Immersing yourself in the medieval atmosphere of the city, you must definitely visit Old Town Square, look at the famous clock on the ancient tower, which faithfully counts off century after century, hourly gathering crowds of tourists for a puppet show.
However, besides the medieval city with its wonderful architecture, incredible legends and sorcerers, there is another Prague - the Prague of the good soldier Schweik, who considered beer the main drink on earth. Moreover, even in this 'beer' Prague you can find sights no less ancient and interesting. For example, the monastery brewery 'U svatého Tomáše' (At St. Thomas) founded back in 1352 in Malá Strana, where they still brew excellent dark and light 'Braník'.
However, when amid Prague's beer abundance you absolutely want to try the best beer in the world, without hesitation head to Pilsen. A decisive role in the fate of this city was played by the royal privilege for brewing granted to it in the 13th century. Another six centuries were needed for local brewers to finally brew 'Pilsner Urquell', which is still considered the best light beer in the world. Already in 1865, three quarters of 'Urquell' was exported outside the Czech lands - to Austria, Germany, France. You will find the freshest beer in Pilsen in the bar opened at the old brewery on Prazdroj Street. Just don't overdo it - the unique taste of this foamy drink sometimes makes you forget its strength.
The Emperor's Dream
You simply marvel when you learn how many castles there are in little Czechia. They say more than a hundred, and traveling through them is a very fascinating activity that has not gone out of tourist fashion for some two hundred years.
Austrian Emperor Ferdinand I dreamed of visiting each of them, and certainly admired the most famous of Czech castles - Karlštejn, located just half an hour's drive from Prague. Built in the 14th century as a repository for the regalia of Czech kings and sacred relics, it still seems completely impregnable today. A crystal casket with a tooth of John the Baptist, the relics of Saint Anne, the golden imperial orb are still kept in the castle's Chapel of the Holy Cross. Access to it is open only one day a year, November 29 - the anniversary of the death of Emperor Charles IV, when a service is held in the chapel. However, every day anyone can see the skull of a Nile crocodile. The credulous emperor took it for the skull of the dragon fought by Saint George. Medieval swindlers managed to convince him of this.
In Pursuit of the 'White Lady'
Located 50 km from Prague, Šternberk Castle has remained practically always in the private possession of one family from the 13th century to the present day. The short period of nationalization in 1949-91, fortunately, did not affect the luxury of its interiors and unique collections. The current owner is a hospitable man. For tourists, he organizes special night tours of the castle lit by candles. They are led by guides dressed in historical costumes. The end of the tour is marked by the appearance of the ghostly 'White Lady'. Those who still have an appetite after meeting her will be treated to dinner in the castle restaurant.
While Šternberk happily regained its old owners, Konopiště Castle lost them forever. The last private owner of this castle standing among forests was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Prince Franz Ferdinand. His greatest passion was hunting. At the castle entrance there are huge cages with predatory birds of prey, and in the deep moat, a pair of nice bears entertains visitors. But the most amazing thing awaits tourists in the castle's inner chambers. Literally all its halls, staircases and passages are hung from floor to ceiling with antlers, tusks, tails, fangs and skins of animals shot by the prince. Even the furniture - tables, armchairs and chairs - is made from deer antlers. Not to mention the furniture fittings! And elephant legs serve as footstools. The huge collection is provided with special plaques indicating where and when each trophy was obtained.
Just two hours' drive from Konopiště towards the German border, and the road, after a final bend, runs into the massive Duchcov Castle. Once owned by the famous Wallenstein family, it attracts tourists not only with its appearance and Baroque interiors. Its famous resident Giacomo Casanova spent the last 14 years of his life in Duchcov. The castle's owner, young Count Wallenstein, having met the impoverished Casanova in Paris, commissioned him to compile a catalog of his library consisting of 40,000 volumes. For this work Casanova received board, lodging and 1,000 florins a year - a considerable sum for those times. And in his spare time he wrote the autobiographical 'History of My Life' with a detailed account of his amorous adventures. Agree, a quiet, well-fed life and pleasant memories - what else does a retired womanizer need?