The neighborhood where time stood still. Tourists have not yet discovered the New World in Prague
Prague offers a lot of interesting places where you won’t be greeted by crowds of tourists and where you can calmly explore unusual corners.
Many people have no idea that almost in the middle of Prague hides a small town living for itself, with its own poetics and identity. Nový Svět is located away from the main tourist traffic and is a small neighborhood adjacent to Prague Castle.
One of the entrances to Nové Svět leads from Jelení Street. “The easiest way is to get off the tram or drive to the Jelení Dvůr hotel, which is only a short distance away,” revealed guide Martin Bělohradský, adding that the second approach is from Loretánské náměstí via Černická Street. Another option is to come from Hradčanské náměstí via Kamenická street.
Before you enter Nové Svět from Keplerova Street, remember this, for example to St. Vitus Cathedral. “It is interesting both the history, especially in the Renaissance period, connected with Tycho de Brah, and also the fact that during the Second World War important figures of Czech culture settled and lived here,” described Bělohradský.
Nový Svět has always been a slum. Local residents tried to at least somehow gild their surroundings, which is why they named their houses, for example, At the Golden Pheasant, At the Golden Grape, or At the Golden Pea. The part of Prague where time has stopped has a lot to save thanks to its history. That’s why guides are looking for this part, which is still not very popular.
Walks through the New World are provided by the Praha Neznámá agency, so it is very easy to sign up for a tour and take part in the walk. Even the youngest will enjoy Novy Svět. There is a children’s playground here. In a picturesque corner with winding streets and small residential houses, we can also find several cafes that will surely put you in a good mood.
“We offer everything possible, especially accommodation. We have six romantic rooms here. Our hotel was declared the eighth best romantic hotel in the world. We offer small refreshments, this is for guests who come from outside. You can sit right in front of the hotel, on one of the backyards, or in that romantic garden,” said Alexandr Paul, the owner of the Romantik Hotel U raka.
Břevnov Monastery, which is the oldest in the Czech Republic, is also worth a visit in Prague. Guide Martin Bělohradský let us know that the monastery was founded in 933 by Bishop St. Vojtěch and Prince Boleslav II. “It is currently an important baroque monument and it is possible to arrange a tour of the monastery. Regular tours are held there, both of the St. Margaret’s Church and the beautiful Teresian wing,” concluded the guide.
The Břevnov monastery brewery of St. is also worth a visit. Vojtěcha, which is located right in its premises. The manager of the brewery, Aleš Potěšil, says that the offer includes a classic sightseeing tour, where visitors can see the historical premises of the brewery as well as the current production premises. During the tour, they can see the glass museum or taste beer from the tank. The price of the tour costs approximately 200 crowns per person.
“We offer all types of beer produced by the brewery. We also offer drowning beer or ermelin. We also have farm crackers and cakes. You can sit in the garden or in our hall directly in the granary,” said operator Lukáš Novotný.
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The historical and interesting church of the Finding of St. is also worth a visit. Crosses in Stodůlky and also the nearby park U Hájů, which is a natural monument.
Roman Filip, pem, TN.cz