Many of our readers have been to Prague so I want to highlight some of the things that I thought were readworthy on my recent trip.
People – I found them generally helpful. Some were very nice, but others could be a bit standoffish which I put down to the language gap.
People on the Charles Bridge
Restaurants – the food scene in Prague is all about sausages, pork knuckles and duck all served with masses of gravy and dumplings. On a cold day (-1) whilst we were there this could be said to be comforting. However, with a stroke of luck we found Kampa Park which turned out to be Prague’s most famous restaurant and has been a celebrity magnet since opening in 1994. People like Mick Jagger, Johnny Depp, Robbie Williams, Bill and Hilary Clinton and Liz Litzow have all eaten here.
The interior of Kampa Park Restaurant
The view from the restaurant
The food was yummy
Astronomical Clock is one of the world’s best known tourist attractions and is also one of its leading “is that it?” experiences. Death rings a bell, inverts his hourglass, and the 12 apostles parade through the windows above the clock. Then a cock crows and a guy dressed in medieval gear plays the bugle. That is it really, in 45 seconds flat.
The Astronomical Clock
The Clockface
Genius is Franz Kafka, Prague’s inspirational author. “Someone must have been telling lies about Josef K, for without having done anything wrong, he was arrested one fine morning” – that opening line to Franz Kafka’s The Trial is widely considered amount the greatest in world literature.
Kafka Museum
Uncertainty in the Past – Wenceslas Square was once the focal point for proud Czechs, demonstrators and communist protestors. It was also the focal point for the Velvet Revolution. Now, capitalism has reigned ever since, filling the square with British stag parties, greedy cabbies and a soulless procession of second-rate cafes and fast food outlets. But visiting the square is still a great thing to do to perhaps re-connect with the past, especially with small memorials to the victims of communism near it.
The good king Wencelas looked down.......
Ecclesiastic – There are many churches in Prague, mainly catholic. However only 27 percent of Czech’s admit to being catholic and 4 percent regularly attend church. The two main cathedrals are The Church of St Nicholas and St. Vitus Cathedral. Mala Strana is dominated by the huge green dome of Prague’s finest baroque building. The church boasts Europe’s largest fresco – The Apotheosis of St. Nicholas on its ceiling.
The magnificent dome of the Church of St. Nicholas dominates the city.
Although it was begun in 1344 and appears Gothic, much of the Cathedral was only completed in time for its consecration in 1929. It is a magnificent building with beautiful stained-glass windows and ornate chapels.
Is it not magnificent?
The interior
The Ceiling
Well that’s my take on PRAGUE – just a few highlights in this gorgeous Eastern European city.
Superb photos, Liz! Prague is a real gem.
By: Mulino Dominillo on December 8, 2011
at 8:33 pm
Pague looks wonderful. Love the line “leading “is that it?” experiences” very funny.
By: Liz Golding on December 8, 2011
at 8:36 pm
Thank you – I had fun
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By: Liz Litzow on December 8, 2011
at 11:13 pm
That Charles Bridge is still a standout, Liz. Can you confirm the rumour I’ve heard that the statues are reproductions, with the originals in safe storage somewhere?
By: Richard Tulloch on December 8, 2011
at 8:43 pm
There are 30 statues originally erected in 1700 but they have now all been replaced by replicas. It is the most visited place in Prague & pretty spectacular.
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By: Liz Litzow on December 8, 2011
at 11:19 pm
I loved prague.. this was a great round up, i wish i had know about the good restaurant.. but I enjoyed those tiny tiny bars.. c
By: ceciliag on December 8, 2011
at 8:57 pm
We visited Prague in 2005 and loved the histroy etc but you gave a better round up of the histroy.. Welcome back to Oz soon. 32 deg. in Melbourne today.
By: Miranda on December 8, 2011
at 9:37 pm
Nothing wrong with a good pork knuckle (as long as it’s not on my plate)!!!
By: Alison on December 8, 2011
at 9:50 pm
It looked pretty grim ! I didn’t try it
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By: Liz Litzow on December 8, 2011
at 11:15 pm
Mmm I love those sorts of foods in Winter! Although not as much for Summer! 😉
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on December 8, 2011
at 11:34 pm
Yes it was good in the winter
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By: Liz Litzow on December 8, 2011
at 11:37 pm
Good to see your wonderful photos Liz. I look forward to visiting Prague one day. I’ll look out for Kampa Park.
By: Naomi on December 9, 2011
at 12:01 am
Thank you & yes you should go
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By: Liz Litzow on December 9, 2011
at 12:11 am
I really like this post. A mini guide to a city I have never visited.
By: Just Add Attitude on December 9, 2011
at 12:31 am
Thank you glad you liked it
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By: Liz Litzow on December 9, 2011
at 12:39 am
Wish I could say I’d been to Prague. But, God, these photos are STUNNING. Where’s the LOVE button when I want one?
Kathy
By: Kathryn McCullough on December 9, 2011
at 12:58 am
Thank you so much & I’m glad you liked the photos
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By: Liz Litzow on December 9, 2011
at 1:01 am
Loved your photographs of a beautiful city which you have captured so well, Liz. Brought back wonderful memories.
By: Robyn Cameron on December 9, 2011
at 1:51 am
Thank you Robyn for your kind comments
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By: Liz Litzow on December 9, 2011
at 2:08 am
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at 10:21 am