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March 2016, Prague – Czech Republic
For decades, Prague has been sweeping visitors off their feet with its romantic atmosphere and impressive legends.
So we thought, why not give it a try for the weekend. And since we’re big fans of walking city tours, we found out some pretty cool facts about Prague.
Want to hear some ? 🙂
Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle complex in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Seat of power for Bohemian kings, Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia, this one is really impressive.
It’s like discovering a whole different city, inside its walls. The huge 70 000 square meters area includes palaces, churches, great halls, a monastery, towers, fortifications, museums, art galleries and historical houses.
One more cool thing, about the Prague Castle: it was Illuminated by night thanks to the Rolling Stones donation!
In 1990, the Rolling Stones were one of the first bands to play in a newly free Czechoslovakia. They became friends with a politician in the city. In 1996 after another concert, they were out with the politician and Mick Jagger said to him:
“Hey, why don’t you light up your castle at night?”
The politician said:
“Well, we are just freshly out of communism. The country does not have the money for that.”
So, when the Rolling Stones left Prague, they paid the money for the castle’s lighting system. And the one setting it up, was the man responsible for the band’s own light show.
Couldn’t believe it when we heard it from our city-guide! True story, searched it again after getting back home.
Prague astronomical clock is the oldest one of its kind in the world. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world. And the oldest one still operating.
As we walk and hear more stories, we realise that the glory of the past is shadowed by abuse and cruelty, under both the Nazis and the Communists.
Hitler kept the Jewish Quarter intact in Prague. He did not want it destroyed because he was going to keep this sector as a memorial for an extinct race.
The Jewish cemetery of Prague is a very small section. When that cemetery was filled, the city did not offer more space. Bodies are stacked in the cemetery one on top of the other, as deep as 14 layers, and it is estimated that there are around 100,000 people buried in a small area.
During the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the late 1800’s, only 20% of Czechs spoke their own language, as it had been made illegal at that time. It was only spoken behind closed doors, with family and friends.
Last but not least, the BEER. 😀
The locals drink more beer per capita, than any other country in the world. The total beer consumption per head in the Czech Republic equals approximately 150 liters per year. In other words almost half a liter daily.
Oh, almost forgot: beer is often cheaper than bottled water. And it’s so good!
We’re taking a last walk, across The Charles Bridge, over the flowing Vltava River. It’s late in the evening and the imposing castle is showing up, in shimmering lights.
Tips
Thanks again to the Sandeman’s New Prague free city Tour. It was so informative and fun, despite the rainy weather.
There’s a great place to stay close to the city center: Green Garden Hotel. Breakfast was fantastic, a great variety of dishes to choose from, maybe the best we had in a hotel in Europe.
Happy travels and stay safe!
HaiHui Story 
I absolutely loved Prague… It is such a beautiful place ❤
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Aww, i know what you mean..we loved it too! Royal style, great food and beer and a little bit of romance…what’s.not to love, right? :))))
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Yeah the perfect mix!
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Interesting! I did not know that Rolling Stone paid for the lighting system. Quite generous 🙂
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Yeap, that was a mindblowing fact about Prague :)))
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Oh yes, we’ve recently read so much about the city that we yearn to go. But it will have to wait. Perhaps NOT rubbing the statue on Charles bridge is the reason that brings us back?
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That’s right, the bridge and the castle are the most popular places for tourists, but there is so much more out there to discover…We are happy we’ve taken a free walking tour and got lost on the more quiet hidden streets 🙂
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Getting lost could be the most delightful way as you pointed out. Because the beaten paths would be full of people!
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Oh that’s so cool to know about the rolling stones using their money for the castle…but it’s also sad to know about the Jews treatment during the war…that walking tour must have been a mix of emotions..still good to know information here 😊
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It was a great tour, wouldn’t have discovered so many facts about Prague otherwise! That’s true, many horrible things have happened during the war in many countries…we can at least discover the truth and make sure it won’t happen again. So if u have the chance to visit Prague, look for a free walking tour, it’s gonna worth it!
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I also didn’t know about the lighting! Nice
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Yeah, that was awesome to hear! 🙂
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This was so informative! I just booked my free tour with the website you recommended, thank you so much for sharing! I am going to be there on Dec. 25th and I am so very much looking forward to it =) Your post was great!
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Awww, thank you so much, dear! You just made my day:))) I am a huge fan of free walking tours, there is no better way to learn so many things in 2 hours! You will love it! Please let me know how it went after you get back 🙂
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I will most definitely let you know!!!!
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Some infinite and lively pictures that reminds me of the time when I visited long back.Prague is really awesome and the astronomical clock is the treasure of the nation.
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Thanks for dropping by! 🙂 Totally agree, the clock was the highlight of my visit as well! Cheers!
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Very nice, Prague is definitely our “Northern Europe” wishlist.
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Happy u like the post! 🙂 It is a really nice city!
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I am very happy you have enjoyed Prague, your pictures are beautiful, I would just want to add a little bit more info about it. Please, do not tell this “Hitler kept the Jewish synagogue sector intact in Prague. He did not want it destroyed because he was going to keep this sector as a future intact museum for an extinct race.” to the people from the Jewish museum in Prague. They do not like this urban legend. In fact Jewish museum in Prague was started in 1906 (Hitler was 17 and not in power yet) and it survived the WW2 under protection of 2 nazi leaders, in fact they somehow didn’t know what they keep it for, they kept it even secret from officials… yeah, its a little bit complicated, finally: it was not made as a museum of extincted nation :-).
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Oh…thanks for that! I will look into it!
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Prague is my most favorite city in the world.
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Awww…i loved it too! It has that royal look i like! Not to mention the delicious food and cheap beer :))))
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I’m also a fan of free city tours)
Since I started to travel I trying to book free city tours, cause its a great chance to discover new cities and to see awesome views for a free. When i was in Prague i got a tour at Generation Tours, but also heard a lot of tours in Sandemans company.
As for me: What can be better way to start your visit the colorful city than with a free city tour! It is good for travellers who don’t have big budgets for paid tours but need tour guides to properly explore places.
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Hi Michelle! Thanks for dropping by! 🙂 I am a fan of free walking tours too. I will have a look at the company you recommended! Safe travels!
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Reblogged this on R and B Travel Blog.
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