Thursday, February 5, 2015

Prague // Why I Love Old Town Square(s)

Old Town Square Prague
Old Town Square
Prague. Beyond being the capital of Czech Republic, Prague is a culturally and historically rich city that offers stunning views. Before I ever ventured to Prague, everyone I spoke to told me wonderful things about the city, and how stunningly beautiful it was. So naturally, my expectations for the city were through the roof. Unfortunately, Prague and I started off on the wrong foot. After spending two crazy nights at Oktoberfest in Munich last year with my older brother and two friends, we were off to Prague via a bus. Long story short, that bus got missed…and we spent several (quite hungover) hours waiting for the next bus to Prague, and then a long five hours on that bus. As we neared Prague, our excitement grew. And then the bus took us through parts of the city I hadn't expected to see-- namely, graffiti-immersed parts. What disappointed me most about Prague was the graffiti everywhere.

I'm not talking the graffiti that has it's time and place, underneath bridges and hidden spots like that. I'm talking graffiti that covered buildings, offices, and churches were covered with it. However, once you were able to move past the graffiti, Prague truly is a terrifically gorgeous city. Today, I'm going to show you around Prague's Old Town Square, and explain what made me fall in love with it!

Old Town Square Prague architecture

Prague's Old Town Square has been around since the 10th century, The buildings' structures have remained virtually untouched. Famous buildings featured in Old Town Square include the Rococo Kinsky Palace, the Gothic Tyn Cathedral, and the Baroque St. Nicholas Church. Musicians, protestors, performers, and vendors frequent the square, keeping an ever-changing feel of excitement to the area. When visiting Old Town Square, you have the opportunity to view Baroque, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture all in one fell swoop.

Prague Old Town Square Performers
These were just two of the performers I had my picture taken with while in Prague…as you can see, I think the one on the left (in the picture) enjoyed the opportunity much more than I did! (I think he was checking out my architecture)

Prague Old Town Square
part of Old Town Square in Prague
I think Prague is where I fell in love with the Old Town Square theme that exists throughout Europe. Visiting the Gamla Stan (old city) in Stockholm is one of my favorite places in the world, and whenever I am in new cities I love to check out their historical town squares. There is always such great architecture and beauty throughout the squares. In the warmer months, my favorite thing to do is stop by one of the small cafes or bars that have patios extending into the old towns, grab a coffee or a beer, and just people watch. Of course, you see plenty of tourists, but there are also locals meandering the streets. It is amazing to think about the people that have walked the same streets, viewed the same buildings, and been in the same locations as you, over the past hundreds or even thousands of years. 

visiting Old Town Square with friends & family!
Astronomical Clock Prague
Astronomical Clock
Another unique feature of Old Town Square in Prague is the Astronomical Clock. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third oldest astronomical clock in the world and the only one still working. The clock shows not only the date and time, but also the position of the sun, phase of the moon, astronomical cycles and festivals on the Christian calendar. During your tour of Prague, make sure to stop by the Astronomical clock at the top of the hour. Every hour on the hour, the clock displays parading apostles and statues on the edges, accompanying the bell ringing at the top of the tower. A word of advice…. Make sure to show up a few minutes early and claim a good vantage point- tourists from all over the world stop by to see the clock working!

2 comments:

  1. I am with you! Absolutely every building looks gorgeous and photoworthy. I just realized I've only been to the city in winter months, would be great to visit it in summer some time

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    1. Then it looks like we are just opposite- I visited Prague in October, and would now love to see it in the winter covered in snow! Isn't it funny how many cities like this, you want to see in warmer months and colder months for an entirely different experience?

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