The Riveras in Edinburgh: Prague

Prague was probably my favorite city of the whole trip. When we first got there, I was a bit disappointed--we stayed near Wencelsas Square, which I just didn't find that interesting. But, as we walked we eventually made it to the Old Town, and then across the Charles Bridge and to the Castle and-oh my word-it was all amazing. The buildings are magnificent; they are colorful, ornate, and just scream with history. Prague was apparently not bombed much during WWII, so this city is still largely intact, which was really great to experience. More than any other city we visited, I found myself continually imagining what it might have been like to live there at various points in history.

This is the National Museum.
The inside was incredible, but they don't let you take pictures inside.

The buildings in Prague are really ornate. Almost everything used lots of colors and many building have intricate designs.

One of many theaters

Buildings in Old Town

In the Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clocks stands. It was apparently built in 1490 and, although it has been repaired various times and various things have been added, it is pretty much today as it was then. The hourly sounding of the clock is quite the event: the bells chime, the two upper windows open (you can see them on either side of the statue, just about the face of the clock) open and the 12 apostles appear in turn. This is followed by a costumed trumpeter playing a short melody from the top of the tower. Very fun.

Astronomical Clock

The Prague Castle was AMAZING. It is the largest castle in the world and the grounds and buildings go on forever. The first building was constructed in 870, with many additions and changes over the 1100+ years that have followed. The Prague Castle has been home to many leaders, including to Holy Roman Emperors (Prague was apparently the capital of the Holy Roman Empire for some time--a fact I did not know), Nazi, communist, and democratic leaders.

We got there too late for a tour, but did enjoy walking the grounds (the gardens, sadly, didn't open until April) and visiting St. Vitus Cathedral, which is part of the Castle. This Cathedral, by the way, was the most ornate church I have ever seen. It is really unbelievable. In addition to the Castle, there is a large "neighborhood" surrounding it that was full of beautiful buildings, museums, a monastery, and this large and fantastic park.

Looking towards to Castle, from the Old Town side of the Vlatva River.