Christmas Markets in Prague

Ask anybody which city in Europe they love the most, resoundingly the answer is Prague!  So Erin, my Irish friend who hails from Fort Collins, and I flew out to experience Prague in all its splendor.  We found ourselves leaving one cold snap, only to encounter a much colder one.  Large fluffy flakes swirled the air as we navigated our way from Wenceslas Square, through Old Town, and over to Prague Castle.  On our journey we enjoyed delicious food, fabulous shopping, and discovered Prague's rich history.

This was the first Christmas Market. 

Me getting super excited about Mulled Wine!  To my surprise Mulled Wine isn't good and was poured out seconds later.

The National Museum starts Wenceslas Square and is the symbol of Prague's National identity.

Erin is acting as a scale marker to show the enormity of the Christmas Tree.  Okay, she is just posing for a shot, but that is a seriously large tree!

View of the Christmas Market from Wenceslas Square.  The National Museum is at the top.

Tyn Church.  This church inspired many of the churches depicted in Disney movies.  The towers on this church gives Prague one of its many nicknames - Golden City of Spires.

This is the Astronomical Clock.  This clock is the oldest of its kind in Europe.  It is believed that the clock maker was made blind so that he couldn't repeat his work.  Every hour, on lookers watch as tiny animated Apostles and Death parade past.

Erin, the Astronomical Clock and I.

The Christmas Market of Old Town Square and the Tyn Church are in the background.

St. Nicholas Church is considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in Prague.

On our first full day, Erin and I took a tour bus ride around town. 

Initially the Dancing House was named "Astaire & Rogers Building", after famous dancing duo.

Light illuminating the Square.

Our first night we ate dinner at UPrince as suggested from my Irish friend Orla.  We sat on the rooftop with blankets and heaters and enjoyed the breathtaking views.  In the background is the Astronomical Clock and the Tyn Church.

The crisp air was just as breathtaking as the view.  Prague Castle is looming behind Erin.

Brrrr!

Entrance to Prague Castle.

Vladislav Hall was once home to princes of Bohemia.  The Bohemia influence is prevalent throughout the city.

The Golden Gate arches are mosaic with a scene depicting the Last Judgment.  Kings used this as their entrance into the castle.

Prague Castle was built in the 9th Century.

 Erin and I standing with a view of Lesser Town.  We weren't a fan of this name, but our tour guide explained that Lesser means Lower, it is the town below the castle.

It is difficult to see, but behind the glass, there is a wax Jesus.  Kings would give this Jesus dresses as gifts.  Currently wax Jesus has thousands in his wardrobe to choose from.  It is somebody's job to change him for special occasions!

 A shrine to John Lennon.  The artwork was amazing!

 Naturally I needed to add my artistic stylings (don't worry, my marker wasn't permanent).

 Erin adding her tribute to the wall.

 Erin and I on Charles Bridge.

 Charles Bridge was named after King Charles.  There are 30 sculptures lining the bridge.

 The Charles Bridge band.  Obviously an amazing band.  One guy is playing the washboard! Prague Castle is in the background.

 This sculpture has an interesting story.  We were told that there was a Jewish man who publicly poked fun at Christian beliefs.  His punishment?  He had to paint the inscription behind Jesus.

 Charles Bridge Tower

 I prefer to sit in chairs where I can't reach the ground.

 View from the Astronomical Clock.

 Prague at night.

 Old Town Square Christmas Market.

 Tyn Church at night.

 Erin and I had such a wonderful time.  We also took in a Jazz Concert that was nothing short of how I expect Berry White would perform.  We bonded over sips of wine while trying to thaw out and were able to get a better glimpse into each others life.  I am very grateful for the experience and our new friendship.