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Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic and the historical capital of Bohemia. Located on the Vltava River, it is known as “the City of a Hundred Spires” and “the Golden City” because of its beautiful cathedrals and their pointy spires. Recognised for its cultural significance, Prague's historic centre has been proudly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, attracting cultural enthusiasts and history buffs alike for decades.
Here are five unusual places to visit in Prague if you’re a culture vulture.
The Museum of Alchemists and Magicians of Old Prague is housed in the former house of the alchemist Edward Kelley. The exhibition here lifts the veil on the mysteries surrounding the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II—who is widely remembered for his interest in and patronage of the occult arts—as well as other alchemists like Doctor Faustus and the magician Zit. The museum has three parts: the ground floor has information about alchemy and alchemists from leading experts; the second section is in the attic where, after climbing up 60 steps, visitors enter Kelley's laboratory; and a third part titled "Kellyxír"—an alchemical lab-cum-pub which has a pleasant and cosy atmosphere where visitors can indulge in high-quality wines, aromatic coffees and homemade cakes.
Tickets cost approximately INR 913 for adults and INR 694 for students.
The Strahov Library is one of the most valuable and best-preserved historical libraries of Prague. Here, you will find about 200,000 books which include old prints, manuscripts of Czech kings and priests, and facsimiles from the 9th century. The oldest part of the library is its Baroque Theological Hall, which was built between 1671 and 1674. Each hall has books from different eras, but unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to enter them. However, you can check out the "Cabinet of Curiosities," which has a fascinating collection of strange and wonderful things like natural science collections of marine fauna, insects, minerals and wax replicas of fruits. Don't miss a 12th-century chainmail shirt and a 17th-century breastplate at the gallery.
Tickets cost approximately INR 547 for adults and INR 292 for children.
The Dripstone Wall is (supposedly) composed of hundreds of horrific faces within Wallenstein Palace. The palace previously served as a private residence for the Wallenstein family and was built in 1630. The abundance of geometric gardens here form a complex network inside the palace, the most secluded and fascinating of which was known as “The Grotto.” Here, aspects of real and artificial elements of nature co-mingle, creating an unreal landscape where imageries of snakes and monsters can be found alongside random, distorted faces. Visitors are most struck by the Dripstone Wall, which, from a distance, seems to be dripping skulls. A closer investigation reveals the wall is made from an uncanny assemblage of stalactite-like rocks. Signs along the wall note that, if one stares hard enough, it’s possible to make out human and animal faces peering out from within the wall’s recesses. Strategically placed clues also point to the wall potentially containing several hidden passages.
Cross Club is a music venue located in the heart of the Holešovice district. It was founded by a group of friends in 2002 and hosts various music performances, cultural events and exhibitions. Its striking futuristic design with many unusual artworks on the walls has given the club its unique identity. The place favours genres such as dubstep, breakbeat, drum'n'bass, reggae, ska, punk rock, rockabilly, world music and experimental music. There's also a daytime cafe and restaurant on the premises that you can check out.
Tickets are usually free during the week. Fridays and Saturdays have a nominal admission fee.
This graveyard was created in 1680 to accommodate plague victims who died en masse in Prague and needed to be buried quickly. It is the largest burial place in the city and was laid out for as many as 2 million burials. The cemetery is particularly noted for its many remarkable Art Nouveau monuments. Part of the 2002 Hollywood movie “Bad Company” was filmed here, too. Many well-known people have been buried at the Olšany Cemetery, including Karel Kramář, the first prime minister of Czechoslovakia, and his wife Nadezhda; Jan Syrový, another former prime minister; and Czech figure skater Pavel Roman, to name a few.
