Travel: Prague II- Hradčany

Hradčany area is located above Lesser Town on the opposite side of the Vltava River from Old Town and New Town.There is Prague number one attraction - Pražský hrad -Prague Castle.
It is one of the largest castle complexes in the world.
The main entrance to Prague Castle is at the Hradčany square.

The square is surrounded by spectacular buildings.
Schwarzenberg Palace.

This early Renaissance building now serves as an exhibition space for the National Gallery.
Archbishop Palace

The greatest view of the city you will get from here.

The Matthias Gate

 The Chapel of the Holy Rood 

Now there is permanent exhibition of the Treasury of St.Vitus Cathedral. It's the largest church treasury in the Czech lands and one of the most expensive in Europe.

The ceremonial Changing of the Castel Guard.

Ceremony is held daily at 12.00.  

The Old Royal Palace

 Vladislav Hall- almost 500 years old

Magnificent view from Old Royal Palace

At Old Royal Palace is permanent exhibition The Story of Prague Castle. Exhibition offers a view of more than thousand years' history of Prague Castle.

St. Vitus Cathedral - the largest and the most important temple in Prague.

St. Wenceslas Chapel

Southern tower of St. Vitus Cathedral-almost 100m high.

Square of St.Gorge

Basilica of St George-an example of Romanesque style

Powder tower      

Now there is an exhibition about Castle Guard

Rosenberg Palace- Rožmberský palác

Originally it is a Renaissance palace of the noble family of Rosenberg. During the realm of Maria Theresa, Palace was converted into the Institute of Noblewomen. It was used as a residence for unmarried women from insolvent noble families. Today exhibition evokes their lives.

We stopped at Café Rožmberský palác for coffee and Medovnik.

jammy!!! :)

Golden Lane-Zlatá ulička is a narrow ancient street formed of tiny colorful houses built right into the arches of the Castle walls. The small houses were originally constructed in the sixteenth century for the castle guards. Later they were used by goldsmiths and people from poorer classes. 

The current scenes in houses have been created to show the life of former users. I like the seamstress house. :)

Torture equipment at Daliborka Tower

This is just a small part that can be seen at the Castle.One day was not enough for visiting all Castle sights.Now we have just impression about things we have to explore next time. :)

Saint Wenceslas Vineyard: The most spectacular view of Prague and the Vltava valley.

On the way to Charles Bridge we visited the pub Černy orel.

Fruit dumplings -ovocné knedlíky were delicious.

The most narrow street in Prague.

Charles Bridge   

One of the symbols of Prague, connects the Old Town and Lesser Town (Malá Strana).

There is a tower standing on each end of the bridge.

After all day spent at Hradčany and Lesser Town we had just one hour (before our organized dinner) to visit Wax Museum.  

Nothing spectacular, maybe opportunity to find out people related to Czech history, art, sport...

Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana

Franz Kafk

Our Dinner was at Medieval Tavern- U Pavouka     

This tavern is tourist trap, but it is interesting experience. As I said, I love to do all those touristy things.

Medieval show with swordsmen, jugglers and belly dancers was fun.

Food was OK.

The dessert was perfect. Makový koláček- Poppy Seed Cake

At the end, it was a fun night. :)