Exploring Prague reveals its beauty
MARK GLUCKMAN
Special to Jewish News
Prague, Czech Republic, survived World War II with nary a scratch, so the monuments and spires are stunning - hence the moniker, "City of a Thousand Spires." The dominant feature of the city is the extensive complex of the Prague Castle, the historical seat of the Czech rulers. The Charles Bridge, one of the oldest in Europe, was built in the 14th century and over time has been embellished with a unique gallery of more than 30 mainly Baroque statues.
The bridge also presents a variety of local artists, crafts and talents, from local photographers and painters who reveal Prague's inner beauty to the street musicians who play Dixieland jazz.
Jewish communities thrived in the Czech Republic from the 10th century onward. Josefov, the Jewish Quarter, with its museums, exhibits, synagogues, cemeteries (the oldest tombstone dating from the 15th century) and ornate building facades is worth at least a day's exploration.
The New Jewish Cemetery, with its monument commemorating Jewish artists tortured in concentration camps and writer Franz Kafka's grave, warrants a couple of hours.
Outside Prague, the Czech Republic is rich with old synagogues and cemeteries. In Pilsen is the third largest synagogue in the world, with a capacity of more than 2,000 worshippers.
There is also a museum dedicated to photographs of Jewish cemeteries. Terezin, 35 miles northwest of Prague, is one hour by bus.
Kuta (Kosova) Hora is another significant Jewish landmark in Bohemia. The Jewish district consists of 25 houses with a square in the center, dating back to the 17th century. Restoration plans are pending. Local Jewish cemeteries were founded as early as 1580.
For those who plan to photograph Prague in late fall and winter, note that it is a challenge. The sun rises at 7:30 a.m. and sets around 4:30 p.m. and is rarely visible during the day. The sky is usually grey and overcast. Bring 400-speed film or faster.
For more information, contact the Czech Tourist Authority, 1109 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10028, telephone 212-288-0830. Web sites: www.czech.cz, www.czechcenter.com. E-mail: travelczech@pop.net.
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