Prague in the Czech Republic is often called the world’s most beautiful city. We have our own beautiful cities of course (Bath is often a close rival for the title). But what can we learn about helping our own cities become just as beautiful?
The main reason that Prague is so beautiful is that it’s full of ancient buildings that are looked after, rather than being demolished to make way for new glass buildings. The only ‘blot on the landscape’ is Zizkov Tower (a new building that’s tall and grey and some say looks like an electric toothbrush). Prague even has its own ‘mini Eiffel Tower!’ Inspired by the original (built for the 1889 Paris World Fair), this is around a fifth of the height, but looks quite similar.
In England, we have seen developers bulldoze Birmingam Central Library (a magnificent Victorian building), Euston Railway Station entrance (a magnificent architecture relic) and the art-deco Olympic pool where Johnny Weissmuller (who played Tarzan) used to swim. Recently, England’s second-oldest pear tree has been demolished to make way for the disastrous HS2 project (which will do nothing to stop climate change, and kill around 22,000 wildlife yearly once built.
10% of Prague is green space, and there are beautiful parks throughout the city, plus lots of lovely urban woodland a short tram journey out of the city. The train system is also very good, you can reach Prague easily from anywhere else. Prague is also home to many vineyards, so most wine is from the local city.
The city is full of churches, over 500 of them from small chapels to large cathedrals. This is a country that preserves its heritage buildings, and most churches are open all the time including overnight (not locked to prevent people needing them to pray at difficult times).
Although we associate Prague with medieval castles and ancient bridges, it’s one of the greenest cities in Europe, mostly due to its beautiful parks. Wherever you are, you can find somewhere to rest amid the green. The main park is Stromovka, which has a whopping 257 acres of green space with ponds and bridges and paths, right in the centre of the city. Beer is one of the ‘national drinks’ in the Czech Republic and many parks have kiosks where you can buy a beer, to relax and sip while enjoying the views.
Riegrovy Sady is unique in that it’s not just located in an affluent area of Prague, but it’s modelled after a classic English garden, from the 19th century. The park (with a view of Prague Castle) is situated in the district of Vinohrady (so-named as it used to be covered with vineyards), a beautiful area of pastel-coloured art deco buildings along with plenty of people-watching cafes and outdoor markets.
