Prague/Chapter 1

by anonymous

PRAGUE

THE OLD TOWN HALL AND THE TÝN CHURCH.

PRAGUE (the native name: PRAHA), the Capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia and the Metropolis of the Bohemian (Čech) nation, is by distinguished travellers declared to be one of the most fascinating of all the cities of Europe on account of its unrivalled picturesque situation as well as for its antique features and the charm of its grand history.

COMMENTS AND OPINIONS IN PRAISE OF PRAGUE.

Pope Pius II. (Aeneas Silvius) styled Prague the “Queen” of cities.

Humboldt ranked Prague with Constantinople, Naples and Lisbon as one of the four most beautiful European towns.

Goethe called Prague a “priceless jewel in the crown of Earth“

Lord Byron put Prague on the third place among the cities of the Continent as to the beauty.

Late British Premier Sir Henry Campbell Bannermann said, that Prague is one of the finest continental cities.

William Ritter wrote: "If Ruskin had not been so much occupied with Florence, Venice and Amiens, he might have written three volumes with the title: “The Stones of Prague“ and there would not have been on the surface of the earth a more beautiful book of history and architecture.“

A Turkish Ambassador is said to have addressed the King Rudolph II in following terms:

“"How oft to Stamboul, golden home of splendour
The marvel of this town fame's voice doeth render
Of this thy, Prague, thy, Capital of gold,
But, by my beard, as hold in wondrous story
Mine eye is powerless to regard its glory,
A fair enchanting garden I behold.“