The Address Sept-Oct 2013

Golf Resort Karlstjen has held The Czech Open and
is well-regarded as one of the best tracts in Central Europe
← I N T E R E S T I N G L A N D M A R K S – There are actually three distinct
areas in the city. They are simply named, Lesser Town,
Old Town and New Town.
Sited down the slopes of Nerudova street joining Prague Castle
is an old town that dates back as far as 1257. The Prague
Lesser Town, also known as ‘Small Quarter’ or ‘Mala Strana’,
remained the least affected throughout the two world wars and
political change of climate. In effect, there are a good number of
grand Baroque buildings such as the Thun-Hohenstain, Morzin
palaces and the Church of Our Lady of Unceasing Succour.
Houses along the narrow Nerudova also tended to contain emblems
of mythical beasts representing coat-of-arms.
Around Lesser Town are a lively array of important buildings
such as the Senate of the Czech Republic and Town Hall,
as well as numerous restaurants and bars. It also connects to
the Old Town, which is the oldest here dating back to 1091,
via Charles Bridge, which itself had carried men and beasts
alike for over 600 years. Today, it is an important monument
and allows only pedestrian traffic over the two towns.
The New Town is not actually very new. Dating back to the
14th century, it was originally inhabited by trades and crafts
people, and the centre of commercial activity. During the
19th century, it went through a massive facade change that
held up to its present-day modern look. Nevertheless, there is
much to do and enjoy here with the State Opera hosting the
seasonal Verdi Festival and attracting various famous names
such as Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, Felix Mottl, Arthur
Nikisch and Felix Weingartner.
Other attractions within New Town include Charles Square,
named after Charles IV, which had been a cattle market and
is today, one of the largest squares in Europe. Containing the
Baroque Cathedral of St. Ignatius and the Emmaus Monastery,
its multitude of frescoes and statues of important historical
figures are truly a magnificent sight.
The National Theatre is also worth visiting. Privately funded,
the Neo-Renaissance structure was opened in 1881 with a
performance Libuše by Bedřich Smetana. Unfortunately, the
theatre was burned down two months later, only to be restored
two years later. Till this day, ballet and opera is still a
staple within its halls.
R E S T A U R A N T S AND BARS – The nightlife here is constantly
brimming with activities, and top-notch gourmet restaurants
are aplenty. An obvious bonus is that although part of the European
Union, Prague, like London and the rest of the UK still
relies on its own currency.
72 TA | SEPT/OCT 2013