Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Highlights of Prague Castle...


In a hill above the city of Prague, lies one of the largest castle grounds in the world. There are beautiful gates covered with scrafitto as we approach the castle. This pattern is called the "Envelope Pattern" (easy!)



Many embassy buildings have their headquarters nearby. 




This is a picture of the President's home which is on the grounds. Lea told us that he really didn't live her but lived in a house located in the beautiful gardens.



We are going through the gates. The guards are very serious and don't move a whisker!




There are many, many buildings within the castle walls. One of them is the beautiful Gothic Church of the Virgin Mary covered with religious art...



...and, if we focus in just a wee bit, we can see that the architects had their carved their pictures in the building, too;-) They want to be sure no one forgot them!



Within the church is an exhibit which shows how the builders have preserved the walls of the original church (built in 882-82) right within the newer building. Amazing!



Ah! Many Mucha stained glass in the nave. The colors are incredible!




Even Mucha, though, wanted a bit of himself saved for posterity! You can see one of his Art Nouveau ladies in the middle of this picture. Look closely! 



Jud wants a funny picture taken of the himself and the guard...then...BAM! The guards pound their rifles to the platform, then point them up in the air. I was terrified. We were warned this would happen if we got too close to the guards! All of a sudden, two black Audi's roll by on the road to the left. It's the President of the Czech Republic! We are only several feet away!



Jud relaxes on the wall after his little scare and I take his picture for the final view of this beautiful site.

16 comments:

  1. Suz,
    These photos are gorgeous! I feel as though I am right there with you on the trip. What an amazing city and so much history. I'm so happy you are enjoying yourself!
    xo
    jeanne

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  2. Suz, Truly a once in a lifetime experience! Your photos are so wonderful, and your descriptions make me feel as though I am there! Sigh, just beautiful! E

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  3. So beautiful in pictures, I can only imagine how it is in reality. The weather looks perfect as well. I am so happy you are enjoying this trip. SO happy!

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  4. WOW, Suz. What a stunning post. I can't even imagine seeing this in person. Thanks for sharing..
    xoxo
    lynn

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  5. Wow, this is so amazing...I love your pictures!!! And I hope you're having the best time ever! Thank you so much for your sweet note...have a wonderful trip.
    Hugs,
    Cindy
    xox

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  6. Suz, these photos are incredible! Thank you for taking us along on your adventure. The detail and majesty of the architecture is stunning. Most impressive to me is the Mucha window. The use of color and pattern and overall design is amazing. Thank you for your sweet comment at my post...you made my day! ~ Angela

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  7. Oh my goodness Suz! How can you possibly take all that beautiful art work and architecture in? I would just stare at that castle and church for hours and hours and hours etc... That guard really does look serious! I am glad he didn't get hurt! Wow! Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us!

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  8. Suz, Looks like you all are having a wonderful time, as you should! Enjoy and keep taking those awesome pictures.

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  9. Welcome back! All your pictures of Prague are wonderful! How did the wedding go (or did I miss that post)?

    Sandy xo

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  10. Absolutlely brilliant Suz...I love your perspective!
    Thanks so much for your lovely comment today. I left a message on my post.

    Jeanne :)

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  11. I just love traveling with you in Prague and learning the little unknown facts that Lea teaches you. Thank you dear. Safe Travels...

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  12. Oh My SO fantastic...Love the closeups...what a special opportunity to get to see these sights through your eyes!

    Really Wonderful ... thank you so much!
    oxo
    p.s. Mucha art in stained glass even ... be still my heart!

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  13. what dreamy travels you are on!
    thank you for your huge support
    from across the world!
    huuug from "home". xo

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  14. Oh what a beautiful trip, thank you so much for sharing. Have a wonderful time. Your photo's are just lovely. Hugs, Terri

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