Hradcany Castle Quarter
We made a sweeping walk from Old Town through the Strahov Monastery, it’s gardens and into the castle grounds and dropped back down to the Vltava River today. We wandered through the Little Quarter that is quietly classy with green spaces before our ride up on the lanovka/ funicular to their “Eiffelesque” Petrin Tower (we found it not worth the effort). But the views, trees and orchards were more than worth the walk!!
Hradcany Castle or Prazsky Hrad and it’s grounds are on a grand scale. The entrance is traditional pomp and circumstance. Beginning with St Vitus’ Cathedral the castle impresses. The president actually works here (as do buildings worth of administrative types), but no one lives in the two castle residences on the grounds. There is a little lane of houses/shops on Golden Lane that are historical in appearance if not function any longer. It’s colorful and quaint.
St Vítus Cathedral
Golden Lane – the castle shops.
Before we got to the castle, we spent some time in the Strahov Monastery with it’s beer garden, beautiful white buildings and library. Really lovely and peaceful in their courtyards and gardens.
Yes, we were there together!! A monastery beer (pivo) garden stop.
Lunch at the Bella Vista was a relaxing indulgence with great food, wine and a view to die for!!
We put some miles on our sandals today and loved each step. Had dinner in our neighborhood – at Rick Steves recommended establishment called “Lokal”. It is supposed to evoke the communist era lack of hospitality in service but with good quality, value food. Mary is going to write on the RS’s site to say it’s unworthy of the recommendation…… makes me laugh. It was inexpensive and a definite hipster hangout – we had to wait for a table. But my memories of the Bella Vista will outlast those of the Lokal!!!!
Walked around the square again in search of a more atmospheric dessert and ended the day with the murmur of tourists around us.
Krasne sny.
I’m a bit obsessed with the mosaics we walk upon….
Sgraffito, not to be confused with graffiti, is a building exterior style we’re seeing in varying degrees of complexity (this very simple compared to the murals on town hall) which is essentially a scratching off of plaster to a lower level leaving a relief pattern.
Meanwhile & Far Away 