Prague, here we come again!!!
View of the amazing Prague - the stone Charles Bridge is in the middle
The 'legendary' Charles Bridge (Czech: Karlův most) on an early April morning
"Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the 15th century. As the only means of crossing the river Vltava (Moldau) until 1841, the Charles Bridge was the most important connection between Prague Castle and the Old Town and adjacent areas. The bridge is 621 meters long and nearly 10 meters wide, resting on 16 arches shielded by ice guards. It is protected by 3 bridge towers in an astonishing civil gothic-style. The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and statuaries, most of them baroque-style, originally erected around 1700 but now all replaced by replicas." (source: wikipedia)
Lesser Town Bridge Towers
"Lesser Town bank of the Vltava River is decorated with two bridge towers, which together form an entrance to the Lesser Town. The lower bridge tower is also called Judita's, since it was built in the context of the construction of the first stone bridge over the Vltava River, i.e. as early as in the 12th century. The higher tower is younger, it dates from the 15th century and was built at the expense of King Jiří z Poděbrad. The gate is decorated with provincial and municipal signs." If you notice, the both gates are not facing straightly the Charles Bridge, the story of this I will explain in later part of this entry.
View of the busy Charles Bridge from the Old Town Bridge Tower in April's chilling weather
Prague Castle in sunset... Prague - a magical city that 'has it all'!
"This magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold-tipped towers and church domes, has been mirrored in the surface of the swan-filled Vltava River for more than ten centuries. Almost undamaged by WWII, Prague's compact medieval centre remains a wonderful mixture of cobbled lanes, walled courtyards, cathedrals and countless church spires all in the shadow of her majestic 9th century castle that looks eastward as the sun sets behind her. Prague is also a modern and vibrant city full of energy, music, cultural art, fine dining and special events catering to the independent traveller's thirst for adventure. It is regarded by many as one of Europe's most charming and beautiful cities, Prague has become the most popular travel destination in Central Europe along with Budapest and Krakow. Millions of tourists visit the city every year." (source: wikitravel)
The swan-filled Vltava River
"The Vltava River runs through Prague, which is home to about 1.2 million people. The capital may be beautiful, but pollution often hovers over the city due to its location in the Vltava River basin." This might explain sometimes one cannot have a wide-spread panoramic view of the city.
View of the Prague Castle from the Strahov Monastery
Prague Castle (Czech: Pražský hrad), an ancient symbol of the Czech lands, is "the most significant Czech monument and one of the most important cultural institutions in the Czech Republic". (source: hrad.cz) The Castle was "where the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have had their offices. The Bohemian Crown Jewels are kept within a hidden room inside it. According to Guinness Book of Records, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world. It occupies an area of almost 70000 m², at about 570 metres in length and an average of about 130 metres wide."
Towards the Old Town Square - Town Hall's Tower and Týn Church
The famous Astronomical Clock at the Town Hall's Tower
"Prague's old Town Hall was built in 1364. The Astronomical Clock at the Town Hall's Tower is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Originally the building served only as the city hall of the old town, but later became the city hall for all of Prague. It is now only used for ceremonial functions."
Town Hall's Tower at the Old Town Square
Old Town Square viewed from the Town Hall's Tower
"Step into the Old Town Square in Prague and journey back in time, 600 or 700 years. As you stand in awe, the dramatic history of Prague permeates the air." (source: pragueexperience.com)
St. Nicholas Church at the Old Town Square
"St. Nicholas Church at the Old Town Square was completed in 1735. It replaced a parish church, mentioned in records dating back as early as 1273. St. Nicholas is a Baroque church, decorated with sculptures by Antonín Braun. The interior design was inspired by the chapel of St. Louis-des-invalides in Paris. From 1870-1914 St. Nicholas became Russian Orthodox. Then, during the second World War, Czech army units were stationed here and artists were set to work restoring the church. After the war, St. Nicholas was handed over to the Czech Hussite movement, with whom it remains today. It now serves as both a church and a magnificent venue for classical concerts." (source: pragueexperience.com)
Týn Church at the Old Town Square
"Church of Our Lady before Týn (Czech: Týnský chrám) is a dominant feature of the Old Town of Prague, Czech Republic, and has been the main church of this part of the city since the 14th century. The church's towers are 80 m high and topped by four small spires." (source: wikipedia)
"Malá Strana (German: Prager Kleinseite) is a district of Prague and one of its most historic regions. The name translated into English literally means "Little Side", though it is frequently referred to as "Lesser Town", "Lesser Quarter", or "Lesser Side". This name derives from its position on the left (west) bank of the river Vltava, on the slopes just below the Prague Castle, in opposition to the larger towns of Prague on the right bank, to which it is conjoined by the Charles Bridge. In the Middle Ages, it was a dominant centre of the ethnic German (and since 16th century also Italian) citizens of Prague. It also housed a large number of noble palaces while the right-bank towns were comparatively more bourgeois and more Bohemian Czech." (source: wikipedia)
Part of the Lesser Town viewed from the Bell Tower of the St. Nicholas Church (Malá Strana)
A view of the Mostecká towards Malostranské Náměstí with the St. Nicholas Church (Malá Strana) in the background
"Prague was founded in the later 9th century, and soon became the seat of Bohemian kings, some of whom ruled as emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. The city thrived under the rule of Charles IV, who ordered the building of the New Town in the 14th century - many of the city's most important attractions date back to that age. The city also went under Habsburg rule and became the capital of a province of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In 1918, after World War I, the city became the capital of Czechoslovakia. After 1989 many foreigners, especially young people, moved to Prague. In 1992, its historic centre was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 1993, Czechoslovakia split into two countries and Prague became capital city of the new Czech Republic." (source: wikitravel)
