Prague Castle Complex with the evening lights on from across the Vltava River, Prague
Tour Day 2: Prague Castle
To get up to Prague Castle and meet Theresa for our walking tour with her there, Peter first took us on the metro, explaining the map and how to use the system in Prague. Upon exiting the metro station a few stops down Peter again gathered us around and explained how to use the tram system, which for me is a bit more confusing than the metro. We spread out along the platform waiting for the tram with the final stop in the direction we were going and got on when it pulled up, getting off at the stop Peter had mentioned to meet Theresa so we could explore Prague Castle!
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Image of the DayWe had attended a wonderful concert at the Rudolphinum, walked along the river and back into the Old Town with everything illuminated beautifully, and we were just so happy at the amazing day and evening we had in a city we have come to love!
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Is the Pope Catholic?We heard some pretty good guiding stories and sayings from Theresa and Peter and wanted to share our favorites:
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Prague CastlePrague Castle by a lot of measures is the largest castle on Earth. Czech leaders, from kings and emperors to the Nazis and the communists, have ruled from Prague Castle for more than 1,000 years. With the arrival of Christianity this proved the perfect spot overlooking the Vltava River for a church and subsequent cathedral. Nobles then built their residences in close proximity to compete with the church for influence over the king.
Map of Prague Castle from the Rick Steves Prague guidebook. We entered on the left and exited on the right connecting the ends of the castle with the Ramparts Garden Walk below the walls of the castle in a circle.
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St. Vitus CathedralSt. Vitus Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Cathedral and is the Czech National Church. It has played host to the crowning of kings, the tombs of royalty, the veneration of saints relics, and is where the crown jewels are kept. This was the last spot Theresa took us within the castle complex, doing a guided tour for us inside. The cathedral is huge and was constructed in 2 distinct stages. The front where you enter is a Neo-Gothic extension completed in the 1920s, and just after the transept is the older 14th century Gothic section.
Obelisk, Old Provost's Lodging and a good look at the sheer size of St. Vitus Cathedral.
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Mucha Stained-Glass Window
This wonderful 1931 Art Nouveau stained glass window was designed by Czech artist Alfons Mucha, and made by a stained glass craftsman. It was created to celebrate the birth of the Czech nation and Wenceslas. The main scene shows Wenceslas kneeling at the feet of his grandmother, St. Ludmila. She teaches him to pray. He would grow up to champion Christianity and unite the Czech people.
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Stained Glass of St. Vitus Cathedral
The photos below of the stained glass in St. Vitus Cathedral isn't by Mucha, but it is still so beautiful I felt it needed to be shown. Other than the Mucha Window you don't usually hear about the stained glass of St. Vitus, but it is really quite amazing and deserves attention. If you are lucky enough to visit Prague and St. Vitus Cathedral please take the time to examine all the exquisite stained glass.
The photos below of the stained glass in St. Vitus Cathedral isn't by Mucha, but it is still so beautiful I felt it needed to be shown. Other than the Mucha Window you don't usually hear about the stained glass of St. Vitus, but it is really quite amazing and deserves attention. If you are lucky enough to visit Prague and St. Vitus Cathedral please take the time to examine all the exquisite stained glass.
Lobkowitz PalaceAfter our guided tour with Theresa ended we took a short break for a light lunch of rolls and fruit, and then headed to Lobkowicz Palace to see everything on display in the Lobkowicz Collections. Lobkowicz Palace was built in the mid-16th century and is the only privately owned palace in the Prague Castle complex. The family's history is fascinating, and the palace was witness to some of Bohemia's most important historical events. It was confiscated from the Lobkowicz family twice in the 20th century by the Nazis and Communists, and was reinstated to the family in 2002. If you visit make sure to grab the good audio tour.
Pro-Tip: Watch the Honest Guide's tour through Prague Castle/Lobkowicz Palace with William Lobkowicz. |
A Classical Concert at the Rudolphinum
The Rudolphinum is the classical Neo-Renaissance building where the Czech Philharmonic is housed. We went to a classical music performance with an American violinist as the special guest. It was fantastic and it was wonderful to see how appreciative the Czechs are of cultural art. I believe we were the only tourists there, surrounded by people speaking Czech, and it was fantastic!
The Rudolphinum is the classical Neo-Renaissance building where the Czech Philharmonic is housed. We went to a classical music performance with an American violinist as the special guest. It was fantastic and it was wonderful to see how appreciative the Czechs are of cultural art. I believe we were the only tourists there, surrounded by people speaking Czech, and it was fantastic!
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