Prague is home to one of the few medieval astronomical clocks still functioning in the world, installed in 1410. Every hour it comes to life with moving figures, still drawing crowds of tourists to the Old Town Square today.
The Czech Republic is a Central European country with a rich history shaped by the Kingdom of Bohemia, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and a strong cultural identity still reflected today in its cities, architecture and folk traditions. It is a place where the past feels very much alive, especially in its perfectly preserved historic towns.
My mum and I have a tradition: every year, for her birthday, we try to celebrate it somewhere new. On one of these occasions we went to Prague, a city that looks like it stepped out of a fairy tale, with its red rooftops, Gothic towers and the Vltava River winding through the historic centre.
Prague tells its history at every turn: from Prague Castle, one of the largest castle complexes in the world, to Charles Bridge, always alive with musicians and street artists, to Old Town Square with its famous astronomical clock. Walking through the city means crossing centuries of history, between medieval, Baroque and modern influences.
Czech culture is deeply tied to beer, which here is almost a national institution — world-famous and often cheaper than water. The cuisine is equally traditional and hearty, with dishes like Czech goulash, knedlíky (bread or potato dumplings) and roasts served with rich gravies, perfect for the country's cooler climate.
Beyond Prague, we also took a day trip to Český Krumlov, a small town in the south of the country that feels completely frozen in time. Its historic centre is a maze of cobbled lanes, colourful houses and a castle that lords over everything from above, with a spectacular view of the river that wraps around the town.