We hope you enjoyed exploring the beautiful Right Bank of Prague with us in our previous post. This time, join us as we explore the Left Bank which we both found even more magical. We’ll take you to the amazing Prague Castle compound, show you the breathtaking vista of the city from Petrin Hill, and let you be charmed by the architectural cocktails, the cobbled streets and gardens in Mala Strana (“Lesser Town”), etc.
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We started the day by crossing the Charles Bridge from the right bank and enjoyed the sight of the left bank skyline from there. Early morning is a good time to enjoy the bridge when the crowd is still thin.
Artists in period costumes on Charles Bridge added to the old world atmosphere of the surroundings.
Just before the end of Charles Bridge on the left bank side, there are stairs that lead to the small but charming Kampa Island. It is separated from Mala Strana by a picturesque canal dotted with working water mills.
Ironically, this very serene canal in Kampa Island is called the “Devil’s Stream.” It is also known as the “Venice of Prague.”
Love locks on Kampa Island Bridge.
Housed on the oldest water mill on the island is the Kampa Museum. It boasts an excellent collection of modern Czech and Central European arts.
From Kampa Island, we crossed a small bridge that led us to a secluded park in Mala Strana where we stumbled into Lennon Wall. After the death of John Lennon, he became a pacifist hero to rebellious Czech youths. They painted this wall in a Velkopřevorské náměstí (Grand Priory Square) with his images. The police keeps erasing them only to be repainted again and again.
Petrin Hill in Mala Strana, reached via a dinky funicular, offers a delightful, tranquil rose garden. It is also the home to the Petrin Tower (seen in the background), called the mini-Eiffel Tower of Prague. The tower may not be the most pleasant sight in Prague but it offers the most spectacular 360-degree view of the city.
We climbed the 299 steps to Petrin Tower and marveled the view of Charles Bridge and Old Town.
The stunning view of Prague Castle complex from Petrin Tower.
From Petrin Hill, there is a walking trail that leads to Strahov Monastery and it offers the most breathtaking walk in Prague.
The 12th century baroque spires of Strahov Monastery tower over a tranquil hill that overlooks Mala Strana.
Strahov Monastery’s highlight is the magnificent Strahov Library. This is the Theological Hall of the library, which was completed in 1697 and houses 200,00 volumes of old manuscripts including many versions of the Bible.
Aside from ancient manuscripts, Strahov Monastery also houses an excellent brewery.
Not far from Strahov Monastery is the Loreta Monastery, another beautiful baroque place of pilgrimage that houses a bearded crucified lady and skeletons of two Spanish saints.
The facade of Cernin Palace, built in the 17th century by Count Cernin as a residence. Today, it is the seat of Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This street is part of the Royal Route that leads to Prague Castle.
Outside the main gate to Prague Castle.
On the castle grounds. Built in the 9th century, the castle is not comprised of one palace building but it is a huge complex comprised of several buildings, churches and courtyards.
Some of the prominent spires in Prague Castle belong to St. Vitus Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Cathedral and the biggest and most important church in Czech Republic. Many Bohemian kings and Roman emperors were buried here.
One of the stained-glass window in St. Vitus Cathedral.
One of the churches in the castle compound is the Basilica of St. George. It is the best preserved Romanesque church in Czech Republic.
Keith playing with an ancient door knocker in one of the huge doors of the Old Royal Palace.
The curving cobblestone street of Novy Svet Quarter, a enclave of colorful cottages where the castle staff used to live.
One of the colorful cottages in Novy Svet.
Keith standing in front of a door in one of historic Novy Svet homes. They said that people way back then (9th century) were dimunitive in stature, hence, the small doors
Lunch time! A traditional plate of roast pork with Czech dumplings and a glass of pilsen.
We passed by this absinthe bar in Mala Strana. Interesting flavor…
A window of many bells in Mala Strana.
Hidden behind walls in a busy area of Mala Strana is the beautiful and relaxing Wallestein Garden. This tucked away treasure of Prague is a delightful world of formal Italian gardens, statues, fountains, ponds, peacocks, etc.
One striking feature of Wallestein Garden is the dripstone stalactite wall.
Beer time at one of Mala Strana’s many pubs.
The ‘Piss’ sculpture also known as ‘Proudy’ is a work of Czech sculptor David Czerny, known for his quirky and provocative scupltures.
Hot air balloon ride over Prague.
A romantic riverside dinner at Hergetova Cihelna.
The view of Charles Bridge from the riverside restaurant at twilight.
Charles Bridge at night.
Exploring the winding cobbled streets of Mala Strana at night under the warm glow of old fashioned street lamps was one of our favorite things to do in Prague.
The streets of Mala Strana at night.
Mala Strana at night.
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