The City Of 100 Spires - Prague

City Walks

Sep 2

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, and its largest city. Founded in the 9th century, its been the capital city throughout most of its history. The city is huge, but the bulk of the tourism is in the Old Town, famous for its 14th century medieval architecture. Fortunately, it was left largely undamaged by World War II, leaving a well-preserved collection of cathedrals, bridges and cobblestone streets. Old Town Square is the heart of Prague’s historic district, it has been the main public square since the 10th century and has many restaurants, cafes and shopping. The Prague Orloj or the Astronomical Clock is one of the square’s most popular attract and unfortunately, it was being repaired when I visited.

The city is a combination of architectural styles ranging from art nouveau to gothic to baroque, vibrant and old, it’s this contrast that makes Prague so interesting.

This is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!

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Formal architecture in bright green

You must always look up!

The most iconic example Art Nouveau-style, the Municipal House was built between 1905 and 1912

The Art Nouveau detail of the stained glass on the Municipal Building

The Church of St. Martin in the Wall built in 1178

The beauty of the buildings is a feast for the eyes

Prague is one of those rare example of a city that contains every major style of architecture

Church of Our Lady before Tyn is a gothic church and the dominant structure in the Old Town

Narrow streets with towering buildings as seen from Old Town Hall Tower

Walking the streets is fun, historic and interesting

The interior of the Old Town Hall Tower showing the steel elevator shaft

Detail of an ornate, old red door

Church of Our Lady before Tyn, with two towers that have a combined 18 pinnacles between them, was completed in 1511

Old Town Bridge Tower is one of the most beautiful gothic gateways in the world. The tower leads to the Charles Bridge, a stone bridge that connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town over the Vltava River, and features statues of saints.

Prague is a very popular tourist destination, with good reason, it is beautiful!

Prague has a fairy-tale-like beauty

Wallenstein Palace in Mala Strana served as the residence for the Imperial Generalissimo Albrecht von Wallenstein and now houses the Senate of the Czech Republic.

The garden facade of Wallenstein Palace in Mala Strana

Interior shot of the Allenstein Palace

Manhole cover design

Detailed entrance door knocker

Known for its iconic green dome, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi is one of two Baroque churches located at the entrance to the Charles Bridge on the east side of the Vitava River.

Parked motorcycle - “Start of Davison - Our Hogs Are Kosher”

Some local treats in the busy town square

Beautiful door-handle and knocker decoration

Streets with ornately decorated buildings, some with beautiful art incorporated into the entrance facade.

Absintherie is a popular bar in the Old Town that offers over a hundred different types of absinthe.

The sunset glow with the silhouette of Prague Castle as seen from the observation deck of the Old Town Hall Tower.

The Lennon Wall, in Mall Strana, is dedicated to the musician who became a hero for Czechia’s youth.

The John Lennon Pub is located around the corner from the Lennon Wall. Inside the pub, the walls are covered with Beatles memorabilia

The Lennon Wall

Prague Castle is one of the city’s most impressive buildings and contains multiple sections

St. George’s Basilica, one of churches and chapels located within the walls of Prague Castle

This is Vadislav Hall in the Old Royal Palace, one of the oldest structures at the castle.

Part of the torture exhibit in the Prague Castle

There is so much detail in St. Vitus Cathedral

Pictured here is the silver tomb of St. John of Nepomuk.

St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest and most important church in the Czech Republic and contains this Gothic masterpiece memorial like this one.

The Cathedral houses the tombs of many Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors

The Cathedral has an enormous amount of intricate detail from floor to ceiling

The massive Cathedral took over 600 years to finally be completed with stunning statues and stained glass windows.

This is the statue of Friedrich Johannes Jacob Celestin Von Schwarzenberg

This is the western facade, where you enter the Cathedral

There is an enormous amount go architectural detail on the Cathedral

Detail of the exterior with many gargoyles used to carry the rain water away from the building

You could spend a full day exploring the castle’s many building and surround grounds.

The city is filled with churches and palaces

I wonder what lies beyond this elegant entrance?

Wrought iron details and lighting grace the upper portion of this building

The memorial plaque commemorating the founding of UNIMA (Union Internationale de la Marionette) which was founded in Prague in 1929. The US center of UNIMA was founded by Jim Henson in 1966.

A simple geranium in an open window

This is the Infant Jesus of Prague, a 16th century wooden statue of in the Church of Our Lady Victorious.

The Dancing House in New Town stands as a start contrast to the surrounding collection of medieval architecture. Designed by Frank Gehry, it was inspired by iconic dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Another sunset view from the observation deck of the Old Town Hall Tower

Prague was like an architectural Disneyland for me.

What you should know:

You will need a valid passport and a travel power adapter if you are from the US.
The currency used is the Czech Koruna (CZK).
Many people speak English.
People are somewhat friendly and helpful.
The Old Town is walkable.
You could spend a couple of hours to a few days exploring here.
There is a large amount of public art.
There are many restaurant and entertainment options.
Tipping is not generally expected.