Some journeys are more than just crossings; they are immersions in the very essence of a country. For eight days, at the invitation of the Czech Tourist Office, Bohemia unveiled its jewels, its castles, havens of peace and refinement, offering the ideal setting for weddings or receptions. The starting point, Prague, city of a thousand towers and bell towers, deserves a minimum of two days' cultural and recreational exploration.
Prague the eternal
Arriving from the international airport, the elegant Andaz Prague hotel is the ideal gateway to this timeless adventure... The cobbled streets echo with the footsteps of strollers, as tourists often come in groups from all over the world... Between the banks of the Vltava and the castle towers that have watched over the city for centuries, Prague captivates, intrigues and seduces. We take you on a tour of this metropolis with a bohemian soul.
Prague Castle
Founded around 880, it is the largest castle complex in the world. It is home to St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and the Golden Lane.
Old Town Square
Prague's nerve centre, it is bordered by the Church of Our Lady of Týn and the astronomical clock. The Astronomical Clock, or Orloj, is one of Prague's medieval jewels. Installed in 1410 by the master clockmaker Mikuláš de Kadaň (1350-1419) and the astronomer Jan Šindel (1370-1455), it is one of the oldest astronomical clocks still in operation and comprises three main elements: the astronomical dial, which indicates the position of the sun and moon as well as the ancient and modern times; the calendar, decorated with medallions representing the months of the year; and the procession of the apostles, which comes to life every hour with moving figures, including a skeleton symbolising Death. According to legend, the town would suffer if the clock stopped working, despite the watchful eye of a ghost who was supposed to keep an eye on it...
The Old Town Hall
Founded in 1338, the former Town Hall is a group of five medieval houses whose Gothic tower dominates the Place de la Vieille Ville. Standing 66 metres high, it offers an exceptional panoramic view of the city's rooftops and the meandering river, the Vltata, also known as the Moldau, immortalised by the composer Smetana (1824-1884). This is an opportunity to recall that Prague, which was nicknamed "the conservatory of Europe" because music was so highly prized there, saw the premiere of Mozart's Don Juan in 1787, and that many other Czech composers have contributed and continue to contribute to the city's musical reputation.
Charles Bridge
This 14th-century Gothic bridge is lined with statues and offers a breathtaking view of the city. It is said that to strengthen the mortar, its architects had an amazing idea: to use eggs in the mixture of lime and sand!
Lucky bas-relief: The martyrdom of Saint John Nepomuk
This bas-relief depicts the moment when the saint is thrown from the bridge into the Vltava in 1393. He was executed on the orders of King Wenceslas IV for refusing to reveal the queen's confessional secrets. Legend has it that you have to touch him to make a wish come true.
The Charles Bridge is a historical and cultural landmark where Catholic faith, superstitious beliefs and shows. Every morning, a municipal employee has to cut the padlocks put on by fetish lovers.
The Lobkowicz Palace
Located in the grounds of Prague Castle, this 16th-century palace with its very modest entrance houses an exceptional collection, including works by Brueghel the Elder and annotated manuscripts by Beethoven and Mozart. You can rent it if you want to get married in the bed of the late Prague aristocracy and organise receptions and seminars.
Czech Republic. Lobkowicz Palace. Series of portraits of noblewomen painted by Princess Ernestine Charlotte de Nassau-Hadamar (1623-1668). Her style was inspired by the Flemish tradition. She is said to have learned to paint from artists of the Van DicK School. Her works became part of the Lobkowicz collection mainly through the marriage of her daughter, Claudia Franziska de Nassau-Hadamar, to Prince Ferdinand Auguste de Lobkowicz in 1677.
Hidden treasures
As well as the emblematic monuments on the tourist circuit, Prague is home to more discreet and often less frequented places that are well worth a visit.
Saint-Guy Cathedral
Admire the stained glass windows by Alphonse Mucha. This Art Nouveau masterpiece depicts episodes from the lives of Saint Wenceslas and Saints Cyril and Methodius.
Changing of the Guard at Prague Castle
The changing of the guard is a daily spectacle at midday, both solemn and choreographed. The soldiers in their blue uniforms perform their ballet: salute, weapons inspection, replacement of posts, with fanfare and exchange of flags. The uniforms were designed in the 90s by Theodor Pištěkfamous Oscar-winning film costume designer (notably for Amadeus).
Strahov Monastery
This Baroque jewel of the Order of Prémontrés, is one of the oldest monasteries in Bohemia. It is a treasure in itself, with the Philosophical Hall and Theological Hall featuring spectacular painted ceilings. Its impressive baroque library is a masterpiece. The monastery's brewery serves excellent craft beer in a peaceful setting. Ideal after a visit to the library.
The Baroque castles of Troja and Liblice
Troja
Situated to the north of Prague, Troja Castle stands on a branch of the Vltava River. Built between 1679 and 1691 for the Counts Sternberg, this Baroque masterpiece overflows without restraint with French and Italian influences. Its monumental staircase, adorned with sculptures depicting the battle between the Titans and the Olympian gods, separates it from the formal gardens where fountains and statues wander. Today, it offers visitors, receptions and weddings a sumptuous setting steeped in art history and, why not, serenity!
Liblice
Liblice Castle, close to Prague, whose castle can still be seen, runs along an arm of the Vltata. This jewel of high Bohemian Baroque was designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Battista Alliprandi (1670-1720) in the early 18th century. It was first owned by the Pachta family, then by the Thun-Hohensteins until 1945, when it was transferred to the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. The castle has now been transformed into a charming hotel, conference centre and spa.
The bridal room at Château Liblice has a ceiling decorated with mouldings. The window hangings, a large white ceramic stove and period furniture evoke the splendour of aristocratic residences. The hushed atmosphere is conducive to confidences and eternal promises. And in case of boredom, insomniacs will have something to read...
Sumptuous romantic castles in Bohemia
With its landscapes set in lush green forests and vast plains, Bohemia is full of castles that embody the history and grandeur of Czech nobility through the centuries. More than luxurious residences, these monuments are living testimonies to a noble and refined past, refuges of beauty in the heart of the Czech countryside. Come here for a romantic getaway or to celebrate an unforgettable wedding...
The romanticism of Mcely
Nestling at the top of a hill, the Château Mcely overlooks the legendary forest of Saint-Georges and further afield the rich countryside, with villages carefully grouped around their church. Formerly the home of the aristocratic Thurn und Taxis family, it has been skilfully restored and adapted to become a luxury hotel, complemented by an already renowned spa and an astronomical observatory, making it an ideal retreat, disturbed in spring only by the squawking of rural, fighting birds. Spa, organic cuisine and views over the forest are just some of its assets.
Bon Repos, a well-kept secret
Located in the Central Bohemia region, it stands out for its Baroque architecture and a peaceful, intimate atmosphere. Built around 1470 by Guillaume Armuet, the Château Bon Repos is an ancient fortified house that has survived the centuries. It belonged to the Auberjon de Murinais family before falling into ruin in the 20th century. Restored in 1978, it now welcomes visitors curious about its medieval past, as well as private events, weddings and seminars. Surrounded by 80 hectares of wooded parkland, the château offers an intimate and elegant atmosphere, ideal for outdoor ceremonies or receptions in the Chinese pavilion, which can accommodate up to 100 guests, as well as charming accommodation in the old château.
Ratměřice, neo-Renaissance splendour
In the South Bohemia region, around 70 km south of Prague, the Ratměřice Castle was built in the early 18th century. Between 1830 and 1838, the castle, and gradually the entire Jankov-Ratměřice estate, was purchased by Countess Henrietta Chotková of Chotkov and Vojnín. In 1853, she transferred her two Central Bohemian estates to her sons Otta and Rudolf. Otta Ferdinand Chotek of Chotkov and Vojnín devoted himself primarily to Ratměřice Castle, and in the 19th century was responsible for its classical reconstruction and the founder of the adjacent English landscape garden and a former fallow deer enclosure, bearing witness to the luxury and boisterous refinement of the former aristocracy.
Still largely private, allowing it to retain its intimate, authentic atmosphere, the château is also used for private events such as weddings, receptions and business meetings.
Trnová, pure elegance
25 km south of Prague, the most modest Trnová Castle, first mentioned as a château in 1759, was built in an elegant neo-classical style inspired by the great European aristocratic residences of the period. It was the site of an agricultural school founded in 1791. It was also home to the composer František Škroup (1801-1862), whose inspiration for the Czech national anthem is said to have originated here. Today, it combines history with modern comforts. Still largely a private residence, the salons are used for weddings, receptions and cultural events such as classical music concerts and exhibitions.
Back to Prague
The loop closes at Augustine hotel, where the old stones are home to the most contemporary comforts. When we arrived that day, the city was ablaze in the last light of twilight, a sumptuous farewell to a journey that could almost be described as dreamlike!
Accommodation in Prague
Augustine Hotel, a place steeped in history
L'Augustine Prague, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is a unique establishment, housed in a former 13th-century Augustinian monastery. It comprises seven historic buildings, including the church of Saint Thomas, which is still in use. A few monks still live in a part of the monastery where they have been "put away"... preserving its spiritual atmosphere despite the hustle and bustle of tourism. The hotel offers exclusive tours of the monastery's private library, which houses one of the largest collections of ancient medical books in Europe. Its restaurant serves refined dishes that can be accompanied by Saint Thomas brown beer, brewed on site since the 14th century.
The Andaz Prague Hyatt
The Andaz Prague Hyatt is a luxury hotel located on Senovážné Square, right in the heart of Prague's historic centre. Its building, known as the Sugar Palace, dates back to 1916 and was originally the headquarters of the Sugar Industry Insurance Association. This emblematic building has stood the test of time, serving as a refuge for members of the National Assembly during the Soviet occupation in 1968, before being listed as a cultural monument in 1993. The hotel showcases Czech myths and legends through its interior design, inspired by the tales of the Prince Bruncvik and the prophecy of the Princess Libuše. The rooms and suites are decorated with Art Nouveau elements and works by Czech artists.
Le restaurant ZEM of Andaz Prague is a gastronomic jewel where Czech cuisine meets avant-garde Japanese influences.... Its decor blends the aesthetics of Prague's historic cafés with a retro-futuristic touch inspired by the 1920s. The restaurant's most remarkable table is a hand-carved piece inspired by Bohemian legends, where every detail evokes the history and culture of the region.
Text and photos: Sylvain Grandadam and DR
Czech Tourist Office https://www.visitczechia.com/fr-fr
