When Deb and I headed out today we couldn't believe the fog? It was very thick.
Our next surprise was how empty the Charles Bridge was. Our journey to the Prague Castle took us right across the river via the Charles Bridge. Loved having it to ourselves.
Below is what it usually looks like....yikes.
"I could have danced all night....I could have danced all night...."
Ok back to business. We are almost across Charles Bridge and hope that we can find the way up to the Castle. Since it is so huge you would think it would be obvious or easy.....ummm...no.
I see it...still covered in fog and mist.
But Deb is the Queen of mapping out our route and here we are heading way up to the entrance of the Prague Castle. 20 minutes up hill from the Charles Bridge....yikes.
The Prague Castle has been established here since the 9th century. But it is more than just a castle. There is also St. Vitus Cathedral and a Royal Palace and much more here to see.
It does require a lot of walking and time to appreciate it.
Call me crazy, but shouldn't the guards have their eyes open in case of danger. Yikes.
This great trio serenaded us when we arrived. They were quite good.
Just in time to see the Changing of the Guard.
Tomas Garrigue Masaryk was the father of democracy in Czechoslovakia. He fought for his country and wanted to created an independent and democratic Republic of Czech and Slovakia and was known to all as a hero. He became their first President when they were united.
He is one of only three foreign leaders to have a monument in Washington, DC honouring his dedication to democracy.
The other two are Gandhi and Churchill.
The St. Vitus Cathedral is so huge I cannot get it all in one photo.
The construction of this cathedral started in 1344 and wasn't finished until 1929.
The two soaring towers are 270 feet high.
I love gargoyles....they are so mischievous looking.
Many stained glass windows in this church. Incredible to see.....just a wee taste in the photos.
Below is the Wenceslas Chapel. Doesn't appear impressive in this photo, but in person it is.
Deb and I knew nothing more of 'good King Wenceslas' except for the Christmas carol.
It turns out that he was a Patron Saint of the Czech nation.
In the painting just under the enormous chandelier is Wenceslas with angels on both sides of him.
For many centuries Kings knelt in front of his tomb to be crowned (below this painting).
He was actually Duke Wenceslas I in the 10th century. He was a wise leader and brought Christianity to his people of Czech and also allied his nation with the Holy Roman Empire.
During his rule, he had the Prague Castle strengthened and fortified, and it became the seat of governing power in Czech.
The Duke, tragically, was murdered by his brother in the year 929 and became canonized as a saint.
He title of King was given posthumously by the Roman Emperor Otto I.
These two photos are of his statue founded in the Wenceslaus Square in Prague.
Actually he is also on the Czech Republic 20 cent coin.
His legend is very much like that of King Arthur to rally the people.
During demonstrations in Prague, this Wenceslaus Square is where it would be.
The nave in this cathedral is over 400 feet long and 100 feet high.
The view from the Royal Palace of the Charles Bridge and tower from up here.
Many, many schools are here and tourists....patience is always a must. We try....
These next five photos are of the 'Golden Lane' located behind the Royal Palace.
Quaint, very wee, little homes and businesses that were predominately owned by goldsmiths back in medieval times.
Now they house memorabilia of an age gone by and also are little shops for souvenirs.
WOW....that was a huge place to visit.
Glad we rested up.
As we climbed up hill to get here.....off we go down hill to return closer to our hostel.
No rush.....we just enjoyed the scenery and stopped for a few goodies and photo ops.
Vineyards on both sides of our path....and what's that? A cafe...I need a wee cappuccino.
What a view!!
Cheesecake....what? I know...but we shared it. And we walked more than 20,000 steps today...well....close....
A beautiful, colourful Eurasian Blue Tit bird....and again I am not making that name up.
A Blackbilled Magpie bird....such great colours.
A bird lady just like me.
Hey...I have never seen swans fly? I didn't even know they could.
Debbie.....follow those birds....
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