Things to do in Prague
For our first trip of the new year, we had packed our bags and travelled to Prague in the Czech Republic for a long weekend break.
On a good note, we had managed to visit a majority of the attractions and even sampled some of the famous Czech delights.
Astronomical Clock
This medieval clock dates back 600 years ago and on every hour, a small trap door opens where you can see the wooden figures of the apostles move in procession. Its incredible just to look at the intricate detail and craftsmanship on the clock, so much time must have gone into creating the clock (no pun intended!). For a small fee, we also went to the top of the Old Town Hall Tower where there we were able to get some great views of the Old Town Square.
View from the top of the Old Town Hall Tower
Behind the Astronomical clock, we went inside St. Nicholas Church with its neo-baroque styled interior paintings and crystal glass chandelier.
Charles Bridge
A famous landmark of Prague and featured in the film Mission Impossible, Charles Bridge is a crossing between the Prague's old town and Prague Castle. On the gothic style bridge, there are 30 baroque statues and statuaries representing patron saints worshipped at different times. It is said by touching the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, your wishes will come true.
St Vitus Cathedral
The largest temple in Prague and also where the coronation of Czech Kings and Queens took place. Inside the cathedral, there is the central nave with small chapels featuring stained glass windows. St. Wenceslas Chapel is the focal point in the Cathedral, dedicated to St. Wenceslas the patron of Czech lands whom is buried in the chapel. The chapel stands out with its gothic decoration, gems and gold. On the walls, there are gothic frescoes showing scenes from his life and the bible.
St. George Basilica
The second oldest church in Prague dating back to Vratislaus I of Bohemia, 920. It is a burial place for rulers from Premyslid dynasty till 1055 with a medieval crypt beneath the nave. Concerts are also held in the church.
The Golden Lane
A street of small houses built at the end of the 16th century. These houses were originally occupied by castle marksmen who guarded the northern fortification. However over the years, new occupants moved in from artists, clerks, alchemists.
Having heard from a cousin that there was an unique ossuary in a town outside Prague, we decided to make the trip to Kutna Hora. The journey took approx. over one hour to get to the town by train. The train was formed of carriages with booths that reminded me of a scene from Harry Potter.
If you do decide to travel from Prague to Kutna Hora by train, make sure you ask at the train station for a list of the train times as you do have to change trains and they do arrive at different times.
Kutna Hora
When we arrived in the town, the weather seemed to turn worse and it started to snow! Whilst battling the bitter cold winds with the snow in our faces, we walked along the road towards the Church of Saint Barbara. As we arrived the snow seemed to clear and the sky became a cloudy grey.
The Church of Saint Barbara
As we walked along the path towards the church, we couldn't help admire the stunning architecture with the flying buttresses and sailing spires. The church is a UNESCO world heritage site and another example of a beautiful gothic building in the Czech Republic. Saint Barbara is the patron saint of miners and the town had rose in prominence for its silver mines in the medieval period. Inside the church, there are many references to the mining industry from carvings, stained glass windows and frescoes. There is a second floor where there are some interesting statues and stories of the miners and you can read about the history and construction of the church.
Ossuary (Bone Church) in Sedlec
The ossuary dates back to the 13th century and was the resting place for many plague victims and fallen soldiers. Located in the underground chapel of the Church of All Saints, there are the bones of about 40,000 people. The Schwarzenberg clan had arranged the bones in various shapes from a chandelier, bells and the coat of arms.
It was a unique experience, slightly creepy but incredible and intriguing at the same time.
A selection of some of the food sampled in Prague......
When we arrived in the town, the weather seemed to turn worse and it started to snow! Whilst battling the bitter cold winds with the snow in our faces, we walked along the road towards the Church of Saint Barbara. As we arrived the snow seemed to clear and the sky became a cloudy grey.
The Church of Saint Barbara
As we walked along the path towards the church, we couldn't help admire the stunning architecture with the flying buttresses and sailing spires. The church is a UNESCO world heritage site and another example of a beautiful gothic building in the Czech Republic. Saint Barbara is the patron saint of miners and the town had rose in prominence for its silver mines in the medieval period. Inside the church, there are many references to the mining industry from carvings, stained glass windows and frescoes. There is a second floor where there are some interesting statues and stories of the miners and you can read about the history and construction of the church.
Ossuary (Bone Church) in Sedlec
The ossuary dates back to the 13th century and was the resting place for many plague victims and fallen soldiers. Located in the underground chapel of the Church of All Saints, there are the bones of about 40,000 people. The Schwarzenberg clan had arranged the bones in various shapes from a chandelier, bells and the coat of arms.
A selection of some of the food sampled in Prague......
Three cream bun
Pickled sausage with radishes, popular as a snack with beer.
Goulash - a thick, hearty stew with bread dumplings.
Roast pork, stewed cabbage with bread dumplings.
Overall we had a good time in Prague and even though we had prepared for the extreme weather in January, it was still pleasant and easy enough to explore the city on foot. There were some interesting sights from the gothic churches, astronomical clock and the ossuary which were unique in itself.
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