I guess my wanderlust got the better of me after a break from travelling in my previous career when I saw various newspaper headlines about cheap stag weekends in foreign parts. Never having been behind the old 'Iron Curtain' before I was intrigued. On investigation I found that I could fly to Prague, stay for a couple of nights in a hotel see the sights on foot and return for a very reasonable price. As with most eastern block countries the tram system is very effective and cheap. It is a pity that most UK cities did away with this form of transport in favour of the car. It is amazing how much ground one can cover in a day or two. I was fortunate that my hotel had both old world charm with modern amenities. The staff could not have been more helpful and the dining room was excellent.
As I began my exploration I was fortunate to meet a student who had time on her hands and agreed to show me around and explain the city to me. We started off from the hotel and walked down towards the river. The huge iron rail bridge is something of a landmark in its own right and contrasts with the ornate road bridges towards the centre. We walked along the river taking in the views on both sides as various landmarks were pointed out to me. Monuments and history, famous cathedrals and buildings all a short walk away.
Petra pointed out the two twin spires of the Emmaus Monastery explaining that they were added to the original gothic building in the 1960s, an allied firebomb had destroyed a section of the building in 1945. The Gothic Church of Our Lady which was also damaged by the firebomb was renovated and reopened in 2003. The monastery dates back to 1372, when Charles IV requested a Slavonic Benedictine order in Prague which led to centuries of peace. During WWII the Gestapo captured the monastery and sent the monks to the Dachau concentration camp. After the war a small number of monks returned to the monastery only to have their home shut down in 1950 by the Communists, who also tortured the prior to death. The monastery was restored to the Benedictine order after years of violence in 1990 after the fall of Communism. The cloisters feature original faded frescoes with bits of Pagan symbolism from the 14th century.
All of this walking works up an appetite. I got to sample the local dishes under her guidance which added to the pleasure of the visit. If it was not for her I would have missed a rather unique theatre which incorporates live performance with acrobatics, music, photography and film to provide a fascinating show. For example a gypsy playing a trumpet is projected onto the backdrop which surrounds the stage, he advances and his trumpet appears part real, part film until the gypsy appears on the stage. The synchronisation is amazing and there is much more to it than this!
Walking around the city there are other thriving theatres and an opera house, Sculpture ancient and modern. We visited Wenceslas Square, took a tram ride to the then imposing Communist era hotel and conference centre where the men from Moscow used to stay. All concrete and glass a poor relation to the magnificent buildings of the Hapsburg dynasty. We looked around the markets and jewellery quarter and visited parks and battlements.
Before crossing the bridge leading to the royal palace I purchased a watercolour from one of the many local artists, a unique souvenir of my visit. The bridge is in sharp contrast to the iron bridge seen earlier. Statues of Saints and lamps adorn Charles Bridge as royalty once approached the castle from this point. There are in fact locks on the left bank to allow shipping to pass as the bridge forms a dam just as the bridges in London used to do.
Having crossed the bridge we walk past the splendid houses build by nobility and dignitaries who wished to be near the emperor. These are now embassies and the respective ambassadors residences. At the top we reach the palace which is now the residency and offices of the president. It is also a favourite spot for weddings! Just as in London tourist vie to have their phot taken alongside the immaculate household guard. Alongside and equally imposing stands St Vitus Cathedral with its gold windows ansd frescoes a sight not to be missed.
Prague is a city steeped in history yet modern in outlook. The enormous wooden chair for example contrasts with the fine carvings on buildings. Worth more that a 'booze cruise' any day of the week! This set the mood for further travels taking photographs of views and things that interested me as I wandered around rather than seeking specific 'must see' views. Looking back at these photographs I really must return to explore the area in more detail. I hope that you enjoy these new ventures as they unfold.
Click to view my 'Prague 2008' photo album
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