After spending almost two years at home, thanks to the pandemic, we set off on a weekend trip to the neighbouring country's capital - Prague. We set off early in the morning to reach Prague, right in time for breakfast. Since it was a Saturday, we headed straight to Naplavka farmers market (happens only on Saturday!), right along the riverbank. The market is thriving by 10.00 a.m with all the vendors flaunting their local produce. You can gorge on the delicious breads, coffee, kombucha, langos, cheesecakes and pastries or buy fresh veggies, fruits and flowers. You can also buy home-made jams, cookies, marmalade as your Czech souvenir. We had potato pancakes, black-poppy seed strudel (maková náplň) and a homemade cheese filled pastry for our breakfast and set off to visit the the oldest bridge in the city, the Charles Bridge.
Picnic on the banks of Vltava looking at the magnificent Charles Bridge.
Funicular ride upto the Petrin Hill to have a birds-eye-view of the Prague.
The Charles Bridge is a cobbled stone bridge, that bridges the old and new town of Prague. The bridge houses 30 statues that represent saints from Czech history. Commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV, this sandstone bridge took a total of 45 years to be constructed. This pedestrians-only bridge is the gateway connecting old town to the charming Mala Strana and the Prague castle is bustling with artists, musicians and tourists flocking the saint's statues for their dose of good luck.
Twirling @ Charles Bridge
Narrowest lane in Prague
Close by to the bridge is the narrowest street in Prague, measuring in at only 50cm wide! It even has its own traffic light to prevent people walking into each other.
The Old Town Hall was the administrative centre of the city, and houses the stunning Astronomical clock. Every hour, on the hour, the clock chimes, and mechanical figures march out. The legend goes that the Prague councillors were so proud of this clock, that they burnt the clockmaker’s eyes out to prevent another being created elsewhere. It may take you a few hours fully observe the intricate details of the astronomical clock, which is complete with the walk of the Walk of the Apostles and other Catholic sculptures. It is fascinating how this clock and its functionality has, ironically, survived the wrath of passing time.
Exploring Old-Town housing the astronomical clock and Lady of Tyn Church, wearing traditional Kroj costume
Admiring the ginormous Prague castle complex
The old town of Prague is the heart and soul of the city. Not least, because of its history and preservation, which has made it a world-famous UNESCO World heritage site. Over a thousand years of history has been preserved here, through the religious buildings, monuments, and houses.
Astronomical clock.
The Church of Mother of God before Týn.
Arguably the most eye-catching building is this weird, twisted building named the Dancing House, a collaboration between a Czech and Canadian architect. It symbolizes yin and yang; in this situation, the coming together of communism and democracy.
Tourist-y photos at the Dancing House
Architectural Marvel -Dancing house.
The Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul housed in the complex of Vysehrad castle
Vysehrad Castle complex
City centre
Narrow lanes of Prague
Merry-go-round @ Petrin Hill
If the visual appeal of this colossal stunner wasn’t enough to lure you here, you should know that according to the Guinness World Records, the Prague Castle has the largest castle complex in the world. Begin your tour with this prominent geo-political symbol of Czech Republic as a nation.
Within the Prague Castle complex is the largest place of worship in the city, St. Vitus Cathedral. The cathedral’s stunning architecture is sure to take your breath away. The cathedral was known to hold all royal coronations during the heydays of the Bohemian Empire.
The Prague Castle complex is massive enough to comfortably fit in another church not very far from the St. Vitus Cathedral. The current Romanesque architecture of St. George’s Basilica dates back to the time of reconstruction.
Courtyard - Prague castle
Strolling through the Prague castle complex