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The melancholy emperor (1576–1611) was not much good as a statesman and was under threat from his ambitious brother, Matthias, but he was a liberal benefactor of the arts and sciences. Among his achievements were the support of Johannes Kepler’s studies of planetary motion. He also promoted religious freedom.

Tucked into a hidden corner of Malá Strana, the Nosticova is popular with film stars and other VIPs. The apartments are decked out with such fine touches as antique clocks and crystal chandeliers. All this, and it’s just a few minutes’ walk from Charles Bridge.

Meat-and-potatoes dining with sweeping views of Petřín Hill and Malá Strana. Accessed by a particularly steep and narrow staircase.

A simple but reliable Czech eatery with aspirations to be something grander. Sit outdoors for a lunchtime serenade from the Loreto carillion.

The Hotel Voyta’s elegant in-house restaurant is something of a local culinary secret. Have the venison Wellington under the ancient chestnut trees and you’ll see why many would like it to stay that way.

In case the Charles Bridge view isn’t enough, each of the 13 suites is equipped with a computer. The attic apartment features a fireplace and Jacuzzi. In the cellar, you’ll find the Judith Bridge’s foundations.

From its construction in the 1970s until Czechoslovakia split into Czech and Slovak republics in 1993, this was the Federal Assembly building. If there are bored young soldiers guarding the entrance when you visit, it means Radio Free Europe is still broadcasting to Afghanistan.

Grateful to the Red Army for liberating Prague in 1945, Czechoslovakia gave Soviet Communism the benefit of the doubt in the February 1948 elections.