Prague Castle Area

Continuing with our tour of Prague on Friday, we took the bus to the Castle Area. There is not a true castle here because different parts of the complex were built (in the 9th century) in different styles, and it was built out more horizontally than vertically. The Castle Area consists of a complex of government office buildings, three churches, royal stables, a monastery, and beautifully manicured gardens. It is almost like a small town. It is located atop a hill with gorgeous views of the city.

The area is the historical and political center of the city and state, with offices of the current President of the Czech Republic located here. In the past, Czech kings and Holy Roman emperors had offices here. The complex also houses the Czech Crown Jewels.

The main feature of the Castle Area is St. Vitus Cathedral, which was built in the 14th century in the gothic style. In fact, St. Vitus is the largest gothic Cathedral in the Czech Republic. Inside St. Vitus Cathedral, there are elaborate tombs of significant people in Czech history. Specifically, King (St.) Wenceslas is buried here. St. Wenceslas is the patron saint of the Czech Republic.


The Basilica of St. George is also located within the complex of the Castle Area.

After we were done with the tour of the Castle Area, Joe and I left the group to go take our river cruise that we didn't get in on Thursday. It was a very nice relaxing ride, where we enjoyed a view of the town we had just traversed on foot from the vantage point of the water.

At this time, Denise and Tom took a food tour, where they enjoyed a full meal of local cuisine over three different restaurants. Denise said that the tour and the food and the wine were fantastic.

 

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