It's been about a month since I went on holiday. I finally arrived in Prague it's one of those places I've alway's wanted to visit and had a romantic notion of Prague as a gothic medieval dream. Many parts of it lived up to my ideal especially, the old square and the Charles IV bridge. I was surprised to discover a diverse range of architecture that reflects the cities diverse history and culture.
We arrived quite late once we were booked into reception we had to collect our keys for the apartment that was located about five minutes walk to Karlova Street, which later turned out to be one of most tourist-filled streets in Prague. However, the street was prime location being rather within walking distance to the main city attractions.
Charles Bridge
The Charles IV bridge was commissioned the ruler of the same name. The bridge replaced the earlier Judith bridge after being damaged by a flood. Petr Parlr was tasked to design and oversaw the building. The bridge is considered one Prague of gothic treasures. In later years, during the 17th century there was the addition of baroque statues and in total there were thirty installed depicting influences saints. It enhances the gothic beauty of the bridge.
The Leto
Was a nice and relaxing walk that both the other half enjoyed it had a tranquil and harmonious energy walking around. It also nice to get away from the bustle of the tourists. There always felts hint of macabre essence that's steeped in Prague's atmosphere. Photography was permitted, but it meant paying 100 ck about £4 and to be honest, the visitor didn't warrant that much money. The exterior was built with an interior courtyard space and internal building and chapel surrounding
Gallery Miaou
I bought this cute cushion that reminded me of Phoebe.
The Second Day
I wander off by myself to have a gander around the Prague castle complex where the St Vitus is hidden amongst the Hapsburg facades of palaces the complex is extensive and to be honest. I was on wanting to explore the majestic Cathedral. Below are few photos of interesting buildings and
I even found the hanging Sigmund Fraud.
St Vitus
St Vitus has stood on the grounds since the 9th century. St Vitus was the patron saint of dancers and entertainers. He was a martyr the Christianity cause during the Roman empire he was boiled alive under Diocletian and Maximian. He was later canonized a saint by both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. St Vitus was popular saint amongst central Europe and often would celebrate by dancing around his stature.
I really can't resist a good cathedral it almost becomes a borderline of addiction. I was fascinated by the design while walking around. I probably spent more time than necessary taking photographs capturing the energy of the Cathedral.
St Vitus is a fantastic example of the various gothic styles from throughout the centuries which encompassed through the cathedral structure. The first master builder Matthias of Arras imported more of decorative French gothic style he developed while building in France. He initially designed the full cathedral. His designs included a short transept which leads into the high altar with a five-bayed choir for the choral song during mass. Behind the chapel is an ambulatory with apse ceilings with a small decorative chapel devoted to various saints. On the exterior includes his design includes flying buttress. Only the eastern part of the chapel was built during his lifetime.
His successor was Petr Parlr brought a new definitive style of gothic that would be known as the Parlr style and used throughout central Europe. Unlike Matthias focused on ridged portions and geometry. Parlr trained as woodcutter and sculptor he used the skills through his designs and work. His most notable work was his net vaults, where he used double diagonal ribs that were not only decorative but strengthen the Catherdrals vaulted ceilings. His design also uses bell-shaped columns, smooth clerestory walls, corbels, and the triforium bust. His window tracery cravings mean each window has its own unique design. By the time of his death, only a part of the transcept and the choir was built.
Only in the late the 19th century and 20th finally saw the cathedral completed. With architects Josef Kranner, Josef Mocke and Kamil Hilbert. used sympathetic approach by using neo gothic influences, especially from Parlr, blends seemingly into the neo-gothic with the medieval styles. It definitely deceived me thinking the whole building was far older Even the front was designed and built with 19th century by Mocke who drew inspiration from much of the medieval double tower c fronts found on many cathedrals.
Walking around I how awe-inspiring the congregation must have felt seeing the vibrant rainbow of light coming through the stained creating the sense of heaven on earth. I probably spent more time than necessary taking photographs capturing the energy of the Cathedral. A lot of the stained glass was designed and installed as late as the early 1930's with even Alfons Mucha designing much of stained glass.
Afterwards, I had a slow walk around the gardens which were gorgeous and offered some of the most spectacular views of Prague. I would highly recommend visiting the grounds, which are free to walk around and even the St Vitus atrium part is free but to explore the church you need to purchase a ticket that is worth it, well if you're as enthusiastic about churches as I am.
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Afterwards, I went to meet the boyfriend at the local pub where he was sampling the local beer I even had a wander around a fabric shop. I highly recommend checking out the shop as it's galore of treasures with a plethora of sumptuous fabrics.
We headed off for some food at Cernre Madonna that translates as Black Madonna. The Black Madonna building felt incredibly unique as it in a building and interior uses cubism it felt both functional and decorative. Also a sense of traditional and futuristic but simultaneously it felt contemporary, but I guess great design feels timeless.
We ate both outsides of Cafe Orient and then Cerne cafe for cake. On the upper levels is the Cubist museum the boyfriend wanted to explore. I'm not that familiar with the art movement. It was interesting seeing in the various artistic disciplines and for me, it made more sense seeing in the interior furniture.
They do some fantastic cake. we had after visiting the Cubist Museum.
Afterwards, we visited the
The Gallery of Steel Figures
I loved the museum and it made me like I was five. The Musem was based on upcycling old metal and mechanical parts turning them into iconic characters, animals, celebrities and cars. It felt like a fantastic way of recycling and some fantastic creations
I think one of my favourites had to be the alien style table and stool.
My new best friend.
Omg, its Sponge Bob I was almost cuddling him.
The Minions heroes they were great.
Thor, sadly not the Chris Hemsworth version. I've got Sponge Bob.
Chewbacca the only figure visitors weren't allowed to touch because of sharp edges.
I even found my throne.