Castle Quarter

A truly gorgeous day in Prague. Decided to make it a Pradskyhrad (Castle Quarter) day. Seems like a nice day for castles and this being the land of the castles only makes it more appropriately so. I hop on a tram to Poholerec and strart my day at the Monastery. Skipped the library and instead went for the gardens that promised a view that did not disappoint. There is the Prague Castle on the horizon towards the left and below I could pick out the Charles Bridge and Mala Strana on one side and Stare Mesto on the other. The promontory has a garden that winds down. I sit here for a while and imagine living in one of the homes by the promontory with this amazing view. What a view. I head for the Castle guided by the Spires of the St. Vitus Cathedral, passing through Loretta Square on the way. I stopped to check out the St. Loretta Church and was disappointed that you had to pay to get in. I am starting to have a very strong opposition ot churches that require admission. I mean it's a church first and foremost, yes? As I was walking away though, I hear the melodic church bells and I am grateful for the sweet memory of its sound. I trudge on and follow the streets further and a few street turns later, there is Pradzky Hrad, the babička all castles. The Castle grounds is home to the Old Royal Palace, the St. Vitus Cathedral, the Basilica of St. George. Everyone is walking around with heads craned upwards. It is dizzying. The largeness of the space is intimidating, so i chose to focus on St. Vitus Cathedral. This church is chokful of ornamentation. There are sculptures of vultures, monsters and distressed men and women jutting out from every corner of each column. It's actually quite scary and I wonder why a church would choose such an approach. Not exactly very welcoming. Makes me think of What Would Jesus Do campaign. I am not kidding. What would Jesus do? I have absolutely no idea. Inside its more solemn. There's a stained glass by Alfonso Mucha that is beautiful. I hilke the 287 steps up the tower and the view up there was worth each step. Below the tourists look like ants making bee lines through the massive grounds. I stay here a while trying to pick out the sights I've been to throughout the city. I even attempt to sketch a portion of the cathedral spires.
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