the bridge, you have even more company with the baroque stone
statues (30 in total) placed along either side on the bridge. The
statue of St. John of Nepomuk (a Czech martyr saint) is the most
popular, and supposedly brings good luck and a return to Prague
for anyone who touches the medieval figure. (‘Well, what a load of
rubbish!’ I said, covertly rubbing the statue’s toes.)
PRAGUE CASTLE
If you’re near Charles Bridge, try and make it to the Prague Castle
in time for the changing of the guard at noon. But be prepared to
struggle for a view! The fanfare begins to blast out and everyone
shuffles and budges to get a better view of the soldiers marching
sternly around the castle. Prague Castle includes many buildings,
but the most tourist attention goes to St. Vitus Cathedral and St.
George’s Basilica. Once you have witnessed the stained glass win-
dows in St. Vitus and the curved stone steps and altar in St.
George’s Basilica, it is easy to see why they are so popular.
JOHN LENNONWALL
If you would like to see something a bit more ‘off the beaten track’
on your trip to the capital of the Czech Republic, the John Lennon
wall is a five minute walk from Charles Bridge. Peaceful messages
began appearing on the wall in 1980, inspired by John Lennon’s
peace-loving lyrics. The colourful wall was white washed in 1998,
but has again been marked with drawings and words of harmony.
NEWTOWN
New Town in Prague is well known, as in 1989 people gathered
there to overthrow the communist regime in what became known
as the Velvet Revolution. Between Wenceslas Square and the
National Theatre, there is a small bronze plaque symbolizing the
hands of Czech students who made a stand. This memorial is a
powerful reminder of the emotional struggle in Czech history.
THE DANCING BUILDING
If you want to experience a more modern Prague then head over
to the dancing building, where there’s more of a contemporary
culture for you to soak up. Built between 1992 and 1996, the
dancing building (also known as Fred and Ginger) is a curvaceous
construction that shows a completely different side to Prague. At
the very top of the glass structure is the Celeste restaurant and
bar, which offers a panoramic view of the city and a choice of many
wines.You didn’t have to ask me twice!
BLACK LIGHT THEATRE
Black Light Theatre is a form of Czech entertainment in
which the actors perform on a pitch black stage with flu-
orescent costumes and props. Beautiful and surreal, the
performances are not to be missed. You can see a per-
formance at Ta Fantastika, a three minute walk from
Charles Bridge.
HOTELS
Five star hotels in Prague offer you carefully decorated
and clean rooms with friendly staff, picturesque views
and are within walking distance of the biggest tourist
attractions. If you want something mid-range that’s a little
different, a boat hotel can be a surprisingly good find.
Cheaper than normal hotel rooms of the same standard,
a boat hotel offers a unique and romantic place to stay
whilst in Prague.You can also find good hostels in Prague,
even some that provide free internet, breakfast and tours