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Prague and the Vltava River
The first night that we were in Prague, we went to see a water and light show at the Krizikova Fountain. The water and lights were choreographed to classical music composed by Czech musicians. It was a very nice show. We took a very short video that you can watch below.
Krizikova Fountain
Video of the Krizikova Fountain Show
There are a large number of buildings at the top of the hill, which are referred to collectively as Prague Castle.
Prague Castle
We got a tour of the Jewish Quarter. We saw the oldest synagogue in Europe and the Jewish Cemetery where Franz Kafka is buried. The Jewish Town Hall next to the synagogue has two clocks. One is a Hebrew clock that runs backward.
The oldest synagogue in Europe
Jewish Town Hall & Hebrew Clock
Charles Bridge is the oldest bridge in Prague that connects the castle district to the old town. It has 30 statues on it, and there were artists selling their crafts on the bridge.
Charles Bridge
Entrance to Charles Bridge
Artists and Statues on Charles Bridge
Julie & Phil on Charles Bridge with the Prague Castle in the background
St. Nicholas's Church in the Old Town Square
Phil in Old Town Square
Tyn's Church, the entrance of which is hidden by shops
Much of the Old Town Hall has been destroyed. However, the Astronomical Clock has survived. It has many dials to tell the day of the week, month, year, time, Christian Holidays, etc. On the hour, statues of the 12 apostles process through two windows on the clock and then a cock crows. We recorded a video that you can watch below.
The Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall
Video of the 12 Apostles processing through the windows of the Astronomical Clock
Ornately painted building in Winceslas Square, which is named after Good King Winceslas
In the afternoon, we took an excursion of the castle district. We first toured St. Vitus's Cathedral, the largest in Prague. It is a gothic cathedral with a very high ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows. It is much like Notre Dame in Paris. We also saw a small part of the medieval castle, including a royal throne and a great hall that was used for jousting on horses. We also saw St. George's Basilica. The main santuary was fairly plain with large portions of the ceiling fresco destroyed. However, there was a fancy side chapel that had the bones of an unknown person displayed in a glass case. Then we walked down Golden Lane, which had very small shops, including one where Franz Kafka once worked. At the end of the lane was the prison with torture devices on display.
St. Vitus's Cathedral
Inside St. Vitus's Cathedral
Painted shields of Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia
Painted entrance to St. Vitus's Cathedral
Our tour guide had a very interesting way of speaking. He spoke very slowly, and he often started a sentence with the same phrase that ended the previous sentence. We couldn't help but take a video of one of his explanations.
Our tour guide talking about the Rudolfinum Concert Hall
Prague is known for its handmade marionettes. There were many stores filled with marionettes. We found an open air market, where several vendors were selling marionettes and other wooden toys at reasonable prices. Phil did a little bargaining, and we bought ourselves a Bohemian Princess marionette.
Marionette Store
As we were walking through the Old Town Square, a commercial was being recorded. We aren't really sure what the commercial was for. A couple was seated at a little bistro. These men in orange suits waited on them, while extras walked back and forth in front of the camera.
Commercial being recorded
About 19 Czech Kronas are equivalent to $1. We found it very difficult to trade money in Prague, though. The exchange kiosks were not very tourist friendly. They gave a significantly worse exchange rate if you were exchanging less than a couple thousand dollars. Luckily, some of the stores would let you pay for merchandise with US dollars.
Czech Kronas
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