A Stroll Through Prague

• Posted by Jessica Zuch June 28, 2012 - Filed in Travel - #Prague  #Old Town Prague  #Charles Bridge  #Gelato  #Cobblestone  #Astronomical Clock  #Medieval  #Church of Tyn  - 502 views

  

  When I first arrived in Prague, I decided to take a stroll down the streets of Old Town. I was pleasantly taken in by all the preserved variations of architecture from Neo - Classical to Gothic, Renaissance, Cubism and Art Nouveau. The medieval streets are narrow and surrounded by many tourist shops which are filled with famous Czech crystal, marionette puppets, garnet jewelry and Kafka books.

   

  Although there were many tourists scrambling to squeeze in all the main sites of Prague on their three day itinerary, the charm of the city was vibrantly present and continued to grow on me. At every corner I meandered into, I noticed a new venue which hosted a series of nightly orchestral concerts and jazz shows. As I continued wondering down the streets toward the Old Town Square, I passed many talented local jazz bands performing old jazz standards with a modern twist . Prague appears to be a place rich with art, music and culture.

   

  
  Once I found myself in Old Town Square I was ready for a gelato and some shade under an umbrella. I was in luck. I was surrounded by bustling cafes and gelato stands. I found a stand near the statue of Jan Hus and ordered a delicious cape gooseberry gelato. I settled for a moment to take in all the beautiful ambience of the square.

  
  

  
  

  Directly in front of me, stood the powerful presence of two Gothic spires extending from The Church Before Tyn. This church dominates one side of the square. When I heard church bells ring, my attention immediately went to the other side of the square. I was now looking at the famous medieval Astronomical Clock. In front of the church, there stood a flock of tourists, all with their heads and cameras gazing up the clock tower. I went over to get a closer look and enjoyed watching the twelve animated Apostle figures revolving through the clock doors above the dials. I thought about how impressive it was to see an astronomical clock over six hundred years old running like 'clockwork'! 

  

  I continued on my stroll down to the The Charles Bridge which crosses the Vltava river. A spectacular site! I had a wonderful time admiring the thirty baroque statues which outlines the sides of the bridge. Legend has it that if you rub the gold plaque on the statue of St John Nepomuk you will receive good luck! I spent some time observing the busy foot traffic, buskers, sidewalk painters and musicians. My favorite moment was stopping to take in the romantically picturesque view with all the river boats, paddle boats and a few hot air balloons floating in the blue sky.