Prague
Colorful cobblestone street in Old Town Prague
Prague's Famous Astronomical Clock
This clock has been on the Prague Town Hall since 1410. In addition to the astronomical and calendar faces, it is also equipped with a mechanism consisting of statues of the twelve apostles which parade past two small windows on the hour.
Courtyard View of Town Hall
Probably one of the most beautiful monuments in Prague's historical center. It houses the astronomical clock pictured above. The balcony above this second clock on the tower pictured here was accessible by stair and elevator. Later on the next day Jenny and I climbed to the top for another view of the city.
Statue of the Holy Crucifix and Calvary - Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge is the oldest bridge in Praque. The 30 statues on the bridge form two rows, one on each side of the bridge. This metal version of the statue was made in 1629. In 1861 the sandstone statues portraying the Virgin Mary and John the Evangelist were added.
Statue of John of Nepomuk - Charles Bridge
In 1393 St. John of Nepomuk was thrown from the bridge into the river where he drowned. In modern times it has become traditional to touch the bridge here to bring good fortune and to ensure that the visitor will return to the city of Prague. This is the oldest statue on the bridge. I touched the statue several times!
Giant alien Bronze Babies
Prague is known for these giant bronze babies with smushed mechanical faces sculpted by David Cerny. This was one of three on Kampa Island (across the Charles Bridge). They are also seen on Zizkov TV tower , a symbol f the communist era, standing out from the picturesque skyline of Prague. The babies are scaling the television tower, unable to reach adulthood, their growth stifled by totalitarian rule.
Cathedral of St. Vitus
This is the largest and most important church in the Czech Republic. It is part of the Prague Castle Complex. It was founded in 930 AD and the current structure was begun in 1344 and completed in 1929. It is 407 feet long and 200 feet wide. The main tower on the left is just over 300 feet tall.
Signage for a Toy Museum
Lunch at the Lobkowicz Palace
The Lobkowicz Palace was built in the mid-sixteenth century and has been witness to some of Bohemia's most important historical events. The museum collections contain world famous paintings by Brueghel, Canaletto, Velazquez; ceramics spanning five centuries; exceptional collections of arms and armor; and hand annotated manuscripts by many of the greatest composers of the 17th to 19th centuries, including Beethoven, Haydn, and Mozart.
View of Prague from the Lobkowicz Palace
Jenny and our tour guide of Lobkowicz Palace
Ceiling Mural in Lobkowicz Palace
Private Concert in Lobkowicz Palace
These gifted musicians gave our small group a private half-hour concert. The music choices were from Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, and Dvorak. They were fantastic.
Another View of Prague
This picture was taken from the top of the Old Town Hall Tower. Jenny and I had to wait for over an hour in line to get to the top of this structure. The view was amazing!
Charles Bridge
On the right side of the bridge you can just make out the Statue of the Holy Crucifix and Calvary.
