Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, and Poland
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is everything you would expect from an Eastern European country. The country is full of castles and churches, each with their own unique style.
Prague, the capital city, has enough to last an enitre trip. The Charles Bridge is a famous and most entertaining sight in Prague with many legends and superstitions. The stone bridge is dotted with statues of saints, each unique and vividly sculpted. It is said that if you touch the plaque with the dog below the statue of Jan Nepromucky that you will either return to Prague, be blessed with good luck or have a wish come true. Nepomucky has been the patron saint of all who suffer in silence after this 14th centurey priest was killed for refusing to reveal confessional secrets. If you suffer in silence, you might try lighting a candle here to ease your suffering. Brides might try standing on a chair and getting kissed by the wedding party for luck. While you are strolling the bridge take note of the many street musicians that are providing the perfect soundtrack for your visit. You will hear anything from jazz, ethnic, or classical music so keep your ears opened and enjoy the sounds of Prague.
Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world. The castle consists of twelve buildings total, and is enormous. The castle was constructed in the 9th Century, but has been expanded since then, resulting in mixed building styles. The castle has three courtyards, and is the official residence of Czech political leaders. Prague Castle sits on top of a hill near the center of the city.
Next to the castle is St. Vitus's Cathedral, which was built in 1344 by Charles IV. The cathedral was built in the Rotunda of St. Vitus, founded by St. Wenceslas, but was not finished until the early 20th Century. One of the main sights of the cathedral is the tomb of St. Wenceslas, which is lavishly decorated.
The Astronomical Clock of Prague is also a sight highly praised by visitors. The clock was built in the town square in the 15th Century. The artwork on the tower features the twelve apostles and twelve signs of the Zodiac. The clock shows much more than time though. It also shows the movement of the sun, stars, and constellations. Crowds gather around at every hour to see a statue of Jesus Christ come out and march in front of death, represented in the form of a skeleton, to go and ring the bell. The top of the tower is accessible via elevator, and provides one of the best views of Prague.
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Hungary
The Eastern European country of Hungary is one that has long history. The country shows scars from the wars of the 20th Century, as well as occupations by other countries in less recent times.
One traveling staple in Budapest is the Great Synagogue, which is a miracle in itself. The synagogue was two streets away from the Gestapo headquarters in World War II, and it is a wonder why it was not destroyed by the Nazis. It is the most significant synagogue in Easter Europe, and is one of the largest in the world. One visit is enough to get a good look at the evolution of Budapest in the 20th Century. Visitors receive a skullcap, which must be worn throughout your stay. The vast interior of the synagogue is filled with row upon row of pews. Hanging over the altar is an elaborate dome covered in blue tiles. Next door to the synagogue is a museum with precious Jewish artifacts. The museum also contains a room dedicated to the Holocaust as well as a garden that was built over mass graves from the war.
From the blue banks of the Danube, you can walk to the old town district of Budapest. As you walk down the stone-paved streets, you can feel the history of the city pouring down on you. You can enter through the Vienna gate, built in 1936 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the liberation of Budapest. Old houses are around the square featuring samples of medieval and baroque art. The Erdõdy Palace was built on the ruins of old homes, much like the other buildings in the area, and was home to Beethoven for a short time, and as such, was turned into a musical history museum.
Matthias Church was built in the 13th Century following the Mongolian invasion of Budapest. The church's real name is the church of St. Mary, but is referred to as Matthias Church after the king who devoted much of his life to it. The church was damaged in both World Wars, and has been rebuilt. The intricate gargoyles watch over the church from the tiled roof as visitors come and go. The interior of the church is gorgeous, with beautiful Gothic and Renaissance-style decorations. The large stained glass windows that depict the lives of the Virgin Mary and St. Elizabeth were removed during Word War II, and have since been restored to their rightful places.
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Croatia
Croatia is a country of where people can enjoy a party any time. The streets of its cities are lined with bars where you can have a drink with your friends, and just enjoy the atmosphere. The country has its share of history as well though, and has played a significant part in the history of Europe.
The ancient city walls of Dubrovnik provide wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. As you walk around the walls, you can see buildings that haven't been restored, and that still show signs of the civil war. The walls were started in the 7th Century but were not finished until the 14th Century, when the walls were expanded to surround the Dominican Monastery.
Zagreb is a city for people who enjoy going out to the club. The city's atmosphere changes completely after sunset, and it turns into a place where people can party and enjoy a few drinks. The difference is that most clubs will close by 11 pm or midnight. The Tkalčićeva ulica is a famous street that is famous for its different clubs. Down the street, you can find different bars and restaurants where people sit outside on the terraces to enjoy a drink with their friends.
The Palace of Diocletian in Split is exquisitely built, and is a great place to visit to take a break from the party life in Croatia. The palace was built as a tribute to Diocletian, a son of slaves who became a Roman emperor. During Diocletian's time, the ocean rose to the edge of the palace, but has since lowered. The subterranean halls are said to be a mirror image of the imperial living quarters above, and are therefore an impressive size. Two black sphinxes guard the doorway to what used to be Diocletian's Mausoleum, but is now the world's oldest Christian Cathedral, which is dedicated to St. Dominus.
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Poland
Poland holds a wonderful experience for those who visit. The beautiful countryside of this Eastern European land will take your breath away as you explore the historic buildings and squares where many famous people have stood.
The Lazienki Park in Poland provides for a day of excitement, and should not be missed. The park was once the country home of King Stanislaw August, the last king to rule Poland before its division by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. The king's palace is by the water, and is considered a fine example Polish architecture. The park also includes the remains of an amphitheater, a greenhouse where orange trees were grown, and the monument to Frederick Chopin, the famous Polish pianist and composer, where you can hear live performances of his works.
The Collegium Maius in Krakow is what is left of the Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest universities in Europe. The building is made in stunning Gothic style, and can make you feel like you have gone back in time. At the university, you can see scientific and fine arts collections, as well as the professor's quarters, library, and commons areas. The Aula, an assembly room, is filled with wooden furniture and a beautiful ceiling, and it is in this room that Pope John Paul II was given an honorary doctorate. The building holds a set of cryogenic tools, used by Copernicus, as well as telescopes and the Jagiellion globe that showed America for the first time.
The Rynek Glowny (market square) in the center of Krakow is the largest market area of any city in Europe. The square is the perfect place to do some shopping while in Poland, and it is advised to shop around. On the ceiling of the tunnel, the coats of arms are featured of the towns that traded with Krakow. In the north-east of the square, is the Church of St. Mary. Inside frescoes and stained glass windows line the hallways, but none compare to the altar. The altar is the largest wooden Gothic altar in Europe, and is worth taking a long time to examine the expert craftsmanship of Veit Stoss.
