Trip to Prague Castle that is Surprisingly Splendid

The sight across the cliff of the Prague Castle rightly summed up our visit to Czech. Surprisingly Splendid !

Been to quite some number of castles/forts in Rajasthan, India, what I thought would lay ahead at Prague's Castle area would be predictable. By all means, it was not.

Prague Castle area - Splendid !

While we had a remarkable Road Trip to Prague and an equally incredible day spent at the Old Town of Prague, yet  we weren't sure that what would lay ahead us, would be as special as it was. Prague's Castle area is refreshingly different !

 ** Prague is Refreshing, Prague is different ! **

First things first. Prague Castle area is not just about a single monument (the Castle). It's about several grandiose buildings, lush green gardens, well kept monastery, bustling square and last but not the least, the Castle.

Take Tram 22 for the Castle area. While Trams are indeed the best way to commute, it is important to be aware that, it is better to start uphill for the Castle area and Lesser Town. Because, if you do so, you'd save some precious time and energy that you'd love to have by your side to soak in the mesmerizing beauty of Prague! So start early for the Day, and head straight to the point up north to the stop Prohorlec. Then across the splendid panorama of Strathov Monastery you can spend an hour or two gazing its architecture and around. Be sure though, about the timings of the Monastery, else you could miss the splendor inside! There are some options around to spend your time in its convent and library. There's a decent restaurant also, good for some snacks on the go. You'd definitely realize that Prague is refreshing and is quite different. In some sense, your perception about Prague would change.

Prague - Strathov Monastery

**  Walking Tours for Breathtaking Views **

While on the descent, there are some mesmerizing points for the views of the city, which are definitely not to be given a miss. These points are generally not visited around that often.  If the day is clearer, the views get even better. There is a restaurant around, but as the case is with these prime places, the food is not worth the price.

Clean Skies - Excellent Views

The lush green mountains lead you to some scintillating views of the city. The caveat though is to, just follow(read piggyback), the many walking tours that lead you to these views. As you soak in the beauty, next in line are Castle Square and the Castle itself.

Prague - Breathtaking !

Prague - Breathtaking !

** Gardens **

But before that, do make use of the splendid gardens on your way to the Castle. They are clinically maintained , and with beautiful building on their bay, they make a strong contention for spending some time. As you walk downhill for the Castle , you'd pass by the Castle Square.

Prague Castle area - Beautiful Gardens

Prague Castle area - Beautiful Gardens

Prague Castle Area - Architecture Marvel

Prague Castle Area - Across many gardens

Beauty all around

Glorious buildings - Prague Castle Area

** The Castle Square **

The Castle Square is the feather of the cap of this journey. It's a bustling place which is full of energy of the visitors. The cobbled street, excellent view of the city on one side and the Castle on the other, is a great combination altogether. In short, it is an eclectic mix of architectural grandeur and flowing human energy. There are a lot of spots fit for photography.

Prague Castle Square

** Guards' Changing ceremony **

The Guard changing ceremony is a treat at the Castle square. There are specific timings and it is highly recommended that they be checked out at the reception itself. Generally the 'ceremony' takes place around noon. Smartly dressed guards change their positions in a high intensity rhetoric. Their immaculate sartorial traditions with their smart military moves against the august Castle is a treat. It's a must if you are in Prague. Lot of euphoria gathers around the time the ceremony and people strive for their special photography moments. At times, you may feel that it's a bit stretched though.

Prague - Beautiful

** The Castle **

The castle is a grand architectural marvel. There are a some places open for visitors, for this place that is currently the seat of the president of Czech. Few of them qualify as paid entries too. It is important to decide the interests and then head in according to available time. Once you are through visiting the Castle, the journey for the downhill begins, There aren't many places of tourist interest hereon, with typically old houses lining the street. There is a famous 'Vaishnavite' restaurant too serving good Indian vegetarian food.

Splendid Views - Prague

Splendid Views - Prague

** Souvenir Shopping **

There are a lot of souvenir shops downhill the castle. They are expensive, but at the same time offers good choice. There are few vintage cars offering few hours ride of the city too.

Downhill Prague

** Off to Charles Bridge **

After the end of the tour for the Castle , heading to Charles Bridge can be a great next option. (Covered in coming posts)

** Food **

If you are looking for some good food at not so great prices, then it's better to be at the downhill the castle. The restaurants atop are overly expensive and for sure not worth the price you pay.

*** Travel Facts ***

Stay Duration :        3 days at Prague

Stay Place:              MH Apartment, Prague, Recommended

Travel Companion : Better Half

Travel Phases :        3 days, spent exploring different things

Arrived through:      Agency Bus from Vienna via Brno, Recommended

During:                    Sept, 2013

*** Did you like this Post, Did I miss something about Prague, or rather anything you'd like to share about the post or Prague. Looking forward to your comments on this Post. ***

Charles Bridge, Prague - In the Night

The famed Prague Castle is adorned in lights in the backdrop of the Bridge. The hurriedness and the bustle of  the daytime on the bridge fades away rather rapidly. The night's calm complements the tranquility of the flowing Vltava beneath. In all the senses, Charles bridge at night gives you more than one reason to be yourself.

Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle
Photo Courtesy : here 

In many ways, Charles Bridge reinvents itself under the dark skies. The waves beneath the bridge adorn the sights of the pearls of lights on the famed Castle ahead.

The Lamp-posts of the bridge accentuate the magic of the Bridge as so does their glistened reflections flowing in the water beneath.

If you visit this post dusk but before it's too late, you could come across some shops around the bridge still open. The 'clearing sale' would aptly apply here. 

Charles Bridge : Splendor at Night
Photo Courtesy: here

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I remember meeting an artist on the night that summed the moment perfectly:

 "Charles Bridge is a canvas as well as a painting in process. The Canvas is too large and the painting, perpetually incomplete. You add colors and strokes. for others to do on their own."

PS: The morning dawn would be the best time to visit the bridge.

Prague - The magic of 'Old Town'

After a tired road journey to Prague, we felt completely rejuvenated in our apartment. The morning dawn sneaked in and out, through the curtain panes, suggestively of a peek-a-boo game ahead. The magic of the 'Old Town' of Prague that followed that day, lives and resonates ever since our stay.

*** Dawn of freshness ***

Glancing the view outside the window pane, the sight was simply unbelievable. The ephemeral dew drops lazed their last on the tips of the leaves while the odd white cloud appeared to have the effrontery to face the mighty sun. The morning was bright and as it cast its shine on the grass it added a magical hue to it. I had been to Europe before, but trust me, had never seen the freshness of that like, ever.

Curiosity overwhelmed, and to satiate that frame of freshness, I put the jacket over the shoulders, and as I punched the access card for the front gate of the apartment, the view just took me off my feet. 

Dawn of freshness that I had just glanced from the apartment window soaked me within. As quiet morning walkers passed by, I realized what a beauty lay ahead. Every frame of Prague was worth the visit, well literally even before it had begun. After a continental breakfast in our apartment kitchen, we headed to explore the mesmerizing beauty of the Old Town.

*** A Walk to remember ***

As we climbed uphill from our apartment, for the Old Town. We passed through a wonderful garden in the heart of the city around Karlovo Namesti and should say,it had a decent walkway too.

Lush green  Karlovo Namesti Garden on our way to Prague

We spent some time feeling the beauty and the verve of Prague. With some offices in vicinity, it made up an eclectic mix of office goers and toddlers enjoying Sun. We decided to walk our way to Old Town instead of taking a Tram. It was a judicious decision, as we crossed some of the most breathtaking and beautiful Gothic architecture along the 3.5 odd kms. linear track enroute.

Tram is effective, but we chose to be on feet on the first day.

Well - That was a Statue ! (On our way to Old  Town)

Ubiquitous Photographers - On our way to Old Town

*** The Krown Conundrum ***

The night before, Krowns had already turned out to be an issue, so to avoid any similar sorry situation, we hurried to the first 'money changer' that passed, and exchanged some Euros.

As mentioned in some earlier posts of this blog, currency exchange is an important consideration in Czech Republic. Though Euro is widely spoken to be acceptable, one will invariably end up getting better deals through Czech Krowns (CZK). The train and bus network would also insist on the Krowns. The thumb rule (as in Sept 2013) was that if you get anything above 24 Krowns for a Euro it's a decent deal.

*** The Old Town Square***

Ideally, atleast a day can be devoted to the Old Town to feel its magic. The cobbled streets of the town are as inviting as the roof steppes of its marvelous Gothic Architecture. The Old Town is house to several historical streets and monuments. The most famous among all, however, is 'The Old Town Square'.

Old Town Square - Prague

Old Town, Prague

Inviting Cobbled streets of Prague

The Square lies between Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square. Historically, the Old town, was separated by river Vltava (Over which Charles Bridge is constructed) forming precinct on one of the sides. The river still flows with its immense virility. Charles Bridge can offer some breathtakingly gorgeous views of Vltava. Especially around the hours of dusk. (There are some river cruises also available, but then, you'll get far better cruises in Austria and Germany, so better to avoid the cruise part here in Prague if you are planning to be in these neighboring countries.) The best way to explore the Square is to begin early in the day. Earlier the better. The square is abuzz with energy of all the age groups. There are people enjoying their snacks around the array of beautiful flowers.

Kids playing around the large bubbles.

Bubbles in the Sky - Kids love them !

Men manifesting themselves in statues to garner attention by spurt of their activities.

Statue !!

Stiff !!

Now - Two's a team

Take that !!

Odd Social gatherings. Marketing and Advertising are also common.

Then, there are people playing wonderful (read : out of world) music(traditional gypsy style) with clinically accurate beats and brave vocals for the space. Last but not the least, there are people simply enjoying their Camelot under the Sun.

Music makes Old Town special

*** The Church ***

There is a church in the Square, that is rich with history and vintage. It offers splendid views from its different floors, however access to some floors is paid. The church hosts few marriages too, and we were lucky to spot one. There is a floor hosting an art gallery, the access to which is free. So make most of it and do visit to view the best views of the city. 

'Yes I Do !' - Church of the Old Town Square - Hosting the odd wedding 

Prague - From Top of the World

Prague - Yet Another View

Beautiful Prague

Beautiful Architecture all around - Old Town, Prague

Old Ad - New Bottle 

So many so worlds bundled at the Square, that literally the Old Town Square becomes a world of its own.

*** The Old New Synagogue ***

The Old New Synagogue certainly stands out because of its exquisite architecture and unique two-nave design. There's a quiet and peace associated with the place. The History, the preservation and the surrounding mystery of the place are worthy reasons to visit the place.

*** The Astronomical Clock ***

The Astronomical Clock was the personal star attraction in the Old Town. Undoubtedly, the music that is played every hour is a big attraction for all the tourists alike. The music is different for every hour and is played 'Live' on the spot. The atmosphere, the music and the efforts are worth savoring every bit. It will stay with you for long. Large groups of people assemble at the base of the building and wait with a childlike anticipation for the next hourly ritual. Then as if in a military fashion disperse around the Square but not without a huge round of applause, every single time. Also interesting is the fact surrounding the animated figures around the clock. The 4 creatures and their related stories abound the place with magnanimity. No doubts, there are hoards and hoards of snaps being taken of the place.

The grandeur of Astronomical Clock

People dispersing around the Astronomical Clock

*** The Four Figures ***

These four figures are a center of attention for everyone visiting the Old Town. It's the intellect and the philosophy behind these figures that make them even more special. The first figure is seen holding a mirror, and loosely represent Vanity. The second figure with a bag of gold, denote Greed. The third figure is a clear shot skeleton, figurative of death and the fourth on the right most, is one with music instrument reflecting worldly pleasures. Every time the skeleton or the death rings the bell, all the other figures shake their heads cyclically, symbolic to their being adamant to leave. Beautiful !!

*** Leisure ***

Around the Square, there are a lot of open sky restaurants and eateries. It is understood that there are special discounted prices for the meals around the time of noon, but frankly I can't vet the same, as I didn't try. There are some really good souvenir shops around the Square. Some good 'value for money' bargains. Few good shopping streets are also around, so one can head to them after the Old Town Square. Old Town of Prague is really special and its spirit can stay with you eternally.

Open air Eateries - Abound in Old Town

Restaurants - Expect some discount in Noon

Yet another statue - In the nearby market

Lots of Choices around the Old Town Square

Choices - Markets around the Old Town, Prague

*** Travel Facts ***

Stay Duration :        3 days at Prague

Stay Place:              MH Apartment, Prague, Recommended

Travel Companion : Better Half

Travel Phases :        3 days, spent exploring different things

Arrived through:      Agency Bus from Vienna via Brno, Recommended

During:                    Sept, 2013

*** Did you like this Post, Did I miss something about Prague, or rather anything you'd like to share about the post or Prague. Looking forward to your comments on this Post. ***

Charles Bridge, Prague - A Blissful Evening

Charles Bridge has a Life of its own

For minutes, being at the Charles Bridge, the view was unbelievable. Wow !! A manifestation of magnificence, eclecticism and romanticism lay ahead me!!  Simply Spectacular and Surreal. As the evening sun sailed slowly to float in another hemisphere, river Vltava beneath jostled across the reflections.Over and within.Charles Bridge is a single reason enough to visit Prague. Small boats ornate the river, hustling and bustling under its splendour. Statues on the walls stand guard to the grandeur of the past. Though it is learnt that most of the original pieces now lay safe in the precincts of the museums.

Divine Setting of the Landscape

If for some reasons, if you were thinking to paint the moments’ memory, then astute painters line the Bridge, with the boards and finished memoirs. At some places, the quality of the sketch is excellent, and you'd soon find they aren't all amateurs with mediocre finishes. Apart from the excellent sketches, one of the reasons people throng to these artists is for spotting and getting a steal from budding Picaso. So that, some day when these painters become famous, they could make a fortune of the art forms. Perhaps they get sketched multiple times, because for the same reason. The verve of the travellers on the Charles bridge make it even more special.

The Energy of Travelers - Making it more special

There is a history of the Bridge and the events surrounding it as well. Gory, Glory and the Glamour. Gaze the dusk and the eclectic markets around the bridge, that makes it as adorable as it is.

You travel across the Charles Bridge, you don’t walk on it! The evening Charles Bridge has a life of its own.

Travel on the Bridge, You don't just walk on it!!

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Please drop your comments below. Would love to hear from you.

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