Spanish Synagogue – Prague
Motherland Tour II/ Czech Republic
Dome of the Spanish Synagogue in Prague.
The Spanish Synagogue is a Moorish Revival synagogue built in Prague in 1868. The synagogue is most remarkable for the elaborate style of the interior, every surface is covered by elaborate Islamic-style polychrome and gilded patterns, some painted and some carved or molded. It was called the Spanish Synagogue for its impressive Moorish interior design, influenced by the famous Alhambra. During the Second World War, the Germans used the building as a repository for property taken from the Jews. The building underwent a restoration in the late 1990s, and is currently owned by The Jewish Museum used as a museum and concert hall.
Čechův Bridge – Prague (My 100th Post, TYVM! )
Motherland Tour II/ Czech Republic
Čechův Bridge is the shortest bridge on the Vltava river in Prague. It is named after Svatopluk Čech (1846 – 1908), a Czech writer, poet and journalist. This 169 m long bridge was constructed of stone (pillars) and iron (arches) between 1905 and 1908. The roadway was made of wood until 1961. As the only Art Nouveau style bridge in the Czech Republic, it is protected by the state.
Street Musician – Prague
Motherland Tour II/ Czech Republic
Every Old World capital city has their favorite local homegrown composer who’s music you can hear throughout the town in flavors ranging from cathedral performances to street string quartets to wandering minstrels, and Prague is no exception. This street musician on the Charles Bridge was ringing out some hauntingly beautiful Antonin Dvořák pieces, who was from Nelahozeves (near Prague, then part of Bohemia in the Austrian Empire, now Czech Republic).
Evening Action in Old Town Square – Prague
Motherland Tour II/ Czech Republic
Entering the Old Town Square in Prague is like being sent back in time 800 years! The Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), which began life as the central marketplace for Prague, is one of Prague’s two main squares. With its magnificent Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles buildings and churches, the Square is considered one of the most beautiful historical sights in Europe. Not much beats sipping a nice cold Czech pilsner beer here as dusk settles in on a warm summer evening.
Charles Bridge (Stone Bridge, Karlův most) – Prague
Motherland Tour II/ Czech Republic
Charles Bridge is a stone Gothic bridge that connects the Old Town and Lesser Town (Malá Strana). It was actually called the Stone Bridge (Kamenný most) during its first several centuries. Its construction was commissioned by Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and began in 1357. 30 Baroque statues of religious figures line the bridge, however these are replicas and the originals may be seen on the National Museum.
Astronomical Clock – Prague
Motherland Tour II/ Czech Republic
The Prague astronomical clock, or Prague orloj is a medieval astronomical clock located in The Old Town Square in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still working.
The Orloj is mounted on the southern wall of Old Town City Hall in the Old Town Square. The clock mechanism itself is composed of three main components: the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details; “The Walk of the Apostles”, a clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures—notably a figure of Death (represented by a skeleton) striking the time; and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months. According to local legend, the city will suffer if the clock is neglected and its good operation is placed in jeopardy and a skeleton, mounted on the clock, was supposed nod his head in confirmation. Based on the legend, the only hope was represented by a boy born in the New Year´s night. (from wiki)
The Crossing, St Vitus Cathedral Ceiling – Prague, Czech Republic.
Motherland Tour II/ Czech Republic
St Vitus Cathedral ceiling at the crossing of nave and transept, Prague, Czech Republic.
Roman Catholic Gothic Cathedral was founded on 21 November 1344 . This cathedral is an excellent example of Gothic architecture and is the biggest and most important church in the country. Located within Prague Castle , it contains the tombs of many Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors.
Man Hanging Out
Motherland Tour II/ Czech Republic
“Man Hanging Out” by David Černý, a Prague artist. The man is Sigmund Freud.
Lovers on Bridge – Prague
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