Prague was an absolutely gorgeous city and my first venture into Eastern Europe. And let me tell you, I will definitely be going back. A pint of beer for £1? Seriously? An entire 3 course meal for like £5? More on this later. Now, for the sights and sounds:
Unfortunately, when we went, their first president, Vaclav Havel had just passed away. This is the queue of people lining up to see his casket before the funeral. The queue stretched all the way from inside the castle onto the road. People were very upset and if you heard his story you would see why. Vaclav Havel was a dissident playwright turned freedom fighter/ rebel turned first president. He helped free Chezchoslovakia from the communist regime, subsequently retired following the loss of Slovakia but was re-elected as the first president of the Czech Republic.
And so, December 23rd was declared the national day of mourning. There was a nationwide minute of silence where air sirens were sounded. (Had me worried for a little while) Flags were flown at half mast, a black flag flew over Prague castle and memorials like this were found throughout the city. There were banners and posters on some of Prague's most famous building and even an ad that was featured on every advertising board in the city.
Unfortunately, that also meant most of the key national buildings ie. tourist sights were closed. This was taken from the National Museum at Wenceslas Square (one of Prague's main squares). But I don't mind. We got to see the funeral of a great man and leader.
This is the St. Vittus Cathedral on the grounds of Prague Castle where Havel lay in state for several days before his funeral. Its Prague's oldest cathedral I believe and one of their most important.
The back of Prague castle. Prague castle is not like other palaces I've seen, its more of a collection of discreet buildings in different styles than the medieval type castle I expected considering Prague's history.
A very serious looking guard offset by a cheery Christmas tree.
Speaking of Christmas, the Christmas market in the Old Town Square (Starometske Namesti) was sublime! The square itself has its origins in the 12th century and is home to some of Prague's most beautiful sights in almost every style imaginable - Romanesque, Baroque, Gothic. That's the Church of Our Lady before Tyne in the background, another very very old church, the entrance of which is occluded by the buildings around it.
And check out this gorgeous Christmas tree. You can't see it in this picture but they had these blue rods running up and down the branches so you could see little blue lights going down the tree like snowfall.
The famous Prague Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall Tower is another famous sight at the Old Town Square. It has the 12 signs of the zodiac on it and has spawned many a tourist souvenir. Naturally, I bought one =D
The extremely pretty Municipal House. The premier Art Nouveau building in Prague, currently a concert hall but it has a long and prominent history. It was built on the site of the former Royal Court Palace and was the site of the proclamation of independence of Czechoslovakia.
Its right next to Powder Tower, one of the original entrances to the Old Town where Bohemian kings would apparently start their procession. So named because in the 1700s it was used to store gunpowder.
And now, my favourite site in Prague: Charles Bridge which connects the Lesser Town (Mala Strana) to the castle. Its arguably Prague's most famous landmark and you can see why. When you're on the bridge, everywhere you turn is pretty as a picture. At any time of day.
At dusk overlooking the castle
At twilight - waiting for the sun to rise
The sun rising behind the clouds and the Lesser Town in the background
Perfect for photographing people too.
And couple shots. (Self timer ftw. Other tourists take terrible pictures.)
AND TURTLES! Yes, Tuddles was in Munich and Prague. So, at the risk of being punny. See you on the flip side.
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