Marla and I visited Prague in 2006 and we were overdue for a return visit. The trip coordinated perfectly with a river cruise scheduled on the Danube a few days later. Prague is a gorgeous, unique city full of fascinating history. The photo was taken at the Lennon Wall which has important political significance. The wall became a place for free expression of then communist Czechoslovakia. It has historically been used for demonstrations and carries a central theme of John Lennon.

For the curious and for rock fans you’ll have read the post to discover the significance of “A New Sensation.” I was totally surprised!

Marla checks out the writings and art.

Czechoslovakia has a very interesting history and was formed from parts of the defeated Austria-Hungary empire in 1918. Click on this link for information on Czechoslovakia history. Today the short name for the Czech Republic is “Czechia.” Most Czechs prefer “Czech Republic”.

Marla and I walked down from our hotel to the Charles Bridge.

We entered the bridge walking through the “Lesser Town Bridge Towers” on the Mala Strana side of the river.

There are a number of interesting sculptures on the bridge.

A sightseeing boat turns around by the bridge.

The bridge is one of Prague’s most popular destinations and is crowded in season.

We stopped for lunch at a cafe next to the bridge. The manager sat down with us to discuss how much salt was in the dishes. This is what I call great service!

The Jan Hus memorial sculpture in the Old Town Square.

The square is full of interesting architecture and plenty of tourists.

Beautiful plaster work decoration on the “A. Storch Booksellers” building. The original 15th-century house was purchased in the 19th century by a bookseller named Alexandr Štorch who did massive restorations.

A beautiful building in the square.

This building is called “Dum U Minuty.” Part of the Old Town Hall complex, it is a typical example of Czech Renaissance townhouse architecture. The facade, decorated with sgraffito, depicts scenes drawn from biblical and mythological sources, as well as contemporary Renaissance legends. Franz Kafka and his parents lived here from 1889 to 1896.

The famous Prague astronomical clock was installed in 1410 and is the 3rd oldest astronomical clock in the world.

A close up view.

The 14thc gothic church, “Our lady of Tyn.”

Our hotel recommended the historic “U Glaubicu” for lunch.

“Yumm!”

Czech beer is the greatest!

The Liechtenstein Palace was a short walk away from our hotel. We enjoyed a wonderful early evening concert.

This the Klausen Synagogue which is the largest in the Jewish Quarter. The Jewish Ghetto began in the 13th century, when Jewish people were ordered to vacate their disparate homes and settle in this one part of town. Over the centuries, with Jews banned from living elsewhere in Prague, and with new arrivals expelled from Moravia, Germany, Austria and Spain joining them, ever more people crowded in to the quarter. Marla has a personal connection to this history as some of her relatives once emigrated from Russia.

One of the ancient Jewish cemeteries.

The Maisel Synagogue.

The building with the light green paint is the Jewish Town Hall dating from 1577. It features two clocks, one with Roman numerals, and one with Hebrew lettering.

Our guide was able to drive through the gates of the Strahov Monastery which dates back to 1143.

A view of the city from the monastery.

Loretanska Street in the “Castle District” features a number of beautiful bronze candelabras.

The “Obecni Dum” building is a municipal building featuring Art Nouveau details. The building is a concert hall opened in 1912.

While doing research on the building I discovered that the famous Australian band INXS shot their video, “New Sensations”, on the roof in 1987!

I did a little more digging and discovered another another great INXS video, “Never Tear Us Apart”, shot in 1988 throughout Prague and also in the Jewish cemetery stacked with 13 layers of graves.

We finish our Prague tour at the famous “Dancing House” or what some call “The Fred and Ginger” building.

A photo from our 2006 Prague trip.

Next week I’ll show you one of my very favorite hotels anywhere!

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.