Prague Castle
Our friends had arranged a tour of the Strahov Monastery and Prague Castle for us this morning. We started at the Strahov Monastery mainly to view the beautiful library. While the Czech Republic is 80% atheist, there is still a Catholic presence. Founded in 1143, this monastery has contained different Catholic orders, most recently the Premonstratensian Order, which oversaw the restoration after the Velvet Revolution which ousted the Communist in 1989. The Library, while not containing overly important historic books, is still quite a sight to behold with its painted ceiling and collection of globes. Also in this complex is a room of curiosities collected from around the world. Trees are the focus of one collection with a display box made of wood from each tree which contains seeds, bark and leaves from the tree varietal.
The Prague Castle complex dates from the 8th century and consists of several connected buildings making it perhaps the largest in the world. Serving as a church, royal residence and Presidential residence, the castle is one of the most visited sites in Prague. Built over many centuries, the castle contains many different building styles. One hall was even used for jousting tournaments with horse stairs leading to it. If you're wondering what horse stairs look like, they are very long and have very small step ups. What we won't do for entertainment.
Leaving the castle complex, we walked down the Golden Lane where the working class lived. The rooms are preserved as they might have been during the period they were in use which gives you an idea of size and contents. Let's just say there were no king sized beds or gourmet kitchens back then.
Gardens line the grounds next to the river outside the castle. They lead to the lesser quarter below which is filled with shops and restaurants. I'm not sure I mentioned the Czech's are known for their beer which some of our group partook in during lunch. We also sampled local specialties such as goulash with dumplings (more like bread than the dumplings we're used to) and sausages.
We took the Charles Bridge back across the river on our walk home. Activity abounds on the bridge with street vendors, musicians and tourists mixing into the ebb and flow. The bridge is known for its statutes and one in particular is bronze and is considered good luck if you rub it. Two towers sit on either end and can be climbed for a better view.
I had read about entertainment that was uniquely Prague called Black Light Theater. Just like back in the 70's, modern dance is performed under black lights. There are several theaters around town. If you are ever here, do NOT be tempted to try one. The one we visited was campy with really bad skits between the dance performances. I sacrificed to save you from this torture.
Tomorrow: New Prague
The Prague Castle complex dates from the 8th century and consists of several connected buildings making it perhaps the largest in the world. Serving as a church, royal residence and Presidential residence, the castle is one of the most visited sites in Prague. Built over many centuries, the castle contains many different building styles. One hall was even used for jousting tournaments with horse stairs leading to it. If you're wondering what horse stairs look like, they are very long and have very small step ups. What we won't do for entertainment.
Leaving the castle complex, we walked down the Golden Lane where the working class lived. The rooms are preserved as they might have been during the period they were in use which gives you an idea of size and contents. Let's just say there were no king sized beds or gourmet kitchens back then.
Gardens line the grounds next to the river outside the castle. They lead to the lesser quarter below which is filled with shops and restaurants. I'm not sure I mentioned the Czech's are known for their beer which some of our group partook in during lunch. We also sampled local specialties such as goulash with dumplings (more like bread than the dumplings we're used to) and sausages.
We took the Charles Bridge back across the river on our walk home. Activity abounds on the bridge with street vendors, musicians and tourists mixing into the ebb and flow. The bridge is known for its statutes and one in particular is bronze and is considered good luck if you rub it. Two towers sit on either end and can be climbed for a better view.
I had read about entertainment that was uniquely Prague called Black Light Theater. Just like back in the 70's, modern dance is performed under black lights. There are several theaters around town. If you are ever here, do NOT be tempted to try one. The one we visited was campy with really bad skits between the dance performances. I sacrificed to save you from this torture.
Tomorrow: New Prague
Thank you for your sacrifice. ��
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