Unveiling Prague's Cultural Gems

in Worldmappinlast year

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Welcome back, everyone, to the concluding part of our trip to Prague. We had only 3 days to explore the city, but we tried to make the best use of it and visit some must-see locations. I will certainly come back here at a certain point to dive deeper into this beautiful cultural center.

On the day of departure we finally arranged the visit to National Library of the Czech Republic. Entrance to the library complex is available only as part of a guided tour. Unfortunately, all the slots with English language guide were booked so we had to go with the Czech group. :D One of our friends from the group speaks a decent Czech so she interpreted it for us.

The library is located in a Klementinum complex together with the astronomical tower. It was built in 18th century as a Jesuit's college and is considered as one of the most impressive libraries in the world. It contains books, maps, manuscripts on vast array of topics, a breathtaking historical collection. It stands for research, education and preserving the knowledge.

It was built in baroque style with beautiful frescoes and ceiling paintings, ornaments and intricate details. View is only available from the entrance, you are not allowed to go inside and browse the books. That is in order to preserve the condition of the collected material.


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Narrow stairs to the top of the Astronomical tower

After the library we climbed with narrow steps to the top of the astronomical tower. The tower was used by scientists and astronomers to study celestial bodies. This observatory was built in 18th century and was also used to tell time. Panoramic view from the top is amazing. With its position at the city center, you can see the important Prague monuments raising around it.

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Clock mechanism

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View of the Prague skyline from the top of Astronomical tower

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Next stop on our trip around the city is Wallenstein Palace. It is a complex built in 17th century for then military leader and it's like a beautiful oasis on the Mala Strana side of the city that allows escape from noise and chaos of urban environment. You may see the trend if I say that this as well is built in baroque style.

Around the grandiose buildings lay meticulously trimmed gardens, beautiful fountains and statues. Wildlife including big birds and fish roam freely in this semi-natural habitat. We didn't get to see the inside of the palace and particularly Sala Terrena, which is said to be equally as beautiful.

Inside the complex is Senate building which is used as a venue for government meetings and events.

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Now we are in front of a Lennon's wall, another location you'll be recommended to swing by on your visit. It is a symbol of peace and artistic expression that started spontaneously. Inspired by the messages of John Lennon and The Beatles, it started during the communist era - once ordinary wall became a canvas for people who wanted to express their desire for freedom and unity.

It was painted over numerous times. Governments would label it as vandalism to try and silence the messages of peace that go against its agendas. But the determined people would quickly create new messages, graffiti and continue defying the system.

Bring a pen with you if you ever come around this spot and add your contribution. :)

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Narrowest street in the world, at least that's how it's advertised. You have to wait for the traffic lights to turn green as there's not enough room for people to pass by each other. It's nothing spectacular though, I wouldn't suggest adding this attraction to your itinerary . :)

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Hope you enjoyed this final part of my exploration of Prague! It was a great experience and I'll certainly come back in the near future.

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That's quite an insane building. I really like that old architecture - and old libraries, ooh one of my favourite things. There's something magic about old books bound in leather and a little bit worn down.

Narrowest road in the world? I think that's such a novel idea even if it's nothing really special, the fact that it has a traffic light is fun.

What were those tasty looking powdered sugar coated things they were making?

These old libraries are a heaven for book lovers.

That is a chimney cake or Trdelnik as they call it there. You can find it everywhere in Prague. It's made with long, stretched dough that they wrap around this rolling thing, they put sugar or other delicacies on top and bake it. You can add toping of you your choice.

The taste is simple, nothing spectacular. :)

That sounds delicious. I would buy four of them just because they look yummy.

I have to admit that this library is now in my bucket list of places to see before I die. Old libraries 😍

Hope it happens, I'm sure you'll enjoy the visit :)

I have passed by Klementinum almost every day on my way to work for many years and I have never visited it before 😂 It looks so pretty, so I will try to remember it for my next visit of Prague.

I haven't walked through the narrowest street either because there were always too many people waiting there and I had no patience for this touristic cr*p 😂

Great photos! Have a lovely day!

The library is beautiful even though you can't get real close and smell the books. :D I loved the tower tour as well. You have to book in advance and the first hour is half a price if I remember correctly.

The guide spoke so passionately about the history of these two buildings that I enjoyed even though I didn't understand the language haha. The view from the top is amazing!

Thank you for stopping by! :)

Happy Sunday!😊

I can't believe you are done with your exploration. I can't wait see more from you,hahah.The library is beautiful, old and inviting. I love the designs and I won't mind sleeping in there to read all the books in there. The view of the city from Astronomical tower is breathtaking and amazing. The fountains beautiful! That first peacock seems to be enjoying the weather 😅. Lennon's wall, a lot history there, it is amazing. Also, I love the train picture, giving another angle view.

Thank you for sharing your exploration of Prague with us. I enjoyed reading all the parts.

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Glad you enjoyed reading about Prague adventures! :) Thank you very much for following along!

Hiya, @ybanezkim26 here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Top 3 in Daily Travel Digest #1907.

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I am so happy to hear that, thank you very much!!

This city makes me want to move countries with very nice design and beautiful scenery is really amazing have a nice day you guys

Glad you enjoyed the view!

But not as beautiful as you enjoy, pray for me that it will be given ease to a beautiful place

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It seems that you always enjoy your trip with pleasure, some of the pictures you share show how you enjoy this precious moment, thank you for sharing with us

Thank you for following!

My friend lives in Prague. He didn't mention how beautiful it is. I hope I could visit soon

It's visually stunning! Good luck, you would enjoy it

Guess Prague is an amazing place to be then

I can't tell how the Prague natives feel, but I certainly enjoyed the visit

Praha one of four beautiful and amazing looks clear you really enjoy it