Directly in Central Europe and containing the old kingdoms of Bohemia and Moravia, the Czech Republic is ideally situated for a history nut such as myself. The capital, Prague, was once the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Charles IV. It was made into a great city then and has not lost its status since - largely escaping serious damage during the 2nd World War. And of course there is much more of interest, within and nearby to the Czech Republic. Over two trips in October and November we made trips throughout the Czech Republic and
Germany. Highlights were to include Dresden, Prague, Karlstejn , and Terezin.
Yani proved to be a wonderful guide to exploring the country. Prague of course, but also places such as Karlstein (one of the residences of Charles IV, the Holy Roman Emperor who made Prague his capital), Litomericia (a charming town near to Prague), Usti-nad-Labem (near the border with Germany and home to Yani's University) and Terezin (a sobering town even now - it seemingly has not recovered from its status as a Nazi Internment Camp for Jews). We also left the environs of Bohemia and traveled to Moravia. Here we had a fascinating day exploring the former capital of old Moravia - Olomouc and nearby towns such as Prostejov. Here the signs of the communist era were more noticeable as well - some of the drab, monotone buildings still survive rather well - and are an immediate contrast to the beautiful architecture of older eras (In a later trip in November we also visited the nearby University town of Brno with its famous Cathedral of St Peter).
Prague Museum
A glimpse inside the marvelous interior.
Along with impressive mineral and archaeological collections there are also incredible rooms filled with all manner of stuffed animals. Literally room after massive room. All creatures great and small I suppose. 
The Astronomical Clock on Old Town Square, Prague. On the hour slideshow of the apostles begins above the clockwork here - rather impressive.
Old Town Square in Prague. The Church behind is a Hussite church. Jan Hus began his reform movement in Bohemia and it has survived to this day in the Czech Republic.
The inside of the Catholic church just to the other side of the Hussite church.
Changing of the Guard at Prague Castle - on a hill overlooking the city and the river Vltava.
St Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle.
Looking down over Prague on the way back down from Prague Castle.
The Cathedral of Litomericia. The town was actually sponspered by the Emperor Charles IV. There are a variety of wealthy houses and well designed secular and religious buildings that come together to form a beautiful town.
The other astronomical clock in the Czech Republic. This one was located at Olomouc, Moravia.
The Town Square of Olomouc.
In the mountains with friends.
KarlstejnThere was also an incredible trip to Dresden (in Germany) for a day as well. The mists cleared and and so too did my preconceptions. I had envisioned, subconsciously I suppose, Dresden as a place destroyed rather than beautiful. But beautiful it is - a city that has truly reclaimed its title as the Florence of the North.
On the way to Dresden.
The Frauenkirche. This church is actually larger than the historic central Cathedral of the city. A large statue of Martin Luther out the front of this church helps to explain why.
When we began to be greeted by things like this in Dresden, we began to realise just how special Dresden was going to be.
The Opera House
Sanctissimae Trinitatis (the Catholic Cathedral) or Hofkirche
The Zwinger, the old fortress of Dresden. Here we are looking into the central courtyard. There are now collections of Porcelian and world paintings housed within its walls.
A friendly American tourist took this shot for us.
And right in the middle of Dresden, what do we find, but an Australian restaurant. Well, being the sporting chap I am, I couldn't resist taking Yani in to try some Kangaroo.
The Zwinger, the old fortress of Dresden. Here we are looking into the central courtyard. There are now collections of Porcelian and world paintings housed within its walls.
A friendly American tourist took this shot for us.
And right in the middle of Dresden, what do we find, but an Australian restaurant. Well, being the sporting chap I am, I couldn't resist taking Yani in to try some Kangaroo.In the months ahead more traveling through central Europe lies ahead. I am undertaking another trip to Prague and heading out on a week long ski trip with the school - to the Swiss Alps.
1 comment:
Great trip! I'm sure you have a lot of impressions! I can say just about Czech republic, where I was. Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a tourists’ paradise offering all a tourist could hope for. From secret corners and romantic places overlooking the historically valuable city centre, which is protected by UNESCO, to opportunities of wild parties until early hours, Prague has it all. You can satisfy your curiosity in historical places, museums and galleries, every day you can choose from an array of music events, ranging from classical music to the latest pop music. Since The Velvet Revolution of 1989 Prague has become more visited. Because of such a big amount of tourists visiting Prague, the range of hotels in Prague is provided for all budgets from comfortable, low-cost hostels, to the most luxurious hotels. You can find fast efficient services and the largest choice of accommodation in exciting Czech Capital - Prague. After visiting Prague sightseeing you should take a short journey through the Czech countryside to reach Karlstejn Castle, an outstanding medieval castle founded and built by the mighty Emperor Charles IV. Constructed between 1348-1355, Karlstejn was the main depository of the Emperor's coronation jewels and state documents for the whole Empire.
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