Prague is an absolute stunner; the narrow cobbled alleyways, the colorful Baroque buildings, the solemn Gothic cathedrals. Every turn holds a surprise, the perfect place to get lost in and wander. Its a city steep in history and we were determined to absorb as much as possible.
Day 1
We began in the Jewish ghetto, an area once completely walled up to segregate Jews from the rest of the community. They self sustained until the turn of the 20th century when the walls were taken down. The synagogues and other Jewish buildings here are the most intact in all of post Nazi Europe as this area was chosen to be turned into "Museum of an extinct race" by the Nazis.
The Pinkas Synagogue holds all the names of the murdered Jews during the Holocaust, inscribed on its walls. There are over 80,000 names and it took 4 years to handwrite. The Spanish Synagogue is very impressive, with intricate Moorish details in all its walls and ceiling. It is said to be one of the most beautiful synagogue in Europe. Photo taking wasn't allowed in all the synagogues we entered so we only have pictures of the Old Jewish Cemetery.
The cemetery was eerie and grim yet alluring in a way. Since Jews were not allowed to be buried outside the ghetto, they were buried on top of each other, up to 10 layers deep. There are almost 12,000 tombstones but over 100,000 bodies buried from 1439 to 1787. One of the more heart wrenching moments for me is viewing pictures and letters children drew in the Holocaust before they were exterminated in Auschwitz. These were saved because a teacher buried them underground. In one of the poems, a little boy talked of how he will always be part of a persecuted race, but loves his country nonetheless and that its okay, because he will live again. I absolutely loved that poem, will try to find it.
Stepping away from the heaviness of persecution, strolling around Prague is wondrous! Every building is unique and detailed, there is so much to see and admire. We walked around aimlessly until we stumbled upon a beautiful square. At the time we didn't know it was the famous Old Town Square as we marveled at its beauty and took countless photos.
Random streets we walked by then we stumbled across Old Town Square..
Roasted pig shoulder in the square.
Dinner consisted of traditional Czech food in Lesser Town.
This is svíčková na smetaně, sirloin beef in cream sauce and bread dumpling. Its served with whipped cream and cranberry sauce (bad pic but I was hungry!). I loved this dish.
Chicken goulash with rice, which Afif thoroughly enjoyed (we swapped dishes, since we preferred the other's).
As Afif enjoyed his third Pilsner, I order traditional Czech pancake which was served with sour cream and wildberries.
Day 2
There was a rather large breakfast buffet spread, which consisted of eggs, bacon, sausages, croissants, pastries, breads, cereal, different cold meat cuts and cheeses. They even had rice pudding and an assortment of local delicacies made of pigs blood wrapped in something or other with orange, jellies, cheese wrapped in cheese and shrimp cocktail in a fancy shape. Prague Castle was on our morning agenda and we knew it would take awhile, it's the largest ancient castle in the world!
St Vitus Cathedral
Prague Castle has been around for over 1000 years and with varying time periods' influences in the buildings, including Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance. It has housed kings of Bohemia, holy Roman Emperors and presidents. The present day government use the castle as its office.
Inside St Vitus Cathedral..
Again, most of the palace indoors we weren't allowed to photograph, but it was full of grandeur and makes you wonder which Disney princess lives here. I love the medieval stones, and spiral staircases leading to a tower, and the small passageways.
This room had crests drawn on its walls and ceiling.
The Golden Lane showcases how the working class lived in the medieval times. The houses were so small and stout!
View of Charles Bridge from the Castle.
After the castle, we headed to Charles Bridge. Definitely lived up to its reputation.
A final stroll around Prague's old town, soaking in her beauty. We checked out the astronomical clock and Afif bought a Hard Rock guitar pin to add to his ever growing collection.
I saw a few absintheries where they sell a bunch of absinthe products, including ice cream. How dangerous!
The insides looked like a cave!
My half chicken and our garlic soup in a bread bowl.
Afif's lamb chop with potatoes and sour cream, hash brown-ish thing and vegetables. Food was great! We were starved and portions were big.
Took an evening stroll and watched the sun set in the main square.
Unmatched view of the castle tower from my hotel window.
There were cute grizzly bears in the moat!
Such a beautiful place! I'm a sucker for views and boy did this town have an amazing view! From our hotel to the restaurants to the beauty of the town, our stay was perfect and I will return one day.
