Prague and Central Europe 2017: Prague Castle

Up and about early to beat the crowds at the castle. Belinda had to work so we had Frank as our tour guide. Belinda explained in detail what our goals and objectives were and as soon as we got off the tram it was obvious none of us had listened to a word she said. We went to the information booth advertising tickets – no tickets available here go to the next information booth around the corner. Got there and were directed to a spread sheet explaining absolutely nothing we could understand. Went to the booth – no go the next booth, no go to the next booth. Finally got the tickets we need to see St.Vitus Cathedral, the Basilica and Golden Lane. Wish Belinda was here!!!
Went up the church bell tower for a beautiful view of the city. The sign said there were 287 steps, I’m sure those Catholics can’t count!! Exhausted by the time we got there but worth the effort. Had a long look inside the Cathedral, it’s amazing how much money must have sucked out of the community to build these places. There is one tomb in there topped with a 2.5 ton solid silver sculpture. The stained glass windows are some of the most detailed and elaborate I’ve ever seen and the columns and side chapels make this one of the biggest Cathedrals in the area. This Cathedral is where King Wenceslas (St Wenceslas) is buried. His tomb is under stone in a side chapel; the public haven’t got access and can only view it from the doorway. The chapel is surrounded by precious stones and a gold crown. The Czech Crown Jewels are also housed in this chapel.

Visted the Basilica, a very simple stone chapel with a crypt under the altar area. On to Golden Lane, a narrow street of small houses painted in a variety of colours. Most of the houses are open and are mini museums which depict the lives led a thousand years ago when the castle was in its’ prime. We were kept busy until about 1.00 when the crowds became so overwhelming we had to get out of there and met Belinda for lunch. Home where Belinda continued working, the rest of us worked on our recuperation skills in readiness for our last tea in Prague.
Very sad to have had our last tea with the O'Tooles, it has been so wonderful to have been able to stay with them while we have zipped around Europe. We will miss them, especially Hamish and Toby, they are the most gorgeous boys, think we'll have to take them back to Australia with us for the summer months!!!