Just back from my honeymoon so look out for my Hawaiian reviews!!!
Just back from my honeymoon so look out for my Hawaiian reviews!!!
Member since:14.10.2005
Reviews:64
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When I was booking a weekend away for my girlfriend and myself to Prague, I have to admit to not knowing a lot about the city and what it had to offer. I had heard of the Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square but one place that will always hold great memories for me is the Old Town Square.
Situated on the Eastern banks of the river Vltava, the area of Stare Mestro is the traditional heart of Prague and at its middle is this wonderful town square. Now, had I visited at another time of year then I think that my review would be quite short and of little interest as the square, based on what I have read, for the majority of the year is a pleasant but large expanse of empty space. On its sides you will find the fascinating Astronomical clock that is sure to draw a crowd, particularly on the hour, the Tyn Church that among other things is the final resting place of the great astronomer Tycho Brahe. It is also home to the Jan Hus monument, a famous figure in Czech history and there is also a memorial to 27 Protestants who were killed during the 30 years war. Save a few cafes around the edges and that appears to be it.
However, I was lucky enough to visit the square on the first weekend of December and the Christmas Market had just begun, transforming the square into a bustling mass of colour and noise. I had been aware of Christmas markets in some other countries such as Germany but until now, the Prague market had slipped well below my radar.
The Prague Christmas market runs roughly from the start of December each year until January although exact dates appear to vary depending on the year. It consists of hundreds of small wooden booths being erected across the square selling a wide range of products. There are a core 10 or so kinds of stall but it is well worth really looking around to try and find a bargain or find the little tucked away stalls selling the best products. The main ones that you will find are; sweets and other food based gifts, Christmas candles and baubles, hog roasts, stalls selling strange local pastry delicacies, Czech beer/glasses and places selling drinks such as grog (a mixture of things including rum I believe). This however is not a definitive list and there are many other great stalls.
As well as the stalls you will find decorations everywhere, bound to get you into the Christmas spirit, and there is a stage where regular musical performances take place. By day the square is a sight to behold but by night it improves even more.
We had been unaware when we set out from the hotel on the Saturday night that it was the night when the lights would be turned on but soon found, what seemed like, every resident of the Czech Republic heading towards the square. The crowds are slightly disconcerting but by the time we eventually made it to the square it was beautiful. The whole place was lit up, the stalls were still trading and taking pride of place was a huge lit-up Christmas tree. With young Czech children singing Christmas songs on the stage, it really did instil the Christmas spirit.
Now my view of the square and Christmas market may well be biased as it is where I proposed but I really would recommend going to visit it if you can. If you are in Prague then I doubt very much that a trip won't take in this square so I will not recommend you go out of your way to see it, because you will already have done so. My advice is that, if you can, you should visit Prague in December to take in the most amazing Christmas market in a beautiful Old Town Square.
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Location. Set in 12th and 15th century townhouses, the Old Town Square Hotel and ... more
Residence in central Prague, Czech Republic, is 50 metres from the Statue of Jan Hus and the Astronomical Clock Tower. Located on the Old Town Square, the historic hote...
Information:
Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Location. Set in 12th and 15th century townhouses, the Old Town Square Hotel and ... more
Residence in central Prague, Czech Republic, is 50 metres from the Statue of Jan Hus and the Astronomical Clock Tower. Located on the Old Town Square, the historic hote...
Information:
Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Dec 11th, 2006
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