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<p>Prague is one of the most majestic and architecturally amazing cities in Europe. This ancient settlement, once the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia, is a gem from a bygone age whose splendid buildings are seemingly unspoilt by modernism, war or natural disaster. The city’s core remains intact and world-famous structures date back more than 10 centuries.</p>



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<p>A bird’s eye view of Prague would reveal a melting pot of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque landmarks, plus some 19th-century revivals and a sprinkling of 20th-century Art Nouveau. The tightly knit architectural haven is ideal for visitors to spend joyous days wandering through beautiful alleyways, passages and cul-de-sacs before heading back to one of many luxury hotels now populating the Czech Republic’s main city.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bridging the past</h3>



<p>A dawn crossing of Charles Bridge, a magnificent 14th-century bridge lined with Baroque statues that spans the Vltava River, is considered a quintessential Prague experience. The excursion from the Old Town to the Lesser Town or Little Quarter is made even more memorable by an approach under the arch below Old Town Bridge Tower, which itself is considered one of the finest Gothic buildings in the world. Here, the rib-vaulted viewing gallery provides wonderful views of Prague’s 1,000-year-old hilltop castle. The bridge became pedestrianised after the Second World War, having nobly withstood five centuries of wheeled traffic – its sturdy sandstone blocks were strengthened (according to legend) by mixing the mortar with egg yolk.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cd-pano-754-154cd-pano-754-_sal2066big-kopie-2-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80765" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cd-pano-754-154cd-pano-754-_sal2066big-kopie-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cd-pano-754-154cd-pano-754-_sal2066big-kopie-2-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cd-pano-754-154cd-pano-754-_sal2066big-kopie-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cd-pano-754-154cd-pano-754-_sal2066big-kopie-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cd-pano-754-154cd-pano-754-_sal2066big-kopie-2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cd-pano-754-154cd-pano-754-_sal2066big-kopie-2-200x113.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cd-pano-754-154cd-pano-754-_sal2066big-kopie-2-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>The structure’s series of Baroque statues (some are copies, with the originals residing in Czech museums) stare indifferently at the assembled gathering of buskers, jazz bands, hawkers and tourists. One of the artistically most remarkable is the sculpture of St Luitgard, dating from 1710 and based on the vision of a nun kissing the wounds of Christ.</p>


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<p>The Little Quarter Bridge Tower, on the opposite river bank, also affords superb views of this glorious City of 100 Spires. Aside from an early morning visit, the bridge is one of many great places to watch the sunset.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Prince of the castle</h3>



<p>Occupying a high and commanding position above the river, Prague Castle was founded in the ninth century by Prince Bořivoj. Its walls enclose a complex of palaces, churches, halls, a monastery and picturesque artisans’ cottages – a little village in its own right.</p>


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<p>Czechia’s beating heart, the castle has huge cultural and historic significance; it boasts buildings from every period of the country’s history and has contained the seat of presidential power since 1918. There are also many physical treasures within these walls, such as the Bohemian crown jewels and exquisite works of art in Lobkowicz Palace from the former royal family’s private collection. The Prague Castle Picture Gallery contains wonderful paintings from the 16th to 18th centuries, with works by Titian and Rubens among the highlights, as well as some impressive sculptures.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gothic glory</h3>



<p>One of Europe’s most beautiful urban spaces, Old Town Square is a must-visit. Dotted with fine historical attractions, it has been the city’s main marketplace since the 11th century and remains a focal point, with a tourist information centre, plus numerous restaurants, cafés, shops and galleries. The south side of the square has an array of fine Romanesque and Gothic houses, while the east side is home to the Rococo-style Kinsky Palace, now an art museum whose façade is dressed with elaborate stucco decoration, and the 13th-century Stone Bell House, restored as a Gothic palace.</p>


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<p>Another of the city’s top attractions is the Old Town Hall, established in 1338 after King John of Luxembourg allowed the district to have its own council. Carefully restored following damage sustained during a 1945 uprising against the Nazis, the complex embraces a row of immaculate Gothic and Renaissance buildings, some of which are open to the public. Atop the Old Town Hall tower is a famous astronomical clock that features, on the hour, a medieval marionette show lasting 45 seconds.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Worship wonders</h3>



<p>Important religious landmarks include St Vitus Cathedral, located within Prague Castle and the country’s largest church. Work on the Gothic building began in 1344 and was finally completed in the 19th and 20th centuries. The first church on the site dates back to 930 and was built at the request of Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia – “Good King Wenceslas” of carol fame was murdered five years later. He became the patron saint of the Czech state, and his tomb can be found within the cathedral, along with the aforementioned crown jewels.</p>


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<p>Constructed in the first half of the 18th century, the Church of St Nicholas is a Baroque masterpiece in the storybook setting of the Lesser Town. It was the brainchild of father-and-son architects Christoph and Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, Prague’s greatest exponents of High Baroque. Its statues, frescoes and paintings are by preeminent artists of their time, notably including Karel Škréta’s Crucifixion.</p>


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<p>The Prague Jewish Museum is also worth a visit. It encompasses half a dozen ancient synagogues, a ceremonial hall and former mortuary, plus the Old Jewish Cemetery, all clustered together in a corner of the Old Town.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cultural cheers</h3>



<p>Prague is famous for its beer, or pivo in the native tongue, with the Czechs being among the world’s most enthusiastic beer drinkers. The country perfected the first Pilsner-style lager, the Pilsner Urquell 1842, and the pub is a focal point of Czech culture, a place to have fun, discuss art and put the world to right. The city is awash with breweries, large, small and micro, and craft beers. Favourites include Ležák, a classic pale lager; the yeast beer Kvasnicové; and the coffee-flavoured Kávové.</p>


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<p>A few minutes from the castle, U Černého vola Beerhall is one of the best-known old-school pubs, serving classic snacks such as pickled camembert- style cheese, head cheese with onions or baked ham and eggs. Another good watering hole is U Hrocha, located near the British embassy. There are also plenty of late-night drinking spots and dance clubs to party into the small hours. Studio 54’s reputation as an excellent after-hours club playing a wide range of music is well-earned.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cracking pork</h3>



<p>The Czechs are also known for their fondness for pork (vepřový maso), with roast pork, pork goulash (vepřový guláš) and pork schnitzel (vepřový řízek) heading the menu. Boiled bread dumplings (knedlíky) are perfect for soaking up the gravy, while tomato, cucumber, lettuce and pickled cabbage add colour and crunch to local plates.</p>


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<p>Ensconced within an iconic Old Town building, La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise prepares modern dishes inspired by 19th-century cuisine and serves them in tasting feasts of up to 11 courses. For panoramic views of this ancient city, visit Villa Richter, where gastronomic delights and exceptional wines can be enjoyed amid the St Wenceslas vineyards of Prague Castle, the oldest in the country.</p>


Bohemia Rhapsodies: The ancient spires of Prague nod to a city steeped in history and charm

Gafencu travel Ireland Dublin Guide Travel through the lure of the Irish 600x337

The Dublin Guide: Travel through the lure of the Irish

<p>As the centre of one of the most powerful ancient civilisations, Rome has fascinated and enchanted people the world over for millennia. Aptly dubbed the Eternal City – its founding dates back some 2,800 years to 753 BC – this UNESCO World Heritage Site is brimming with historic monuments and artefacts that illuminate its importance and relevance through the ages. Indeed, even today, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that elements of ancient Rome continue to impact our daily lives, be it through culture, healthcare, education or even democratic rule.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-64053 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Colosseum_in_Rome_Italy_-_April_2007-e1643190629313.jpg" alt="Colosseum_in_Rome,_Italy_gafencu_travel" width="700" height="411" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Colosseum_in_Rome_Italy_-_April_2007-e1643190629313.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Colosseum_in_Rome_Italy_-_April_2007-e1643190629313-200x117.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Colosseum_in_Rome_Italy_-_April_2007-e1643190629313-600x352.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>Unsurprisingly, then, its modern-day incarnation consistently tops the must-visit lists of travel publications across the globe, with the metropolitan city’s 4.3 million inhabitants annually overrun by nearly double their number in tourists during pre-Covid times. So what, exactly, draws these intrepid travellers? Ancient wonders? Majestic artworks? Delicious food? A vibrant culture? The answer: all of the above. Here are some of the most iconic sites to feast your eyes upon when in Rome…</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-64051" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/8085639142_dc25e448b1_k.jpg" alt="roman italy gafencu art architecture" width="466" height="480"></p>
<p><strong>Glory &amp; Gladiators</strong></p>
<p>Perhaps the most instantly recognisable tourist destination in Rome, the oval amphitheatre known as the Colosseum lies at the heart of the city. So intrinsically linked is it to the Italian national identity that it even graces the country’s five-cent coin. Construction of this massive arena was completed in 80 AD under the rule of Emperor Titus, and during its heyday, the structure – originally dubbed the Flavian Amphitheatre – could hold as many as 50,000 eager spectators.</p>
<p>Today, the massive limestone, tuff and concrete building may be devoid of the skilled gladiators, exotic animals and roaring crowds that occupied it some two millennia ago, but its historic and dramatic aura remains palpable. The venue boasts countless items of interest, but the time-pressed traveller should make sure to visit the morbidly named ‘Gate of Death’ – through which the dead and injured were carried out of the Colosseum – the arena floor where matches took place, and the hyper exclusive hypogeum, the complex labyrinth of tunnels that competitors and staff used to navigate the edifice’s length in ancient times. While the former is open to general-admission ticket holders, the latter two are only accessible via guided tours.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-64052 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16528182724_6aec384680_5k-e1643190892440.jpg" alt="roman italy gafencu art architecture" width="700" height="468" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16528182724_6aec384680_5k-e1643190892440.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16528182724_6aec384680_5k-e1643190892440-200x134.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16528182724_6aec384680_5k-e1643190892440-600x401.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p><strong>Epicentre of the Empire</strong></p>
<p>Located a stone’s throw from the Colosseum is the Roman Forum. For centuries, this rectangular plaza dictated the rhythm of life in the city. It was the venue where triumphal processions ended along the Sacred Way, where commercial affairs occurred, where elections, trials and public speeches were held, and where Rome’s politicians decided the fate of all those living within its far-flung empire. Despite the fact that much of the original structure has since crumbled with the passage of time, an air of importance and solemnity still marks the remaining temples and pillars.</p>
<p>To get an insight into how it originally appeared, head to the Curia Julia. The former home of the Roman Senate – centuries before being converted into a church – remains one of the most intact structures at the Forum. Further on, you’ll find the Arch of Septimius Severus, which was constructed in 203 AD by the eponymous emperor to celebrate his victory over the Parthians (whose ancient empire lies in modern-day Iran). One of the largest arches in Rome, it stands some 23m high and boasts intricately carved reliefs. Among the temples venerating various deities on site, the Temple of Caesar (dedicated to Julius Caesar) is perhaps of foremost importance.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-64062 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-5980728_1920-e1643190936738.jpg" alt="roman italy gafencu art chapel" width="700" height="467" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-5980728_1920-e1643190936738.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-5980728_1920-e1643190936738-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-5980728_1920-e1643190936738-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p><strong>Eye for Art</strong></p>
<p>In a city awash with ancient ruins, it is perhaps the Pantheon that stands today as the most complete. Thought to be over 2,000 years old, the temple – originally believed to be dedicated to pagan deities like Neptune, god of the sea – became a Catholic church in 609 AD and features stunning works by some of Italy’s most renowned Renaissance painters. This includes the legendary Raphael, who would eventually make the Pantheon his final resting place, and whose tomb can still be visited. Perhaps even more impressive, though, is its dome, a 43m-high perfect half-sphere with a central open-air oculus. An impressive architectural feat for its age, the majesty of its soaring walls continues to thrill travellers to this day.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-64061 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2595024_1920-e1643191053500.jpg" alt="roman italy gafencu art sight seeing" width="700" height="514" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2595024_1920-e1643191053500.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2595024_1920-e1643191053500-200x147.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2595024_1920-e1643191053500-600x441.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p><strong>Stairway to History</strong></p>
<p>Having featured in such notable movies as <em>Roman Holiday </em>(1953) starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn, 1999’s<em> The Talented Mr Ripley</em> and more recently in 2015 spy-thriller <em>The Man from U.N.C.L.E.</em>, the Spanish Steps are one of Rome’s most popular sights. First constructed in 1725, the stairway immediately became a hotspot for English visitors stopping in the city during their Grand Tour. Today, its popularity remains undiminished, and the top of the 135-step climb remains a great space to take in the city’s sights and people.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-64060" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-420x280.jpg" alt="roman italy gafencu art culture" width="700" height="467" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-800x533.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-600x400.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rome-2545372-1200x800.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p><strong>Appetite for Piazza</strong></p>
<p>Past splendour and modernity meet in spectacular fashion at the Piazza Navona, a capacious open-air square punctuated with classic architecture, Baroque water features, historic churches alongside street artists, contemporary eateries and even a selection of retail outlets. At its centre stands Bernini’s iconic Fountain of Four Rivers, while underneath, you’ll find the Stadium of Domitian, a UNESCO site that was once an ancient athletics stadium seating some 20,000 spectators. Some of the city’s best culinary offerings can be found in the square, including traditional Roman-style pizza and mouth-watering pasta dishes such as cacio e pepe.</p>
<p>For a peek into local life, venture forth to Campo de’ Fiori, another open-air plaza just to the south of Piazza Navona. Since 1869, it has hosted a daily fish and vegetable market, and city dwellers gather to peruse the copious fresh, locally sourced produce. Once the sun dips below the horizon, the market gives way to outdoor cafes, where you can mingle with locals and toss back a well-deserved espresso – or beer – or several. <em>Saluti.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>The full version of this feature appears on Gafencu Magazine’s February 2022 print issue as ❝Roman Legacy❞&nbsp;by Tenzing Thondup. Download the&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/cn/app/gafencu-men/id541555130?l=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">free app&nbsp;</a>(<a href="https://apps.apple.com/cn/app/gafencu-men/id541555130?l=en">iOS</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gafencu.android" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Android</a>)&nbsp;for digital editions of the magazine.</em></strong></p>
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