All packed for Prague - five sights you shouldn't miss

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by: bythesea
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Word Count: 454
Date: Sun, 7 Nov 2010 Time: 7:20 PM
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Once you've booked your flights and accommodation, bought your holiday insurance and exchanged some foreign currency, it's time to start planning exactly which sights you want to take in during your trip to Prague. There are plenty to choose from, so read on for some recommendations that are sure to leave you satisfied.

Prague Castle

With an area of almost 70,000 square metres, Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world and, as you'd imagine, truly a sight to behold. Boasting several churches, palaces and grand halls, the castle was first built in the 9th Century but has been rebuilt several times over the many years since. This allows visitors to see a fascinating array of architectural styles which have been introduced with each new phase of work.

Charles Bridge

The 516m Charles Bridge is a fantastic structure spanning the Vltava River which offers picturesque views of the city. Construction of the bridge began in 1357 under the order of King Charles IV and work was completed in 1402. As you walk along the bridge you'll be greeted by a succession of 30 breathtaking Baroque-style statues, which were added at the beginning of the 18th Century.

Dancing House

Often referred to as the ‘Drunk House' due to its unconventional design, the Dancing House (originally named Fred and Ginger after Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers) resembles a pair of dancers. It caused something of a stir when it was completed in 1996, as it is situated among Prague's traditional Gothic and Baroque architecture - but the structure, which acts as an office for Dutch insurance company Nationale-Nederlanden, is a true one-off and something you should go out of your way to witness.

Astronomical Clock

This medieval astronomical clock was made by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and Jan Šindel, a mathematics and astronomy professor and dates back to 1410. The intricate clock is mounted on a wall of the Old Town City Hall and features an astronomical dial to represent the position of the Sun and the Moon, ‘The Walk of the Apostles', which produces an hourly show featuring figures of the Apostles, and a calendar dial representing the months of the year.

Prague Metronome

Overlooking the Vltava River, this giant working metronome was built in 1991. Standing 23m tall, the structure stands on a plinth previously dominated by a huge monument to Joseph Stalin, which was destroyed in 1962. The Metronome is one of those unique sights that might not sound like a must see but leaves the vast majority of visitors awestruck.

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Before your holiday in Prague, make sure you look into holiday insurance