After an attempt at a 'light' breakfast this morning (I've got to stop eating!) we headed across the river to visit Pražský hrad (Prague Castle).
Built in the 9th century (870), it is the largest ancient Castle in the world and where the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have had their offices.
The castle buildings represent virtually every architectural style imaginable and includes Gothic St Vitus Cathedral, Romanesque Basilica of St. George, a monastery and several palaces, gardens and defense towers. A couple of highlights of the visit were: walking through the St Vitus Cathedral, which is a superb example of Gothic architecture complete with the most stunning Stained glass windows, flying buttresses with pinnacles, and of course mocking and sinister gargoyles. Of particular note was the silver Tomb of John of Nepomuk by which we stood on awe; The Vladislav hall which was Built between 1493-1502 was the largest secular space (62m x 16m x 13m) in medieval Prague and was one of the most complex structural and architectural spaces of the late Middle Ages. In particular, the construction of the complex stone vaulting system, spanning 16m, was a refined engineering feat. The hall was used for banquets, receptions, coronations, and other events of the Bohemian court including knights contests held indoors; There was also a large collection of knights armor on display, and the opportunity to shoot a medieval crossbow, seems I'm a bit of a good shot with a crossbow having landed a kill shot to the target on my first go!
For our last night in Prague we headed to the Old Town Square in the early evening to dine at one of the many restaurants in the square. The atmosphere was electric with street performers engulfing the square and tourists and locals spilling out of the restaurants and bars. One of the many street performers was Chicken Joe, an Irish Circus Performer who has moved to Prague and supports himself through street performance. His 15 minute show is full of whip cracking, fire and sword juggling, humour and audience participation designed to embarrass the. Person participating. The largest crowds in the square were rightfully his!
At 9pm we watched in amazement the Pražský orloj (Prague Astronomical Clock), installed in 1410 it is the third oldest Astronomical Clock in the world, and the oldest one actually working. The clock mechanism itself is composed of three main components: the astronomical dial, representing the position of both the sun and moon. The opening doors above the dial through which moving figures representing the apostles walk across the clock whilst the clock strikes on the hour; and a calendar dial representing the month and day of the year.
We headed back to the hotel around 10, stopping for a short while at the 'Beer Restaurant' with its '50 different world beers to choose from'! A quiet local Czech ale saw us to the end of another day in Prague