Prague, Part 19: Schwarzenberský palác (Schwarzenberg Palace)

Near the main entrance to Prague Castle is the intricately-frescoed Schwarzenberg Palace.

Schwarzenberg Palace exterior

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Prague, Part 11: St. Nicholas Cathedral (Chram sv.Mikulase)

On crossing the Charles Bridge from Old Town, one of the first landmarks in Mala Strana (“Lesser Town”) is the Baroque St. Nicholas Cathedral (yes, that Saint Nick).

St Nicholas’ dome and bell tower

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Prague, Part 8: Pražský orloj (Astronomical Clock)

Our last stop in Old Town is the intricate Astrological Clock (Pražský orloj), according to the BBC, one of “the oldest and most elaborate clocks ever built,” as well as one of Prague’s most popular tourist attractions.

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Prague, Part 7: Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square)

At the heart of Prague’s Old Town district is Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), bustling, hustling, and very heavily touristy.  At nighttime, it is much more mellow and charming, and that was our preferred time to see it of the 4 or 5 times we passed through the square.

Old Town Square at night

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Prague, Part 6: Staré Město (Old Town)

Adjoining New Town is Prague’s highly touristy, but also very interesting, Old Town (Staré Město).  At the border between the two is the ancient Powder Tower, built in 1475 and long a part of the coronation route of Czech kings, which wound from Vyšehrad, through this tower, past the Town Hall in Old Town Square, across the Charles Bridge, through Mala Strana, and finally up the hill to Prague Castle.

Powder Tower, daytime

Powder Tower, nighttime

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