At the end of November I spent 4 days in Prague, a city that a few friends have visited and liked and somewhere that’s been on my list for several years. Many miles were walked and that was a great way to see the city. Above is a photo of the very old Charles Bridge; its construction started in 1357 and was finished in the 15th century.
There are plenty of pretty cobbled streets in Prague.
I found myself looking up a lot, as there are many interesting roofs and sights that would otherwise be missed. Dangling above one of the cobblestone streets is a statue of Sigmund Freud. Apparently the sculptural statement is about intellectualism in the 20th century. It’s supposed to entice passersby to look away from the ancient surrounds and take a look up to ponder the future. I’ll leave you to draw you own conclusions about that !
The statues of two men peeing into a pond in the shape of the Czech Republic were also created by the same artist; David Černý.
The twin towers of this Gothic church in the Old Town square can be seen from all over Prague.
A little tree filled area sits just off the main square. It was too cold to sit for long outside though!
Prague castle perches on a hill opposite Old Town, and was on my ‘must see’ list.
All the lamps in Prague seem to be of the same design. I really liked the shadow this one cast on a white wall. I snapped the image below it whilst the busker was just setting up on the steps leading up to Prague Castle.
Below are photos taken within the castle grounds and show the road up to the main part. Walking there and exploring it took most of a day.
Once you get to the top of the hill, it opens out into a large square, and the cathedral dominates. It’s certainly an impressive building.
The interior is as impressive as the exterior.
I do love an old staircase that’s full of character. These two were in other buildings within the castle complex.
Interesting doors, locks, and handles always catch my eye too.
There are some extremely old books here! This bookcase sits up high – above a doorway.
I’d probably look this miserable if I had to stand stock still in the freezing cold. I gesticulated with my camera to ask whether it was OK to take his photo, and he merely gave me a slow blink in reply. I took that to mean ‘yes’ !
Below is a tiny corner of the exterior of Queen Anne’s Summer Palace. It could only be viewed from the road and was closed up, so the only shot I was happy with was this small area, taken through a fence.
Another walk took us past an intriguing little building. It was closed, but outside were many plant pots that just called out to be photographed!
Below – old & new.
The Vyšehrad Cemetery had been recommended as a place worth visiting. It’s the final resting place of many composers, artists, sculptors, writers, and those from the world of science and politics.
Finally – the Dancing House. Completely different to anything else in Prague.
So that’s Prague ticked off my travel list. Unfortunately it didn’t end so well, as upon my return home I tested positive for Covid. I was one of the lucky ones though and had only mild symptoms. The media only reports doom & gloom about the pandemic, and I’m not making light of that at all, but thankfully I really didn’t feel unwell. I’d been doubly vaccinated so I’m sure that helped.
Very nice photos.
What a magnificent portrayal of the Paris of Eastern Europe is how it was always referred to. Loved the dancing building, not many cities willing to let architectural expression make such a statement.