The Bite Magazine Issue 17

posted around the complex. Just like the Queen’s Guards at Buckingham Palace, uniformed guards in baby blue attire stand in a statue–like stance at the entrance of the gate, standing so still that you’ll think they are not real at first. The castle was once a seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia, the old name of the Czech Republic before the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Like the Crown Jewels are held at the Tower of London, the Bohemian Crown Jewels are kept inside the castle in a hidden room. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world, occupying an area of almost 70,000 metres square. Located within the castle grounds is St Vitus Cathedral, a monstrous looking gothic Roman Catholic church that is somewhat scary as well as fascinat- ing. This amazing building contains the tombs of many Bohemian kings and Holy Roman emperors and is under the own- ership of the Czech government as part of the Prague Castle complex. It was commissioned by King Charles IV, with construction beginning in 1344 but took almost six centuries to build before the final phrase was completed between 1873 and 1929. Inside the cathedral is an impressive display of Gothic master- pieces that mesmerises the eyes. The chancel with a ring of chapels: St. Wenc- eslas Chapel, the Golden Portal, and the lower section of the main steeple were first built by Matthias of Arras, and then later Peter Parler. Inside the Great South Tower of the Cathedral is the biggest bell in the Czech Republic called Žikmund which dates back to the 16 th century. Visitors can climb the tower and once they have mastered the 287 steps to reach the top, an overwhelming view of the city awaits them. Part of the Asten Hotel Group, Hotel Golden Key in Prague is a charming luxury boutique facility that has dynamic character. The hotel was once known as the ‘house at the Golden Key Nr. 243’ and has been a vital part of the architec- ture in Nerudova Street since the end of the 16 th century, having been built by a famous businessman and locksmith. It is said that Nerudova Street is one of the most romantic alleys in Europe and as morning breaks into another day, the street awakening is truly a sen- sational sight to behold. At the end of 2014, Hotel Golden Key underwent a complete reconstruction and now has a combination of both historic and modern designs. These changes to the building earned them the Real Estate of the Year award the following year. The hotel says that according to their guests, Hotel Golden Key is among the best boutique hotels in Prague. It is also the perfect facility for corporate clients as well as private clients and I was told by the hotel’s Sales Director, Matús Prí- kazský that several embassies use their premises. Hotel Golden Key has 25 rooms and suites that consist of Superior and Deluxe rooms, and Junior, Family, Five Bedroom and Castle View suites. The six Superior rooms are said to be very cosy and suitable for two people who are looking for a short-term comfort- able accommodation in the heart of Prague. These rooms measures 26 square metres and offer views of Ner- udova Street and the inner atrium. The 15 Deluxe rooms which measure 31 square metres each are for those who prefer more space in their hotel room and also for travellers with one child. All of these rooms are decorated with at least one piece of historic furniture, with some of them offering a view of Nerudova Street or the Lesser Town and the inner atrium. Guests can choose from a choice of three comfortable Junior Suites meas- uring 41 square metres each which offer luxurious and elegant accommo- dation for three people who are fans of spacious rooms. These suites present magnificent views of turrets and roofs of Prague baroque houses which highlight the typical architecture of the city. They bite travel