As I explore Eastern Europe, I find so many unexpected wonders that exceed my original expectation and Prague is no exception. I explored the history, enjoyed its people and wandered streets at all hours capturing its changing mood.
My brother was visiting Berlin for the IFA convention and I decided to take him to Prague for the last couple of days, which is but a few hours drive from Berlin.
Many people may remember Prague being the location backdrop for INXS's 'Never tear us apart', which was filmed when Czech Republic was still under the Soviet umbrella.
The romantic nature captured in 'Never Tear Us Apart' continues today.
The city has changed little since the Soviet era, but is more active and in far better upkeep. The Square in the Centre of the Old Town was always busy and the restaurants offered good dining.
Walking through the small side streets there is an abundance of shops and restaurants. There are numerous shops offering Bohemian Crystal and a plethora of souvenirs for the diverse and many tourists present.
I happened across a store selling Matryoshka Dolls and was surprised to discover that this tradition is prevalent throughout all slavic countries but has become symbolic of Russia, which made the doll famous.
These traditional dolls are hand carved and painted and some were very expensive
One of Pragues most iconic structure is the medieval Charles Bridge, named after Bohemian King Charles IV (Charles of Luxembourg). Construction commenced in 1357 and was completed in the 15th Century.
The bridge spans the Vltava River and was until 1841 the only connection between the Old Town and Prague Palace.
From the Bridge is the long hike up an endless staircase to the Prague Palace where you can witness a changing of the guards.
As I returned to the Old Town, the light began to set and the City took on a new life
©2022 Noel Castley-Wright