Prague Castle Czech

Stay: Prague Camp as per last night
Visited: Prague Castle complex

We got into the centre by 9am and it was less crowded with only a few tours walking around. 

We crossed Charles Bridge and made our way to the Loreto tower to listen to the 27 bell carillon that plays on the hour..unfortunately it didn't happen due to it being under renovation! Oh well, you win some and you loose some..what can you do? 

We doubled back a bit and went to the Strahov Monastery and its brewery, the oldest in Prague. Of course we had to taste their beer! Even though it was only 10:30am we were already hot from our walk up the hill! Needless to say we did share one beer.

Next we were on our way to the  Castle. It was founded in the 9th century and became the seat of the Czech rulers and presidents. As we were entering the gates the security officers were all at the ready to welcome the presidential cars. 

It is one of the largest complexes in the world and is made up of historical palaces, offices, churches, fortification buildings, gardens and other areas such as the famous Golden Lane. Even the Crown Jewels are kept here. Some of these sights we visited after we took some photos of the Old Town. 

St.George's Basilica which has a chapel of St.John of Nepomuk.

We then waited and watched the Changing of the Guard at 12 noon ..it was very hot. It was an experience but maybe not as entertaining as others maybe.

 We then walked through the Gothic Cathedral of St.Vitus. it was completed in 1929 after 600 years of construction. We saw St.Wincelas Chapel with his tomb.

After some lunch we went to visit the Old Royal Palace which was the seat of Bohemian princes and kings until the 16th century. We were impressed with the rib vaulting in the great hall which is still used for ceremonial state events. 

We saw a few other rooms including the most decorative which had the coat of arms of those who served on the Royal Council.

We then went to see Golden Lane which are small houses built into the Castle's fortifications. Firstly we saw a collection of armoury and torture gadgets. 

We then entered several  homes displaying life back in the day!

We were feeling weary and so made our way back through the Little Quarter, over Charles Bridge and on the tram with a stop at the Dancing House built in 1996 with the design being inspired by dance skills of Fred Astaire (stone building) and Ginger Rogers (glass building). Then it was back to Bluey for some R&R.