Prague, the heart of Europe or the European metropolis of culture is a place that should definitely be on your list if you are planning a trip around Europe. Rich history, incredible architecture, the mystique of the Middle Ages, breathtaking nature, the sound of street musicians, delectable food, and the warm Slovenian soul come together in this city. Such an old, yet conscious city that captivates and whose allure you can't ignore. This city has been home to some of history's greatest minds, scientists, artists, and writers, which is why it is brimming with museums, theaters, and historical and cultural landmarks.
In my last two blogs, I shared my travelling experience in Munich where I spent just 24 hours as Munich was not in my itinerary in the first place. I had a great time despite only being there for a day and later regretted not staying for at least two days because I believe one day is insufficient for a city like Munich.
There are many ways to get from Munich to Prague, but because I wanted to make the most of my time, I took the Flixbus from Munich around midnight to avoid wasting my daytime on transportation. The trip from Munich to Prague takes about 6 hours and costs around 20 euros, making it the most cost-effective mode of transportation.
When I arrived in Prague around 6 a.m., it was raining. I had already reserved an Airbnb room. It is, in my opinion, the best option for accommodation because I usually cook at least one meal in the apartment, which allows me to save money while traveling and gives me more opportunities to see new places.
After a little rest and breakfast, I decided not to waste time and immediately throw myself into the action, so I went on a tour of one of the most famous castles in Europe, and perhaps in the world, is certainly the largest complex. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world with an area of 70,000 square meters. It dates from the 9th century and is located on a hill with a panoramic view of the entire city. It is an interesting fact that today the President of the Czech Republic lives in the Prague castle and the history of this people is stored in the castle. Old cobblestone streets, palaces, churches, squares, parks, and vineyards, as well as the royal palace of Belvedere, can all be found here. The change of guard at the castle's western entrance at noon is a tourist attraction that is sure to draw attention. I stopped first at the beautiful vineyards on the way to the castle, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and its unsurpassed architecture while tasting wine.
The Gothic Cathedral of St. Vida, which dates from the 14th century and was begun by the famous Charles IV, the first king of Bohemia who became emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, and was only recently completed, is without a doubt the most impressive structure in Prague Castle.
The eastern facade
West view and main portal
It was very challenging to take a good photo due to the lack of space and height of the building but somehow I still managed to photograph something.
A beautiful sandstone statue of St. John of Nepomuk (Sv. Jan Nepomucký), a central figure of his Baroque cenotaph, is located at the south external wall of St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague' Castle.
Another church in the castle compund is St. George's Basilica (on the right side). It is the oldest surviving church building within Prague Castle. Vratislaus I of Bohemia founded the basilica in 920. It's named after Saint George.
A large, richly decorated Baroque fountain, built in 1686 by J. Kohl and Italian stonemason F. della Torre, stands roughly in the center of the Second Castle Courtyard. It is also known as the Lion's Fountain.
I exited the castle by the entry gate because I started my castle tour from the eastern side. The entrance is decorated with a Rococo grille adorned with massive sculptures of Battling Giants (Titans); below them are the Castle Guards' stations.
There is another beautiful panoramic view just beside the entry gate of Prague castle.
After visiting the castle I went down the narrow road and took a tramp to go back to my apartment. That day, I didn't do much other than rest and eat some traditional foods. I went to the city center the next day, but I'll write about that in my next post. Until then,