Day Three in Prague and the weather was lovely. What a nice sunny day for our trip up to see the Castle and St Vitus Cathedral. I must admit I had heard so many stories about pickpockets, especially on trams numbered 22 and 23 I was a bit paranoid. Anyway, we boarded tram 22 and there was no problem. It was full of middle aged folks going about their daily lives!
First of all we went to the Cerninsky Palace which is 135 m long - the largest palace in Prague. On 10th March, 1948 (which is my birthday incidentally) it was the scene of Prague's third, and most widely mourned, defenestration. Only days after the Communist coup the only son of the founder of the Republic plunged 45 feet to his death from the top-floor bathroom window of the palace. Was it suicide or murder?
From there we walked across the road to the Loretta with its tower that lights up at night like a Chinese Lantern.
Then it was down to Novy Svet to see the 17th Century cottages. Now I know I am tall but do people really get through these doors without difficulty?
I am obsessed with "doors" and although these were not the types I normally take photographs of I did find some interesting door knockers.
What about this road sign - it rather amused me.
It was really pleasant walking along this road making our way to the Castle Gardens where we saw lots of lovely buildings and this magnificent lamp. Unfortunately (in some ways) the sun was shining so much that it was difficult getting photographs, but this is the lamp, or rather the top of it.
This is the Presidents Offices, manned by two guards.
If you walk to the right of the picture you have the most marvellous views of the whole of Prague and as it was such a nice day we spent quite a while enjoying the view - and the sunshine.
From there we went into a courtyard which opened onto a big square, through to the next one and to St Vitus Cathedral. Magnificent!
The stained glass windows really are something else and this was my favourite one of all, difficult to choose but I think this was my favourite.
From there we went to Nerudova, known for its Baroque houses and their medieval barn doors, most of which are adorned with their own house signs. I could not wait to see these. Another obsession of mine is hanging signs and these came pretty close, I had to photograph them all. Here are just a few.
I love keys.
I won't go on with any more but I must show you this. As you probably know Prague is full of Marionette shops. This is at the top of the street and I just had to take a couple of photographs.
This is one of the panels on the left of the door. Couldn't resist a close up. They are so cute.
Then it was off to search for another of David Czerny's sculptures. This one was in the Peace Gardens of the German Embassy. It was quite interesting going up the street as we saw cars being stopped as they went up the street - having the guards look underneath the car with those mirrors on long poles, open the boot etc. Anyway, eventually we found the sculpture (having walked down a very muddy lane to get a photograph).
Interesting? Quirky? Or What?
Then it was back to the bottom and off to Havelske Market where I bought my only souvenir - a glass bowl which holds a night light and has scenes of Prague around it. This was to make up for my disappointment in not being able to buy a "mug" for my Gluhwein with Prague 2009 on it - they served it in plastic cups!
The next day was spent going over some of the places which we had enjoyed, doing last minute eating and drinking and simply enjoying Prague. I hope I have not bored you too much but rather whetted your appetite to go and see Prague. Here are a couple of my other favourite photographs.
And now it's "dobrou noc Praha"
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