Prague, Czechia.

Could Prague really be as great as everyone says it is? Yes. Yes, it can. To think we almost skipped it!

We neared Prague when we visited Bratislava and Vienna (it’s only 4 hours north by train), but we didn’t want to cut the time in those cities short. It wasn’t clear how we’d fit it into our itinerary. But between Rome and Paris we had several weeks to play with and some credit card points available for a hotel, so we went for it.

Prague is romantic, but not in a snobbish way. Sculptured building façades, blackened over time, feel like a glimpse into a long, dark past.

But it doesn’t feel heavy or eerie. Or, perhaps just enough to be intriguing. It’s a city determined to survive yet feels relaxed and unassuming.

The St. Vitus Basilica at Prague Castle is nearly 700 years old. Yet, due to the massive stained glass panels, it’s full of light, unlike many other churches and cathedrals we visited. Charles Bridge feels the same, like a reflection of Prague itself, full of legend and stoic charm.

The spirit of Prague captivated us: wise, sure of itself, composed, kind but not overly friendly, with no time for phoniness.