No jetting off to New York this year, but a trip to the Czech Republic instead. And what a refreshing trip it was. Not only were easyJet and Gatwick airport surprisingly pleasant experiences (wonders will never cease), but the Czech Republic delivered snow, invigoratingly clean air and lots of Christmas inspiration.
It had been 24 years since I last visited Prague, back in the summer of 1991 when I was just 17. Then a pint of beer cost 10 pence and we dined daily on ropey cheese and tomato pizza. I don’t recall a lot from that trip, except that a bottle of vodka was vastly cheaper than a can of Coca Cola. There was a large rectangular square and an ancient astronomical clock that people clamoured to see. There is still a big square (Wenceslas Square to be precise, now lined with smart shops and hotels) and the 605 year old ‘Orloj’ is drawing bigger crowds than ever. As for the price of vodka I didn’t investigate; my taste for gin developed over the intervening years and now I rarely drink the stuff.
Somehow we completely overlooked the existence of Charles Bridge on that first visit – I am guessing my 17 year old self had other interests (mainly bottled) in those days. It was a good opportunity to right that wrong this weekend, accompanied by several thousand other sightseers. I took the photograph above a short distance away from Charles Bridge at a spot where locals were feeding the swans. The scene, framed by naked willows, looked like something Constable might have painted, although the sky was opaque and filled with snow rather than blue and dotted with fluffy clouds.
Finding any kind of solitude in the city is almost impossible, but on this narrow street leading away from bustling Melantrichova there were only two solitary souls.
The Christmas markets, always a slight disappointment I find, yielded up a few nice things, including hand-crafted straw angels, lushious meads, sausages laced with fiery paprika and heavy Bohemian glass baubles. The best of the markets was also the newest, situated in the shadow of St Vitus Cathedral within the walls of Prague Castle. Fittingly the cathedral is the final resting place of Good King Wenceslas who died in 935AD. A brass band played the famous carol celebrating the saint’s life as the snow started to fall on the cobbles. My festive season had begun.
Categories: Art and Design, Christmas, Photography, Travel
Somewhere I’ve never been, but I do like the oldy woldy feel of the place. I know what you mean about Christmas markets although my experience of them is confined to the UK which I suspect are somewhat watered down and commercialised versions of the original. Having just got back from Norway, with abundant snow and ice, any festiveness I might have felt has been blown away by the latest autumn gale!
I am afraid Prague is no exception to the infiltration of imported tat, although there was a good representation of local crafts. I was surprised at the proportion of food and drink sellers, which seemed to dominate. However, the atmosphere was quite lovely, with lots of families enjoying the day out. I think a Christmas market is more about getting in the spirit of Christmas than doing serious shopping.
Your lovely photo of Charles Bridge reminded me more of a Breugel !
I am so pleased you like that image. I decided not to take my proper camera at the last minute so was relying on my iPhone which didn’t like the poor light. I was quite happy with the composition of this one, although I was sorry not to have pockets full of stale bread so that I could join in with the fun!
Great photos! I had a wonderful week there 3 years ago and remember taking a lot of photos of doors. – Karen
Me too! I didn’t include them in this post but perhaps I will in a future one I will. The door of the Italian Embassy on the way up to the castle was especially magnificent. I love a bit of Art Nouveau 🙂
I’ve never visited, but it certainly exhibits history and character in every shot. Lovely photos, but I was drawn to the last one with the tree in the center and all the shoppers. Glad you had a good trip. 🙂
It really was the best spot for a Christmas market Judy, surrounded by those beautiful buildings with the snow falling gently. Most of the cabins were selling hot food, so naturally I had to indulge 🙂
Either I couldn’t find out, or I’ve forgotten, the link between King Wenceslas and the British Christmas carol – do you know? Did you go to any of the many concerts?
I would have loved to have attended a concert but I was only in Prague for 24 hours and it was strictly a business trip! The rest of the time I was in Jablonec, which is famous for glass and jewellery production. It has a fascinating museum celebrating both art forms which was the highlight of my visit.
Looks like an absolute fairy-tale 🙂
It is very magical!
Loving your rustic effect photos! Glad you had a good trip x
Thanks Gill. A bit of tinkering has made some average snaps look pretty respectable. Hope all’s well with you?
They are beautiful!
Please share experiences and images of Jablonec at some point. Thank you for your beautiful blog!
I will. I took some nice panoramic photos, although the sky was a bit dark so they look a little gloomy! I’d like to see the same landscape in the spring when the blossom is out as it’s famed for its apple trees.