Even if a person has drunk too much, they should understand this sign, by language or symbol
Although most Russian speakers left Prague after the Cold War ended, some remain, and can find food and drink from 'back home' along this street. This sign says "Tours In individual groups" ЭКСКУРСИИ В ИНДИВИДУАЛЫХ ГРУППАХ
Tourist car designed to look like 1930's vehicle
This vehicle harks back to fancy roadsters of the 1930s, although probably built ~2017 for the tourist trade
This vehicle harks back to fancy roadsters of a much earlier era, although probably built ~2017 for the tourist trade
Vehicles have been banned from this part of Prague's old city, making the area more pedestrian-friendly
Art nouveau farm family, Prague Municipal Hall restaurant
The bright glaze ceramic tiles and pastoral scene add to the attractiveness of this wall
Glazed ceramic male figure, Prague Municipal House Restaurant
Prague escaped major damage in both World Wars. It attracts throngs of tourists from around the world, as shown in this image.
Glazed ceramic female figure, Prague Municipal House Restaurant
This figure is not only lovely in its own right, but also flanks one side of the restaurant's main exit.
Art Nouveau decor, Prague Municipal House restaurant
Bright glazed cerarmic tiles and the elaborate lamp characterize art nouveau, popular late 19th-early 20th c.
Marionettes' features often are exaggerated, to emphasize their potential role in fairy stories or to impress children, to whom marionette shows are often directed
STACY, I CAN'T TRANSLATE THE RUSSIAN [?]. Hand-made wooden marionettes, displayed in a shop in Prague's Old City
Marionettes hark back in European history. These are on sale in a tourist-oriented shop in Prague's old city.
Elaborately dressed marionettes demonstrate gentlemen's styles from centuries back
Access to Prague's water and sewer systems comes through attractive manholes like this.
Lions symbolize power in many societies. Hence, this marble depiction follows a long, widespread tradition.
Large decorative heater inside Prague Castle
The ceramic exterior is heated by a coal fire, from the interior
Known for his novels and surrealistic short stories, Franz Kafka completed much of his work at this desk
Translated versions of Franz Kafka books on display, his former home
Located in Kafka's former home, Nám. Franze Kafky 1, this bookshop features works by him.
Franz Kafka books on display, his former home
Most vehicular traffic is barred from the center of Prague's old city, making it more inviting for pedestrians
Close-up of sculpture atop the tomb of St. John Nepomucene
Draping above altar, St. Vitus Cathedral
This combination of triumphant angels and rich fabric beautify the Cathedral's altar
The Latin inscription reads that this memorial to St. Vitus was built by Charles IV.
Stained glass window and mural, St. Vitus Cathedral
The silver tomb of St. John Nepomucene, inside St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague castle
Horses and carriage on main square of Old City. Our Lady before Týn stands in the background.
Capitalism reigns triumphant, given the large number of tourists who throng the center of Prague. Guided groups, carriage rides and pseudo-antique cars can be found there.
In 2011, Prague Castle asked two sculpture schools to have their students create pieces that would evoke life in the Golden Lane during the Renaissance. The figures evoke the alchemist Edward Kelly, a man in a pub, and an imprisoned nobleman. (see https://praha.idnes.cz/zlatou-ulicku-na-prazskem-hrade-ozivi-jeji-nekdejsi-obyvatele-z-kamene-1mm-/praha-zpravy.aspx?c=A110924_1657481_praha-zpravy_sfo)
The sheltered valley of the Vltava [Moldau] River is sufficiently clement to allow grapes to be grown and wine produced.
Hand-written restaurant menu featuring Czech specialties
World War II caused little damage to Prague, meaning historic grillwork of this sort was preserved. It can be found in the late 19th c. Municipal Hall.
Frieze above entrance to Church of Our Lady before Týn
Stylistic contrasts exist between the rounded, Romanesque arch and the more pointed Gothic arch on the interior.
Art nouveau ladies room sign, Municipal House
Strong colors and bold patterns mark art nouveau, such as this doorway. Art nouveau flourished between 1890 and 1910.
Fires were built inside this and other porcelain heaters, to warm rooms in Prague's castle
Late 19th century clock inside Prague's Municipal Hall
The clock is located inside the Art Nouveau-style dining area of Prague's Municipal House
Three-dimensional model of Prague ~16th century
The crowded streets and old-style bridge show Prague as it may have been, in this 3-D depiction of centuries back.
Prague's Old Town was built atop a hill dominating a stretch of the Vltava River. This view shows part of the city.
Towers, Our Lady before Týn from Old Town Square
Towers of the Church of Our Lady before Týn dominate Prague's Old Town. For two centuries, it was controlled by Protestant Hussites. Prague's oldest pipe organ is contained in this church
St. George's Basilica originated as the second church at Prague Castle. Only parts of the building, founded about 920 by Prince Vratislav I have been preserved. When the convent of Benedictine nuns was founded in 973, the church was enlarged and reconstructed. (from https://www.hrad.cz/en/prague-castle-for-visitors/objects-for-visitors/st.-georges-basilica-and-convent-10333)
Built in the late 15th century hall, this hall features unusual ceiling decor, notably the abrupt termination of some tracery
[ˈpraʃskiː ˈɦrat]) is a castle complex in Prague, Czech Republic, dating from the 9th century. It is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic. The castle was a seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. The Bohemian Crown Jewels are kept within a hidden room inside it. (from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague_Castle)
Sign warning people not to drink, smoke, have dogs, or walk on the grass of Domus Square
Platí na území dómeského náměstí (or, It is valid on the territory of Domus Square)
Side view, St. Stephen's church/Cathedral of Litoměřice
The tower St. Stephen's church stands above all other buildings in Litoměřice.
To reduce traffic, urban planners in many cities have introduced bicycle rental programs. This is the version used in the Czech Republic.
Metal breastplates by entrance, Czech public building
To convey the power of the government, this entrance is flanked by metal breastplates
The tower of St. Stephen's Church looms over the small town of Litoměřice, near the Czech-German border.
- Hovězí Vývar 35,- - Vepřové Medálonky, omáčká z rajčat, česnekv, salotky a petrželky, máslové noky 135,- - Hovězí gulás, pečena rýže/houskový knedlík 115,- or - Beef broth 35,- - Medallions of pork, tomato sauce, garlic, shallot and parsley butter gnocchi 135,- - Beef stew, baked rice / dumplings 115,-
"Panería Paul - Paníní - Tortílí - Saláty - Káva - Domácí Štrůdl - Muffíny - Obložené Housky, Bagety" , or, "Paul's Sandwich Shop - Panini - [cakes?] - Salads - Coffee - [Local?] Strudel - Muffins - [Lined?] Buns, Baguettes
Unfinished beer at Labuť, a Czech microbrewery
Persons not used to drinking nearly two quarts of beer in 30 minutes aren't likely to finish drinking all they've been served!
Patrons at long tables at Labuť, a Czech microbrewery
It's not yet 10 AM, and tourists have already started to flock to the Labuť ['Swan'] microbrewery.
In the Labuť ['Swan'] microbrewery, a young brewer samples the morning's production.
Copper vats at Labuť, a Czech microbrewery
Beer makers tend large copper containers, Czech microbrewery
Like most of the Czech Republic, WW2 left relatively few traces. Due to its geographic location between mountains, the area around Litoměřice is often called Garden of Bohemia, thanks to mild weather conditions important for growing fruits and grapes.
First panel: "Vybavení for outdoor suvival vintage army paracord", or, "Equipment for outddor survival vintage army paracord"
Second panel: "Prodej servis půjčovna jízdních kol elektrokol koloběžek jednokolek" or, "sales service bicycle rental electric bikes scooters unicycles"
Third panel: "Pomůcky na jógu pilates fitness prstové ponožky" or, "A pair of yoga pilates fitness toe socks"
Boat deck at the intersection of the rivers Elbe (Czech: Labe) and Ohře (German: Eger)
Litoměřice lies near the Czech-German border. Two rivers - the Elbe (Czech: Labe) and the Ohře (German: Eger) - intersect there.
The coat of arms of the Czech Republic (Czech: Státní znak České republiky) displays the three historical regions—the Czech lands—which make up the nation. The current coat of arms, which was adopted in 1992, was designed by Czech heraldist Jiří Louda. (from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coat_of_arms_of_the_Czech_Republic)
The city walls of Litoměřice remain largely intact, having been incorporated into parks or private homes.
View of St. Stephen's from Litoměřice city walls
The spire of St. Stephen's dominates Litoměřice, a town of less than 25,000 inhabitants.
Originally constructed as a Gothic-style church, St. Stephen's - often called the Cathedral of Litoměřice - dominates the town's skyline. It was remodeled as a Gothic church in the 14th century.
The large chicken atop the vender's truck, plus the aromas emanating from it, make it obvious what's being sold.
Butcher shop sign "Krmiva Zde", or, "Eat Here"
This butcher imaginatively attracts buyers with types of game, as well as domesticated meats.
Czech citizens drink far and away more beer than residents of any other countries, nearly 143 liters per person annually. The United States ranks 17th internationally, with ~76 liters.
Intersection of the rivers Elbe (Czech: Labe) and Ohře (German: Eger)
The combination of the two rivers increases the volume of water carried by the Elbe significantly as it flows northward into Saxony.
Disembarking passengers, Elbe River cruise boat
Litoměřice lies relatively close to the Czech-German border, near a section of the Elbe marked by numerous locks. River passengers heading to Prague often disembark here, since road travel is much faster than via the river.
Approaching entrance, St. Stephen Cathedral
The imposing tower of St. Stephen's dominates the small city of Litoměřice, which lies at the junction of the rivers Elbe (Czech: Labe) and Ohře (German: Eger) in the north part of the Czech Republic, about 40 miles from Prague.
A bow line secures this Elbe River cruise boat near Königstein, where passengers disembark to see the Kőnigstein fortress barracks
Embarking passenger and sailors, Elbe River cruise boat.
Deckhands prepare to lift the gangplank as the last passenger embarks on this Elbe River cruise boat.
Church tower and railroad embankment beside Elbe River
Since the Elbe River is shallow in its upper reaches near the German-Czech border, a significant amount of passenger and freight traffic goes via rail. Train embankments exist on both sides of the river.
Because of its shallowness, upper reaches of the Elbe can't be navigated by propeller-drive boats. Limited draft boats and barges must be used, driven by paddle wheels.
The Kőnigstein fortress is one of the largest, oldest hilltop fortresses in Europe. It contains more than 50 buildings. Saxon royalty occasionally used it as a place of refuge.
Old doorway, Kőnigstein fortress barracks
Given its commanding position more than 750 feet above the Elbe River, the Königstein Fortress served as a major defense for Saxon rulers since the mid-13th century.
To enhance safety and provide better views, German park authorities constructed tourist walkways between rock columns, Sächsische Schweiz
Early morning sunlight picks out the Königstein fortress, close to the German-Czech border in "Saxon Switzerland."
View from Elbe River boat to village, southern Saxony-Anhalt
Despite its breadth, the Elbe River is only a few feet deep at this point. Excursion boats are paddle-wheelers, rather than propeller-driven.
Deutschebahn freight train beside Elbe River, Sächsische Schweiz
This busy rail line runs along Elbe, passing through important cities such as Hamburg, Magdeburg, Dresden and Prague. Like most major trains in Europe, it is powered by electric locomotives.
Rain, snow and other factors have eroded these rock columns over millennia
Entrance sign, 'Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz', or, Saxon Switzerland National Park
An inventive entrance sign for Sächsische Schweiz, an area preserved as a German national park
Looking down on the Elbe River from Königstein
A mountain view of the Elbe, seen from 'Camel Mountain,' part of the 'Sächsische Schweiz' range of hills.
A mountain view of the Elbe, seen from 'Camel Mountain,' part of the 'Sächsische Schweiz' range of hills. This is a favorite tourist site.
The Elbe cuts through mostly flat country in eastern Germany until it reaches the 'Sächsische Schweiz,' a mountain range whose highest point is 2113'. Small towns dot the river.
Germans lay great store by physical fitness. These joggers are out in the early morning.
Contemporary anti-war carving, Magdeburg Cathedral
The carver intended to convey an anti-war feeling through the sorrowful faces
Memorial to Otto the Great, King of Germany and Holy Roman Emperor
Otto the Great ruled as King of Germany and from 936 and Holy Roman Emperor from 962 until his death in 973. He stands as one of Germany's most significant historical figures.
Large candle and altar, Magdeburg Cathedral
The helmets worn by some figures in the sculpture stress that prayers should be offered for peace.
Tourists inside cloister, Magdeburg Cathedral
The cloister provided persons attached to the cathedral a pleasant, quiet retreat.