A First Visit to Old Town Prague

One our first day in Prague, we headed out early, at least by Prague standards. We spent what seemed like all morning walking fairly empty streets. Until they weren't. Next thing you know, there are swarms of tourists everywhere.

But before that, we saw some interesting things. For example, the art work suspended above the street in the photo above, is a man hanging by one hand. From the Atlas Obscura:

First created in 1996, the work known as “Zavěšený muž” (“Man Hanging Out”) is the vision of Czech sculptor David Černý, whose work can actually be found all across Prague. Many of Cerny’s works are seen as somewhat deliberately provocative, and this one is no different. The dangling Freud is surprisingly lifelike at a distance, and a number of people have sincerely taken it for a person in danger. However, it is simply a sculptural statement about intellectualism in the 20th century and Černý’s uncertainty about it.

Other places feel like art found in everyday settings. With only a little work on my part, ths outdoor cafe becomes a study in color (or the lack of it).

The church of St. Giles is a large church built starting 1425 on a site formerly occupied by a Romanesque church. In 1625, the church was donated to the Dominican order while still operates it. There is a sign in the church that forbids photography during services saying "Our Monks are not monkeys."

As you can see, the interior was later remodelled in the Baroque style.

In the center of the Old Town, we find the famous Astronomical Clock.  Actually, it is as much of an astrological clock as an astronomical one since the astrolabe it contains tracks the constellations housing the sun through seasons. On the other hand, when it strikes the hour, the little doors at the top open and a parade of apostles comes into view.

You can watch this happen in the video below.

Although this building is quite old, expanded into the homes of five city burgers starting in 1338 and continuing though the 1880's. The building was nearly completely destroyed in WWII and parts of it were not rebuilt. The missing parts stood where the park to the right sits in this view from the main square (the clock is on the left side).

Turning around, we see the Tyn church, an art museum (with Dali and Warhol pieces, among others), and various cafes and shops.

Tune in tomorrow to continue this exploration. This post is getting a little long and breaking it up seems best (for both of us).