FuFu Wourld Tour - Europe
5th - 7th August 2007 | Prague - Czech Republic |
The Community Church of Zizkov.
After seeing the stunning Dancing House, we moved on to the next destination which was Zizkov Television Tower that built on the top of a hill in the district of Zizkov. Upon getting off at the nearest bus stop, i saw a beautiful church. I am not a Christian nor been to any church till i landed in Europe. Unconsciously, i again acted like a touron out of pure stupidity, admiring and taking pictures of the church from every little single in Prague.
Well, FuFu was actually checking out the architecture in details.
It's so much different with the architectural culture FuFu used to see.
The tower is located northeast from the tourist signboard.
Lucky Maria was there cause it's hard to figure out the tower.
The tower is located behind blocks of residential apartments.
Finally, spotted the Zizkov Television Tower.
Standing high above the city's traditional skyline, the Zizkov Television Tower was built in Prague between 1985 and 1992. This tower has become an attraction for the tourists due to its unique design that resembles a rocket launchpad. Composed of three concrete pillars for the transmitters along with a restaurant, cafe and observation rooms. It's also used as meteorological observatory.
Do you see something special on a pillar of the tower?
What the heck? Babies are climbing the tower.
There is also another thing that makes the tower special. Ten huge babies crawling the tower up and down were put on the tower in 2000, created by a famous Czech artist. The tower with a creative form of art added then became immediately popular.
Kudos to the sculptor for the great thought.
Alright, FuFu was walking down to the entrance.
No worry about the steps, a speedy lift is always ready to go up.
The Zizkov Television Tower is the highest tower in the Czech Republic (260 meters). On top of the observatory, you can see many infamous historical buildings and compare the knowledge of the city and its sights with the maps that are spread on the floor.
To be honest, the panoramic view of the city was not that stunning.
Only the buildings in Zizkov district could be clearly seen.
Anyway, FuFu still enjoyed looking at those colourful apartments.
If you observe carefully, Zizkov district is still under developing.
Fufu said no to this Cinska Restaurance for the late lunch.
Definitely had to go to the local beer garden for Czech cuisine.
Ice tea for Janette and beer for FuFu and Maria.
It's incredibly cheap to drink beer in Prague.
Not only nightlife, Prague also has a lively afternoon, mostly due to the extraordinary range of beers available at nominal prices from fifty cents to few Euros. Awesome.
It's only 70cents but FuFu could only take two.
Obviously, two of them enjoyed the afternoon talk with FuFu.
It's FuFu pleasure to have lunch together with two great companions.
FuFu satisfied with his yummy pork chop with mushroom.
Maria, as usual ordered her favourite smoked pork ribs.
Janette's creamy chicken steak looked very good.
FuFu was a bit drunk but still gotta decide where to go for next stop.
FuFu's target was a little far but subway solved the problem.
Back to the Old Town and walked to a tram stop.
Remember to get a day ticket for bus, tram and subway.
Then followed the signboard to Prazsky Hard (Prague Castle).
Prague Castle (taken from Charles Bridge, photo from previous post).
Prague Castle is the biggest ancient castle in the world built in the 9th century. It was replaced by a Romanesque palace in the 12th century, fortified and expanded. Around the castle, a small community started to grow, then in the 14th century it's rebuilt in the Gothic style. Originally, the castle premises included a palace, three churches and a monastery.
St. Vitus Cathedral, the most recognized landmark in Prague.
Today, Prague Castle serves as the historical and political centre for the city and the state, and it is the current seat of government and very impressive building. The St. Vitus Cathedral, Monastery, Golden Lane and St. George's Basilica are those must see attractions of the castle as well as several other places along with the art galleries.
The change of the guard.
Passing by the fountain in front of the Prague Castle Complex.
Front view of the St. Vitus Cathedral. Majestic.
As the largest and most important church in the Czech Republic, the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral stands within the confines of the Prague Castle and is one of Eastern Europe's finest examples of Gothic architecture.
The rose window. Beautifully and gorgeously crafted. Stunning.
Wait, FuFu saw few creatures on the cathedral.
They are the powerful looking gargoyles, guardian of the cathedral.
FuFu was very impressed with the fine finial of the pinnacles.
Remember to look up or you might miss some of the mosaics.
The mosaics in decorative wall arcading contained narratives.
These mosaics of the figures of saints are beautiful.
Yeah one of the scene can be found in the Book of Genesis.
Oh... hallelujah, my Jesus Christ.
See the contrast between the cathedral and two of FuFu's friends.
FuFu at the back courtyard of the cathedral.
FuFu totally couldn't control himself but being a touron again.
Running here and there happily for the pictures from every angle.
South view of the St. Vitus Cathedral.
Janette and Maria were laughing at the cutie FuFu.
FuFu just couldn't stop snapping. Too beautiful.
The magnificent cathedral had successfully driven FuFu crazy.
Seriously, it's real quickly made FuFu fall in love with the castle.
The picture of FuFu with his love at first sight.
But Maria and Janette couldn't stay any longer.
FuFu was not willing to leave the cathedral complex though.
Never mind darling, FuFu will be back soon!
Church and monastery of St George Basilica.
St. George Basilica, the second oldest church in Prague. Its appearance though, doesn't really denote a construction from the 9th century since it was reconstructed to their Romanesque appearance. And remember come to visit before 5pm or you would miss to see the oldish grand looking interior of all the churches in the castle.
Hope this three shadows would get together again in the future.
The stately sculpture on top of the building of Royal Palace.
This represents the new government of Czech Republic.
The new Royal Palace with government offices.
We continued to the courtyard from the cathedral and walked through the New Royal Palace with the offices of the President of the Czech Republic. Close to the palace there has several statues made in memory of victims of World Was I. Old Royal Palace is situated not far away from the new one.
The statue tells the ancient story of Prague.
Old Royal Place still attracted visitors even the door already closed.
The three buddies then moved on further in the castle.
Heading to a look out point of the castle.
The view from the castle is significantly better than Zizkov Tower.
Now you guys could choose whether to visit the tower or not.
See FuFu's expression and you would know his answer.
Alright, let's moving on to the next attraction in the castle.
Looking for houses that fit more to dwarfs than to people.
Golden lane is picturesque with the small colourful houses.
At the end of the castle complex, there's a street known as the Golden Lane that full of small colourful houses built in Mannerism style at the end of the 16th century. Legend wants one to believe that alchemists attempted to turn metal into gold there but in fact it was the goldsmiths living there in the 17th century who gave the street its captivating name.
The houses still in good condition! Kudos to the preservation job.
This house is suitable for those whose height below 170cm.
The houses looked like those appeared in fairy tales.
Look! We are getting closer, upgrading to good friend.
The street is now largely occupied by souvenir and book shops.
You could also find several artistic statues at the end of the street.
Wait! There's a Barbie Exhibition in Toy Museum of Prague.
Janette screamed out loud as she gotta leave the next day.
Anyway, it's already 8pm. Yeah still bright ya.
Time to get back to the hostel and ready for Vienna.
The subway will take you to almost all the tourist attractions.
The stations of the metro line are clearly shown in the train.
Back to the Malostranska metro station. What a grand metro station.
It's time to say sayonara to Maria.
Obviously, she gonna miss FuFu everyday.
Another long escalator of a metro station near the hostel.
The stomach yelling for dinner.
Hence, stopped at this street stall for Czech burger.
FuFu ordered a Kureci Rizek (Czech fillet-o-fish burger).
Waiting happily for his first burger in Europe.
Finally the hot and fragrant burger was in FuFu's hands.
It's always yummy no matter what you eat when you are hungry.
Alright, the one day tour of Prague finally ended after the burger. Prague is one piece of glittering gem of art and most valuable historical city reserve with stunning architecture that snugly nestling at the heart of Europe. This beautiful and fascinating city as well as the magical castle has worked its subtle magic on me to plan on my second trip back if i happen to be in Europe again.
