Railing thru Europe: Stop 13.1 Czech Republic – Prague
Prague has always been the top of my travel list after watching several travel shows about the city. I always have the impression that Prague is like something out of a fairy tale book. Famous Charles Bridge over the Vltava river which leads to the Castle, horse carriages galloping thru centuries old architectures and wooden puppets playing all kinds of medieval characters. I’m glad we finally made it here!
We were the only ones in the carriage.
J: zzZZZZZ........
We finally arrived in Prague at about half past nine.
We checked into a nearby school dormitory which offers accomodations to backpackers during summer months.
Wenceslas Monument and National Museum in the night
We haven't eaten KFC for more than a year. Somehow, KFC in the UK is more expensive then McDonald's or Burger King. It's at least S$15 for a meal in the UK! Therefore, we were delighted when we found out that the cost of a KFC meal is much more justifiable in Prague.
Supper Time!
Henry's Bell Tower (Jindrisska Tower)
Powder Tower (Prašná brána)
The beautiful Municipal House (Obecni Dum) where the best classical concerts in the city are held. The historic independence of Czechoslovakia also took place here in 1918.
On the 2nd day, we moved to a backpacker's hostel which we had pre-booked and is closer to the city centre. We got really lucky when they gave us one of their hotel room instead as their backpacker's hostel was under renovation. We paid only 10 euro each per night! What a steal!
Traditionally handcarved wooden puppets of all kinds of characters.
The old town square (Staroměstské náměstí) where crowds would gather to watch what happens to the Astronomical Clock on the hour.
Here’s a video when it strikes at 9pm
P.S: Recently, the Astronomical Clock just celebrated it’s 600th year with a fantastic light show! I wished i was there! Simply amazing!
The Astronomical Clock or Orloj dates back to 1410 and is mounted on the southern wall of the old town city hall.
The Astronomical dial consist of 4 moving components. The sun in gold, the moon represented by the black sphere, an outer rotating ring and a zodiacal ring. The 4 animated figures beside the dial represents vanity, the Jews, death and the Turks. All were the 4 things that was despised of during the period where the clock was made.
The calendar dial
The magnificent gothic spires of Týn Church dominates the backdrop of the Old Town.
14th century Týn Church at dusk
St. Nicholas Church completed in the 1730s
Prague Castle in the distance
Enchanting Charles Bridge at twilight
Storm by Antonio Vivaldi played by accordionist
What a lovely way to end our evening stroll on Charles Bridge. Beautiful piece (The Swan by Saint Saens) played by violinist.
Entrance of Prague Castle (Pražský hrad)
Gate of Giants
Matthias Gate
Second courtyard of Prague Castle
Front view of St. Vitus Cathedral
South view of St. Vitus Cathedral
Basilica of St. George
City views of Prague
St. Wenceslas' Vineyard
Charles Bridge (Karlův most) used to be the main connecting route from the Old Town into Prague Castle during medievel times. It is decorated by 30 mostly baroque styled statues.
During the day, Charles Bridge is busy with buskers and shops selling handcrafted items
National Theatre (Národní divadlo)
The statue of John of Nepomuk. We noticed tourist crowding around this particular statue and touching it.
Later, we found out that legend has it that St. John Nepomuk was a court priest of King Wenceslas IV. He was later thrown off Charles Bridge at the request of the King. In present times, it was said that touching the plagues would bring good luck and ensure a return to Prague.
Some people touched the plague depicting a dog....
but you are suppose to touch the plague on the right that depicts St. John Nepomuk being thrown off the bridge. Thankfully, both me and J touched both plagues. Will that count?
The exact spot where St. John Nepomuk was thrown off the bridge marked by the Lorraine Cross. (gold cross with 5 stars that is rested on the bridge) Touch it and make a wish and hope it will come true!
the fillet is bigger than the bun!
Milunić and Gehry's Dancing House (Tančící dům)
Wenceslas Square
Goodbye Prague for now…I would love to visit Český Krumlov (a small city in South Bohemia) the next time. For now, we can only share a video of Prague.
As I look back at the photos, I realized just how beautiful Prague is. Especially when we first went to the Old Town Square to look at the Astronomical Clock and we were taken by surprise at the dominance backdrop of the gothic Týn Church. The place was surreal. The Týn Church looks imaginary.
However, the beauty of Prague did not linger fondly in our minds. Despite having cheap food and accommodation, Prague is not one of our favorite cities.
Sad to say, as first timers in Prague, we were not prepared to face the standoffish attitude the people have towards tourists and some even come across to us as being very rude. We thought it was such a pity that Prague is such a beautiful city yet we sense a lot of negativity from the locals and all of them seem to pull this uniform poker face that is so cold and difficult to crack. Even when you are doing them business! We begin to feel if this was due to them feeling that their beautiful city have been invaded by tourists. So, we questioned Google and indeed, fellow travellers have similar unpleasant memories of Prague. Some would not return to Prague while some reasoned that the locals probably felt underpaid and service level have not been place as of importance. (They forgot tourism boost economy) I guessed, we just have to mentally tell ourselves that not everywhere is the same. Some places needs more time to catch up with the rest. In the meantime, if anyone ever goes to Prague. Put on a big warm smile and perhaps you are able to melt one of those cold exteriors and earn a smile back!
Next up, the capital of classical music!
Yee
hi, may i know what is the name of the hotel that you all stayed in and is the price affordable as well? I’m going to prague and germany during sept ! For train, do you all normally take them in the days or at night? i found out that frm munich to prague take ard 4 hrs but its quite difficult to get night train and usually more expensive? I’m thinking of getting eurorail pass frm sta though! Anw, i saw ur blog frm flowerpod ! (:
We have replied thru your email. =)
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