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Took an early train at 0727 hours from Neuchâtel to Basel Train station, and followed by a bus ride to the Basel Airport. The cost for the return bus and train tickets was CHF 39.
Swiss International Airlines
Checked in Swiss International Airlines flight LX 1460 upon reaching the airport and boarded the flight at 1105 hours. Interestingly the seating configuration of this flight was 2 by 3; where 2 passengers are seated in a row on one side of the walkway while 3 passengers are seated on the other side (left photo below). This makes me wonder how can the aircraft balance during its flight? As Swiss Air is a full-fledged flight, simple light snacks of bread and hot beverage were served (right photo below) during the short journey of 1 hour and 25-mins.
Soon after exiting from the airport custom, we then bought a 24-hour transport ticket at CZK 100 from the Public Transport Information Kiosk. Next we boarded the bus no. 119 to Dejvická Metro Station, then took Line A train to Můstek and interchanged to Line B to Námestí Republiky Metro Station. As it had already long passed the lunch time, we bought some pizza and drinks at the stalls inside the station to fill up our hungry stomach soon after alighting from the train. The hotel Ibis – Praha Old Town was easily located across the street from the Metro Station. We checked-in the hotel and had a quick wash-up before beginning our itinerary.
Historic Centre of Prague
Built between the 11th and 18th centuries, the Old Town, the Lesser Town and the New Town speak of the great architectural and cultural influence enjoyed by this city since the Middle Ages.
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The Historic Centre of Prague has been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1992. |
Municipal House
Once we walked out from the hotel, this Municipal House (left photo below) was easily spotted. Known as Obecní dům in Czech, this building has an important architectural and political history in Prague. Construction began in 1905 and completed in 1912, it now serves as a civic landmark and concert hall.
Monumental allegorical figures are displayed all over the facade of the building. The large exedra under the main cupola (right photo below) is decorated with a semi-circular scene on the glass colorful mosaic named Apotheosis of Prague according to a painting by Karel Spillar. The picture is adorned with a golden sign with a quotation by Svatopluk Cech which says: “Hail to you Prague! Brave the time and malice as you have resisted all the storms throughout the ages”.
Special tour can be arranged to visit the interior of the building. The nearest metro station is Náměstí Republiky of Line A.
Powder Tower
Located besides the Municipal House, this tower is literally known as Prašná brána or Powder Gate in Czech. This tower (photos below) is one of old city gates leading into the Old Town of Prague. Built in 1475, this 65-meters gate was one of the 13 original gates of Old Prague City. As the city grew beyond the gates, the Powder Tower grew less important. In the early 18th century, it was used as a storage facility for gunpowder, thus its name developed during that period. The tower was damaged severely in 1757 but was restored to its former glory during the period of 1870s to 1880s.
The exterior of the tower is decorated with statues of Bohemian patrons and saints (left photo below). Visitors can also pay CZK 70 (right photo below) to go up the tower to get a stunning view from 44-meters above ground. To reach this tower, the nearest metro station is Náměstí Republiky of Line A.
Old Town Square
This is a famous and popular square in Prague; often crowded with visitors and locals (left photo below). Many historical buildings in various architectural styles surround the square, including the Astronomical Clock, the Tower of Old Town Hall, gothic Týn Cathedral and baroque St. Nicholas Church. The center of the square is home to a statue of religious reformer Jan Hus (right photo below).
Nearest metro station to reach the Old Town Square is Staroměstská of Line A.
The Astronomical Clock
The Astronomical Clock of Prague together with the tower of Old Town Hall, are located in the Old Town Square (left photo below). Known as Pražský orloj in Czech, this clock was built in 1410, with the Astronomical dial added and its facade decorated with Gothic sculptures in 1490 (right photo below).
Four figures flanked the Astronomical dial and set in motion when the clock strikes the hour. These figures represent the things that were despised during the 15th century. From left to right: the first is Vanity, represented by a figure admiring himself in a mirror. Next a typical Jew holding a bag of gold represents Greed (left photo below). Across the dial stands Death, a skeleton that strike the time upon the hour and finally the Infidel Turk who wears the turban (right photo below).
On the contrarily, below the Astronomical dial and besides the calendar stood 4 figures present (from left to right) a Chronicler, an Angel, an Astronomer and a Philosopher (left photo below). The calendar was added in 1870 below the Astronomical dial.
The design of the Astronomical dial has a stationary background of Earth and local view of the sky (right photo below), while the golden roman numbers at the outer edge are the timescale of the 24 hours of a day.
At the strike of every hour, the figures are in motion and the 2 window-doors above the Astronomical dial opens where all the 12 wooden Apostles figures (6 figures at each window) take turn to show up. At the end of the display, a trumpeter will blow a short tune at the viewing platform of the tower to bring the atmosphere to climax. The video clip below illustrates the display:
Old Town Hall
To have a panoramic view of the Old Town, the best place is to go up to the viewing platform of the Old Town Hall. Admission at CZK 100 per adult can be bought at a side door beneath the tower (left photo below). If visitor is too tired to walk up the spiral steps to the viewing platform, then the elevator located in the middle of the tower will be a better choice. View of the Old Town is indeed spectacular with baroque and gothic styled churches, and buildings with red roof tiles. The medieval-style pillars make the view even more interesting (right photo below).
Let the photos below illustrate the charm and beauty of Prague Old Town.
Church of Our Lady Before Týn
Also known as Kostel Matky Boží před Týnem in Czech, this church dominates one side of the Old Town Square (left photo below). The church looks even more impressive when metallic stars above the spires reflect the sunlight (right photo below).
Built as early in 1360, the church itself is 52-metres long and 28-metres wide. On the southern face from the Old Town Square, the church is decorated with gothic-style relief of Madonna figure (left photo below). The two towers with 4 spires each can be seen from all over Prague, making it a powerful looking church. Each tower is 80-meteres high (right photo below). To me these towers look more "Disney" than of gothic-style.
St. Nicholas Church in Old Town Square
The green roof of the church is a typical style of baroque in Central Europe (left photo below). Built in 1755, the St. Nicholas Church (Kostel svateho Miluláse in Czech) was designed by the acclaimed Baroque architects, father and son - Kryštof Dientzenhofer and Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer, while other prominent artists adorned the interior and exterior with exquisite carvings, statues and frescoes (right photo below).
Jan Hus Memorial
Stands in the center of the Old Town Square, the Jan Hus Memorial was unveiled in 1915 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Jan Hus' martyrdom (photos below). The sculpture is more than a memorial in the hearts of Bohemia people in Czech; Jan Hus has became a symbol of dissidence and a symbol of strength against oppressive regimes:
- His opposition to church control by the Vatican gave strength to those who opposed control of Czech lands by the Habsburgs in the 19th century, and soon he became a symbol of anti-Habsburg rule.
- When the statue was erected in 1915 during World War I, the memorial became a symbol of anti-Russian rule.
- A couple decades later when Czechoslovakia was under Communist rule, sitting at the feet of the Jan Hus memorial became a way of quietly expressing their opinion and opposition against the Communist rule.
Prague Ham
Stalls selling Prague Ham can be seen all over the Old Town Square (right photo below), especially during the World Cup season where live-telecasts were showed at the square. Known as the "grandmother" of all today's stewed hams, Prague Ham (Pražská šunka) has become a famous dish in Czech. Decided to get a cup of beer and some Prague ham which cost CZK 300 in total. The beer was quenching in a warm afternoon and the taste of the ham was delicious.
Old New Synagogue
The Old-New Synagogue (left photo below) is the oldest site of Prague's Jewish Town and the oldest functioning synagogue (Jewish Church) in Europe. Built in 1270, the building has a medieval double-nave with a large saddle roof and Gothic gables.
Opening hours of this church is from 0930 hours to 1800 hours (Sunday to Thursday) with admission of CZK 200 per adult (right photo below). The nearest metro station to reach the church is Staroměstská of Line A.
Pařížská Shopping Street
Pařížská Street is located near Old Town Square, close to the Vltava River and the Jewish quarter. It is lined with elegant buildings and boutiques, which is very similar to those found in Paris.
The street is an exclusive shopping precinct filled with luxurious designer retail stores, such as Prada (left photo below), Louis Vuitton (right photo below), Cartier, Hugo Boss and Christian Dior boutiques. The street is also home to up-market hotels and restaurants, and a good selection of Czech porcelain and Bohemian glass and crystal from stores such as Karlovarsky Porcelain and Celetna. Nearest metro station is Staroměstská of Line A.
Hard Rock Café Prague
Hard Rock Cafe Prague is located at Malé Náměstí Street in the heart of old Prague of less than 50-meters from the famous Old Town Square. The Café, considered to be Europe's largest Hard Rock Cafe, is situated in the four-storey V.J.Rott building with a beautifully decorated neo-Renaissance façade and frescos (left photo below). While its interior is the style of typical American theme, such as the motorbike on display (right photo below). Nearest metro station is Staroměstská of Line A with some walking from Old Town Square.
Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge, also known as Karlův most in Czech, is the most famous historic bridge that span over Vltava River in Prague. The construction started in 1357 under the support from King Charles IV, and only completed in the beginning of 15th century.
The bridge is 516-meters long and nearly 10-meters wide, and resting on 8 arches shielded by ice guards on each side (left photo below). During the day, many painters, kiosk owners and other traders crowd the bridge together with numerous tourists (right photo below). Only during the night that serenity can be found.
Statues on the bridge
- The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and statuaries of mostly baroque-style (photos below). Erected in the 18th century, all these statues and statuaries have now been replaced with replicas, while the originals are now exhibited in the National Museum.
Statue of Saint John of Nepomuk
| The statue of John of Nepomuk, or Socha svatého Jana Nepomuckého in Czech, is an outdoor sculpture installed in 1683 on the north side of the Charles Bridge (right photo). It was the first of the many Baroque images of saints to be installed on the bridge. |
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- Touching the five stars of 'Saint John of Nepomuk' is a Prague ritual. It is supposed to bring good luck and to ensure that one will return to Prague soon.
- Walk a few steps towards the Old Town from the statue and will come to a cross with five stars on the left parapet of the bridge (left photo below). This is the exact point where the priest was thrown in the water. Legend has it that stars appeared when he touched the water.
- Here visitors are supposed to touch the cross and the stars with left hand and make a wish (right photo below). Whatever the wish, it will come true!
- There are 3 bridge towers on Charles Bridge: two of them on the Lesser Quarter side and the third on the Old Town side. The Old Town Bridge Tower (left photo below) is often considered to be one of the astonishing civil buildings in the world. In addition, the tower is adorned with many sculptures of gothic-style (right photo below).
The Charles Bridge Museum
- This museum was opened in June 2007 at the foot of the bridge in conjunction with the 650th anniversary of the bridge. Originally a former monastery hospital, the museum now features a permanent exhibition of the foundation, development and present of the unique bridge structure (left photo below). The latest scientific research discovered egg proteins in the calcic mortar from the bridge during renovation work. This proved the legend to be true that King Charles IV had ordered to add egg yolks to enrich the mortar used to bind the stone blocks harder.
Outside the museum stood the statue of King Charles IV (right photo below), in which the bridge is named after him.
Admission to the museum cost CZK 150 per adult and 33% discount with Prague card. Opening hours is daily from 1000 to 2000 hours (May to Sep), or 1000 to 1800 hours (Oct to Apr). If one is not interested in the museum, do make a visit to their souvenir shop located inside, where a wide range of gift products and related books can be found.
Colorful Houses of Prague
Do take a moment to admire the colorful Prague houses in the Old Town (photos below). These houses definitely make an excellent background for travel photos.
St. Nicholas Cathedral in Lesser Quarter
Also known as Chram svateho Mikulase in Czech, the beginnings of this imposing Cathedral dates back to the year 1283, when the place of worship started its existence as a parish church under the name and protection of St. Nicholas. With the change of authority in the 17th century, Baroque era began. In 1702, Kryštof Dientzenhofer himself designed the plans for the new Prague Baroque pearl. After his death it was his son, the famous Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer, who completed the work and designed unique vault and robust dome that later became one of the Prague's main landmarks (photos below).
Now this building has become a concert hall which most visitors came to listen to the music played from an organ. This organ was once played by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart when he lived in Prague. The cathedral and tower are opened to visitors at CZK 60 per adult. To get there, take tram no. 12, 20 or 22 and stop at Malostranske namesti.
Schwarzenberg Palace
Walked from the cathedral along Nerudova Street to the Hradcanske square, and the steps (left photo below) will be the final path to the Schwarzenberg Palace (right photo below). This palace is located near the Prague Castle.
Schwarzenberg Palace is one of the most imposing Renaissance buildings in Prague; easily recognizable by its rich black-and-white sgraffito decorations on its walls – mixing the Italian influences with Czech traditions (photos below).
The palace was built in 1567 for Jan Popel of Lobkowicz, one of the richest noblemen in Bohemia. After Lobkowitz family, the palace changed owner to Petr Vok from Rozmberk dynasty, then Svamberk dynasty, Eggenberg dynasty and from 1719 – 1948 to Schwarzenberg dynasty after which it is called. From 1909 the palace was used as the Technical Museum, now it belongs to the National Gallery in Prague. However, the palace is currently under reconstruction.
The closest way is to walk from Malostranske namesti (trams no. 12, 20, 22 or 23) up Nerudova Street to Hradcanske Square. If don't want to walk up the hill, tram no 22 or 23 can be taken from metro station Malostranská and get off at stop Prazsky Hrad. Continue via Prasny bridge and Prague castle courtyards.
Loreta
Loreta (left photo below), or Prague Loreto, is a remarkable complex of baroque buildings in Hradčany consisting of a cloister, the church of the Lord's Birth, a Holy Hut and clock tower with a world famous chime (right photo below). It is a large pilgrimage destination, established more than 300 years ago.
Construction began on 3 Jun 1626 and gradually arose over the course in 17th and 18th centuries. In 1950s to 1960s, a new treasury was built. Among the many treasures, the most famous is the Diamond Monstrance adorned with 6,222 diamonds. There are various sculptures (photos below) stood on the balustrades in front of the main entrance, making it an open-air stone sculpture gallery.
Admission fee is CZK 110 per adult and opening hours daily from 0900 to 1215 hours and 1300 to 1700 hours (Apr to Oct) or 0930 to 1215 and 1300 to 1600 hours (Nov to Mar). The loreta is just a 10-mins walk from the Schwarzenberg Palace or Hradcanske Square.
Dinner at Hradčany area
While walking back to the hotel, we decided to have dinner at this Mystic Café (left photo below) in Hradčany area. The bread was complimentary with 3 different spread to choose from (right photo below). The must-try dish in Prague is this Czech dumplings (kynute knedliki) which is nothing but fluffy dumplings dip in a good slow cooked pork shoulder (bottom left photo). For the main course, I had ordered a fried filet (bottom right photo). Food was delicious, especially the Czech dumplings. Total cost for my meal was CZK 570.
Night Sceneries of Prague
After dinner, we walked back to Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and Powder Tower before heading back to the hotel to end the day's itinerary. Along the way back, realized that the night sceneries were equally impressive as the day scene, thus took a few pictures (photos below).
As I didn't bring my tripod, the photos above may appear to be blur and slightly high "noise" level.