Eastern Europe Travel Part VI(Prague)
Eastern Europe Travel Part VI(Prague)
Day 6 Sunday, 18 October 2015
Prague
Location of Prague in Czech Republic
Prague Castle
At 10 in the morning, we left our hotel, Hotel Duo, in Prague, Czech Republic, together with a local tour-guide, Bogachan, and went to the largest ancient castle in the world known as Prague Castle. It is 9 km south-west of the hotel. Its length is about 570 metres and average width 130 metres.
Below is a picture of Prague Castle and the Royal Garden:
Picture of Prague Castle and Royal Garden, Prague
Royal Garden of Prague Castle
Several minutes later, we arrived at the Royal Garden of Prague Castle along Marianske Hradby Road. Entering the garden, we saw over 40 kinds of plants growing there. It was established by a Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand I(1503-1564), in 1534.
Bogachan, a local guide, talks about Prague Castle and Royal Garden before the tour begins.
Royal Garden of Prague Castle, Prague
Tour-members entering Royal Garden, Prague Castle, Prague
Prague Castle for Past Rulers and Presidents
Then we walked up a hill for a short distance to the top where Prague Castle was sited. The castle was a residence for some kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors and Presidents of Czechoslovakia and Czech Republic. The history of the castle began in the 9th. Century.
Milos Zeman, the third and current President of Czech Republic who was elected in 2013, is staying at the castle.
St. Vitus Cathedral dominating the skyline of Prague Castle, Prague
Side-view of St. Vitus Cathedral in the 3rd. courtyard of Prague Castle, Prague
Simon Look and wife at Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral in the background, Prague
St. Vitus Cathedral
There is a large cathedral that dominates the skyline of Prague Castle. It is located in the 3rd. courtyard of the castle. Known as St. Vitus Cathedral, it was built in 1344 in Gothic architectural style. The earliest church that was built on the same spot was founded in 930. Adjacent to the cathedral is a building, Old Provosty, that was built in the 11th. Century as a residence for the bishops.
Upper facade of of the Gothic cathedral, St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle
Old Provosty adjacent to St. Vitus Cathedral was built in the 11th. Century for the bishops
Choo Chaw and wife standing at the main entrance of St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle
WWI Monument
In the same courtyard, there is a tall, slim granite monument erected in 1928 in memory of the victims of World War I(1914-1918) and the independence of Czechoslovakia in 1918.
A tall monument erected in 1928 near St. Vitus Cathedral in the 3rd. courtyard in memory of the victims of WWI and 1918 Czechoslovakia Independence
Chapel of the Holy Cross
In the second courtyard, there is a white building in classical style known as Chapel of the Holy Cross. It was built in 1763 during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa(1717-1780). It is also the Treasury of St. Vitus Cathedral that houses the holy relics and reliquaries donated mostly by past rulers.
2nd. courtyard of Prague Castle and the Chapel of the Holy Cross in the background
Choo Chaw and wife in the 2nd. courtyard of Prague Castle, Prague
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is also the Treasury of St. Vitus Cathedral in the 2nd. courtyard of Prague Castle
Main Entrance of Prague Castle
The main entrance of Prague Castle is a large gate with two huge sculptures of giants killing bad people, one on each side, and a high royal crown structure in between them. There are two sentries guarding the entrance. This entrance leads to the 1st. courtyard and then the residence of the President of Czech Republic.
Hradcanske Square
In front of Prague Castle is an open-air area known as Hradcanske Square. It slopes down, gently, towards Ke Hrada Street.
Main entrance of Prague Castle to President’s residence and St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague
Upper part of Hradcanske Square in front of Prague Castle, Prague
1st. courtyard of Prague Castle and the Matthias Gate to the 2nd. courtyard of Prague Castle, Prague
Archbishop’s Palace
A grand, white building known as Archbishop’s Palace, is easily noticeable in the square. It was built by Emperor Ferdinand I(1503-1564) in 1420 to replace the one that was burnt down in Mala Strana(Lesser Town) during the Hussite Revolution(1419-1434).
Archbishop’s Palace built in 1420 in Hradcanske Square in front of Prague Castle, Prague
Statue of Thomas Garrigue Masaryk
Erected in 2000 opposite Prague Castle is a statue of the first President of Czechoslovakia, Thomas Garrigue Masaryk(1850-1937), on the occasion of his 150th. birth anniversary. He was in office as President from 1918 until 1935.
Statue of the first President of Czechoslovakia in Hradcanske Square
View of Mala Strana(Lesser Town)
From the lower part of Hradcanske Square, we saw a breathtaking view of an old town known as Mala Strana(Lesser Town). It has narrow streets lined with quaint buildings. Most of the building are in Baroque architectural style. Some of them have become embassies, hotels, museums and restaurants.
Lower part of Hradcanske Square in front of Prague Castle, Prague
Mala Strana(Lesser Town), quaint town, as seen from Prague Castle, Prague
Fellow-members on the lower part of Hradcanske Square and Mala Strana(Lesser Town) in the distance, Prague
Pickpockets in Prague Castle
At 11.30 a.m. before we left Prague Castle for Mala Strana{Lesser Town), one of our tour-members realised that his wallet was lost to a pickpocket in one of the courtyards of the castle. He had lost some money and a visa card which he had to inform a bank in Malaysia for immediate cancellation. Before we began our EasternEurope, we were forewarned of pickpockets at crowded tourist places by our tour-manager, Joyanne Wong.
Pristine Mala Strana(Lesser Town)
Then we walked down a steep road, Ke Hrada Street, along Nerudova Street, Malostranske Street and Mostecka Street in Mala Strana(Lesser Town) before we reached the iconic bridge known as Charles Bridge.
Ke Hrada Street from Prague Castle to Nerudova Street below in Mala Strana(Lesser Town), Prague
Mosteka Street leading visitors to Charles Bridge ahead, Mala Strana(Lesser Town), Prague
Nerudova Street from Prague Castle to Charles Bridge, Mala Strana, Prague
Important Buildings in Mala Strana
Mala Strana was founded by King Ottokarll of Bohemia in 1257 and became a royal town. In 1419-1420 it was burnt down by Hussites and in 1541 it was burnt down again by a big fire. After the latter fire, many buildings in Baroque architectural style were built in the town.
While walking along Nerudova Street and Malostranske Street in the pristine town, we came across some important buildings including St. Nicholas Church, embassies of Italy, Romania and Paraguay, and a former market place now known as Malostranske Square.
St. Nicholas Church built in 1704-1755 along Malostranske Street, Mala Strana, Prague
Malostranske Square, part of the old market, in Mala Strana, Prague
Embassy of Italy along Nerudova Street, Mala Strana, Prague
Trams in Mala Strana(Lesser Town)
Trams are a popular means of transport in Prague City. In 1875 horsecar trams were introduced in Prague. Then in 1891 they were replaced by electric trams.
The tramway network in Prague City is the largest in the country, Czech Republic. They pass through Mala Strana(Lesser Town), too.
Trams in Mala Strana(Lesser Town), Prague
Charles Bridge, Prague
We took about 25 minutes to walk from Prague Castle to Charles Bridge. The bridge is the oldest and most iconic one among the 18 bridges that cross River Vltara in Prague.
Picture of Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
Construction of the bridge began in 1357 during the reign of Charles IV and completed in 1402. It is about 520 metres long and 10 metres wide connecting Lesser Town(Mala Strana) and Old Town(Stare Mesto).
Two towers of Charles Bridge on the Mala Strana(Lesser Town) side, Prague
River Vltara as seen from Charles Bridge, Prague
A tall tower of Charles Bridge on the Stare Mesto(New Town) side, Prague
Statues on Charles Bridge
Around the year 1700, 30 sculptures of Roman Catholic saints were erected on both sides of the bridge. As the nation wanted to preserve the original sculptures for posterity, they were all removed since 1965, systematically, to National Museum in Prague New Town.
Replicas were used to replace the original ones on the bridge.
Little Prague Venice
A small water channel of 900 metres long, Certovka(Devil’s Channel) also known as Little Prague Venice on the side of Mala Strana(Lesser Town), can be seen from Charles Bridge.
Little Prague Venice as seen from Charles Bridge, Prague
Photos of Statues on Charles Bridge
While fellow-members and I were strolling the whole length of the bridge on Sunday, 18 October 2015, we saw many visitors and some music-buskers on the bridge. Many of us and visitors would stop in front of a few sculptures to take photos.
Statues and visitors on Charles Bridge, Prague
St. Vitus Cathedral in the distance can be seen from Charles Bridge, Prague
Choo Chaw and wife on Charles Bridge, Prague
Here are some photos of the sculptures of important religious figures of the past erected on Charles Bridge, Prague:
i. Statue of St. John of Nepomuk is the oldest statue on the bridge. The saint was thrown from the bridge into the river and drowned because he refused to divulge the queen’s confession to the king, King Wenceslas.
ii. Sculpture of the Crucifixion and Calvay and two statues of Virgin Mary and John, the Evangelist were added in 1666.
iii. Statues of Saints John of Matha, Felix of Valois and Ivan It was created in honour of Saints John and Felix for saving some Christians who were captured by non-believers.
Statue of John of Nepomuk(1345-1393)
Statues of Saints John, Felix and Ivan
Sculpture of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
iv. Statues of Marry Magdalene and Virgin Mary mourning the death of Jesus Christ. They were created in 1858.
v. Statues of Saints Cyril(826-869) and Methodius(815-885) introducing Christianity to the Slavs created in 1928-1939
vi. Statue of St. Anne carrying her child, Virgin Mary. It was created in 1707.
Sculpture of Mary Magdalene and Virgin Mary mourning the death of Jesus Christ
Statue of St. Anne carrying her child, Virgin Mary
Statues of Saints Cyril and Methodius
vii. Statue of St. Ludmilla with her grandchild, Wenceslas created in 1730
viii. Statues of Saints Nobert of Xanten, Wenceslas and Sigismund created in 1853
ix. Statues of Saints Barbara, Mary and Elizabethcreated in 1835
Statue of St. Ludmilla with her grandchild, St. Wenceslas, created in 1730
Statues of Saints Nobert, Wenceslas and Sigismund
Statues of Saints Barbara, Margaret and Elizabeth
An Odd Statue
There is one odd statue on a pillar planted in River Vltara and beside Charles Bridge. It is a statue of a mythical knight, Bruncvik. According to local legend, he helped a lion to fight a 7-headed dragon. This statue was sculptured in 1884 replacing the original one which was created in 1502 and then destroyed by the Swedish forces in 1648.
Statue of a mythical knight beside Charles Bridge, Prague
Rubbing Two Bronze Plagues for Good Luck
Visitors like to touch or rub two bronze plaques on a pedestal of a statue for good luck. It is the Statue of St. John of Nepomuk. One of its plaques shows a woman with a child and knight and the other a knight with a dog. They have been touched or rubbed so frequently that they become shining.
A visitor touching a plaque on the pedestal of Statue of St. John of Nepomuk for good luck
Brother and sister enjoying themselves on Charles Bridge, Prague
A bronze plaque on the pedestal of Statue of St. John of Nepomuk has become shining after frequent rub by visitors.
Alexander Zoltan, a One-Man Band
There were some music-buskers on Charles Bridge. They made the atmosphere of religious sentiment over the bridge lively. Thanks to them.
Among the buskers on the bridge, there was one that caught my attention. He was amazing as he had over 20 musical instruments on his body, including banjo, harmonica, duck call, washboard, cymbal, cow-bell, bicycle-bell and tambourine to name a few. He could play several of them at the same time. He is a one-man band and well-known worldwide. He is none other than Alexander Zoltan who was born in Prague.
Photos of Musicians on Charles Bridge
Here are three photos showing some musicians on Charles Bridge:
A one-man band performer, Alexander Zoltan, buskering on Charles Bridge, Prague
Musicians buskering on Charles Bridge, Prague
Three musicians buskering on Charles Bridge, Prague
Knights of the Cross Square(Krizoynicke namesti)
Soon we stepped out of Charles Bridge on the side of Old Town(Stare Mesto) and entered a small open-air space known as Knights of the Cross Square(Krizoynicke namesti). Around this square are some important buildings, including the following:
i. Charles Museum with a statue of Charles IV(1316-1378), a Holy Roman Emperor, erected in front in 1848 on the occasion of the 500th. anniversary of Charles University.
ii. Church of St. Francis of Assisi built in Baroque architectural style in 1679-1685 replacing the old one of 1270.
iii. Church of the Holy Saviour built in Baroque architectural style with a facade adorned with sculptures of church fathers, order saints, Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary. Currently, it is used by the Roman Academic Parish and a venue for organ concerts.
Statue of Charles IV in front of Charles Museum, Knights of the Cross Square, Old Town(Stare Mesto), Prague
Church of the Holy Saviour, Knights of the Cross Square, Old Town(Stare Mesto), Prague
Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Knights of the Cross Square, Old Town(Stare Mesto), Prague
Old Town Square, Prague
From the Knights of the Cross Square(Krizoynicke namesti) we walked into another open-air space which is larger nearby. It is known as Old Town Square which was established in 1333.
Old Town Square established in 1333, Prague
Jan Hus Monument
In the middle of the square is a large monument, Jan Hus Monument. It was erected there in 1915 in memory of Jan Hus(1369-1415) who was burned to death at a stake in 1415 by the Constance Council for his religious beliefs. Jan Hus was an influential religious thinker, philosopher and reformer.
Jan Hus Monument, Old Town Square, Prague
Church of Old Lady before Tynn
Around the Old Town Square are shops, restaurants hotels, Old Town Hall and and churches. There are two large churches built in different architectural styles. One known as Church of Old Lady before Tynn was built in the 14th. Century in Gothic architectural style. It is the most dominant building in the area as it has two 80 metre-high towers.
Church of St. Nicholas
The other church, Church of St. Nicholas, was built in 1735 in Baroque architectural style replacing the old one that was built in 1273. It now serves both as a church and venue for classical concerts.
Church of St. Nicholas built in 1735 in Baraque style, Old Town Square, Prague
Medieval Astronomical Clock, Old Town Hall
But the most interesting building in the square is the Old Town Hall. It has a tall tower with a unique medieval astronomical clock, Orloj, installed in 1410. The clock is still working.
It is made up of three components: the astronomical dial representing the position of the sun and moon, a calendar dial with medallions representing the months, and “The Walk of Apostles” that makes the figures of apostles appear hourly.
Old Town Hall with an astronomical clock installed in 1410, Old Town Square, Prague
Choo Chaw and wife in front of the astronomical clock in Old Town Square, Prague
Visitors waiting for the clock to strike at 1 p.m. in Old Town Square, Prague
1 p.m. Time Show of Astronomical Clock
A few minutes before 1 p.m. we saw a large crowd gathering in front of the astronomical clock and waiting, patiently, for it to strike at 1 p.m.. We, too, joined them. At 1 p.m. the clock rang, continuously, and two small windows above it opened showing small figures of apostles moving inside. Several seconds later, the windows closed and the clock struck several times. Then it was all over and the crowd dispersed. The next time it would ring again was 2 p.m.
A large crowd gathering in front of the astronomical clock waiting for it to strike at 1 p.m., in Old Town Square, Prague
Painting of Old Town of Prague showing Old Town Hall with a medieval astronomical clock
Wenceslas Square
After the astronomical clock show, we walked to another square nearby. Known as Wenceslas Square, it is a busy place where visitors are attracted to quaint and modern buildings which are now hotels, restaurants, shops, offices, etc.. Important celebrations and gatherings are often held there. Many political events have happened in the square.
Wenceslas Square was formerly known as Horse Market(Konsky trh) until 1848 when it was changed to the current name.
Lower Part of Wenceslas Square, Prague
Quaint buildings in Wenceslas Square, Prague
Upper part of Weceslas Square, Prague
Velvet Revolution
Velvet Revolution was one of the significant political events that happened in 1989. Students and older dissidents demonstrated against the one-party government of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia in Wenceslas Square and other places in 1989. Consequently, the 41 year-old communist rule in Czechoslovakia ended and, subsequently, it became a parliamentary republic.
National Museum, Prague
The large building built in 1885-1891 in neo-Renaissance architectural style on the upper part of Wenceslas Square is the National Museum. It houses about 14 million items from many different areas, including natural history, history, arts and music. It is closed for renovation until 2017.
Choo Chaw and wife in Wenceslas Square, Prague
Jan Palach and Jan Zajic
In the middle of the square, there is a small area in a garden that is dedicated to two Czech students, Jan Palach(1948-1969) and Jan Zajic(1950-1969). They burned themselves to death on separate occasions in Wenceslas Square in protest against Soviet Union’s invasion and occupation in their country, Czechoslovakia, in 1969
A proper monument of the two martyrs is created in the form of a bronze cross set in the ground in front of National Museum located on the upper part of the square.
A monument in the middle of Wenceslas Square in memory of 2 Czech students who burned themselves in the square in 1969
Monument of St. Wenceslas
A monument of St. Wenceslas(907-935) mounting a horse was erected in the upper square in memory of him as a martyr. While he was Duke of Bohemia he was invited by his cruel brother, Boleslav, to a feast and murdered by the latter’s three friends in 935. The monument was sculptured by Josef Vaclav Myslbek in 1887-1924.
Monument of St. Wenceslas mounting a horse and 4 saint statues at its base, Wenceslas Square, Prague
Statue of St. Ludmila(St. Wenceslas’ grandmother) at the base of the Monument of St, Wenceslas, Prague
Monument of St. Wenceslas on the left and National Museum in the background, Wenceslas Square, Prague
Statues at Monument of St. Wenceslas
Four statues were later added to the base of the monument, viz. St. Ludmila(860-921) who was St. Wenceslas’ grandmother, St. Prokop(970-1053), St. Adalbert(956-997) and St. Agnes of Bohemia(1211-1282)
Statue of St. Prokop at the base of Monument of St. Wenceslas, Prague
Statue of St. Agnes of Bohemia at the base of Monument of St. Wenceslas, Prague
Statue of Adalbert at the base of Monument of St. Wenceslas, Prague
“28 X 1918”
“28 X 1918” is a significant date, 28th. October 1918, set in the pavement right in front of the Monument of St. Wenceslas. It was the day Czechoslovakia gained its independence. On 14th. November 1918, Tomas Garrigue Masaryk became her first President.
“28 X 1918”, the day Czechoslovakia gained her indepaendence
Old Town Square(Stare Mesto)
At about 4 p.m. we left Wenceslas Square and walked back to Old Town Square which was nearby. We spent about two hours in the square.
Trdelnik
In the square we watched a stall making trdelnik which is a traditional Slovak cake. It is made from dough that is wrapped around a long cylinder, then grilled and coated with a mixture of sugar and walnuts.
A stall making “trdelnik”, a sweet pastry, in Old Town Square, Prague
Grilled Pork
Next to that stall was one that was selling grilled leg of a pig. The owner was cutting it into pieces while customers were waiting for to buy the meat.
A grilled pork stall in Old Town Square, Prague
Street Performers
There were a few street performers in the square. We saw musicians playing different instruments, a man playing with a crystal ball and making it roll all over his body, smoothly, and a lady creating large soap-bubbles, effortlessly.
Two musicians entertaining visitors in Old Town Square, Prague
A crystal ball man in Old Town Square, Prague
A lady creating a large soap-bubble in Old Town Square, Prague
Horse-Drawn Carriages for Old Town Tour
There were some horse-drawn carriages in the square carrying visitors around the Old Town of Prague for a sightseeing tour.
Horse-drawn carriages for visitors in Old Town Square, Prague
Newly-Married Couple from China
An interesting event was taking place in front of the astronomical clock in Old Town Square at about 6 p.m.. A professional photographer was busy taking photos of a newly-married couple from China in front of the clock. They were wearing modern wedding clothes. After the photoshoot, the bride turned her back, threw her bouquet of flowers to a group of ladies standing behind her and one of them caught it with happiness.
A newly-married couple from China posing in front of the medieval astronomical clock in Old Town Square, Prague
A lucky lady caught a bouquet of flowers from the bride next to her in front of the astronomical clock in Old Town Square, Prague
Dinner
At 6.30 p.m. we all left Old Town Square and headed to a restaurant for dinner. After dinner we went back to our hotel, Hotel Duo, in Strizkov, where we stayed for the last night.
Hotel Duo in Strizkov, 9 km north-east of Prague City centre
Day 7 Monday, 19 October 2015
Day 7 was our last day in Prague and Eastern Europe. We would fly back from Prague airport to our country, Malaysia, via Istanbul at 7.10 in the evening.
Since we had a lot of time to wait for the departure, my wife and I decided to go back to Wenceslas Square in Prague New Town to have a last look.
Last Visit to Wenceslas Square
To go to the square by ourselves, we bought Metro tickets from our hotel, Hotel Duo, in Strizkov and walked to a Metro station nearby. At 11.45 a.m we boarded a train and left for Muzeum Station in Wenceslas Square. Twenty minutes later we arrived at the station and spent two hours in the square enjoying the sights of the square again.
Strizkov Subway Station, a Prague Metro station, that is 9,8 km northeast of Prague National Museum
Choo Chaw and wife visiting Wenceslas Square, Prague, again on the last day of their tour
Choo Chaw and wife visiting Wenceslas Square, Prague, again on the last day of their tour
Departure for Home in Malaysia
Vaclav Havel International Airport, Prague
At about 3 p.m. we left the hotel and went to Vaclav Havel International Airport(named after the first President of Czech Republic), which is 9 km west of Prague. On arrival at the airport, we, sadly, bade farewell to our friendly coach-driver, John, who had, diligently, brought us to some cities in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Czech Republic for sightseeing tours for six days. Then we checked in at the airport and waited for few hours to fly home.
Malaysian tour-group thanking John for bringing them around in the eastern European countries from 14-19 October 2015
Malaysian tour-group checking in at Vaclav Havel International Airport in Prague, Czech Republic
Vaclav Havel International Airport, Prague, Czech Republic
Ataturk International Airport, Istanbul
At 7.10 p.m. we boarded a Turkish airline and flew 1500 km from Prague to Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2 hours and 20 minutes. On arrival at the airport, we disembarked and stayed there waiting for a few hours for another Turkish airline.
A Malaysian Member of Parliament
At 1.15 a.m. we got onto another Turkish airline and were, pleasantly, surprised to see a Member of Parliament from our country in the same economy class as us. She is Honorable Nurul Izzah Anwar, the Member of Parliament for Pantai Lembah.
Honorable Nurul Izzah Anwar, Member of Parliament for Pantai Lembah in Malaysia on a Turkish airplane
(She and other Malaysian political leaders met in Bosphorus in Turkey to make a declaration: “The Bosphorus Declaration on Saving Malaysia”, on 17.10.2015 urging “Malaysians to unite to save Malaysia from the divisive politics of race, religions, extremism and intolerance. ………”. (You may find more information on this declaration on Honorable Nurul Izzah’s website: http://www.nurulizzah.com/…/the-bosphorus-declaration-on-s…/ ))
Soon our plane took off from Istanbul airport and flew all the way to our homeland, Malaysia.
Air flight from Prague Airport to Istanbul Airport
Home Sweet Home
It took about 11 hours to travel a long distance of 8400 km from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur International Airport(KLIA) in Malaysia. At 4.30 p.m. we arrived at the Malaysian airport, finally. Thanks to Turkish Airlines for the safe journey.
Air-flight from Istanbul(Atarturk Airport) to Kuala Lumpur(KLIA) in Malaysia
That was an unforgettable tour in Eastern Europe from 13-20 October 2015. It was a tour that our tour-members, my wife and I have enjoyed very much.
(Written by Choo Chaw, Kluang, Johor, Malaysia)
Eastern Europe Travel(13-20 October 2015):
Part II(Bratislava & Pandorf Designer Outlet)
Acknowledgement:
Here we would like to thank the following for making our trip a successful and memorable one:
i. Joyanne Wong, tour-manager of Golden Destinations Tour Agency, Kuala Lumpur.
ii. Vacation Hub, Johor Bahru
iii. Kinga Szabo, Budapest guide
iv. Michael, Vienna guide
v. Bogachan, Prague guide
vi. John, coach-driver
Thanks to our fellow-tour members, too, for being wonderful companions.