Prague is probably one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. The largest city in the Czech Republic is home to so many cultural attractions that you might never get a chance to see it all, unless you stay for a longer period of time. 

 

Praha is such a wonderful city that is meant to be explored on foot. Here's my experience of a walking tour around Prague!

The tour started at the hotel where I was staying, Zlatá Hvězda (The Golden Star) in Nerudova Street,in Malá Strana (the Little Quarter, in german Prager Kleinseite). The location was perfect, because I was only a few steps away from the Prague Castle, the first official stop (I must admit I stop quite often to look at details or sights I find interesting).

The red rooftops of Malá Strana

The first written records about the house that nowadays is The Golden Star hotel come from 1372, when it was owned by the Hradčany reeve

The alleyway beside the Golden Star

Church of Our Lady of Loreto, which contains a copy of the birthplace of Virgin Mary. Its the most important Marian pilgrimage church in Bohemia. Located in Hradčany, the castle district.

Listed in the Guinnes Book of Records as the largest ancient castle in the world, The Prague Castle  buildings represent every architectural style of the millenium. The castle is also the office and the official residence of the Czech President. 

A view of the St. Vitus Cathedral's uncompleted Gothic main tower, which was finished in baroque style by Nikolaus Pacassi

The Schwarzenberg Palais is one of Prague's most beautiful Renaissance buildings. Its located in the Castle Square, Hradčanské náměstí.

Entrance of the Prague Castle

When I was about to enter the Castle, I was told a funny story by a Chilean man who was living in Prague at that time. He started explaining the meaning behind the colors of the Czech flag. I still remember it: red for the blood of Czech heroes, blue for the blue skies and white for the head of czech beer!!!

Inside the Prague Castle

Soldiers of Castle Guard welcome you to the Prague Castle

Inside the Prague Castle

St. Vitus Cathedral (In Czech Katedrála svatého Víta) is located within the Prague Castle and contains the tombs of many Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors. The architects behind this construction are Matthias from Arras and the german Peter Parler. The Cathedral was founded on 1344 but the construction was completed during the last half of the 19th century. It is owned by the Czech Government.

Facade of St. Vitus Cathedral

Interior of the Katedrála svatého Víta, St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus is an excellent example of Gothic architecture

Der Veitsdom: the biggest and most important church in the Czech Republic.

My favorite detail from the Cathedral: the main tower.

Another picture of St. Vitus Cathedral

Now everybody say hello to the president!

Basilica and Convent of St. George in the Prague Castle.

Another important church in the Castle is the Basilica of St. George. It was the second church in the Castle and it is built in Romanesque style. Look at the image above, the one where you see both towers. Do you notice that the one in the right is thicker? This intriguing feature has a special meaning:  the one in the right is the male tower that protects the female one! 
So, when I was done exploring the Prague Castle I continued  my way through the Lesser Town where I stopped at St. Nicholas Church. It is said that in Prague there is a church for every day of the year. So I went inside to take a look!

St. Nicholas Church in Malá Strana

Interior of St. Nicholas Church

Walking the streets of Malá Strana

After a morning of sightseeing, lunch is the perfect moment to take a break and relax. And what a better idea than visiting an old medieval pub! This lunch was an introduction to czech food. The menu consisted on dumplings and roast duck! Delicious!

Oldest Medieval Pub in Malá Strana

All waiters in the pub are dressed in medieval clothes!

After the delicious meal I kept on my quest of discovering the city on foot. The next stop was the church of Our Lady Victorious, which contains the wooden statue of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague. It is said that this image has miraculous powers, especially within expectant mothers.

Church of Our Lady Victorious

The Holy Infant Jesus of Prague

Christmas decoration outside the Church of Our Lady Victorious

To know how my walking tour in Prague ended, wait for the second part in a couple of days! Cheers!