Our last day enjoying Prague

 We have been very much on the go, but with no real schedule outside of our 11am tour of our hotel complex, we decided a late leisurely breakfast was just the ticket!  The Augustine is actually part of an operating Monestery, which dates back to the 14th century. Only 4 monks inhabit the part that is still monastery, operating a school, performing religious services,,and reading and studying. The complex has undergone 3 renovations over the ages, with the latest providing 170 rooms and suites, and one three level tower suite! Unfortunately, that was occupied, so we could only see it from the outside, but we were able to tour a regular suite. Our rooms are quite lovely and spacious, and I see no need for more, but it was fun to look. But the best part of the tour took us to the small chapel, and spectacular church! We have seen many churches and cathedrals, but this was probably the most stunning.  We also went into the outside hallways to observe the monks quarters and gardens, and into the lower levels where they brewed beer, and a once active pub was located. Since COVID, it serves only for special functions. But the beer , St Thomas , is still produced, and while no longer on this property but offsite, it is still the only place in the world it can be tasted. We were treated to a taste, and though dark, it was quite tasty, even for me! Clem really enjoyed it and finished my sample after his.

The gardens would be lovely in nice weather. 

Beautifully decorated ceilings 

In the center, the three level tower suite can be seen that was added during renovation, and was occupied at the time. 

A special taste of the Monk’s St Thomas beer, which can be enjoyed nowhere else in the  world!  

 

In the late afternoon, we set out for the Christmas Market in old Town Square. There are several markets in Prague, but this one is large, and we wanted to see it in the dark so the lights would be at their best, and of course eat our way through! I don’t think any of us  had considered it was the last Saturday before Christmas, and everyone would be out shopping and reveling, and we encountered masses of humanity, toasting the holidays with Gluwein and sausages, and jam packed on the steps of a platform to climb for a better look from above! Now, these people are tall, and I am decidedly not, and I felt the crush! I ditched the platform and got my photos from below! we found our sausages and a spiralized potato cooked on a stick, which turned out to be not as good as it looked, and roamed some of the booths. I did get a little incense smoker, as I have been constantly tempted by them!  The crowds were growing, and we were finished exploring, so we walked back to our hotel, where we sipped  Gluwein by the fire and chatted before saying goodbye to our friends, who had a very early morning departure time.

Looking back through passage as we left our hotel.  Some heard the trains in their rooms, but I guess we were situated well. Even so, such a wonderful hotel, a small price to pay to stay there. 

Beautiful view as the sun began to set  on the walk from our hotel to the Christmas market. 

Another glimpse of the castle on the hill. 

Church of St Nicholas

Masses of humanity in historic Old Town Square out for the last Saturday before Christmas!
( Located between Wenceslas Square and the Charles Bridge )

Church of our Lady of Tyr, Old Town Prague 

The church of St Nicholas on the left 

A large Nativity scene was lovely

Prague New City Hall seat since 1945 

And back to our lovely hotel for one last night. 

  It was a great trip, and we laughed at the cold and the need to layer up, along with Clem’s complaints about all the stairs, and his desire to go home and lay naked by the pool for days!! Beautiful places, interesting history,  new foods to sample, all the markets, interesting people, and fun friends to travel with! Couldn’t ask for more! 

Prague and the Lobkowitvz Palace

After a lovely breakfast buffet at our hotel,  We set out early for a long city walk, and were very pleased to have gotten a wonderful guide! She spoke slowly enough for us to absorb what she was saying, her English was spot on, and she was adorable! Great personality and a great way of presenting the facts with stories, rather than a recitation of facts, as we have encountered a couple of times.

It was a great morning spent with her, with gorgeous buildings and softly falling snow that made it all quite magical!  I will need to add more info with photos  (and arrange photos )

Exterior view of the beautiful church we visited on our tour, snow gently falling. 

Forget gelato, let’s do that hot chocolate! 

 

Charles Bridge 1357 spans Vltava River 

Church of St Francis of Assisi

Lots of wonderful outdoor seating despite the cold, with heaters and blankets. They don’t let winter keep them indoors! 

Making those delicious cakes on a spit. 

Entering the main square, where the astronomical clock is on building on the left. 

Couldn’t help notice this stunningly decorated building, which is sgraffito! It soon fell out of favor to decorate like this because of the maintenance.  Such a lot of work went into the creation! 

Old Town Hall. 

The third oldest astronomical clock installed on Old Town Hall in 1410, and oldest still working. It was said after the artist completed his work, they put his eyes out so he could not create another! Gruesome story for an astounding work. 

The rooster comes out on the hour, and the figures all move as the clock strikes the hour. 

Each figure moves in turn, and here, the skeleton says yes, you’re coming, but the male figure shakes his head no, I’m not! 

And another  Christmas market nearby. 

I asked permission to shoot this adorable little boy with his potato treat, and while his parents were accommodating, he didn’t seem quite so sure. 

Church of Our Lady of Tyn, Prague Old Town 14th century. 

Church of St Nicholas 1732-37 built on 13th century gothic church site dedicated to St Nicholas 

Jewish Town Hall 1586

Gate to Prague Castle 

 

  We stood and waited so we could watch the changing of the Castle  Guard. 

Cathedral of St Vitus, in Prague Castle Complex (Wenceslaus and Adalburt)

Cathedral of St Vitis.  Obelisk is a memorial to WWI

It was a lot of time outside and though we had enough layers to stay pretty comfortable, our toes were frozen, as was my right hand from taking photos, and we were ready to go inside for a lovely lunch at the Lobkowitvz palace, which was our afternoon excursion. Our afternoon included lunch, which was waiting for us, and after some hot goulash  , we were entertained with a classical concert, and then a tour and explanation of the palace and family who owned it, and some of their extensive art collection. The   history is still a bit confusing, especially because the palace is actually in the castle grounds, but basically people were thrown out windows, nazis took control, then communists took possession, then it was returned, but the family preferred their country home and it was only used for occasions, and now it’s a museum!  Our audio guide was recorded by the family members, who our guide said had heavy Boston accents that he hoped we could understand. They sounded pretty normal to us, with no accents at all! We enjoyed the building, collections and views, and I especially enjoyed a chat with our young guide who was eager to share his knowledge and pride of his country. 

One other couple joined us for lunch, so just 6 for lunch and concert! 

View from upper terrace of palace, which was part of the tour. 

Their Eiffel Tower! 

I found this dish fascinating, and Clem suggested I try to make

one! 

View of the Castle and palace on our walk back to our hotel. 

Returning finally to our hotel around 4:30, we found complimentary mulled wine, and Clem and I sat by the fire and enjoyed that for a bit before heading for a hot shower before dinner.  I am not much of a drinker, but I am totally hooked on the hot mulled wine! 

And hot mulled wine by the fire in the  lobby of our  hotel. 

We opted for dinner in our hotels bar, and enjoyed a relaxing evening with a burger, sans what my friend Susan calls Cruise Food! The bar room was of course again lovely, with beautifully frescoed ceiling.  We had seen  a sign that said the concierge would be happy to show us around the property, so before we retired for the evening, we arranged a tour for the next day, which we look forward to.