Castles and bridges
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Prague castle sits on a hill overlooking the Vitava. It was the seat of power in the country for a millennia. Still home to the office of the president it houses many grand buildings and a stunning cathedral. The body of King Wenceslas lies within, houses in a grand ornate Chapel. He was murdered by his brother in 935 so I'm guessing there is not much left of the old boy today. His mother was done in as well so they were quite an unlucky family.
The rooms where the Defenestration of Prague took place can also be seen. Sounds nasty. I man n fact it involved pushing someone Catholics to their death out of a high window, an event that led to a thirty years war. A slight flaw in the plan was evident when it became apparent the Catholics had survived the fall. The church would have you believe they were cradled by angels during their decent. I prefer the alternative story, That they landed in dung heap.
The Charles bridge crosses the Vitava below the castle as it has since 1402. It's packed with tourists these days all fighting for space to take the ultimate selfie. Plenty of hawkers ply their trade on the bridge as they have done for centuries.
On the bridge as dusk takes hold, there is a choice of entertainment. On top the gentle lilt of the barrel organ playing abide with me, flanked by the statues of the saints guarding the bridge. While from below the cruise boats chug under the bridge, complete with Freddie Mercury lookalike bellowing I want to break free loud enough for the whole valley to be sure of his desire.
The rooms where the Defenestration of Prague took place can also be seen. Sounds nasty. I man n fact it involved pushing someone Catholics to their death out of a high window, an event that led to a thirty years war. A slight flaw in the plan was evident when it became apparent the Catholics had survived the fall. The church would have you believe they were cradled by angels during their decent. I prefer the alternative story, That they landed in dung heap.
The Charles bridge crosses the Vitava below the castle as it has since 1402. It's packed with tourists these days all fighting for space to take the ultimate selfie. Plenty of hawkers ply their trade on the bridge as they have done for centuries.
On the bridge as dusk takes hold, there is a choice of entertainment. On top the gentle lilt of the barrel organ playing abide with me, flanked by the statues of the saints guarding the bridge. While from below the cruise boats chug under the bridge, complete with Freddie Mercury lookalike bellowing I want to break free loud enough for the whole valley to be sure of his desire.
