Excursions
The region of Central Bohemia boasts many historical
monuments, chateaux and ancient picturesque towns that breath with history. Several
sites that you should see are close to Prague, including Konopiště Castle. Located about 44 km from Prague, this was
the hunting lodge of the eccentric collector, František Ferdinand d´Este,
better known as Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination precipated the
start of World War I. For more
detailed information, visit www.zamek-konopiste.cz, or
contact our Concierge at concierge.prague@radissonsas.com.
Karlštejn
Castle, built originally in 1348 as a Gothic fortress to keep
the Royal collection of Holy relics and especially the coronation jewels safe,
has survived centuries without loosing any of its majestic appeal. Before your
visit, take a look at www.hradkarlstejn.cz or
contact our Concierge at concierge.prague@radissonsas.com.
If you wish to
take a relaxing break away from
the bustle of Prague, then you
should visit the world-known spa
town Karlovy Vary (www.karlovyvary.cz) with
its 12 thermal springs. Karlovy Vary is located about 130 km from Prague along the Teplá River. While strolling
down the collonades and admiring the airy, fairly-tale
architecture of Karlovy Vary, don‘t forget to taste the traditional spa waffels
with a sweet nut filling; or perhaps
something a bit stronger – a popular bitter-sweet herbal liqueur called
Becherovka – which is often
nicknamed the “13th Spring.” The
highly estetic Karlovy Vary China likewise ranks among specialties that have
made the town famous around the
world.
To the east of
Prague you will find another town
worth visiting – Kutná Hora – which
is also listed in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage.
Once in Kutná Hora, you can take an
amazing tour through ten centuries of
architecture and discover the origin of
the word dollar. For more information
see www.kutnahora.cz.
While these excursions outside of
Prague are fun and interesting, you really don’t have to go far
from the hotel to discover the
architectural and cultural heritage
of the Czech Republic. Prague with
its historically well-preserved
palaces, lavish seasonal gardens, winding cobblestoned streets and uniquely
designed houses and buildings is the true star of
the country.
Those who are seeking
art and culture will appreciate that
the Radisson SAS Alcron Hotel is close to the major museums, galleries and theaters. The hotel Concierge will gladly reserve
tickets for
the opera, theater or ballet. If you
prefer something less formal, there are numerous hour-long evening
concerts that are held in several of
Prague's stunning churches and palaces.
The famous
Prague Castle is near the hotel as well and enthrals its visitors with its
architectural splendour, as does the city of
Prague with its inviting cobblestone streets and charming boutiques. Known as
the Golden City of 100 spires,
Prague's position at the crossroads of
Europe has made it a popular destination for
travellers over the centuries. The city's beautifully
preserved palaces, churches, and buildings with their myriad architectural
styles --Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque and Art Nouveau/Deco offer a
vivid reminder of Prague's long and fascinating history. Prague truly is a rare and
magical city, full of unexpected delights just waiting to be discovered
by you.
Several outdoor cafes
and restaurant can be found along
the Vltava River, offering a
relaxing respite from sightseeing
and shopping. You can watch the river flow
by as you sample a glass or two of
the renowned Czech beers that are guaranteed not to disappoint. For shoppers
the delights of traditional Czech
products such as crystal, pottery and marionettes are available in a wide
selection of international shops
throughout the city center.
The National Museum (www.nm.cz) is
situated a few steps from the Radisson SAS Alcron Hotel right at the top
of Wenceslas Square. Its rich
collections include exhibits of: mineralogy,
pottery and folk customs, precious numismatic collections documenting
the development of coin minting in
Bohemia, paleontology zoology and ethnographic
collections from Africa, Asia and Oceania.
Theaters and
Opera Houses
The National
Theater
The National
Theater was opened on June 15, 1881, featuring
the opera Libuše by Bedřich
Smetana. Unfortunately,
the building burned down two months later. However, within two years, Libuše was again
entertaining audiences thanks
to the money donated by Czech citizens to rebuild the theater. The theater is
one of the most beautiful examples of
Czech architecture from the
mid-1800s. In the 1970s, an addition was built adjacent to the National
Theater. Constructed from plates of Cuban marble and glass, the modern design of this structure – which currently houses the
popular “Laterna Magika” – remains controversial.
Today, the
National Theater, and its sister theaters, the Theater of
the Estates and the Kolowrat Theater, offer performances in opera, ballet and drama, taking their repertoires from
the wealth of classical composers as
well as modern Czech and international
works. If
you wish to check the program for current or upcoming season, please visit www.narodni-divadlo.cz or contact
our Concierge at concierge.prague@radisssonsas.com.
The State Opera
The Prague
State Opera is housed in a neo-Rococo building dating back to 1886 when it was home
to the German opera in Prague´s New Town. However,
prior to this, a wooden structure existed on the site as early as 1859. The
Prague State Opera is among the most beautiful in Europe.
The famous Czech composer Bedřich Smetana was the director of the opera house until 1882.
Among the exceptional artistic
figures who performed here were directors Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss. To
see the repertoire of the Prague State Opera please visit www.opera.cz or contact our Concierge at concierge.prague@radissonsas.com.
Museums
Bedřich Smetana Museum hosts an exposition on the life and work
of Bedřich
Smetana (1824 – 1884).
Franz Kafka
Museum
Alfons Mucha
Museum
Jewish Museums in Prague
- Maisel
Synagogue follows the history of
Bohemian and Moravian Jews (10th thru 18th Centuries).
- Spanish Synagogue describes the history of the Jewish community.
- Pinkas Synagogue is a memorial to the Jewish victims
of the Holocaust from Bohemia and Moravia.
- Klausen
Synagogue is
dedicated to Jewish customs and traditions.
City Tours
A concierge
is always on hand to help you and your family make
plans and arrange services. You can contact the Concierge at concierge.prague@radissonsas.com.
In a historic city such as Prague,
walking is always a delightful option. For our business guests who have brought
their spouses or families along, guided tours of the city are available in
eight languages. The Golden City can also be admired as you meander down the Vltava
River on a paddle-wheel
steamboat tour during the day (drinks and dessert) or at night (drinks and
dinner).
Romantic chateaux, Gothic castles and Baroque towns are within easy reach for
day trips. Popular one-day destinations include: Karlstejn,
Krivoklat and Konopiste
castles; Kutna Hora (UNESCO
site); Terezin (concentration camp); and the ancient
town of Cesky
Krumlov (UNESCO site). It is
also possible to visit a Czech crystal factory.
