Prague October 2005

We spent a long weekend in Prague during October, specifically to see the Phil Collins Concert on the Monday night... but enough said about that! We have both been here before, and thoroughly enjoyed the previous occasion, so decided it to be well worth another visit. We decided this time to avoid the tourist traps and spend a more locally authentic eastern European weekend, that is apart from being skint and having to heavily budget for things. So we rented an apartment as opposed to a Westernised Hotel, and drank and ate at the local bars and restaurant, as opposed to those in the Square's of the Old Town and Wencelas. To see photo's from our previous visit to Prague... Click Here!

As you can see... I need a break!!!

Friday nights alright... in the Old Town Square

Highlights

The Darkness...

A fresh start Saturday Morning in the Jewish Quarter

Our local bar the "Kolkovna"

We made a number of visits to this bar during our stay, we basically treated it as our local pub as it was just across the street, and went there everyday. The prices for food and drink are pretty good, and you can get a Pilsner Urquell for around 35Kc / 85p. The Kolkovna is located in the Jewish Quarter of the City at V Kolkovne 8, 110 00 Praha 1, further details at: www.kolkovna.cz

Robert & Korina with Franz Kafka

Spanish Synagogue - Jewish Museum (Spanelská synagoga - Zidovské muzeum)

Named after its Moorish interior it hosts a permanent exhibition of the History of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia since their emancipation until now

Boat trip on Vltava

The departure point for passenger boats on the Vltava is at the Palacky Bridge. During the summer months there are regular trips which enable the visitor's to get a good general impression of the city. From April 1st to Dec 31st weather permitting, short sightseeing cruises are available, then from May1st to Oct 27th much longer cruises are available, around a couple of hours

Prague is situated on the banks of the Vltava River (Moldau), a tributary of the Elbe River (Labe). Its historic centre lies on both sides of the river. On the west bank is Hradcany Hill overlooking the city with Hradcany Castle, now the presidential residence, and St. Vitus' Cathedral. Below the Hradcany lies the Malá Strana (Little Quarter), with its narrow streets, churches and palaces. The Charles Bridge connects the Malá Strana to the Staré Mesto (Old Town) on the east bank. At the centre of the Staré Mesto is the Old Town Square (Staromestske namesti), the most significant square of historical Prague and also very crowded in the tourist season with people watching the large astronomical clock that shows both the time and the seasons. In the middle of the square is a statue of the national hero and martyr Jan Hus. Adjacent to the Old Town to the southeast is the New Town (Nové mesto) with Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske namesti), The National Museum (Narodni muzeum), The National Theatre (Narodni divadlo) and further to the south the Vysehrad, the ancient seat of the Premyslide princes, overlooking the river

Robert & Korina on the Bridge over the river Vltava

The Charles Bridge, or Karluv most, was built over the Vltava River, in 1357, although there was an earlier bridge which collapsed during a flood. Considering the weight of tourists it has to bear, it's surprising this one hasn't collapsed too! Part of it did fall into the river in 1890, but the basic structure is built of solid stone. The bridge, which is 520m long and 9m wide, was named after the Czech king, Charles IV. At the entrance to it is the impressive Old Town Bridge Tower, which was added in 1373. The thirty statues which line the sides of the bridge were added much later, in the seventeenth century. Even more recent additions are the vendors, artists and buskers who make their living off the thousands of tourists wending there way from the Old Town to the Castle and back

Rudolfinum

A Neo Renaissance building constructed in 1876 - 1884 (J. Zitek, J. Schulz), originally designed for a picture gallery, collection of antiquities and concerts. In the years 1918 - 1938 and 1945 - 1946 it housed the National Assembly. The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra found its seat there in 1946. The main hall - the Dvorak Hall - is world famous as a place where the Prague Spring music festival concerts take place every year

A City of two halves

Building walls

DeNile

Old Town Bridge Tower (Staromestská mostecká vez) Karluv most

The entrance gate to the Charles Bridge from the Old Town river bank, the most beautiful gate of the Gothic Europe was a masterpiece of the Court Building works, it was finished before 1380. It is richly adorned with sculptures - coats of arms of the countries belonging to the Czech Crown under the reign of Charles IV, statues of St. Vitus, Charles IV, Wenceslas IV, St. Vojtech (Adalbert) and Sigmund

On our way to the Castle

Robert & Korina Riverside

The Czech King and Roman Emperor Charles IV was a mighty ruler. He beautified the residential seat - Prague Castle, and whole city of Prague, which had become the main centre of the Roman Empire, in such a way as to represent its status. The Statue's of Charles could be observed all around Prague

Korina

Crossing Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge (Karluv most)

The oldest Prague bridge built in the place of the Judita's Bridge that had been badly damaged by a flood in 1342. The Stone or Prague Bridge since 1870 called Charles Bridge, was founded by Charles IV in the year 1357. By the latest researches the construction was started by Master Otto and finished by Peter Parler in 1402. Both ends of the bridge are fortified by towers (the Lesser Town Bridge Towers, the Old Town Bridge Tower). From 1683 to 1928 thirty sculptures and sculptural groups of the saints were gradually set on the bridge piers (M. Braun, F. M. Brokof, etc.) The bridge is 515 meters long and 10 meters wide

Robert taking a break

Always sat on a wall somewhere or other!

Lazing on a sunny afternoon...

Czech Beer

Or to quote my favourite drinking song: "Beer! Beer! Beer!"... Well? What else do you do in a foreign city but sample its culture!? And yes I have to say that I took this particular cultural exchange very seriously indeed, as always! with an extremely exhaustive research programme right up to the moment I flew home... I'm no stranger to Czech beers having already tried Budweiser (Budvar - the real stuff - not the rip-off backstabbing US kind!), Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen, and Krusovice in the Czech Republic, there was also Starobrno (the cheapest around at 18kr), and Radegast (winner of Czech beer of the year three times in a row) which was also an excellent drop. The best places to enjoy Czech beer are the fabulous underground or out of the way beer halls dotted throughout the city though usually away from the main tourist thoroughfares, beware though as Czechs seem to smoke at least as much as they drink! As for prices, I would say that the extremely low prices of the past are well and truly over... sadly... The cheapest I saw was in a very rough around the edges bar selling Pilsner for 18kr, but generally expect to pay low 30s and anything over 40 and you are being taken for a ride! Now have fun and remember, if you only ever learn one phrase in Czech, make it "Jeden pivo prosim" - which translates to "One beer please"! Cheers! Or should I say Na zdraví...

Certovka

Jumping off the Bridge

For those of you who like to find on your travels those 'on location' sites from the movies, you'll recognize much of Prague from XXX and Mission Impossible. This double helix staircase descends from the Charles Bridge into the relatively untrammelled square called Na Campe. Tom Cruise ascended these stairs in Mission Impossible and several opening scenes featured Na Campe extensively. The so-called 'embassy' from the film is off the riverfront also off the lower tip of Na Campe

St. Nicolas Church, Lesser Town (Sv. Mikulás - chrám - Malá Strana)

One of the most valuable buildings of the "Prague Baroque" period with a dominant dome and the belfry (architects K. Dienzenhofer, K. I. Dienzenhofer, A. Lurago, 1704 - 1756). Also the inside decoration of the church is a specimen of the high baroque style (J. L. Kracker, K. Skreta). W. A. Mozart played the organ here during his stay in Prague

Maltese Square / Little Quarter Itinerary

Walk along the Maltese Square and around. You can see many interesting buildings that in this days are consulates, squares, churches and gardens. Getting lost would be a good option, the best way to discover. In direction to Charles bridge we will see the church of our lady beneath the Chain

Nerudova Street

The Nerudova street is leading up from the Little Quarter Square to the Prague Castle, it used to be a part of the Royal Way. It is architectural very interesting street with Renaissance and Baroque facades and famous "house signs" - emblems used for distinguish houses before the introduction of numbers.- This street takes its name from Jan Neruda, a novelist who lived on this street and wrote novels and stories placed in this district. The great Chilean writer, Pablo Neruda, after reading these novels, took the name to use it as his pseudonym.- Today the street is full of restaurants, cafes and little souvenir shops

After the long walk up the famous hill, we stopped off for a well deserved beer in the bar at the top of the hill the "Golden Star" Zlata Hvezda picture

Robert & Korina in the open Castle Courtyard

Castle

The castle was established on this site during the 9th century and a Romanesque palace was erected during the 12th. In the 14th century, under the reign of Charles IV, it was rebuilt to Gothic style. The castle was enlarged in the 16th century, mainly after a big fire in 1541. The Spanish Hall in a new part of the castle was added during the reign of Rudolf II. Today, the Castle is the seat of the President of the Czech Republic, and it serves as the historical and political centre of both city and state. Go through the main entrance to see the changing of the guard and that will lead you up to St Vitus. Changing of the Guards at the castle gates every hour starting 5:00-24:00 and at noon with fanfares and banner exchange. When l was looking at the changing of the guards, 2 of them were in stitches laughing, which in turn made the tourists laugh

Red rooftops

When eventually you have seen enough of the Castle and your feet are dropping off, you can head back to the City Centre at the rear of the Complex via the Castle Stairs, there are exactly 101 Castle steps that lead back down the hill to the City. Along the stairs are dozens of vendors selling everything from Prague Prints to tacky Prague souvenirs. Prague is a city meant to be walked. Most of the important sights are located in and around the core and at the top of a number of hills

Old Royal Palace (Starý královský palác - Prazský hrad)

Up to the 16th century the residence of Bohemian princes and kings. It was built on relics of the romanesque palace of the Prince Sobeslav. Additional reconstructions in the gothic and renaissance styles were initiated by famous Czech kings Premysl Otakar II, Charles IV, Wenceslas IV and Vladislav Jagello. The most noteworthy space is the gothic Vladislav Hall - the largest profane hall of the medieval Prague (1487 - 1500 Benedikt Rejt) with a remarkable rounded rib vault, today the scene of presidential elections and representative events. In the Gothic and Romanesque storey there is a new permanent exposition "Story of the Prague Castle"

An Overview

Loreta

A Marian pilgrimage place with a copy of the Italian Santa Casa (G. Orsi, 1626 - 1627) including also the baroque Church of the Nativity of Our Lord (K. I. Dienzenhofer, 1734 - 1735). The ground is encircled by a cloister and chapels. The spire houses a carillon which consist of 27 Loreta bells which tune a Marian song We Greet You a Thousand Times (every hour from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). The most valuable item of the liturgical treasury is the so-called Loreta Treasure, a collection of sacral object from the 16th to 18th centuries. The most famous of these is the Diamond Monstrance adorned with 6 222 diamonds

Loreta

Strahov Monastery (Strahovský kláster)

A Premonstratensian Order monastery, founded in 1140 by Vladislav II. The present baroque shape was acquired in the latter half of the 17th and during the 18th century (J. B. Mathey, A. Lurago, I. J. Palliardi). Within the monastery precincts there are the church of the Assumption (1743 - 1752), the Strahov picture gallery, the valuable Strahov library with a large number of medieval illuminated manuscripts, maps, globes and graphics, the baroque Theological Room (1671 - 1679), and the classicist Philosophy Room (1785 - 1794) decorated with fresco paintings of A. Maultbertsch

Praha

Korina overshadowing Prague

Church of St Lawrence (Kostel sv Vavrince)

The Maze (Bludiste na Petríne)

A pavilion of the former Czech Tourist's Club built in 1891 for the Jubilee Exhibition, later transferred to Petrin. Inside there is a mirror maze and the diorama of "Prague student folk fighting against Swedes on the Charles Bridge in 1648"

Robert thankfully outside the Maze!

Petrin View Tower (Petrínská rozhledna)

Reduced copy of the Eiffel Tower (60 m high) built in 1891 on the occasion of the Jubilee Exhibition. 299 steps lead up to the top platform. In March 2002 the Tower was opened again to the public after a wide reconstruction

Robert & Korina half way up the Petrin Tower

Panoramic views from the Petrin View Tower (Petrínská rozhledna)

What an enormous stadium... and there are 4 of them in one place!

The largest of the stadiums is the Strahov Stadium "Strahovský stadion" in the Strahov district of the capital. It is the Second largest stadium in the world behind the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, seating nearly 360,000, though derelict now. Construction began on a wooden stadium in 1926, and was replaced by cement grandstands in 1932. Further construction occurred in 1948 and 1975. The playing field is surrounded by seating on all sides and is 63,500 square meters, equivalent to the area of 9 football fields. It is truly amazing!

Robert overlooking the Castle and Monastery

From the vantage point of the Petrin Hill tower is shown kostel sv Vavrince and the chapel of the tomb of Christ. Both were completed during the high baroque period, which their architecture attests to. Also shown is part of the winding 650 year old hladova zed ( hunger wall ). This was the city defence which is now totally complimented by beautifully landscaped green belt. This now peaceful area is where those accused of witchcraft and others who challenged the policies and doctrines of the mother church ( such as Jan Hus ) were burned at the stake back in the days of religious intolerance and superstition. Red tile roofs like those covering the church and chapel are the roofs of choice throughout this region

The pride and joy of Archduke Franz Ferdinand d'Este ( Ferdie ). Built for the Bohemian exhibition of 1891. The funds were far insufficient to build a tower as large as the Eiffel, so Ferdie went with this 1/3 scale model of the Paris erector set masterpiece. He put one over on his French rivals by locating this one at the highest elevation in old Prague. By doing this, the relative elevation of his tower to city centre was much greater than that of the Eiffel. Brilliant Ferdie! The small admission price into the tower is well worth it for excellent views of the city. To get there take the funicular train or enjoy the hike through some of Prague's finest greenbelt. By the way the train fare is covered by your public transportation pass

...as far as the eye can see!

Downtown

Charles Bridge & St Nicholas Church

National Theatre (NÁRODNÍ DIVADLO)

A neo-rennaisance building erected in 1868 - 1881 as a result of a vast national collection (architect J. Zitek). A fire destroyed much of the building in its first year of existence; it was reconstructed by architect Josef Schulz in 1883. The outside and inside decoration was completed by the artists of the National Theatre generation - M. Ales, F. Zenisek, V. Hynais, J. V. Myslbek, etc. The National Theatre is the outstanding Czech stage and its repertoire consists of drama, opera and ballet performances

Laterna Magika Theatre

Another view of Charles Bridge

Smile...

Saturday Night...

...and Sunday Morning!!!

A Bar

Cocktails

Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske Namesti)

Wenceslas Square is the main street in Prague's commercial district. Lined with hotels, casino's, restaurants and clubs with dancing girls the square gives many different images. The huge statue of St. Wenceslas or St. Vaclav is located at the top of hill on Wenceslas Square. Wenceslas was the assassinated tenth century Duke of Bohemia. He is now considered one of the symbols of Czech nationalism. The statue of Wenceslas was created by the artist J.V. Myslbek. It was started in 1884 and completely 36 years later. Though as you will notice, it is not actually a square, but a boulevard

National Museum (NÁRODNÍ MUZEUM - hlavní budova)

The largest and oldest Czech museum founded in 1818 is housed in a monumental neo-renaissance building from the years 1885 - 1890 that dominates the Wenceslas Square

Permanent exhibitions include:
Primeval history of Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia - Mineralogical and petrological collections - Zoological collections - Palaeontological collection - Anthropological collection

Korina at Wencelas Square

The Grand Hotel Europa, built between 1903-06 still retains its elegance, although somewhat jaded, art nouveau charm. The interior bars and large mirrors are still the originals and its facade has also survived. It is worthwhile popping in for a coffee here and letting your wind wander back to those days

Estates Theatre (Stavovské divadlo - Národní divadlo)

Opened in 1783 as the Nostic Theatre. The premiere of Mozart's opera Don Giovanni was given here on October 29, 1787. From 1799 the theatre belonged to the Czech Estates. On December 21, 1834, the song "Kde domov muj" (Where is my home) which later became the Czech national anthem was presentated on this stage for the first time. Today drama, opera and ballet are performed here

In Brief...

Prague received the imprimatur of Emperor Charles IV in the 14th Century who made it the capital of the Czech crown and also the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Became a Republic in October 1928, the Czechoslovakia First Republic and important part of Prague History. Germany during World War II occupied Czechoslovakia and so escaped extensive bombing but the population suffered greatly, particularly the Jews, and only about a tenth survived. In May 1945, the local Resistance rose up against the Nazis for 4 days till the Soviet Army arrived. In 1968, in response to some reforms, Soviet armies invaded Czechoslovakia a recent part of Prague history. Later in 1989, more resistance resulted in what Vaclav Havel called the “Velvet Revolution” – peaceful demonstrations met with brutality. This ended with Vaclav Havel being elected President. 1993 Jan 1st Czechoslovakia split in two states, Slovakia and the Czech Republic and again Vaclav Havel President, this time of the Czech Republic. Czech Republic gained full membership of the EU (European Union) in Dublin on May 1st 2004 but has not yet moved to Euro currency

The Market and terrific Stare Casy Restaurant at Rytirska 4, Praha 1 where we had a fabolous Beef Goulash for lunch...

The addresses in Prague look a little like a football score!

Heading to the Old Town Square

Robert & Korina outside Kinsky Palace (Palac Kinskych) and The Stone Bell House (Dum U Kamenného zvonu - Galerie hlavního mesta Prahy)

Kinsky Palace was built in 1765. Alfred Nobel the person who invented dynamite and who also founded the Nobel Prize has apparently stayed here in this Palace. It was here that Bertha Kinsky was born, and who was a friend of Nobel. She dedicated a lot of her life to the peace movement and in 1905 received the Nobel Prize for Peace. It was also from here that communism was declared in 1948

Jan Hus Monument

This pompous statue is dedicated to Jan Hus, a Protestant preacher of the 15th century. He was burned alive for his beliefs. His followers, so-called Hussites, started to revolt, the beginning of the Hussite War. The Hussites won and King George of Podebrady came to power in 1458

The restaurants with open-air seating on the Old Town Square tend to be overcrowded and overpriced. Just walk a few metres away from the square and you'll get much better value and have a more relaxing meal and drink. Better still, cross the Charles Bridge, as the restaurants on the other side of the river are generally even better value

Old-Town Hall & Astronomical Clock the "Orloj"

The clock dates from the beginning of the 15th century. It is situated on the Old town hall in the Old Town Square (Stare Mesto) and was heavily damaged in the May uprising in 1945. It was repaired again in 1948 by V. Sucharda in which new statues of the apostles were created.- Now the top part of the clock is known as "The Walk of the Apostles" and is the show part of the clock. Every hour on the hour - Death, represented by a skeleton, rings a bell. Then the windows open and the Christian Apostles march by. The windows close, a golden cockerel crows, and then the chimes of the hour can be heard. All of this is accompanied by a Turk playing a flute, a Miser shaking his cane and watching his bag, and Vanity admiring himself in a mirror. The middle section is the oldest part, which is the astronomical dial. This is the original section and remains exactly as it was in 1410. It shows the planets, sun, moon, and stars moving around the earth. At the time it was built, the prevailing belief was that the heavens revolved around the earth. Nevertheless, it is extremely precise with this view, and the position of the stars, planets, and sun in relation to the earth and each other indicates the time of day and the day of the year.- The lowest section of the clock is the calendar dial, which was added in 1870. It consists of 12 medallions representing the months of the year and the 12 medallions of the zodiac. Unfortunately the clock was under repair on this occasion when we visited, but can be seen in Photo's from our previous visit

Robert & Korina at Zlata Praga, Staromestska Square

The most impressive gothic sacral building in Prague "Tyn Church" the construction of which lasted from the mid-14th to the early 16th century. In the late 17th century the church interior was rebuilt in the barogue style. Its interesting decorations include valuable altar paintings by Karel Skreta and a tombstone of the astronomer Tucho Brahe. The entrance is through the four storey building that sits right in front of it, consequently-it was once used as a Habsburg school

At the Heart of it... Tyn Church

Church of St. Nicolas

This is not the same St. Nicolas church as in the LIttle Quarter. This used to be the old town church parish until Tyn Church was completed in the 14th century. It became a Benedictine Monastary after the Battle of the White Mountain. The site has had a religious structure on it since the 12th century, but the present day church was rebuild and structured by Kilian Dientzenhofer. Completed in 1735. Its statues were the works of Antonin Braun. This was also one of the churches that was closed by Emporer Joseph II and then used by the Prague garrison troops in WWI. Apparently the officer in charge used it as an opportunity to restore the church with the help from local artists. The church is now used for summer concerts. There is also an exhibit next door dedicated to Franz Kafka who was apparently born there

Nice!!!

Ungelt - Tyn Yard (Ungelt - Týnský dvur)

One of the places of a great historical value. A block of houses among the Tynska, Stupartska and Mala Stupartska streets. It was probably established in the 11th century already. Originally a fortified merchant yard where the duty on goods called ungelt (the whole area was given this name) was collected. Traces of all important architectural styles that appeared in Prague can be found in Ungelt. The most important building is the Granovsky Palace - one of the best preserved renaissance jewells in Prague. Between the years 1984 and 1996 the whole area was thoroughly renovated. Today it is used as cultural, shopping and administrative centre

Due North

Powder Tower (Prasná brána)

A monumental entrance to the Old Town built by Matej Rejsek in the gothic style in 1475. Once it served as a gunpowder depot. In the late 19th century it was rebuilt by J. Mocker

The Powder Tower & Municipal House Concert Hall

The Municipal House Concert Hall

Prague's most prominent Art Nouveau building was constructed on the spot of the former king's court, a seat of the kings of Bohemia from the end of the 14th century till 1438.The rich interior and exterior decoration is work of A.Mucha, M.Svabinsky etc. The monumental Smetana Concert Hall forms the centre of the building being the place of the international Music Festival Prazske jaro (Prague Spring), other concerts and important social events. Situated on the site of the former Royal Court Palace, this impressive building is a frequent stop for visitors drawn in by the art nouveau gold trimmings, stained glass, sculpture, and the regular exhibitions and concerts. Historically, Municipal House had been used as a seminary and a military college, but was finally demolished and replaced by the present cultural centre, with many exhibition halls and an auditorium designed by A. Balasek. On October 28th, 1918, the Municipal House was the scene for the proclamation of the independent state of Czechoslovakia. Boasting the biggest concert hall in town, The Smetana, is situated in the heart of the building, and is sometimes used as a ballroom. The interior is decorated with works by leading Czech artists of the first decade of the century - most notably the famous Alfons Mucha. There is also a café and the famous French restaurant in the lobby hall where visitors can relax

Korina at the Municipal House

Somewhere in Vysehrad

It doesn't look like Fred & Ginger dancing to me!!!

Quite theatrical

Manes Tower

Since the early stage of settlement the Vltava River has been the vein for the city. It was used as transportation way and dynamo for watermills. The Manes Tower is a remaining part of an old 12th-century mill. Actually the tower was added later in order to supply the fountains in the city with water. Today the tower is home of a restaurant and a gallery for the artistic group Manes

Vysehrad

Ancient legends situate the original seat of the Czech princes - the legendary Princess Libuse and the first Przemyslides - on the hill. In fact, however, this fort had not been founded until the Prague Castle was already in existence, since it dates back to the mid-10th century. In the latter half of the 11th and in the 12th century Vysehrad used to be the Przemyslides princes' main residence which brought about a generous building activity within its walls. Among noteworthy sight there are the precious Romanesque rotunda of St. Martin (interior only for groups announced in advance), the gothic church of St. Peter and Paul (in the late 19th century rebuilt in the neo-gothic style), the Vysehrad cemetery used as a burial site of the Czech outstanding personalities since 1869 with a collective tomb called Slavin, the underground casemates housing the originals of several baroque statues from the Charles Bridge

A view of Prague and the Television Tower Zizkov (Televizní vez Praha - Zizkov)

The highest structure in Prague (216 m) according to the project by architects Václav Aulický and Jirí Kozák. The transmitter was put into service on 18 February 1992. The structure is composed of three steel body tubes. In the main one, there are two personal lifts, one cargo lift in the second and a staircase in the third tube. A lookout cabin is situated in the height of 97 m, and a restaurant 34 m below it

The Corinthian Towers

The view across Prague from the Vysehrad

The park grounds of Vysehrad

A balcony overlooking Praha

Going Underground

Cuba Libre

In La Bodeguita del Medlo cocktail bar

Robert & Korina at Rudolfinum

Prague Castle at Night

Monuments

Nightime at Charles Bridge

Robert & Korina at Tyn Church

Bright Lights in the Old Town

A Milkshake and a Pivo

Josefov

The Jewish Quarter, in the Josefov Section of Prague, with its Old-New Synagogue, Old Jewish Cemetery, the Jewish Museum, the Spanish Synagogue and statue of the famous Jewish writer Franz Kafka. Prague's Jewish Community dates back to the 10th century and is the only Central European Jewish Town Quarter that survived the Holocaust. The Spanish Synagogue which was built in 1868 in a unique Moorish style

Jewish Museum

Present at the establishment of the Jewish Museum in Prague in 1906 were the historian Dr. Hugo Lieben and Dr. Augustin Stein, the representative of the Czech Jewish movement and later head of the Prague Jewish Community. The original aim was to preserve valuable artefacts from the Prague synagogues that had been demolished during the reconstruction of the Jewish Town at the beginning of the 20th century. The Museum was closed to the public after the Nazi occupation of Bohemia and Moravia on 15 March 1939. In 1942 the Nazis established the Central Jewish Museum, to which were shipped artefacts from all the liquidated Jewish communities and synagogues of Bohemia and Moravia. Its founding was proposed by Dr. Stein who, in co-operation with other specialist members of staff, sought to save the Jewish objects that were being conficated by the Nazis. Following long negotiations, the Nazis approved the project to set up a central museum, albeit guided by different motives than the Museum´s founders

After World War II, the Jewish Museum came under the administration of the Council of Jewish Communities in Czechoslovakia. In 1950, ownership was transferred to the State, which, as of 1948, was in the hands of the communists. As a result, the Museum was markedly restricted in its preservation, exhibition and educational activities

The collapse of the communist regime in 1989 created the necessary conditions that led to a change in the Museum´s status. On October 1, 1994, the Museum buildings and collections were returned to the Jewish Community of Prague and the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic respectively. At the same time, the Jewish Museum took on new life as a non-state organization

Old Jewish Cemetery - Jewish Museum (Starý zidovský hrbitov - Zidovské muzeum)

Established in the mid-15th century it served as a burial site till 1787. Among 12 000 gothic, renaisance and baroque tombstones are also those of Rabbi Jehuda Löw (1609) and Mordechai Maisel (1601)

The rather fine seafood restaurant where we dined on the Saturday night "Les Moules"

It is a regular sight from Prague as in all City's... a large number of beggars. The only difference in Prague being their rather unusual and seemingly painful stance. They seem to always be kneeling, as in pray, I don't know if they think that God is maybe looking down upon them and is going to help them in their hour of need

Vltava

Prague Skyline

Robert in the Castle Grounds

Prague Castle Gallery (Obrazárna Prazského hradu - Prazský hrad)

Built in the 1960s in a place of former stables. The collections consist of the remains of so called Rudolf's Collections and also of the works of later periods (Tintoretto, Tizian, Rubens, Czech Baroque Art, etc)

On Guard

Guards they are a changing...

The Prague Castle Gardens (Zahrady - Prazský hrad)

The Royal Garden was founded in 1534. South Gardens - Paradise, Hartig, On the Ramparts, On the Bastion, On the Riding Hall Terrace, Upper and Lower Deer Gully and Masaryk Vista. As a rule the gardens are opened at 10 a.m. by fanfares from the Hartig Music Pavilion

New World (Novy Svet)

From Hradcany Square , with its beautiful palaces on either side and garden in the middle the road leads out to Loreta. For now though we took a smaller lane - Novy Svet - or New World. This is a charming street of small cottages, originally developed in the 14th century as homes for the castle workers. Twice destroyed by fire but still unspoilt after restoration. This area is quiet and less well known than the tourist-thronged Golden Lane. Look out for the house decorations - they chose golden house signs in defiance of their poverty

Robert in the New World

Rather Strange

Inside the Castle grounds is the lovely Golden Lane (Zlata Ulicka). It has beautifully restored houses that were lived in by wealthy Czech people including Franz Kafka (he lived in the blue house - No 22). Now they house tourist shops selling paintings and other arts and crafts. It is a busy little lane rammed with tourists whom have paid for the pleasure to make a visit to some tiny craft shops

The colourful, little houses in Golden Lane were built, in 1597, by order of Emperor Rudolph II, in order to house his top marksmen and their families, as these were the men who would protect him from his enemies, and he had a lot! So, it might have been called Sniper Alley, but later it housed alchemists and goldsmiths. Hence the name, Golden Lane. The most interesting twentieth century resident was Franz Kafka's sister, Otla, who lived at No. 22. It was while Kafka was staying there, in 1917, that he got the inspiration to write, "The Castle". As you try to find your way out through the narrow streets and dead-ends, you can see why. Today, the tiny houses are used as gift shops and Golden Lane is possibly the most crowded street in Prague

Inside Out

St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert Cathedral (Sv. Vít, Václav a Vojtech - katedrála - Prazský hrad)

A gothic cathedral, the spiritual symbol of the Czech state, founded in the year 1344 by Jan Lucembursky (John of Luxembourg) and his sons Karel (Charles) and Jan Jindrich (John Henry) in the place of the original romanesque rotunda. The construction proceeded according to the plans of Matthias of Arras (until 1352), and then Petr Parler (1356 - 1399). The construction period protracted to nearly 600 years and it was finally completed in 1929. Decorated by precious works of art it encloses St. Wenceslas' Chapel and the Crypt with tombs of Bohemian kings. The coronation jewels are deposited here, too

Prague’s most famous beer hall and brewery, U Fleku, is situated in central Prague. It is said that the owners acquired the rights to brew beer there in the year 1499. But the ancient brewing house can be dated roughly to the year 1360. The beer licensed in 1499 to be brewed at U Fleku is one of the oldest in Prague, the dark “Flekovský lezák”. The present name of the establishment dates from the 18th century. In 1762 a certain Jakub Flekovskych and his wife purchased it and the pub was given the name U Flekovskych. The name has since been shortened to U Fleku. This place is very popular with tourists and crowded most of the time. Pivo means beer in the Czech language and pivovar is a pub. Usually one orders half a litre (pullítr) or 1/3 litre (malé pivo) and a Becherovka of course!!!

All the tour books mention this place, and it is well worth going to for great traditional Czech food and even better beer. The place gets packed with people and there is usually a guy playing an accordion. Try the Beef Goulash, the Dark Pivo and a Becherovka... it is a must!

A Dark Beer and a Becherovka for me!

The Beer Garden at U Fleku

Sazka Arena

Well that's how close I got to see the Phil Collins Concert...

and as Phil couldn't make it... I had a Tom Collins instead!!!

La Bodeguita del Medlo cocktail bar

The Minute House

On the west side of the square - at right angles to the Town hall is one the tourists favourite buildings, the multi frescoed Dum U Minuty. This building has been the town pharmacy and the home of Czech writer kafka. people spend ages looking at the detailed Renaissance illustrations