GOLDEN WARMTH

Romantic capital of Czech Republic at  its best in winter

Winter visitors to Prague are lucky; they see the city at its best. Cafés and restaurants are warm and welcoming, free of the crowds that invade them in summer. Theatres and concert halls come alive. And a stroll across the Charles Bridge is a walk into a fairy tale landscape that is for the moment all your own.

Charles Bridge

This majestic stone span over the Vltava River has connected Prague's Old and Lesser Towns since 1402. Building began in 1357 under Emperor Charles IV, who had a flair for the dramatic. He even had the roof of the city's defensive towers gilded, contributing to Prague's renown as the 'Golden City.'

In the 17th century the bridge was lined with 30 statues. Though some of the originals are in Prague's Lapidary Museum for safekeeping, the copies ensure that the enchantment of this unique bridge lives on. Today, the Charles Bridge is a magnet for every tourist, busker and souvenir seller in Prague. To see it at its best, visit early or late in the day.

The Charles Bridge museum opened in 2007. The highpoint of the exhibition is a model of the bridge in the 14th century, depicting its construction. Located at the foot of the bridge, near the Lesser Town Square the museum is open daily from 10:00 until 20:00 in summer and to 18:00 in winter. For details, visit, www.charlesbridgemuseum.com.

Prague Castle

Don't miss Prague Castle. Not a single castle, but more of a small town, which includes the home of the Czech president and St Vitus Cathedral. There are courtyards and streets, among them the charming 'Golden Lane,' built in the 15th century to house the King's marksmen. The writer Franz Kafka once lived in No 22. A changing of the guard takes place at the castle's main gate on the hour, with a fanfare at noon. The only privately owned building in the complex is the Lobkowicz Palace, home to one of the most influential ancient families of Bohemia. Their fabulous art collection was twice stolen – first by the Nazis, then by the Communists. The recorded guided tour brings the story to life. Classical recitals begin at noon in the Lobkowicz Palace Concert Hall.

The attractions of the castle complex are open from 9:00 to 18:00 April through October and until 16:00 November through March. The Lobkowicz Palace museum is open daily 10:00 to 18:00 year round. The café is a picturesque setting for coffee or lunch. For details, visit:

www.lobkowicz-collections.org

Jewish Quarter

Prague's 12th century Jewish Quarter, Josefov, houses five synagogues including the 'New-Old Synagogue,' the oldest in use in Europe. According to legend, the remains of the Golem are in the attic. Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel, the 16th century scholar who created the Golem fable, is buried in the nearby cemetery. Ironically, Josefov survived World War II because Hitler planned to turn its Jewish Museum into a 'Museum of an Extinct Race.'

The Jewish Museum is open every day except Saturday and Jewish Holidays 09:00 - 16.30 in winter and until 18:00 in summer. Buy a single admission for the New-Old Synagogue or a combination to include five synagogues and the cemetery.