Once upon a travelogue...: The Magic Of Prague...

November, 2016

I was last in Prague during the summer of 1987 when the country was under the control of the Communist regime. I remember long hammer and sickle banners hanging down the sides of buildings along the main street, a city looking desolate with its terraces and facades in dire need of architectural repairs, a quiet place devoid of many tourists, and, what stands out so clearly in my mind, were the lines of people queuing up early in the morning for ice cream cones. Life under the Soviets was gray, controlled, and without hope.

Located on the banks of the Vltava River, Prague, the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic and, also, the historic capital of Bohemia, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe; today, it is a world away from what I experienced on my first visit there almost thirty years ago. Founded during the Romanesque era, Prague’s development is in evidence throughout; one simply has to look at the city’s architecture to witness the evolution of history. The palaces with their looming towers, the majestic castles, the houses around Old Town Square, and the Charles Bridge, dating from the Gothic period, provide a magical old world romance that, coupled with a bustling cosmopolitan ambiance with boutiques, restaurants, and those glorious pubs, draw millions of tourists each year.

My days in Prague only made me want to go back; the spires of its skyline, Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock, the winding lanes of the former Jewish Quarter, the many theaters, galleries, and museums, the unique atmosphere and charm of each district, and the warmth of the people, most notably, a lovely woman named Jana who took me on a tour and has, since, become my friend. Praha is one of those gems whose luster only continues to shine more brightly with each passing season.

The Architectural Beauty Of City Streets