Saturday, May 24, 2008

Praha - Day 3

Today's adventure took us to Prague Castle.

Do you know the difference between a castle, a palace and a chateau? Well I didn't until today.

Castle =
a large building formerly occupied by a ruler and fortified against attack.

Palace =
a large and stately mansion use as the home of a head of state or other high-ranking public figure

Chateau =
is a manor house or residence of the lord of the manor or a country house of nobility or gentry, with or without fortifications

Live and learn :-)

Prague Castle is the largest medieval castle complex in Europe and the ancient seat of Czech kings throughout the ages.
The Prague Castle complex consists of Saint Vitus Cathedral (Prague's most recognisable landmark), several palaces, viewing towers, art galleries, a monastery, The Story of Prague Castle Museum, Golden Lane and St. George's Basilica.

The first known building on the site of Prague Castle was erected in the 9th century. In the 12th century this was replaced by a Romanesque palace, and in the 14th century, under the reign of Charles IV, it was rebuilt in the Gothic style. A further reconstruction of the Royal Palace then took place under the Jagellons at the end of the 15th century. The builder, Benedikt Rejt, also added the now famous Vladislav Hall.

These are my pics


















Gargoyles are so neat
I think big organs are neat :-)

All this for a piece of saintly tongue (The tomb of John of Nepomuk inside the cathedral)






Memorial to a strangled mother-in-law (some princes killed an interferring in-law)







The Dungeon


4 comments:

dit said...

Very interesting stuff. I had no idea. Great photos, very nice angles and composition. What a great trip you are having.

Tony said...

More great pics! Prague really is a great city

Anonymous said...

Nice pics.

I think that because my place is made of brick and has two balconies overlooking the street that it must be a castle, right?

beatpunk said...

Beautiful. You and I apparently like to take the same angle on architectural shots.