Around Karlovo náměstí (Charles Square)
Charles Square itself seems abandoned, just a park surrounded by traffic - as if preserving Czech history, sorrowfully. But two nearby buildings will leave the opposite impression.
Number 40, for instance, is called the Faust house. In reality, of course, no Faust ever lived here and no one every signed a contract with the Devil.
Nevertheless, the house has a fascinating history, which may explain why it is associated with so many legends. In 1590, it was bought by the English alchemist Edward Kelly, who is said to have been close to Emperor Rodolph II
Near the Church of St. John of Nepomuk is the Emauzy monastery, founded by Charles IV in 1347. A center of art and learning, it was home to astronomer Johannes Kepler in the 17th century.
The old church steeple was destroyed during an Allied air raid during the Second World War. Today's modern roof is a strange and asymmetrical structure, but certainly unique. Czechs at first found it difficult to get used to, but today the new church is as much a part of the landscape as Prague's other architectural landmarks.
