Prague

Friday 20 April

Unlike our last visit to Prague which coincided with the May Day long weekend, there were not the large numbers of Tourists packing the streets, so walking around was quite pleasant.  In fact in Wenceslas Square Ann was able to make a new friend.

Our first stop was at the Astronomical Clock and after its 11:00 am performance we paid to go up to the top of the clock tower where we had a view all over Prague, in fact we spent so much time admiring the views that we were able to watch the noon performance..

Today, Friday, must be wedding day as there was a constant procession of wedding parties into the Old Town Hall, arriving and leaving on everything from stretch limos. to  walking through the Square.

Leaving the Square we walked to the Charles Bridge, built in 1357 and enjoyed a leisurely stroll across it, unlike last visit when it took an hour and a half fighting the crowds, to cross.  We were also able to view the statue to St. John of Nepomuk, a priest thrown to his death in 1393 for refusing to reveal the Queen’s confession to King Wenceslas IV.  His tomb is in the St Vitus Cathedral, two tonnes of baroque silver watched over by hovering cherubs.

After crossing the bridge we wandered around several lanes to view the John Lennon Wall, a graffiti covered wall, originally painted with Beatle song’s phrases and sayings, peace signs and other symbols associated with John Lennon.  However, many visitors have added more scribblings and the original concept has been lost.

The rest of the day was spent wandering around the narrow winding lanes looking at all the wonderful architecture.