Eastern and Central Europe (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

230 CENTRAL EASTERN EUROPE

Prague 1

The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague has a

population of just over one million. In the late Middle

Ages, during the reign of Charles IV, Prague’s position

at the crossroads of Europe led it to evolve into a mag-

nificent city, larger than Paris or London. In the 16th

century, it was taken over by the Austrian Habsburgs,

who built many of the Baroque palaces and gardens

that delight visitors today. Some of these now house

imp ortant museums. The fascinating Jewish Quarter has

a handful of synagogues and a ceme tery that remark-

ably survived the Nazi occupation. Despite neglect

under Communist rule, the historic centre of the city

has been preserved, making Prague one of the most

beautiful and interesting of all European capitals.

GETTING AROUND

The historic centre of Prague

covers a relatively small area and is

best explored on foot. Prague’s sub-

way, or metro, is the fastest way of

getting to other parts of the city. It

has three lines, A, B and C, and 54

stations. Line A covers the major ity

of the city centre. There is an effi-

cient network of buses and trams.

Trams operate during the night as

well. Routes 14, 17 and 22 pass

many major sights on both banks

of the Vltava. While the metro and

trams serve the city centre, buses

are used to reach the suburbs.

The Three Fiddles, an old

house sign in Nerudova ulice

KEY

Street-by-Street area:

see pp232–3

Street-by-Street area:

see pp246-7

Major sight / Place of interest

Railway station

River boat pier

Metro station

Funicular station

Tram station

Visitor information

Parking

Church

Synagogue

Pedestrian zone

MALÁ STRANA

HRADČANY

Michna Palace

Černín Palace The Loreto

Schwarzenperg Palace

Lichtenstein Palace

Sternberg Palace

Martinic

Palace Archbishop’s

Palace

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