City Breaks Prague - Prague is a great city to visit all year round, with its stunning architecture and rich history; highlighted by many of the grand castles and bridges dotted around the city, some of which date back as far as the 14th century. It's during the festive season, however, when the city centre comes alive with the annual Christmas Markets lighting up the city streets.
As Christmas is literally around the corner, many European
cities are preparing for the festivities by opening their Christmas markets.
Historically part of the advent in
Germany
and
Austria,
it has now become part of the Christmas celebration in several cities around
the world. While there are several Christmas markets around the world, the most
exciting ones can be found in
Vienna,
Budapest,
Berlin and
Prague.
For the uninitiated, a Christmas market consists of several
booths and stalls in the town square or other pedestrian zones selling food,
drink and gifts. The food on sale includes sweets like 'Gebrannte Mandeln'
(candied, toasted almonds), gingerbread cookies and 'Christstollen' or
'Stollen' (a bread-like cake with pieces of candied fruit inside).
Most impressive of all however, is the Christmas tree which
stands in the centre of the
Town
Square. Shipped from the
SumavaMountains in the south of
CzechRepublic,
the huge tree is draped in beautiful lights that when set against the dark,
Gothic background of
Prague's
town centre, forms a spectacular sight.
In
Prague
the two main Christmas Markets are held at the
Old Town Square and
Wenceslas Square. Here, visitors can
sample local delicacies like corn on the cob and sausages, while local and
international choirs and musical ensembles entertain them as they browse the
market stalls. The goods on sale include Czech glass, scented candles, wooden
toys, ceramic mugs and Christmas tree ornaments. The square also includes a
Christmas tree shipped from the
SumavaMountains in the South of the
CzechRepublic
to make for a truly spectacular view against the gothic skyline.
Prague, the capital city of
the
Czech Republic
is an excellent destination for short breaks and holidays alike.
There are other magnificent Churches you can visit while you
are on your city break, the
Church
of
St Nicholas that
brings the old world style and modern glamour in one. Then there is the view of
the
Wenceslas Square
or the
PragueGardens
such as the
PetrinPark. The bridges are
something else that should not be missed one fine example is the
CharlesBridge.
The Neo Gothic towers of
St Peters
and
St Paul,
here you can see where myth and legend meet history are viewable by anyone and
everyone as the first seat of Czech Princes and Princesses. You will also want
to visit the Astronomical clock dial, which was made in 1410 by Mikulas of
Kadan and Jan Ondrejuv called Sindel. There is also the
NationalMuseum
to visit, the Rudolfinum or House of Artists and of course the many art
galleries. You can find yourself basking in history or mixing it with the
modern world.
Those enjoying a Christmas European city break to Prague
or
Budapest
have the opportunity for a truly unique experience, not to mention the chance
to pick up some great gifts for friends and family back home, without having to
use the expensive Euro.
Holidays to
Prague
can vary from the inexpensive to the luxurious, with a wide range of hotel
accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets
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