Prague astounded me. Whenever I asked anyone who had visited if we should go, I was treated to a rapturous description. So we went, with high expectations. And I must say, this grand old place was all I imagined and more. Everywhere we walked we were surrounded by buildings with amazing architecture. And the heart of Prague is its Old Town Square. Here’s a glimpse of this splendid, bustling, and lively square. 
Dominating the square are the twin towers of the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Tyn. Built in the 14th century, this has been the main church for this area ever since. The towers soar 80 meters into the air. 
Another feature of the square is the Jan Hus Memorial, a statue of the martyr who was burned at the stake, leading to wars and exiles. This large sculpture was unveiled on 1915 to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Hus. 
A third and probably most well known resident of Old Town Square is the Astronomical Clock. The name refers to a style of clock that shows astronomy-related information. This one, built in 1410, features four figures that move when the clock strikes the hour. The skeleton, representing death, strikes the time. The doorways above the clock open to reveal the apostles. At noon, all 12 apostles appear. A calendar was added below the clock in 1490. 
You may have heard about crowds of tourists in Prague. Yes, it’s true. And they gather in front of the clock in anticipation of the hourly display. When we visited, scaffolding surrounded the clock, too. Here’s what it looked like. 
Don’t let this keep you from visiting, though. You can plan around crowds by starting out early in the morning or eating dinner a little early. I’m adding my voice to all those who told me to go! Just look at the detailed sculptures and curlicues and the colors and the variety. And this is just one square in the entire city. Prague escaped damage during World War II, so what you see is not rebuilt but the original, genuine buildings that have stood for centuries. 
Day and night, Prague is a feast for the eyes and the soul.
40 Comments
That clock is so amazing!
What fabulous old-world architecture! I love seeing it and being amazed how it has survived all this time. Each photo is just wonderful to see. Thanks so much for sharing as, I’m sure, I’ll never see it for myself.
A grat place with a lot of history…
If I could go back to anywhere in Europe, Prague would be at the top of my list. I was there 20 years ago and it was amazing.
A fantastic Tour, wonderful captures from this town.
That architecture just fills one’s heart with joy! LOVE the cathedral! Love the clock! Love it all! How fortunate you are to have been there.
Wow! Such overwhelmingly beautiful sculptures and architecture. I am impressed that the martyr memorial went up during WWI. Life goes on despite a war. No doubt the memorial most likely helped keep up positive thoughts.
I wonder how this beautiful, quaint place survived all the bombing of WWII. It’s magnificent – thanks for taking me on another tour!
One of the very few capitals not bombed in World War I or II! Can’t remember if I was thee or not (hubs has traveled more than I in Eur.) Beautiful painted eve of that Renaissance building. Many thanks Sharon for sharing all this beauty with All Seasons. How long were you there?
Have a beautiful week!
What a marvelous place!
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2017/11/very-zen.html
Beautiful structures all around. The architecture is amazing.
We spent 3 weeks traveling around the Czech Republic last year and Prague crowned our adventure. Did you know that there’s another astronomical clock in the Moravian part of Czechia? Its chiming isn’t nearly as impressive, but it’s interesting nonetheless. Olomouc boasts the only astronomical clock with a political theme. Rather than apostles, it’s proletarian workers like doctors and farmers who parade across, and events like Lenin’s birthday are marked on the calendar as well!
Tremendous architecture and I love the vibe of the city.
Wow – so gorgeous!
A beautiful city. Your photos of the clock are excellent.
I love the gothic style of the buildings here! We’re planning Prague next year, we both like beer and architecture so it seems like a perfect fit! #citytripping
Prague is on my bucket list. The architecture is so beautiful. I’m so glad that it was spared destruction. #citytripping
I love Prague – adventures galore around every corner; hospitalised a poor lad in 2003 (well, he wanted to dance on the bar…) and bumped into Muse’s drummer on the Charles Bridgelast summer….after first missing our flight (but that’s another post). AND the city is astoundingly pretty!
What spectacular photos of such an amazing city. My son visited and said it was one of the highlights of his travels.
Prague really is so lovely and your photos have captured it beautifully – especially the shots of the clock, although the architecture is wonderful wherever you look. Thank you for transporting me back – and for linking up with #citytripping
I am in agreement with you! Prague is a feast for the eyes. A bit of a coincidence since I wrote about the Jewish Quarter this week. Did you visit? The Old Town Square is a must even if the crowds are there. The good news is that other parts of town are not that crowded (at least I found some spots).
stunning photos! I’ve been to Prague too and loved it!:) #citytripping
I fell in love with Prague too. I liked it the first time we went, but the last two times have been incredible. It’s such a beautiful city, particularly in the early morning and the evening hours. Your photos of the architecture and the details on the etched buildings are fantastic! #citytripping
You managed to capture so many gorgeous details! Last time I was in Prague it was snowing, so it was a bit hard to be interested in the architecture and statues. Thanks to your post I can relive it without the cold! 🙂
Magnificent – every detail! I thought it especially ironic that the skeleton strikes the time – someone had a sense of humor!
I loved Prague, but my husband not so much!
I live in Prague, so I was interested to see it from a visitor’s eyes. Your photos are beautiful, and embarrassingly I didn’t know anything about the statue in the centre – so thank you for the tip! I love the Old Town Square too (despite the crowds). #farawayfiles
Prague is so beautiful and who doesnt love an astronomical clock. Great photos and thanks for joining #FarawayFiles
Prague astounded me too. It’s perhaps the best preserved medieval town in Europe and the most charming. I’ve spent a eeek there and still didn’t get to explore all I would have liked to. #TheWeeklyPostcard
We are heading to Prague for our second visit and your post has whet my appetite I can’t wait to be back on the square taking in those sites again.
What a wonderful architecture! Your pictures took me back there. I´ve also had high expectations of Prague and despite it, also ended up astonished. One of the European cities I´d gladly travel back to. Even though it was soooo cold during my visit: -40°C in January. #theweeklypostcard
You have here very nice pictures and trust me I know what I am talking about – I am from Prague 😉 #TheWeeklyPostcard
I went to Prague last summer and I absolutely agree with you – Prague is just such a stunning city! It’ll forever hold a special place in my heart. #WeekendWanderlust
I’ve only ever heard the Prague is amazing, and now I’ll be adding your voice to that list! My husband said it is one of the most beautiful cities he’s ever visited. That clock looks lovely I can see why everyone gathers around. #farawayfiles
It is a shame about the crowds but even they can’t spoil Prague’s beautiful streetscape.
I love the look of Prague, need to book a long weekend here soon! Fab photos! #farawayfiles
Oh how I am dying to visit Prague. Old Town Square looks beautiful, with stunning architecture. #farawayfiles
Prague is one of my favorite cities and your photos captured an amazing old town square. My favorite is the Astronomical Clock at noon the 12 apostles appear. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Wow Prague is beautiful. I love the sculptures and architecture. It is a must see and now I must see it. #theweeklypostcard
Soooo want to get to Prague. Your photos are always amazing! Thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles