Our first full day in Prague and much to see. The weather was sunny and not too warm.
10:11 am to about 7:45 pm. 8.83 miles, 22,674 steps.
No Relive video today.
The bridge closest to our apartment leads from the National Theatre across the Kampa Island in the Vltava River.
We’re heading towards the Charles Bridge in the distance.
We passed by the Kampa Museum with sculptures outside.
The most popular Charles Bridge is lined by 15 statues on either side. It is packed by tourists and locals alike.
There is art everywhere, even under the Charles Bridge.
There are actually two towers on the castle side of the Charles Bridge: Judith’s Tower, the shorter Romanesque tower, and the taller proper bridge tower. Judith’s Bridge dates to the 12th century and is older than the bridge. The tower bridge is 45 meters tall and can be climbed for a view of the river and town.
While Richard climbed the tower, I discovered a Knights Templar church nearby. Services were ending, but by the time I went back with Richard, the church was locked. The church was part of the Commandery of the Order of the Knights of Malta, the first Johannite commandery in Bohemia in 1169. The Czech king gave the surrounding land including Kampa Island to the Order. It used to be a larger church, but was rebuilt in the 14th century as Our Lady under the Chain at the End of the Bridge Church to have a small Gothic church area with a garden. It is still possible to see where the original Romanesque walls enclosed the church.
Small cobblestone streets surround the Charles Bridge.
This archway connects the Judith Tower and the Lesser Town Tower on the castle side of the Charles Bridge. It’s a crush of people no matter on which side you start across.
Maltese Square surrounds this statue with scenes of the Crusades of the Knights of Malta, and St. John the Baptist tops the statue. It was erected in Thanksgiving for the end of a plague in 1615.
This canal separating Kampa Island is a scenic view from the Charles Bridge.
St. John of Nepomuk was a confessor of the Queen of Bohemia who was drowned after he refused to divulge the secrets of the confessional to King Wenceslaus IV, the Queen’s husband. He is well-revered as is obvious by the well-rubbed brass on his statue where it is deemed good luck to rub or touch.
Another well loved (and touched) spot on the bridge but it is not clear who is represented.
Charles IV statue.
St. Francis of Assisi Church is nearby the Charles Bridge.
Despite its impressive dome painting and statues, it is known for its organ, built in 1702, second oldest instrument of its kind in Prague. W. A. Mozart, A. Dvorak, and J. F. N. Sever played this organ. Thanks to its location at the front of the church, it is known for exceptional acoustics.
I have seen many ways one can show devotion by lighting candles. But this was one of the most unusual and beautiful arrangements for the candles.
The statue to St. John of Nepomuk who was drowned near his statue on the Charles Bridge. Legend has it that five stars appeared after his martyrdom, so he is sometimes pictured with five stars as he is here.
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi.
The Bridge Tower on the Old Town side.
This is the public library, complete with statues above the doorway.
The New Town Hall is a beautiful building with statues surrounding the building corners and doorway sides.
Look at the figure holding up the balcony!
Old Town Square—now heading for the famous astrological clock.
We were not there to see the workings on the hour, so another visit is in order. The Sunday crowds were ready to wait while we were not.
Old Town Hall.
The Marian Column was erected in 1650 shortly after the end of the Thirty Years War. It was demolished when Austria-Hungary fell in November 1918, but was reconstructed in 2020.
The Jan Hus monument is in Old Town Square. Hus was a key predecessor of the Protestant movement of the 16th century as he criticized the religious moral decay of the Catholic Church. He was condemned by the Council of Constance and burned at the stake in 1415. The monument was unveiled in 1915 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of his martyrdom.
St. Nicholas Church in Old Town, one of two churches honoring St. Nicholas in Prague.
This church is known for its gigantic crystal crown-shaped chandelier. It is one of the oldest churches in old town, originally from the 12th century. The current church dates from the early twentieth century.
St. Nicholas, patron of the church.
St. Wenceslas, patron of the Czech country.
The crest of Prague from the doorway a state building.
More statues holding up buildings.
The Powder Tower traditionally is the starting point for coronation parades. Currently it is under renovation.
This is a major business and shopping area.
Europe’s largest toy store billed itself as “The Playground.” These two greeted shoppers at the entrance.
The Little Mole (Czech: Krtek, Krteček) is a series of cartoons as well as the name of their title character, Krtek. A storekeeper told me the character is only in Czech and has been around about 75 years, somewhat like our Mickey Mouse.
This shopping building had large butterflies fluttering on the walls.
Expand the picture to see the elaborate web around this building for a green cover.
The National Theatre of Prague. We’ve simply driven past in a taxi or walked past so we can only report on the outside view.
A distant view to the Charles Bridge.
The castle on the hill. St. Vitus is the gothic cathedral.
Dusk over the Vltava River.
The castle guards are part of the Czech armed forces, and continue to follow the traditions of the Czechoslovak legions.
The Basilica of St. George hosted a musical concert Sunday evening. The church dates from 921 but was refurbished in the late 20th century. It was a perfect venue for the string musicians.
After the concert, everything was closed as we walked out of the castle areas. St. Vitus was not yet lit outside, but still had waning light of dusk and light from within.
A courtyard fountain lit for night.
Down the many steps back to the apartment. Another beautiful day.
6 Responses
I have caught up the last six days. I see your comment about hiking shoes at the opera. Why not? You enjoyed the opera, did you not? I like the picture of the canal from St. Charles Bridge. Again, the lighting enhanced the scene. I also liked your last picture heading down steps to your apartment. There is a mystery in the scene. There were several street scenes, some showing the volume of people. Other scenes had nary a person. I see the cobblestones. I don’t see skateboards. Your description of finding a specific restaurant, well, you seem to have enjoyed it. Adventures around every corner. Your mom loved their time in Vienna. She spoke of it with fond memories. Norway not so much. Keep looking for surprises.
I hope your birthday trip was enjoyable—you looked to be having a good time on what I saw on Facebook. We are having a good time as we have the entire trip. Yes, we both loved the opera and it is funny how many people have commented on our attire. We also loved the one-hour concert here in Prague on Sunday night. Ancient pieces played in an ancient church for a small crowd—I could close my eyes and be enveloped by the sound. I was still reliving “Le Quattro Stagioni” as we headed down.
We don’t see skateboards and not even so many motorized scooters in Prague. Every city has some gimmicky transportation—horse-drawn carriages in Vienna, but here it’s old convertible cars and even small three-wheeled bumper-sized vehicles.
Surprises are my favorite part of any vacation. It’s so much easier to experience them in the slow pace on foot. I hope you got some time to experience Killeen on foot.
Wow, you two saw much of Prague in just this one day! Your pictures brought back many memories for Wendy and me. Particularly like all the sculptures and architectural designs you find in Prague. Nice that you are having some entertainment experiences with all the sight- seeing. Lots to see so enjoy yourselves on your next daily adventure.
Dan and Wendy
I’m glad you appreciate the art and sculptures — I’m never sure how much to show. We are keeping ourselves busy,bas Prague is such a beautiful city. Hope you’re doing well on the Mississippi. We’re looking forward to some pictures.
I never knew there were so many towers in Prague. If some of them are climbable, then Richard must have been in “tower heaven!”
It’s nice you were able to enjoy a concert there. It must have been a special treat. I’m enjoying my tour of Prague, thanks to your great photos!
Richard is definitely enjoying tower heaven here. Every day there are more opportunities and they are so different. Too bad it gives me such anxiety, but I do appreciate a few minutes to rest.
6 Responses
I have caught up the last six days. I see your comment about hiking shoes at the opera. Why not? You enjoyed the opera, did you not? I like the picture of the canal from St. Charles Bridge. Again, the lighting enhanced the scene. I also liked your last picture heading down steps to your apartment. There is a mystery in the scene. There were several street scenes, some showing the volume of people. Other scenes had nary a person. I see the cobblestones. I don’t see skateboards. Your description of finding a specific restaurant, well, you seem to have enjoyed it. Adventures around every corner. Your mom loved their time in Vienna. She spoke of it with fond memories. Norway not so much. Keep looking for surprises.
I hope your birthday trip was enjoyable—you looked to be having a good time on what I saw on Facebook. We are having a good time as we have the entire trip. Yes, we both loved the opera and it is funny how many people have commented on our attire. We also loved the one-hour concert here in Prague on Sunday night. Ancient pieces played in an ancient church for a small crowd—I could close my eyes and be enveloped by the sound. I was still reliving “Le Quattro Stagioni” as we headed down.
We don’t see skateboards and not even so many motorized scooters in Prague. Every city has some gimmicky transportation—horse-drawn carriages in Vienna, but here it’s old convertible cars and even small three-wheeled bumper-sized vehicles.
Surprises are my favorite part of any vacation. It’s so much easier to experience them in the slow pace on foot. I hope you got some time to experience Killeen on foot.
Wow, you two saw much of Prague in just this one day! Your pictures brought back many memories for Wendy and me. Particularly like all the sculptures and architectural designs you find in Prague. Nice that you are having some entertainment experiences with all the sight- seeing. Lots to see so enjoy yourselves on your next daily adventure.
Dan and Wendy
I’m glad you appreciate the art and sculptures — I’m never sure how much to show. We are keeping ourselves busy,bas Prague is such a beautiful city. Hope you’re doing well on the Mississippi. We’re looking forward to some pictures.
I never knew there were so many towers in Prague. If some of them are climbable, then Richard must have been in “tower heaven!”
It’s nice you were able to enjoy a concert there. It must have been a special treat. I’m enjoying my tour of Prague, thanks to your great photos!
Richard is definitely enjoying tower heaven here. Every day there are more opportunities and they are so different. Too bad it gives me such anxiety, but I do appreciate a few minutes to rest.