Wonderful Prague
1. Prague made an indelible impression on me. For me, who lived for a week in Paris and Dü sseldorf, went on excursions in Denmark, Luxembourg, Belgium.
Prague has a large number of natural, man-made and man-made observation platforms overlooking the city with its red roofs! ! Gorgeous oxygenated air in many parks that makes you “wake up from sleep - the turmoil of everyday life, worries, duties” ! ! An endless number of preserved and restored architectural monuments, sculptures and the opportunity to admire creations from the 11th century to the 21st! ! Friendly, calm passers-by and tourists, a large number of colorful shops, in many handicrafts and on a huge TV, and sometimes you can live the whole way of creating them from dolls, caramels, souvenirs.
And all this merges into the perfect harmony of the city
2. Lanta tour gives one card per number, it quickly bursts at the seams - take scotch tape. It is better to make an exchange on Panska Street, we immediately circled it on the map when we met. Compare in 2 neighboring exchangers - it may differ. We took euros with us and it was more profitable to exchange for 5% than to withdraw rubles from the card !! ! The hotel has hot water in the bar in a huge boiler around the clock. Meeting with the guide exit from the subway RIGHT (didn't tell us), to the left is a small fountain. We bought from him for 90 crowns a map of the historical center with houses drawn in isometry, each one is recognizable. Metro tickets can be bought at the hotel reception. When checking in at a stop or near the elevator, find out the bus schedule in order to get to the metro in the morning, back in the evening, all on one ticket, validate it once (75 minutes during the day and 90 in the evening) at the entrance to the transport. The metro is simple of 3 lines and 2 intersections yellow, red, green. We need to find out which Russian-speaking agencies provide services, we found one - Schweik Tour, prices are 1.5 times cheaper than from the meeting Lanta travel Prague. A neighbor went with them to Dresden, was satisfied, although she herself is picky.
3.2nd day. On the second day at 13.00 we had an excursion to the Old Town, the only one in our tour package. Therefore, we decided to drive to the Malostranska stop, where we had a meeting, and visit Prague Castle on our own. Located on the left bank of the Vltava, on a hill, it is not only the most popular tourist attraction in Prague, but also a real symbol of the Czech state. Here is the residence of the head of state. An excursion here was not included in our package, so we set off on our own in the morning. From metro st. Malostranska went on foot up the mountain to the north along the Hradcany stairs. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world. Its majestic buildings are visible from afar, and as we climbed up, a wonderful view of Prague itself and the Vltava opened up to us. On the top platform we had a chance to watch the changing of the guard.
The history of the Castle begins with ancient Slavic settlements and goes back 1200 years. The castle was the residence of the Př emyslid dynasty, during which the Czech state was formed. At the entrance there is a map of the plan of Prague Castle at that time, mostly vineyards, a tavern building and a couple of outbuildings. In the XVI century, the Castle began to fill with artisans, shopkeepers and other workers and merchants fleeing from the city authorities. The fortress wall surrounds the Castle and turns it into a separate territory. The Old Royal Palace, an imposing architectural ensemble that borders the third fortified courtyard of Prague Castle from the east, was built, like the cathedral, over several centuries. Originally a princely castle, it was turned in the 11th century. to a Romanesque fortress. Charles IV significantly expanded the building, but only under Vladislav II Jagello the palace acquired its modern look. From the 11th to the 16th century the palace was the residence of the Czech kings, and then for more than two hundred years - the highest land authorities. In front of the entrance is the Eagle Fountain.
Golden Lane is a very picturesque and cozy place in the very center of Prague Castle. The street is paved with cobblestones, there are miniature houses, cozy cafes and shops. The street is like a toy. The name was given due to the legend that it was here that the alchemists tried to uncover the secret of the philosopher's stone. The old royal palace was built in 1135 and was created especially for queens. Here is one of the largest Romanesque throne rooms. Knightly tournaments were held in this hall. The knights had to overcome a special staircase in order to get to the hall. The staircase has not survived to our times, but even now you can see in the palace a vaulted ceiling, stunning in its beauty, made in the shape of a lily.
Having examined the Cathedral of St. Vitus, we went to have a bite, because we had an excursion to the Old Town. You can continue to explore the Prague Castle through the gate and go to the Hradcanske namesti square. what we did the other day. Excursion after lunch from Lanta-tour to the Old Town and the guide Irina really liked it.