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old town

Discovering the History and Beauty of Prague: A Personal Journey

Discovering the History and Beauty of Prague: A Personal Journey

But as I delved deeper into Prague's history, I was reminded that not all of its stories are happy ones. In the Jewish Quarter, I visited the Old Jewish Cemetery, a haunting reminder of the city's complex and often tragic past. The cemetery, which dates back to the 15th century, is home to thousands of graves, many of which are piled on top of one another. Here, I reflected on the rich history of Prague's Jewish community, which has faced persecution and discrimination throughout the centuries.

Despite its often tumultuous past, Prague remains a vibrant and thriving city, full of beauty, culture, and history. From its ancient landmarks to its modern cafes and shops, this city truly has something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a new adventure, Prague is a destination that won't disappoint.

As I strolled through the picturesque streets of Prague, I was struck by the city's incredible history and stunning architecture. It's hard to believe that this vibrant, modern city has such a rich past, but as I explored its many sights and attractions, the connections between them began to come into focus.

One of the first places I visited was the Old Town Square, a bustling hub of activity that dates back to the 10th century. Here, I marveled at the ornate façade of the Old Town Hall, which houses the famous Astronomical Clock. The clock, which has been keeping time for over 600 years, is a marvel of medieval engineering, with its intricate moving parts and elaborate figurines.

From the square, I made my way across the iconic Charles Bridge, which connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town. As I crossed the bridge, I took in the stunning views of the Vltava River and the city skyline. It's hard to believe that this ancient structure, with its intricate statues and Gothic arches, has been standing for over 600 years.

As I continued my journey, I couldn't help but be drawn to the towering spires of Prague Castle, which loomed above the city on a hilltop. This imposing fortress has been the seat of power for Czech rulers since the 9th century, and its many buildings and courtyards bear witness to centuries of architectural styles and influences. The crown jewel of the castle is St. Vitus Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure that took over 600 years to complete. Here, I marveled at the stunning stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings, and took in the panoramic views of the city from the cathedral's bell tower.

 

Florence, One of Italy’s Tourism Trinity

Florence, One of Italy’s Tourism Trinity

When one thinks of must-see places in Italy, one of the country’s tourism trinity of Rome, Venice, or Florence is often the first city to come into mind. This post will be focusing on the reasons why you should visit Florence. To make things easier and simpler you can also refer to this Florence Travel Guide and Offline City Street Map. Duomo - Santa Maria del Fiore

The Duomo of Florence is the 4th largest cathedral in the world beat in size only by St. Peter's in Rome, St. Paul's in London, and the Duomo of Milan. You can see at least part of it from almost any part of the city as it seems to tower over every other structure. This beautiful church is an architectural wonder you need to feast your eyes on.

OMG! Florence Duomo ceiling!
OMG! Florence Duomo ceiling!

Piazzale Michelangelo

You can have the best view of the city after you climb the stairs of the Piazzale Michelangelo. The panoramic view of the whole city is truly remarkable and unforgettable. It is also the best place to take photos with the elegance of the city in the background.

Old Town

Old town is the best shopping destination in the city. It is a huge area with narrow winding streets and shops and cafes every few corners. You can find plenty of local foods and goods here. It is the perfect place to get souvenirs and just wander around taking photos.

Be amazed by Florence skylines
Be amazed by Florence skylines

Museums

Florence has a few famous museums with the Uffizi Gallery being the most popular. The huge building in itself is amazing but its art collection of paintings and sculptures is simply jaw dropping. You can spend half a day looking at the artworks and you will still not be able to see everything. The huge size of the museum also allows it to accommodate huge crowds thus eliminating the need to queue in line.

Wine Tour

If you love wine then you need to take one of the several wine tours offered in Florence. A wine tour will allow you to taste several authentic Florence wine at a very low budget. You will also learn plenty of things about the history of Italian wine while on the tour.

Want more details that can help you in your Florence adventure? Just visit eTips and you’ll have all the information you need to make the most out of your travels.

Visit Bern, the Swiss Capital!

Visit Bern, the Swiss Capital!

When tourists talk about Switzerland the most common topics are Geneva and Zurich. Often overlooked is the nation’s capital, Bern. Below are a few reasons to visit Bern. And when you do go and visit Bern, make sure to have this app ready: Bern Travel Guide and Offline City Map. It will make your exploration easier.

1. The BearPark

The BearPark, which was recently renovated in 2015, is one of the best places in the world when it comes to observing bears in their natural habitat. It is located just outside Old Town so you can make it the first item in your itinerary to get yourself pumped up by a few bear encounters. It has an area for bears to swim and relax and an inclined lift for visitors.

So sweet! Bern BearPark!
So sweet! Bern BearPark!

2. The Rosengarten

Just a short 10-minute uphill walk from the BearPark is another Park named Rosengarten. The Rose Garden gives you the best aerial view of Bern and is also home to a wide variety of roses. The park also has its own restaurant aptly named Restaurant Rosengarten where you can dine while enjoying a view of the city.

3. Old Town

Bern’s Old Town is like a bear city. You will see bears everywhere such as bear decorations in shop windows, bear carvings in residential houses, etc. You can’t walk five minutes without spotting a new bear. The cobblestone streets and fountains are a thing of beauty. If you are too lazy to walk, there is also a tram that runs throughout Old Town. There are two places you should never forget to check out while in old town:

  • Zytglogge – the city’s landmark clock tower where mechanical figures come out to celebrate the arrival of each new hour.
  • Bern Münster – the country’s tallest cathedral with a towering height of 300 feet.
  • Old Town Park – offers the best view of the sunset.
Amazing Bern Old Town View
Amazing Bern Old Town View

4. The Einstein Museum

Albert Einstein, one of the most renowned geniuses in the world, came up with his famous formula E = mc 2 and a huge portion of his Theory of Relativity during his two-year stay at Bern from 1903 to 1905. The Einstein Museum has a section of 1,000 square meters dedicated solely for Einstein. You can also visit the apartment where Einstein stayed which is just a few minutes away from the Museum.

Do yourself a favor and bring with you a virtual map of the city you are visiting. You can get the best travel guides from eTips.