The journey to Prague was exciting for so many reasons but mostly because my husband’s ancestors (dating back to at least 1815) were from the surrounding villages of this beautiful and historic city. The city is divided into 5 areas; Old Town, New Town, the Jewish Quarter, the Little Quarter and the Prague Castle. The heart of the city is in Old Town, which dates back to the 11th century. Once you step out of your dwelling you feel like you are taking a journey back in time as you stroll down the cobblestone streets and are immediately surrounded by churches, buildings, and monuments that ooze historical importance.
Old Town is where we stayed and the choice to stay here was a good one because we were within walking distance of all of the other areas of Prague. We were steps away from the Old Town Square where the famous Astronomical Clock is housed in the town hall. The clock has been standing for over 600 years and performing tirelessly for residents and tourists each hour by displaying a procession of moving statues, the Apostles, as well as the visualization of time. There is no comparison in the world to the Prague Astronomical clock and it is truly one of the most visually appealing treasures of this city.
The Old Town Hall located in the middle of the square.The Astronomical ClockThe clock will chime, move, and impress each visitor every hour.In the middle of the square is the monument of the religious reformer and Czech hero Jan Hus who was burned at the stake for being accused of heresy. He is honored for giving up his life rather than his beliefs.In the top left of the photo are the gothic steeples of Old Town’s most distinctive landmark, The Church of our Lady before Tyn’s. I am practicing my selfie photo while trying to capture this church.This street was magical as it housed the Saturday Farmers Market in the middle of Old Town.Where the incident occurred….. So, my husband wants a banana for breakfast and he goes up to this stand and rips off one banana and goes to pay for it. The woman who runs the stand was really mad at him because apparently you are only supposed to buy the bananas in a bunch. Here is your tip: if you are ever at an Old Town farmers market. Never ever rip off one banana from the bunch.The town of Prague from the view of the Castle. You can see the Powder Gate and the Charles Bridge in the background.
One of the biggest draws when visiting Prague is the Prague Castle and the St Vitus Church. As you are walking over the Charles Bridge to this destination you honestly cannot help but become excited at the notion of being transformed into another period of time where royalty ruled this enchanting and beautiful city. The Prague castle consists of all the buildings that surround the church and date back to the 11th century.
St Vitus Church is the biggest and most important church in Prague. This church has seen the coronation of many Kings and Queens and is the resting place for many Bohemian Kings and Holy Roman Emperors.
The architectural beauty can be seen at every turn as you walk down the streets of Prague.This building is called the Dancing House or the Fred & Ginger Building. Located along the Vitava river in Prague its unique design has the flow of a couple dancing. The top floor is open to the public and is home to one of the city’s leading restaurant: The Ginger & Fred Restaurant.Speaking of restaurants, you must visit the Cafe Savoy. The cafe was recommended to us by our tour guide from The Taste of Prague. This breakfast experience was hands down one of my favorites. Make sure you have reservations, we were turned away the first time and then we quickly made reservations for the next day.They say presentation makes the experience better and I have to agree.Now I’m spoiled… as this is the only way to enjoy a soft boiled egg. Five stars for this delicious breakfast.This was a surprise….as you head downstairs for the ladies room you pass a window where the bakery can be seen. The magic happens here.
The Charles Bridge is one of Prague’s most familiar monuments. It was founded by Charles the IV in 1357. The bridge connects Old Town with The Little Quarter and leads to the Prague Castle.
The Powder Gate is the entrance to the Charles Bridge. This historical site got its name because is housed gun powder in the 17th Century.Many of the statues on the Charles Bridge are replicas, the originals can be seen in the National Museum or in the Gorlice Hall at Vysehrad. Before I left for Prague I had grandiose ideas of taking pictures of the bridge vacant, with no pesky tourists in my photos. But, as you can see there is no way that ever occurred. This is one busy bridge.Traveling with these guys (Sheryl & Tom) made the trip so much better.I have blogged about this wall before but I needed to mention it again. A must see for tourists is The Lennon Wall, which is located just off the end of the Charles Bridge on the Little Quarter side. The wall is a tribute to John Lennon and is a magnificent work of graffiti art.
Head around the corner and you will find the John Lennon Pub. More memorabilia can be found here as well as drinks and yummy food.And I must end by giving a shout out to the Czech Beer. The first recording of brewing beer was by the Benedictine Brêvnov monastery in the year 993 AD . The Czech citizens are very proud of their beer and it is the main drink of the country. Steve and I enjoyed many a beer while in Prague and our reviews of the beer were all positive. So we agree….they should be proud of the beer it is very, very delicious.
Food, travel, and such.... 