Mala Strana & Charles Bridge

A Gothic stone bridge spanning the Vltava River, commissioned by Emperor Charles IV in 1357. Construction began at precisely 5:31 AM on July 9 — a date chosen by court astrologers forming the palindrome 1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1. The 515-meter bridge was the only crossing between Old Town and the Castle until 1841. Thirty baroque statues were added between 1683 and 1714. The most popular is St. John of Nepomuk — touching the bronze relief supposedly grants a wish and guarantees your return to Prague. He was thrown from the bridge in 1393 for refusing to reveal the queen's confessions to King Wenceslas IV.

Visit at sunrise for the bridge nearly empty. Touch the bronze dog and the figure of the queen on the St. John of Nepomuk statue — the polished spots show where millions have wished.

The baroque quarter beneath Prague Castle, established in 1257 as a separate town for German colonists. After a devastating fire in 1541, it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style seen today; baroque additions came after the Thirty Years' War when victorious Catholic nobles built grand palaces. Malostranske Namesti (Lesser Town Square) is dominated by the enormous dome of St. Nicholas Church (1737), considered the finest Baroque church in Prague. Mozart played the organ here in 1787, the same year he premiered Don Giovanni at the nearby Estates Theatre. The hilly streets have embassies, gardens, and hidden courtyards.

The Vrtba Garden, accessible through a doorway on Karmelitska Street, is a terraced baroque garden with castle views and one of Prague's best-kept secrets.