Prague: Magical - The Royal Route

Written by: Tereza Lysakova

I dare say that Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. As I was born in Prague, I might be a bit biased. But I believe a lot of people would agree with me. Just come for a visit and you will see for yourself. Prague is truly magical. Not only it is braided by many ancient legends, you can really feel the magical atmosphere while walking through the historical center of the city. Views from the Vltava riverbank capturing the Prague Castle with the Charles Bridge is breathtaking, so are the scenic views from many Prague viewpoints, each of them providing its own unique beauty. So, close your eyes and imagine the immerse charm Prague can offer. And maybe you will be inspired to visit soon.

I have lived in Prague, with some exceptions, almost all my life. And I truly love the city. I like the strolls through the ancient lanes full of history and memories. I also like taking pictures from the riversides, especially in the late afternoon, when the light on sky can create a truly magical spectacle. And I am never bored by the views from the Prague Castle, Petřín Hill or Vyšehrad, showing the city every time from a different perspective.

In fact, there are not enough words to describe Prague and its beauty. But I will try. My first post capturing the magical atmosphere of Prague is related to one of the most popular Prague strolls, through the Royal Route.

Let's go back in time for a moment. Taking the Royal Route, you will walk along one of the most beautiful paths in Europe, full of amazing historical and architectural gems. You will see ancient houses built in a variety of architectural styles, beautiful cathedrals, picturesque squares and alleys and much more at every step you will take.

The Royal Route copies the same direction that the procession of Czech kings went for the coronation ceremony. Its length is approximately 4 kilometres and can be walked in 60 - 90 minutes, depending on the speed and on the sights you will visit along the way. Just imagine
a spectacular royal coronation procession, streets full of decorations, ringing of bells, music, singing and even a salvo of cannons [1].

And where exactly is this magical place located? The journey begins at the Powder Gate, leads through the historical city center of Prague and ends by the St. Vitus Cathedral at the Prague Castle.

In the immediate vicinity of the Powder Gate lies one of the most beautiful buildings in Prague, the Municipal House - a pure pearl of the Art Nouveau architectural style. The palace stands on the site of the original King's Court, the residence of famous Czech kings, dating back to the 14th century. At present, the Municipal House organizes top concerts of classical music and exhibitions [2, 3].

The route then continues through the usually very busy Celetná Street. This popular tourist lane is full of small boutiques and souvenir shops, but you will also find beautiful house facades and wall paints. You can even meet your favorite celebrity here while visiting a wax museum. But the greatest gem in Celetná Street is undoubtedly the House of the Black Madonna, built in 1912, paying tribute to the pure Cubist architectural style, which is unique in Czech architecture. You can visit a famous cubist Grand Café Orient, which is located on the first floor of this house and enjoy the authentic atmosphere [4].

Keep walking and after few hundred meters you will see a real and unique beauty, the Old Town Square full of wonderful architectural gems. You will not know where to look first. Whether on the spectacular Old Town Hall with its magical moving Astronomical Clock or on the Church of Our Lady Before Tyne. The famous astronomer Tycho Brahe is resting there. Just in the middle of the square you can see the recently renovated statue of the Czech priest and martyr, Jan Hus and the newly re-established Marian column [3]. The Old Town Square frequently hosts beautifully decorated Christmas and Easter markets and it represents a place for national sport and festive celebrations.

Continue further towards the Malé Square. Here you can visit the famous Hard Rock Café or pop around for a tailored cocktail into one of the best bars in Prague, the Black Angel's. If you are a DIY type, then don't miss the well-known ironmonger's U Rotta.

Then weave your way through the secluded places of the Karlova Street full of delicious restaurants which will guide you towards the famous Charles Bridge. And be prepared because you will encounter one of the most gorgeous sights in the world. The bridge is lined by the statues of Czech saints. But the true ace is for sure the breathtaking view of the Prague Castle and the embankment of the Vltava River.

Walk down the Mostecká Street which Leeds directly towards the picturesque Lesser Town Square with its famous landmark, the St. Nicholas Church, a true pearl of the baroque style. If you are an opera fan, pop by at Kajserštejnský Palace. where the world-famous opera diva Ema Destinnová stayed. Then climb up the hill through Nerudova Street, a street named after the Czech literature giant Jan Neruda, who lived in the House at the Two Suns and wrote the famous tales about the Lesser Town [3].

At the end of the Nerudova Street turn right and, voilà, there you go, the Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral rises proudly above the hill. And the end of the route is reached. Enjoy marvelous view on the whole Prague with its iconic red roofs and countless towers and spires. Take a picture with the guards protecting the Castle gate. And simply enjoy the deserved destination; the seat of Czech Kings and currently the Czech President.

You can find some more inspiration for another walk through Prague in this article about the romantic Stromovka Park. Enjoy the walk!

References:

• [1]  Dvořák, F. (2004) Po Královské cestě: zastavení s Františkem Dvořákem, Praha: Lidové noviny.
• [2]  The History of the Municipal House. Available at: https://www.obecnidum.cz/en/history-of-the-municipal-house/ (2020-08-29).
• [3]  Královská cesta. Available at: https://www.praha.eu/jnp/cz/co_delat_v_praze/pamatky/kralovska_cesta/index.html (2020-08-29).
• [4]  Grand Café Orient History. Available at: https://grandcafeorient.cz/en/history/ (2020-08-29).

Images credit: Tereza Lysakova