Once upon a time...

On Friday we went to Prague Castle (Prazsky hrad)--it is the largest ancient castle in the world and a very popular Prague attraction. It isn't hard to believe, seeing as that you can't really escape seeing it from just about any point in central Prague. Perched on the top of a hill, it is a series of courtyards, churches, palaces, military outposts, and other small outhouses--many of which has been converted into museums, gift shops or restaurants. It really is its own little town. Spanning over seven football fields, and the tour lasting just about five--it was no wonder that our feet were sore by the end. But I am not complaining about that nice tan.

My documentation of the whole experience was nearly 200 pictures, so I will spare you. But here are a few shots.

These men look like toy soldiers. Not moving an inch for an entire hour, I feel as if their job is terribly degrading masquerading as dignified.



After walking through the gates and first courtyard, we came to a little tunnel that opened up into the main courtyard. We got a small peek at the gorgeous St. Vitus Cathedral. The anticipation was killing us.



And ah...there it is. There was really no way to capture the church. It was both too big to fit in the frame and too gorgeous to put in 2D. Ah, but we tried.



And tried some more...



Then we decided to walk in and do some marvelling.



The alter was gorgeous, and the church was the largest I have ever seen.



From the windows flooded a mosiac of multicolored light that dappled the whole room.



I saw an organ that only my father could do justice to. ;)



And also many tombs. Of them all this was the most impressive. However, I think they are all quite extreme. Too much concentration on opulance expended on dead bodies--which bothers me, especially in a religious context.



The tombs were everywhere, and if you went below the sanctuary, you entered a musty smelling crypt. Which is...disgusting? It was strange to think that all around and below us were the bodies of apparently really important people.



After we saw what was below the church, we journeyed onward and upward to the top of the bell tower. A cardio worthy (near) 300 spiraled steps were suffered so that we could see the prettiest view of Prague.



It was nice to be able to get a vista of the city, and at the same time be able to get a better look at the ornate towers of the catherdral.



Cock-a-doodle-doo!



After we got out of the tower, we headed toward to royal palace. Of which, I was a big fan of the ballroom. The floor was wooden and uneven, and if you looked out the window you could, again, gaze at the beautiful city. It made me long to be in a huge gown dancing to a string quartet--I don't care how hot it is.



I thought that the details were beautiful. Look for an update about my obessesion with doors. Here is a gorgeous chandelier.



Bazilika Sv Jiri or the Basilica of St. George was another little beautiful church right behind the Cathedral. Too many churches in too little space...but I didn't mind looking at them.



The frescos here and all over Prague are beautiful.



After, we went to a few shops, looked at several other exhibits, and then went to Golden Lane. A small series of tiny stores with all sorts of gifts from marionettes to antique violins, and handmade soap to handmade jewelery.



Here's a little shot for my brother and alicia. All of the buildings have their addresses hand painted on--one happened to be 21.



After that there was more walking, but the day was done. I hope to go back soon, we didn't even get to finish--the gardens surrounding the castle are supposed to be marvelous and the summer palace is also amazing. The best part of Prague is--even when there are breathtakingly large sights to see, every little detail is beautiful in and of itself.