| 'The City of One Hundred Towers and Spires,' 'Golden Prague' - names that evoke the many aspects of this fascinating city. Its rich architectural heritage largely results from centuries of escaping the worst ravages of war, if anything, it has been too successful. Maintenance, especially of the painted stucco exteriors, is a constant process, even in the last century, travellers complained about scaffolding erected at many locations. Under the Communists, Prague was the showplace of the Warsaw Pact although in a muted fashion. Since the 1989 Velvet Revolution, the city has thrown off decades of oppression and is now returning to its former glory. |
