Prague Castle is actually a 1900 foot long series of courtyards, churches, and palaces covering 750,000 square feet. Buildings include the seat of government of the Czech Republic.
Our trolley stop took us to a short walk leading to the Northern entrance. We could see the impressive Cathedral spires as we walked along. The first courtyard we entered is where the offices of the President of the Republic are located. Palace Guards in full uniform are stationed at the entrance. The fountain marks the center of this Courtyard.
A passageway leads to another Courtyard where the impressive St Vitus Cathedral is located.
This Gothic Cathedral is the Czech national church. A church has existed on this spot since AD 920.
Rose Window, St Vitus Cathedral
Restoration work still in progress.
Third Courtyard, Prague Castle — Statue of St George (replica of 13th Century original).
We exited the complex by taking the New Castle Staircase — it's long, with many steps, but there are wide landings with lots of stopping places — viewpoints and even a place where we could stop for a cold drink at a table. There are wonderful views of Prague along the staircase.
Prague from the New Castle Staircase
The Staircase takes you from the Castle complex to downtown Prague. We stopped at a small sculpture park for a quiet rest.
In town we found a good place to eat and just wandered a bit before heading home. Although Prague Castle is a major tourist destination it hadn't feel anywhere near as busy and crowded as downtown.
I'm really a small-town person at heart, so am always a bit in awe of the crowds and hustle and bustle in major cities.
But I'm always happy to to visit because you don't get to visit Castles (among many other treasures) in small towns. Grateful for all we saw and learned.
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MOSAIC MONDAY; THROUGH MY LENS; TUESDAY TREASURES; MY CORNER OF THE WORLD; THANKFUL THURSDAY; and SKYWATCH FRIDAY;
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