Czech Republic: the Medieval City of Prague

Czech Republic, September 2011

I've just arrived in Prague and was walking to the restaurant when I heard people fighting. I was about to turn my head to see what happened when I heard  a very loud voice of metal thing crashed behind my body. I jumped in shock to find out a big metal signboard lying just 30 cm from my feet.
Apparently a homeless man was furious because he didn't get money from the shop owner, he threw the signboard and almost hit me. Wow ! Such a  warm welcome.
I've heard that Prague is not the safest city but I didn't expect to prove it within 5 minutes after I arrived.

Welcome to Prague

Love lock

I was walking along the Mala Strana, near the Lennon Wall and I saw a lot of small locks on the gate over the canal. Legend has it that when you find your true love you carve your names on a lock and lock it onto the gate. You then throw the key in to the canal to seal your love.....something like that :)
I've seen another love lock tree during my visit to Russia. You can also find it in other cities around the world like Rome, Taipei, Seoul, Paris, etc...

the narrowest street

My local guide showed me the narrowest street in Prague which is in Little Quarter area. I found it interesting because it's so narrow that they put a traffic light there to avoid people colliding. The stairs are steep and goes from U Luzickeho seminare street to the Certovka restaurant, offering nice view of Charles Bridge.

Charles Bridge

St John statue in Charles bridge

astronomical clock

Astronomical clock is one of the icon of Prague, which was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still working.
The clock is mounted on the southern wall of Old Town City Hall in the Old Town Square. The clock mechanism itself is composed of three main components: the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details; "The Walk of the Apostles", a clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures—notably a figure of Death (represented by a skeleton) striking the time; and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months

The Old Town Hall Tower, built in 1338, is one of the most striking buildings in Prague. Inside is a staircase and an elevator. For a fee, visitors can climb or ride to the top to experience terrific views over the Old Town Square and the rest of the Old Town.

view from the top of astronomical clock tower

Old Town Square is one of the most touristy place in Prague. I've been told that it's very crowded every single day. There were some traditional food stalls when I was there. I noticed one of the stall were roasting some huge chunks of pork that looked and smelled delicious. The meat tasted like salty smoked ham and was served with bread.
I also tried Trdelnik pastry which is sweet and the texture is flaky like puff pastry.

roast pork

of course I had to taste it :D

Trdelnik pastry

peeping through my Trdelnik pastry

city tram

With a happy tummy, I spent some time wandering the old town before going back to the hotel. I think Prague is really pretty city with so many historic and medieval buildings. Your camera memory card will need a lot of spaces because there are so many beautiful things to capture.

sunset in Prague

night view at Wenceslas Square

Would you like to visit Prague one day ?