Church of ST Martin in the Wall What a curious little place and what a wonderful back story. Like many churches of the time it had a very simple Romanesque design which would be reconstructed in Gothic style two or three Centuries later. Such is the case here. That original block-built Romanesque church was constructed … Read More
Prague Funicular On maps of the city the Prague Funicular may be listed with its Czech name i.e. Lanova Draha. Some sites describe it as a cable car. That’s true in so far as it is pulled by a cable but it runs on tracks. Hence why we call it a Funicular and not a … Read More
Tyn Courtyard in Prague Old Town You’ll be introduced to the Tyn Courtyard during the Old Town and Jewish Quarter Walking Tour. It’s easily one of the most photogenic places in the city with its mix of architecture, cafes and bars. You might think that the current Church of Our Lady Before Tyn, being from … Read More
Prague Loreta Facts or Faith or maybe both. I’m not particularly religious so faith is not an issue although I am prepared to take a step back and look at facts. If you are Christian then the Prague Loreta is a place you will want to visit. The Religious Background Every Christian child is taught … Read More
Little Square in Prague As the Old Town developed there was a conscious decision to maintain a large square that acted as a meeting place, a place of safety from fire and as a market square. On German language maps it’s called the “Grosse Markt” or the Big Market. Today we call this place the … Read More
House at the Stone Bell – A Hidden Secret You’ll read about the House at the Stone Bell in many guides and blogs. The same old bland rewriting of history will tell you it dates to the 13th Century and because of it’s location and decoration, was home to various noblemen. It’s not known exactly … Read More
Jubilee Synagogue in Prague So you’re coming to Prague and intend spending a day in the Jewish Quarter. You’ll buy the Jewish Museum ticket and visit all the accessible synagogues right? Wrong! If you do that you’ll miss one because it’s not officially part of the Jewish Museum in Prague. It’s the newest, largest, cheapest … Read More
Prague Calendarium When people see the Calendarium they think that they are looking at the Astronomical Clock. Actually the Clock is above it and was there first. The Calendarium was added around 80 years later. The first mention of the Calendarium is in 1490. What Does It Do? Although it is far less technical than … Read More
Prague Kinsky Palace, National Gallery Location The Kinsky Palace is the largest single building on the Old Town Square. Before you say “that’s not true, what about the churches and the Old Town Hall?”. Well the Old Town Hall is 4 buildings joined together, the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn is set back from … Read More
Jan Nepomuk You’ll see his statue in every published guide but there are other things to look for and understand. This post will give a brief timeline and background of Jan Nepomuk so you know how he came to die but mostly it’s about the icons on the Charles Bridge and how to recognise a … Read More