Prague day 2

Slow start on this damp day - first rain we've had for ages. We togged up and went off to explore the old city of Praha (Prague). So many different styles of architecture (note roof lines and colours) and wonderful cobbled streets everywhere. 

These are just some of the buildings in the centre of town - Staré Mesto - surrounding the old market square. It has been a commercial centre since the 13th century. 

The Astronomical Clock, built in the 1330's is very complex to us so must have been astounding in its day!  

More roof lines - all different.

Backside of the Gothic Tyn Church with its twin spires. As with many other churches here it has gone back and forth between being Catholic and Protestant, depending who is in power. 

The Estates Theatre, built in 1780's, was a prime venue for opera then, and is where Mozart's Don Giovanni premiered. Love the green colour. 

This big black 500-year old tower, known as the Powder Tower ('cause they kept gunpowder here)  was the main gate of the old town wall - the formal front door to the city from Vienna. The trapezoidal roof is characteristic of Prague architecture in the 1400's. 

We found our way to the Main Street market. One side was all souvenirs, a few hand made, and other side was mainly fruits - nicely displayed!

By then our feet were flat so we went 'home' for a snack and to put our feet up for a bit.  Our next foray out was an evening stroll across the famous Charles Bridge. The rain had stopped and we even had some blue sky and sunshine.

Walking towards the bridge from our hotel - more painted and decorated buildings. 

Then the first Gothic defensive tower to this 14th century bridge. There were masses of people here. The street leading to this point is quite narrow so the crowds shuffle slowly along, and then emerge together onto the bridge. Crowd thins a bit as bridge widens. There are artists and musicians along the way, so it's very much a stop-start situation. 

Some buskers out on a lovely evening. 

Both sides of the bridge are lined with religious statues - mostly various saints.  Again, the Church wanted to be sure everyone knew who was most powerful. This was the only bridge in town for 400 years so people regularly walked by these pious statues!

Charles Bridge

The other side of the bridge - with the castle on the top left.

We watched the little barges on the canal. 

We were so fortunate to have a clear evening with a full moon (or close) as we strolled back towards town. A beautiful way to finish the day!  

Well - Wendy's evening closed with garlic boar with potato pancakes and spinach (all were pervaded with garlic!), but the boar was tasty!  Marion had the very ordinary roast chicken in a sauce.

Nashledanou!  (Czech for goodbye)