Prague Then and Now

Since the early Middle Ages, Prague-the capital of the Czech Republic-has been considered one of Europe's most beautiful cities with its hundreds of spires reaching into the sky. Despite a history filled with violent upheavals and bitter occupations, Prague remains a vibrant city known for its world-famous architecture, culture, historic monuments and natural beauty. Experience the magnificent beauty and often-tragic history of this 'Golden City' through sixty-nine pairs of remarkable photographs in Prague Then & Now, the new title in the best-selling series. Stand atop Prague's most familiar monument, the Charles Bridge (completed in 1400), for a magnificent vista of the city; a fascinating inset photo illustrates the destruction of the bridge after a flood in 1890. Visit Golden Lane, home to the city's goldsmiths in the 17th century and later to author Franz Kafka. Though the colorful buildings look much the same as they did centuries ago, today they are souvenir shops serving Prague's bustling tourist trade. Marvel at then-and-now images of treasures like St. Vitus' Cathedral (it's first stone was laid in 1344 by Emperor Charles IV!) and St. George's Basilica (founded in the 10th century, this Romanesque church is now a popular venue for classical concerts). Prague also bears the scars of wars and occupation. Compare then-and-now photos of the Old Town Square, and you'll see the destruction of the Gothic Chapel and Neo-gothic wing after an attack by the Nazis in 1945. Though the much-hated 17000 ton statue of Josef Stalin was removed in 1962, it still makes a statement. Today, a metronome sculpture by David Cerny stands in its place.

Today, Prague is a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world. You'll even notice a McDonald's restaurant now stands where the Casino Palace Sylva-Taroucca Palace once was. This is a tour you won't want to miss!

Since the early Middle Ages, Prague-the capital of the Czech Republic-has been considered one of Europe's most beautiful cities with its hundreds of spires reaching into the sky. Despite a history filled with violent upheavals and bitter occupations, Prague remains a vibrant city known for its world-famous architecture, culture, historic monuments and natural beauty. Experience the magnificent beauty and often-tragic history of this 'Golden City' through sixty-nine pairs of remarkable photographs in Prague Then & Now, the new title in the best-selling series. Stand atop Prague's most familiar monument, the Charles Bridge (completed in 1400), for a magnificent vista of the city; a fascinating inset photo illustrates the destruction of the bridge after a flood in 1890. Visit Golden Lane, home to the city's goldsmiths in the 17th century and later to author Franz Kafka. Though the colorful buildings look much the same as they did centuries ago, today they are souvenir shops serving Prague's bustling tourist trade. Marvel at then-and-now images of treasures like St. Vitus' Cathedral (it's first stone was laid in 1344 by Emperor Charles IV!) and St. George's Basilica (founded in the 10th century, this Romanesque church is now a popular venue for classical concerts). Prague also bears the scars of wars and occupation. Compare then-and-now photos of the Old Town Square, and you'll see the destruction of the Gothic Chapel and Neo-gothic wing after an attack by the Nazis in 1945. Though the much-hated 17000 ton statue of Josef Stalin was removed in 1962, it still makes a statement. Today, a metronome sculpture by David Cerny stands in its place.

Today, Prague is a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world. You'll even notice a McDonald's restaurant now stands where the Casino Palace Sylva-Taroucca Palace once was. This is a tour you won't want to miss!