Vladislav Hall, Old Royal Palace, Prague 1
The intricate late Gothic ceiling in Vladislav Hall is the work of Benedikt Rejt, the Norman Foster of his day. Completed in 1500, Vladislav Hall has hosted banquets, councils, coronations and, occasionally, indoor jousting tournaments. The smell must have been… concentrated. Prague’s Old Royal Palace is also the scene of
Riders’ Staircase, Vladislav Hall, Old Royal Palace, Prague
In bad weather, Vladislav Hall did double duty as a stadium for indoor jousting tournaments. That’s why the Riders’ Staircase is wide enough – and tall enough – to admit a knight a horseback. Beats the Astrodome.
Prague Castle 1
Like many castle sites in Europe, Prague Castle is a hodgepodge of buildings created over many centuries. It boasts the record for the largest ancient castle in the world (570 meters long) and covers more than seven football fields. Wear comfortable shoes. Despite its medieval pedigree, the Castle still feels
Castle Guard, Prague Castle
In 1989, President Václav Havel decided that the khaki communist uniforms of the castle guards had to go. He turned to an old friend, Theodor Pistek, for help. Pistek had been the costume designer for Milos Forman’s Amadeus and knew a thing or two about fabric. After careful consideration, he
Mucha Window, St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague 1
Alfons Mucha (1860-1939) was an Art Nouveau artist with a sensuous taste for life. If you’re in Prague for more than a day, don’t miss a visit to the Mucha Museum. Go at least an hour after opening to avoid running into the tour crowds. Mucha catapulted to fame with
