Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and one of the most beautiful places in Europe. The river Vltava flows through the city – it is the left tributary of the river Elbe and also the longest river in the country. On the right bank of the Vltava river there is a characteristic dark silhouette of the Old Town Bridge Tower. The panorama of the Old Town is dominated by the dome crowning the church of St. Francis of Assisi. Nearby, in a beautiful Renaissance building there is the Museum of Bedřicha Smetana with a slender water tower, which is adorned with the clock face. There are also many restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops by the river.