| Prague is widely considered to be one of the | | | | standards of a nation. The building itself was |
| most beautiful cities in Europe, and the historic | | | | constructed in a Neoclassical style and remains |
| centre has been included in the UNESCO list of | | | | one of the few European theatres to be |
| World Heritage Sites since 1992. For those wishing | | | | preserved in its almost original state to this day. |
| to experience the night-life, Prague offers a vast | | | | One of the Estates Theatre's many claims to |
| assortment of venues to suit most people's | | | | fame is its strong link with Wolfgang Amadeus |
| tastes and is one of the cheapest places to go | | | | Mozart, who directed the world premiere of his |
| out in the EU. Perhaps the best reason to visit | | | | opera 'Don Giovanni' there in October 1787. The |
| Prague however is to experience the theatre. | | | | Estates Theatre currently offers performances of |
| Prague's strong tradition of theatre has played a | | | | ballets, dramas and operas with the focus of the |
| significant part in preserving and developing the | | | | opera company on the work of Mozart. |
| Czech cultural identity. Today the National Theatre | | | | The Kolowrat Theatre was long part of the |
| consists of three artistic ensembles devoted to | | | | Theatre of the Estates' administrative building, but |
| opera, ballet and drama, who alternate their | | | | was opened for performances in 1991 with a |
| performances between the historic buildings of | | | | performance of Felix Mitterer's 'Visiting Hours'. The |
| the National Theatre, the Theatre of the Estates | | | | extensive loft has been sensitively restored and is |
| and in the Kolowrat Theatre. The venues select | | | | mainly used for works of intellectual seriousness. |
| their repertoire from the rich Czech heritage as | | | | Tickets for performances are available online |
| well as modern local and international works. | | | | from several vendors and the venues' ticket |
| The National Theatre was opened in 1881 to | | | | offices, but travellers are advised to book tickets |
| honour the visit of Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria. | | | | in advance as performances can sell out quickly. |
| Despite experiencing a disastrous fire shortly | | | | Prague is serviced by the Ruzyne International |
| thereafter, a national collection was quickly set up | | | | Airport, a flight destination for most of the |
| to rebuild it, and The National Theatre became | | | | pan-European budget airlines. From there travellers |
| one of the most important Czech cultural | | | | can catch a bus, shuttle or arrange private |
| institutions, being maintained by the most | | | | transfer to get to their final destination with ease. |
| distinguished personalities in Czech society. The | | | | Hotels in Prague can be booked online in advance, |
| theatre recently hosted a Gala Concert to mark | | | | which is recommended, especially as prices for |
| the jubilee of its 125th season, which includes such | | | | accommodation can be up to twice as high during |
| works as 'Norma' by Vincenzo Bellini and 'Carmen' | | | | peak season, which roughly runs from April to |
| by Georges Bizet. | | | | October. |
| The Estates Theatre was built during the late 18th | | | | So whether you prefer opera, ballet or drama, |
| century in response to the Enlightenment school | | | | make the trip to Prague to experience the best |
| of thought regarding general access to theatre | | | | that theatre has to offer. |
| and how theatres demonstrated the cultural | | | | |