Prague is capital of the Czech Republic. Prague is referred to the City of 1,000 spires. Prague is a very large city with its new, vibrant side, but for us, Old Town was the most intriguing. [New Town surrounds Old Town.] The wonderful architecture, bridges across the Vlatva River, narrow cobblestone roads, the Jewish Quarter, and plenty of steeples and churches drew our attention. Prague was not destroyed during invasions in WWII, so many treasures were left intact.
Czech people are reportedly the world’s largest consumers of beer pro capita, beating Germany, but are heavy smokers and behind Germany. Major beers are Kosll beer as well as Budswar. Budswar, part of Budweiser, is made locally and is stronger and much tastier than USA Budwesier.
We went to Old Town Square where the astronomical clock is located. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still working. On the hour we witnessed the astronomical clock come to life with the skeleton ringing the bell and the other figures (vanity, greed, and pleasure) turning their heads.
Charles IV, the Holy Roman Emperor, brought prosperity to the land, and Charles University was founded in 1348 and is one of the earliest universities in Central Europe. The Charles Bridge is the most famous of the 9 bridges in his honor and has statues aligning both sides along it.
Czech Republic, formerly known as Bohemia, has been ruled by Nazi Germany, Austria-Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and finally the Czech Republic. After WWII in 1948, the Czech Republic was Communist for 41 years until the “Velvet Revolution”. The Velvet Revolution was a non-violent revolution in late 1989 where demonstrations grew to 500,000 and led to the collapse of single-party Communism. To rid themselves of their bleak communist past, the Prague government asked the people to modernize their concrete block buildings with brighter colored paint, but there are still some gloomy dark ones. We learned a clue to identifying Baroque architecture here. The windows on each floor are different styles and level of ornate from the other floors.
Skoda cars are the locally manufactured car here which was then bought by Volkswagen. Bohemian glass, red garnet, embroidered blouses & wooden toys are all characteristically Czech.
Good King Wenceslas is buried in the St George Cathedral (along with 4-5 subsequent King Wenceslas’). He was the Duke of Bohemia from 921 until his murder by his brother in 935. His martyrdom and the popularity of several biographies quickly gave rise to a reputation for heroic goodness. As a result he was (1) elevated to Sainthood, (2) posthumously declared king, and (3) seen as the patron saint of the Czech state. He is the subject of the song “Good King Wenceslas”, a carol written over 900 years later, (in 1853) that remains popular to this day. “Good King Wenceslas went out on the feast of Stephen….”
Adjacent to Saint George Cathedral was the castle on a hill which overlooked the city and, hence, had great views. After our day in Prague, we had to agree, Prague is indeed the city of 1000 spires.
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