European Vacation #9 - Prague Castle and Charles Bridge

Almost undamaged by WWII, Prague is a wonderful combination of cobbled lanes, walled courtyards, cathedrals, and the 9th century Prague Castle. We spent one day exploring the castle. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, “the Prague Castle is the largest coherent castle complex in the world, with an area of almost 70,000 m². A UNESCO World Heritage site, it consists of a large-scale composition of palaces and ecclesiastical buildings of various architectural styles, from Roman-style buildings from the 10th century through Gothic modifications in the 14th century.” http://www.hrad.cz/en/prague-castle/prague-castle-tourist-information/visit-of-prague-castle.shtml

St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest and the most important temple in Prague. Apart from religious services, the coronations of Czech kings and queens also took place here. The cathedral is a place of interment of remains of provincial patron saints, sovereigns, noblemen and archbishops. The cathedral is the third church consecrated to the same saint on the identical site with the first construction beginning about 925 AD.



Walking through St. Vitus Cathedral was amazing. All along the length of the cathedral the nave is lined with chapels which have stained glass windows and elaborate altars.



Fanciful gargoyles serve as water spouts outside St. Vitus Cathedral!

The 14th century was a time of prosperity for Prague Castle when it first became an imperial residence, the seat of the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire. The royal palace was rebuilt several times and the fortifications strengthened. We walked through parts of the Royal Palace which are currently being renovated. The best thing was all the coats of arms decorating the walls of the room where they used to keep the land rolls. It seems everyone in old Bohemia got a coat of arms, from the King to the Scribes assistants assistant.

The Golden Lane originated after the construction of the northern wall of the Castle. The area consisted of modest dwellings which were inhabited by the castle servants, perhaps goldsmiths. The name "Golden Lane" is documented from the 16th century. The tiny houses were occupied until World War II, but care was taken to ensure that the picturesque character of the lane was not changed.

Today, little shops fill the houses.
The Powder Tower was the largest of the cannon towers, but it was never put to the test. Weapons from times-gone-by were on display.
Today Prague Castle is still the seat of the head of state. The crown jewels are kept in Prague Castle, as well as the relics of Bohemian kings, precious Christian relics, art treasures and historical documents. Our view of Prague from the Castle.

The Charles Bridge is a stone Gothic bridge that connects the Old Town and Malá Strana. Its construction began in 1357. It is said that egg yolks were mixed into the mortar to strengthen the construction of the bridge.
There is a tower standing on each end of the bridge. Baroque statues were placed along either side of Charles Bridge in the 17th century.

The most popular statue is probably the one of St. John of Nepomuk, a Czech martyr saint who was executed during the reign of Wenceslas IV by being thrown into the Vltava River from the bridge. The plaque on the statue has been polished to a shine by countless people having touched it over the centuries. Touching the statue is supposed to bring good luck and ensure your return to Prague.

The statue below was NOT on the Charles Bridge, but we did find it entertaining!

Next post – this and that – odds and ends of Prague.