Three days in Prague.
Bit of a culture shock arriving in gentrified Prague after trekking in Nepal but it didn't take long to be under its spell. Prague has always held an interest and we were delighted that we could slot it into our itinerary. It's charm though was not just in its architecture, churches etc but in the people, particularly the young guides, who led the'free' walking tours. They gave a very candid view of Czech history, it's place in the world and of its culture. Basically, over the centuries Prague has been a toy of surrounding nations - Germany, Russia and even Sweden. It has swayed between occupation, Communist ideals, independent republic status. They have been very passive, believing that eventually the occupying nation will move on. They even waited out the 600 years of Hapsburg rule. Now the Czech Republic is independent again and rewriting its second constitution.
Guides await walking patrons. Payment by tip. Our 2 guides, Martin and Chritian, were exceptional.
Walking tour around the castle precinct. Another Hapsburg Palace.
We loved comments on the tours like "this museum (gem and mineral museum, housed in elegant Romanesqe building) has been voted the most boring museum in Europe" or the hourly clock chiming ( in the Old Square with its moving characters) is the second most disappointing tourist attraction after the Mona Lisa.
Interesting point about the clock tower. It was especially crafted and prized by the people of Prague but to ensure that the inventor did not reproduce another elsewhere and lessen the value of his Prague creation, they gouged his eyes out. Oh, the price for brilliance.
The mummified thief's hand. A warning to all would-be robbers.
Prague, although the home of many beautiful churches, is basically an atheist centre due to the years of communist rule. The churches and cathedrals, in immaculate condition, are maintained by their function as concert venues. In St Nichols church there is a reminder to all would-be thieves - a mummified hand hanging near the front door. Legend has it that a robber entered the church to steal jewellery bestowed on a statue of the Virgin Mary but his hand became wedged and the only way to free it was to cut it off.
Kutna Hora
We had a day at the old silver and lead-mining village of Kutna Hora. It is famous for it's 'bone church'. A gruesome chapel decorated with bones, excavated from the cemetery when the church was extended. A sleepy town now but it was once noted for the stamping of coins and a wealthy Itlalian community,
Budget B&B. close to the Metro.
We were pleased with our B&B, although not in a solubrious area, it was a few minutes to the metro and had a few great restaurants for evening meals. Otherwise we found some lovely places by the river .
Local musicians
and storytellers
Busy tourist Charles Bridge
Prague ticked all the boxes - particularly with sunny weather - but surprised us as well.
M&M
27/5/14
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