Prague Part Three

Saturday morning saw us heading off to the Castle District. I was totally unprepared for what we were about to see......it is massive.......like a whole 'nother town!  Once again there is the main square with places built around it....mainly built in the 16th - 18th century -  and then there is the Prague Castle.

Unfortunately the gardens around the castle were closed that day.....but we gazed through the gates....beautiful gates I must add!

There are several entrances to the castle and all with guards.....

 Very serious young men.....although I did see just a hint of a smile.....they must get soooo sick of their photos being taken!

This is the outer court.....

And this is the main entrance.....the hourly changing of the guard was about to take place so we stood and watched that before moving into the inner courtyard....

Outside the gates here is another huge square with palaces all round...but I was drawn as always to the music that was being played....very cool!

With the changing of the guard all done and dusted we moved into the inner courtyard.....

Then we came face to face with the cathedral of St Vitus, built in Gothic style, it is massive!

Little ol' me slightly dwarfed by huge doors!

Along with it seemed thousands of others.....we ventured inside....

Our lovely guide Martina, explaining all about it this cathedral.

Scenes from inside....beautiful stained glass windows....

The pipe organ...

The most sacred place inside the cathedral.....precious stones inlaid with gold on the walls....

You do wonder about the cost of building these places of course.....interesting with this particular cathedral.....the early parts such as seen here were built with the wealth generated from silver mines in the area.

We then entered another building which is the old royal palace, built in the 1400's. A lot more plain but still very beautiful....you weren't supposed to take photos evidently but I didn't know that till afterwards!    What are they gonna do??  This is the banqueting hall.....the largest medieval banqueting hall in Europe.....and is still used for state occasions.  Imagine having a party in here??

Then it was onto the quaintest little street ever called the Golden Lane. These used to be houses but now house the cutest ever little shops I'd ever seen, which although touristy, did have some really lovely stuff in and we all agreed we didn't have nearly enough time here to wander around :-(

Scenes from the Golden Lane.....

At the end of the Golden Lane we came out into the open and were high above the city with gorgeous views....

On the hillside here were planted grape vines....beautifully kept and very healthy looking.

Then with the thousands of others.....we made our way down the hill to the famous Charles Bridge....taking photos all the time of interesting views and scenes......

Check out these padlocks.....evidently couples who are in love write their names on the padlock,  lock it to the bridge then throw the key in the river......we've seen several of these across Europe....hmm!

Another view of Prague

Walking across Charles Bridge

We had lunch in one of most gorgeous little cafes by the bridge.....outdoors....the food was good too!

Their creative decor was so charming....

Check out the pretzels alongside the sewing machine!

And another corner ......

Then it was back into the main part of Prague where we were free to wander, shop, get lost......

Some things that took my eye....

You can sit in a shop window and let little fish nibble your feet......yeah nah!!

A rock band was playing....very loudly.....on an outdoor stage

A familiar name......gotta love free wifi!

In the evening we went to dinner in a brewery that was established in 1499! It was a lot of fun.....and I didn't have any beer! The food was typical of here......huge amount of meat....pork, duck AND sausage.....along with cabbage cooked two ways.....bread and dumplings! Phew! I'm afraid I didn't do justice to mine.

There was a 4 piece band playing in the corner, including a piano accordion. They were so good, and played songs we all knew. Interesting how music is a universal language. There was a big group of Polish people....about 30.....a bunch of lads I think having a stag do, probably about 15 of them, 11 of us kiwis, and many more in the place, and we all sang along heartily to the songs in our own language, everyone having a great time. Age and nationality no barrier......love it!

So ended my second day in Prague!

Till next time.....