And, what better a way to start than an aerial view of the city?
You are enjoying these views courtesy of my very own manpower. Yes, that's right, I earned them the old fashioned way.
See that tower up there on the hill? That's Petrin Hill Observatory Tower, nicknamed the Mini Eiffel Tower, since that's exactly what it is. At 60m tall, and placed at the highest point in the city, this landmark boasts 360 degree views of Prague.
To get there, you've got to climb the 312 steps to the top of Petrin Hill (the website incorrectly says that there's only 299, but I counted the whole way, and of course, I'm the right one). Once you get to the top, you have to climb the additional ??? steps on the open air spiral stairway to the top of the tower. There is an elevator, but since I'm cheap, I opted for the free climb. I've never had an aversion to heights, but I have to admit that the combination of the wind blowing, the small wedge shaped steps, and their never ending circles gave me a bit of a fright.
Once I descended, I continued my venture around Petrin Hill. There is a park with paths through it that wind around to the Prague Castle, which stands guard of the city (the tallest spiky buildings pictured top left below):
This is the front entrance to the castle, where the changing of the guards occurs daily. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, this is the biggest castle complex in the world. Basically, it consists of a giant building forming a wall around the perimeter and inside are a myriad of cathedrals and other buildings. Such a great description, I know.
Since I'm cheap (and didn't have time/ care) to take a tour, I simply walked through and took a few photos. The best thing I got out of it were more lovely aerial views of the city below:
That's all for now:) I'll probably pepper my posts with more vacation photos as the weeks roll on, but I certainly don't want to overload you, so don't worry, I'll be getting back to a normal schedule next week.
15 comments:
What a gorgeous place! Definitely on my bucket list. And how cute that they have a little Eiffel Tower! Were your legs about to fall off after all that climbing?
Beautiful! I'm not sure I could have managed all those steps, but the view is certainly worth it!
Gah, it's gorgeous! Looks like it was cold while you were there--was it? I'm cheap, too (Mr. Calm's cheaper), so we would have done the free tours, too. ;) I never considered it before, but seeing your pictures makes me think a stop in Prague someday would definitely be nice.
(btw, our hotel in Santorini was 79 steps down/up from the street. We climbed those several times a day for a whole week. I felt like a champ when we came home! ;))
The aerial views are just stunning! I love the colors of the buildings.
How cool! Looks so awesome to see castles and such great views, glad you had fun on your adventure!
Such beautiful photos! I love your aerial views! I've always wanted to go to Prague because my maternal great grandpa immigrated from Czechoslovakia so I'd like to see where my Bohemian roots come from.
Great photos, and even better memories, I'm sure! That first photo especially is like a post card. I have never been to Prague, although I have been to Germany, and I'm struck by the similarity of the aerial views. You are brave indeed to climb all those steps--I am afraid of heights and would probably have photographed YOU climbing the stairs!
The trip up the tower would be scary, but the view is so worth it! How beautiful! And I love how everything is so similar...all the orange roofs. Really makes the castle stand out too.
Great photos! Seems like an incredible place to experience.
Amazing! It's beautiful. And the aerial shots are wonderful. I would probably have taken the elevator! I love all the red roofs. Neat! So glad you had a nice trip. Thanks for the pics! {:-D
Wow, what amazing views, and fantastic photos! Sounds like you had a wonderful time. I look forward to more vacation photos in the future.
Valerie
Everyday Inspired
I am going to have to come back when I have some time to properly read this - the pictures look amazing, I just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you and I hope you are safe and sound during this brutal storm. Take care, sweetie!
I so want to see Prague! great photos - thanks for sharing
Wow, your pictures are lovely. Prague is so beautiful. Someday we'll make it there. Take care.
Beautiful. It's amazing how similar it looks to my Mom's city. I don't think I would have managed those steps ;-)
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