytime activity for families, and kids can also enjoy the children's zoo, where they can pet and feed their livestock.
Prague Old Town Square
Located between Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square, this iconic square is usually packed with tourists. With various architectural styles, such as the Gothic architecture of the Church of Our Lady in front of Týn and the Baroque architecture of the Church of St. Nicholas, the square is an oasis for travelers tired of Prague's narrow streets. Here you can visit the Astronomical Clock or enjoy panoramic views from the Old Town Hall.
In the center of the square stands a statue of the religious reformer Jan Huss. The statue is known as the "Janhus Monument".
In addition to being a popular meeting point, some major celebrations and events are also held here, such as the famous festive markets for New Year, Christmas and Easter.
The small town of Prague
Malá Strana (literally "Small Side", although often translated as "Small Town", "Small Neighborhood" or "Small City") was the original name of the area and is now the official name of the area, formerly known as Menší město pražské ("Little Region of Prague"), one of the oldest and most historically representative of the area in Prague.
Among other important attractions, the Petřín Observation Tower is located in Malá Strana, and the famous Prague statue of the Holy Child Jesus is located in the Church of Our Lady of Victory.
Kompa Island
Kampa Island is a small island on the Vltava River, on the edge of Malastrana, another tourist attraction worth visiting. Charles Bridge is located at its northern end and is connected to the island by Na Kampě Street. It is separated from Malá Strana to the west by a narrow artificial canal called Čertovka (meaning "Devil's Stream").
Dancing house
The Dancing House is a deconstructivist building in Nationale-Nederlanden. It was designed by Prague-born, Croatian architect Vlado Milunić and Canadian architect Frank Gehry. The building was first designed in 1992, and its building along the Vltava River was completed in 1996.
The unique design of the dancing house caused controversy at the time, as many believed that it was not suitable for the Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture of the region. Czech President Václav Havel lived next to the building for many years and was an ardent supporter of the project, hoping that the building would become a cultural center.
Prague boat tour
Exploring Prague by boat is one of the best things to do in the city, offering a unique and memorable way to explore its historical sites and stunning architecture. From the deck of the boat, visitors can marvel at the iconic Charles Bridge, the majestic Prague Castle, and the colorful architecture on both sides of the Vltava River. Tours are usually accompanied by knowledgeable guides who provide insightful commentary on the city's rich history and culture. Whether you're a first-time visitor to Prague or a seasoned traveler, a boat trip is a great way to see the beauty and charm of the city from a new perspective. With so much to see and experience, it's no surprise that boat trips have become a must-do for anyone visiting the Czech capital.