Prague Cover

Walking in Prague

Click on any photo for a more detailed view.

The Charles Bridge, shown here, is always full of tourists from all over the world. Both sides are occupied by itinerant musicians and people selling souvenirs. This is probably much the way it was when it the bridge was built in 1402. Behind Ron is the picture at left is the Powder Tower, which functioned as a storage place for gunpowder in the 18th century.

The bridge railings are decorated with various religious statues, such as the one at right. Most are of exceptional quality.

Centuries ago, a Jewish citizen was forced to pay for the Hebrew letters on this statue of the crucifixion. It was in reparation for some "blasphemy".

This brass plaque, at the base of the statue of St. John Nepomuk, a priest and the queen's confessor. It shows him being thrown into the river in 1383 for refusing to violate her confession. The villain was Wenceslaus IV, king of Bohemia. John drowned and was sainted as a martyr some 450 years later.

The yellow glow is from the continuous parade of tourists who rub the plaque for good luck.(!)

His spectacular tomb can be seen here.

A statue of Saint Wenceslaus, called "Good King Wenceslaus" in the familiar Christmas carol, stands outside St. Nicholas Church.
Actually the real St. Wenceslaus was a duke, not a king, and led a fascinating life. For more about him, click here.

In this row, we see some details from inside the Church of St. Nicholas. In Prague churches serve as both religious and cultural centers. Concerts are held in the churches nearly every night.

And, yes, faith is still an important aspect of the culture in this long-time Communist land. One weekday night we walked into a church and found a a service in progress, with standing room only.

The Astronomical clock in Prague's main square has been rated as "one of the three suckiest monuments in Europe" by Mike's Bike Tours in Munich. The others so honored are Le Manneken Pis in Brussels and Munich's Astronomical Clock. Regina has now had the privilege of having seen all 3 of them.

Ron says he's seen more vibrant action at a chess match.

The famous (or infamous) Infant of Prague statue. It was a staple in every Roman Catholic home in the 1950s. We saw them for sale in the airport but passed up the opportunity to have one of our very own.