Europe Day 3 (PART 2): Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC

Tuesday, 19 Dec 2006


Moldau Lunch Cruise

In the afternoon, we boarded a private boat to see beautiful vistas of Prague during a one and a half hour cruise along the Vltava river. We had lunch with aperitif, drink and live music entertainment. It is one hell of a heaven!

Our first time trying aperitif...it tastes little bit like...er....coughing liquid medicine

Beautiful Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge (originally called the Stone bridge or the Prague Bridge) is the most prominent feature in Prague. It is a famous historical bridge that crosses the Vltava river. The bridge which was to be a substitute for the Judith Bridge that had been destroyed started its construction in 1357 under the orders of King Charles IV (hence the name of the bridge), and completed in 15th century.

Charles Bridge is demarked by two unequal towers. A younger one was built in sixtees of the 15th century in late Gothic style. The older one which is the main tower, namely the Old Town Bridge Tower, is one of the most striking construction of its kind in existence.

According to a legend, said that workers used to add raw eggs into mortar so that the sandstone blocks can be fixed together solidly.

The bridge served as a trade route between east and west Europe in the old ages. Nowadays, it is a heaven for craft, souvenirs and trinket stalls. There were musicians playing their music while you enjoying the beautiful views. The ambience is truly memorable!

The Old Town bridge tower is one of the most astonishing civil gothic-style buildings in the world.

Karolo Quarto statue

Christmas Market at The Old Town Square

We saw these interesting street signs and I just couldn't comprehend it.

Jan Hus Monument. Protestant Reformist preacher Jan Hus, a Czech hero who was burnt at the stake for his beliefs.

Fooooooood time......!!

Europe Day 3 (PART 1): Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC

Tuesday, 19 Dec 2006

After breakfast, we had our morning sightseeing with a local guide featuring Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, The Old Town, The Jewish ghetto, and the Astronomical clock.


Hradcany Castle

Also known as Prague Castle, built around 850AD by the Premyslid family. It is the largest medieval castle in Europe and the ancient seat of Czech kings throughout the ages.

Changing guards at the entrance of the Prague Castle.

St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus, located within Prague Castle was an early romanesque rotunda founded by Wenceslaus I. The Cathedral took almost 600 years to built. It is an excellent example of Gothic architecture and is the biggest and most important church in the country. Nowadays, the Cathedral houses the crown jewels and tombs of Bohemian kings.

Jewish ghetto

The town hall is the center of the local Jewish community. The building is best known for its two clocks. Upper one with Roman numeral markings and the lower one, with Hebrew numbers and hands that turn counterclockwise, just as Hebrew reads from right to left.

While we were admiring the Jewish Town Hall, something caught my eyes.......

Yeah, our very own Malaysia manufactured vehicle, Proton! I still think it looks rather different than those we have back home, or is it my short memory?

The Old Town Square

27 Protestant leaders were executed in Old Town Square in Prague on June 21, 1621

Church of Our Lady before Tyn

A dominant feature of the Old Town Square

The Astronomical Clock Legend

It is once the envy of all Europe.

According to one legend, the clock was constructed by Master Hanus. The Prague councillors were so delighted by the exceptional design that they sent their men to blind Master Hanus to avoid another beautiful structure been built for other towns. One day, the clock needed reparation and master Hanus was the only one who could do it. However, instead of repairing it, Master Hanus destroyed the mechanism of the clock to get his revenge. The clock hadn't been working for a long time, until someone able to repair it was finally found.

The clock is still working well today!