Strolling down the cobbled stone streets of Praha, wishing “Dobre Den” to surprised folk smiling at your effort, this quaint yet historical masterpiece transports you to a mythical fairytale. You could be traipsing in the era of King Charles 1V. This enchanted city has been vandalised and destroyed. But still stands as treasured testimony. Start at the eastern bank, where the New Town (Nove Mesto) and Old Town coax footsteps towards every street.
Make your way past Namesta Republic, Powder Gate and reach Old Town Square. Ornate horse carriages driven by ladies trot around the Jewish Quarter and Old Town Square. Sip some Absinthe, Praha’s answer to spirit (it is over 70 percent alcohol and banned in India!).
Czechoslovakia, now Czech Republic, was the centre of culture in Europe. Twenty years after the fall of communism, there are signs of its past turmoil. Gaze at the Tyn Church — Harry Potter-ish lines that even J.R. Tolkien probably took inspiration from. Today, these magnificent churches are revered even if not active, with classical music, ballet and art funding the upkeep.
As you make your way to the Astronomical Clock, a giant casts its shadow on you. It is but a sculpture looking down. At Stare Mesto, there’s a flurry of activity as the giant astronomical clock built by King Charles strikes 8 am.
The clock, fondly called the Orloj, is mounted on the southern wall of Old Town City Hall. The science and architecture is astounding. Even today, men dressed as knights blow a bugle to call the hour as tourists scramble to catch history unfold — the 12 apostles peek out of its windows, dancing a merry dance.
Climb to its tower — the view leaves you spellbound. The red symmetrical roofs converse with towers, palaces and Gothic structures. Gargoyles wink as tourists clamber past.
At the square, take a breather at a cafe or restaurant, some hundreds of years old with cellars that have bands playing the most amazing music.
Artist David Cerný’s hanging sculpture will make you stop in your tracks. A bearded, bespectacled man hangs by one hand from a pole. Another installation made of keys gets curious glances. Praha crystal, Marionettes, soveniers... Walk into some quaint boutiques, pick up a guardian angel or a wicker bell.
You could also take a detour to the Jewish Quarter. Amble towards the intricately-sculptured Charles Bridge, the first historical connection to Mala Strana on the Western Bank.
Tourists embark on this journey with great fanfare. Called Karluv most, it was completed in 15th century. Painters, kiosks and musicians gather to entice the overabundant tourist.
Walk through a bustling vista of cobbled streets in Mala Strana to Prague Castle, St Nicholas Cathedral and Infant Jesus of Prague. It’s spiritually awakening. Walking will also keep you in good stead, with a few metro and tram rides. But get your geography right.
Passing through Hrad Dany, enter the castle. Witness the changing of guards ceremony. The Gothic St Vitus Cathedral, the Romanesque Basilica of St George, a monastery and several palaces, gardens and defensive towers are a few cobbled stones away.
St Vitus Cathedral itself is a sight to behold. Towering, spikes, carvings and immense beauty. Wenceslaus acquired a holy relic — the arm of St Vitus — from Emperor Henry I. The tomb of St Wenceslaus himself, the patron saint of the Czech princes, prompts a deep silence.
As the sun sets, you retrace your footsteps back to the Kafka Museum and enter the mind of this great novelist who influenced Western literature.
Sitting by the Vlatava River, sipping coffee over croissants, many thoughts cross your mind. Of an era when Bohemia was bustling with art, culture, education and brilliance. Of a people who lived through art, strife, upheaval and communism. Strains from a classical opera on the Eastern bank waft past, and the din of tourists dies as the sun sets.
And in that perfect moment where the Charles Bridge forms a silhouette in the fading light, your fairytale forms a memory that will last forever.