Prague Castle

Prague Castle is the biggest castle in the world.   It actually feels more like a small town.  The castle was started during the 9th Century and has been developed and modified ever since.  Originally the residence of Bohemian princes and rulers, since 1918 it has housed the president's office and the ancient Bohemian crown jewels.  

It took us all morning to get to the castle, which is on the other side of the River Vltava, and a short distance from the Old Town.   But we became lost and spend ages trying to find the correct tram to take us to the castle, which is on top of a hill.  We also became a little sidetracked by other interesting sites on the way.   And coffee of course.

St Vitus Cathedral which dominates the sky line.   It is a French Gothic structure begun in 1344 by Emperor Charles IV, but not completed until 1929.   A long project.

 The palace gardens.

 The main entrance to the palace, with the palace guards standing in front.   Their uniforms, very stylish, were created by Theodor Pistek costume designer for the film, Amadeus.  I don't think I am in competition for style here, but please note the new scarf, bought from C and A.  

 One of the palace courtyards.

At lunchtime the cafe we were in, was inundated by Dutch people, dressed very smartly in black.   We found out that they were going to sing in the cathedral at 2 p.m.   And it was an excellent performance too, their voices really filled the large church, and the soloist had such a beautiful voice.  Listening to them sing was a real treat for us.

 The Bohemian crown jewels - fake of course.   The real ones are well hidden and well secured elsewhere in the castle.

 The Golden Lane, which housed all the important crafts people associated with the castle.

Above the houses in Golden Lane there was a long corridor, which now houses suits of armour but which once was part of the castle wall defences.

 And finally we walked down the hall, through the old town, and back to the railway station.

 We have really enjoyed visiting Prague, although we did not see everything we would have liked, especially the museums and the Jewish area.   But tomorrow we will leave Prague, in order to see other parts of the Czech Republic.  Ever onwards.