Europe 2018 – Prague Day 1
Our train arrived on time at 8:30 a.m. We stored our bags in a locker at the station and set out on foot to explore the city.
Departing our train at the Prague station.
Our destination was Prague Castle and Petrin Hill on the west side of the Vltava River. As we walked through the Old City area, it was clear that Prague has a very different flavor from Budapest. We later learned that the city did not suffer much destruction during WWII, so the old buildings remain. Many historical forms of architecture are visible.
Our route took us past the Lennon Wall. Since the 1980’s the wall has been decorated with graffiti and sayings inspired by the lyrics of songs by John Lennon and the Beatles. Beth said it reminds her of Cadillac Ranch in Texas.
John Lennon Wall
From the wall we made our way through narrow, winding streets to the Charles Bridge. King Charles IV had the stone bridge built in 1357 after a flood damaged the older wooden bridge in 1354.
Pictures of Charles Bridge
Many statues of religious and historical figures line the bridge. Once we reached the west side of the river we climbed streets and steps to the top of the hill and Prague Castle. One other thing about Prague that was different was the number of tourists at the major sites. There were thousands of people in the castle. (Yes, thousands. Tour companies brought them in by the busload.)
Pictures of the Castle
St. Vitus Cathedral is inside the castle complex. We walked around inside and took a few pictures. The building is large, ornate, and expensively decorated.
St. Vitus Cathedral
From the castle we continued up the hill and paused for a full lunch. (Pictured above.) After lunch we visited the Strahov Monastery. The monastery started collecting art in the 15th century. Their collection grew to several thousand paintings. At present a few hundred are on display. We walked farther up Petrin Hill, then back down the hill on the funicular. A couple of tram rides later we arrived at our Airbnb, had dinner, and retired for the night.
Street Scenes
