Amazing, beautiful Prague! We visited the capital of the Czech Republic for 3 days and it is a capital that rivals that of the other power houses in Europe. Originally, the Czech state was formed in the late 9th century. By 1002, the Czech Republic was an imperial state of the Holy Roman Empire and Prague was the imperial seat between the 14th and 17th centuries. It became part of the Austrian Empire in the 1800’s and subsequently the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian empire after WWI, the republic of Czechoslovakia was formed and it became part of the Soviet Union following WWII. The Velvet revolution saw the Czechs freed from communism in 1989 and the peaceful and amicable Velvet Divorce saw the country separate from Slovakia a few years later.
Biking into town from our campsite.
Lots of boat tours running during the day up and down the Vlatva.
The distinctive reddish brown colours of all the old town buildings with the green domes.
On the first day, we explored Old town Prague centered on the spectacular old town square, which locals call the ‘beating heart of the city’. On this square, we found the Old town hall, the astrononomical clock (which does its 45 second performance every hour), the Church of Our lady before Tyn and the Municipal House (a rococo style museum). There is also a statue of the Czech pioneers of Protestantism (who came before Martin Luther) who opposed the corruption of the Catholic church that came to Prague when the mighty Habsburg dynasty took control of the country. Due to this and the multiple wars between the protestant Bohemians and the catholic Habsburgs, there is a long history of resentment towards the Catholic Church and the country is mainly atheist today with numerous churches throughout the city being used for non-religious purposes (museums, even a night club). We also learnt that Prague is the capital for defenestrations (killing people by throwing them out the window!).
A vineyard on the hill!
Birds eye view of Prague.
Cool brick wall on the walk up towards Prague Castle.
The statues of the pioneers of Protestantism.
Spring blooming with all the new bulbs turning into beautiful colour flowers.
The beating heart of the city - the main Old Town Square.
Views of the other side of town with Prague castle.
The next day, we crossed over the Vltava River on the famous Charles Bridge filled with buskers, hawkers and stalls selling a variety of souvenirs. On the other side of the river we walked up towards Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral, perched on the hill top and overlooking the entire city. The free walking tour also took us across to the ‘New town’ which wraps around the Old town.
By the side of the Vlatva river.
On Charle's bridge which was super busy and filled to the brim with market stalls.
