traveldk.com

Plague victims were interred here when the site was still far from the city. Notable residents include Jan Palach, a student who burned himself alive in protest at the 1968 Warsaw-Pact invasion.

Rumour has it that a thief sought to steal jewels from a statue of the Madonna in the Church of St James), but the stony Virgin seized him by the arm and local butchers had to cut him loose. According to some, he still haunts the church asking visitors to help him fetch his arm, which hangs from the wall inside.

The Czech love of operetta knows no limits, except perhaps the number of performers willing to take part in the latest rock opera at locations around town. It began with Romany and Juliette , proceeded to Dracula and is still going strong with a romping Monte Cristo . Check The Prague Post for performance times (see The Prague Post).

The majority of Prague’s residents still live in these avowedly ugly prefab estates. Have a look around and consider yourself lucky.

The best-known Czech beer on the international market comes from the town of Plzeň, 80 km (50 miles) southwest of Prague. It has a strong, hoppy flavour.

“Beer cheese” is marinated in ale until semi-soft. It is best enjoyed spread on dark sourdough bread and sprinkled with chopped onions.

After the Revolution, some wag proclaimed Prague “the Paris of the ’90s”, due to the number of free-loading expats.

Subtitled “a Small Story From the Great Time of the Beatles”, this non-verbal show uses film projection, music, dance and puppetry to present “a loosely poetical black-theatrical production of the animated film Yellow Submarine ”. It is, if nothing else, a unique synthesis of various Czech theatre genres. Must be seen to be believed, whether you’re a Beatles fan or not.

The work-horse of the Prague diet, these ubiquitous banana-shaped bread rolls are served up to accompany the main meal at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dip them in soft cheese or your dish’s sauce, spread them with pâté or order them hot-dog style on nearly every street corner.

An exhibition in a slightly different sense, this is one show definitely not for the kids. The museum traces the history of gratifying instruments from their origins to the modern day. While not entirely without cultural merit, the overall package is rather bizarre. There is, predictably, a gift shop.