Prague - Day 3 Saturday February 10

No tour today, so no alarm set…and we slept until 10 AM! (This sounds great except that I was awake from 2 AM until about 5...the sleep struggles have been real on this trip). I enjoyed the most beautiful breakfast ever...look at this rosy avocado toast! Charlie had the same breakfast as yesterday, so he does not warrant a photo.

After breakfast, we set out to continue to explore Prague. First a word about the weather...it is simply amazing, with temperatures in the low 50s. A gift.

We started in Old Town Square, noticing right away that the weekend and the beautiful weather have significantly increased the numbers of our fellow travelers.

Due to its restricted hours, we were unable to visit the interior of the Church of the Virgin Mary Before Tyn during our last visit. This church was built in the 14th century and was primarily a place of worship for the foreign merchants visiting the city who traded in Tyn Square, located right behind the Church (and now that bizarre church name is explained). What makes this church rather unique is that the main facade is obscured by the market buildings on the square, so the entrance can be difficult to locate. This is the first time that we have entered a huge church through a corridor between the awnings of an Italian restaurant directly in front of it.

There is some impressive wood work in the church.

Here is Charlie, assuming the position (Charlie adds: “Thank you, Nancy, may I have another?”).

Fun fact: The church also contains the grave of astronomer Tycho Brahe, whom I recall from either my high school physics class or an episode of "The Big Bang Theory."

A few photos from our wander to the Charles Bridge...

...reached through the monastery courtyard...

...and finally more from the Charles Bridge.

Our first stop in the Malá Strana was a visit to the Catholic version of St Nicholas Church. You can tell it was the Catholic version because we had to pay to go inside, The church is considered to be a magnificent example of the "Prague Baroque" period of the 18th century. Some exterior shots...

...and interior shots...

Let's name-drop: Mozart played the organ in this church. These photos were taken from the second level of the church...see anyone you know?

I love looking at the church hardware.

Much of the "marble" in this church is actually wood painted to look like marble.

There is a shrine to Our Lady of Foy (who is not Claire). If I have this story straight, in the year 1609, a lumberjack felled a tree and discovered within it a small terracotta statue of the Mother of God, enthroned with three iron bars that served as a trellis. Veneration of the statue became associated with miracles.

We made a stop at the John Lennon Wall. The painting started in 1980, shortly after Lennon was murdered, and the wall and its messages symbolize freedom of speech and the non-violent resistance of the Czech youth. It draws a good crowd.

Our final goal was to visit he Dancing House. Here are a few views along our walk..

The "Dancing House" was designed in 1992 by the Czech architect Vlado Milunić in cooperation with American architect Frank Gehry. Gehry referred to the buildings as “Fred and Ginger” and the restaurant inside shares that name.

We entered the building and had a drink at the Glass Bar, which affords amazing views of Prague.

Who could have imagined that we would be sitting at an outdoor bar in February?

After so much walking, we rested in the room and worked on the blog before getting ready for dinner. Once ready, we had, a drink in the hotel bar.

Then a walk for our 7 PM dinner reservation at Cafe Imperial.

I had wine and Charlie enjoyed a very attractive beer.

We shared a foie gras starter...

...and Charlie had hare and dumplings while I had veal schnitzel.

There was a "chocolate surprise" and some plum brandy for dessert.

It was a delightful meal! Sadly, we have to pack tonight as luggage is picked up at 7 AM.

Parting thoughts:
Although we did not count them, we think Prague is being modest when they call themselves the city of 100 spires
We love it here, and would be happy to return anytime.
If you are interested in doing a deep dive, don’t forget to check out the photo gallery for both “Prague“ and “Prague_2024“
The exception of Thursday, when the weather was rainy and damp, this weather has been an absolute touring gift.
We cannot say enough wonderful things about this hotel. The location is amazing, the bed is super comfortable, the breakfasts are a delight…

Photos are tagged Magna and Prague_2024