Local Czech Flavor

After hitting the huge attractions in Prague and rubbing shoulders with so many tourists, it was time to get off the beaten path.

Today, my new friend and I wandered to the outskirts of the city center.  Traveling South of the city center along the riverside, we happened upon the dance building.  This interesting looking building was designed by Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunic.  It was built to resemble Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, two post war dancers, and was the birth of the modern architecture movement in Prague.  Currently, the dance building houses a museum of modern art.

Can you see the two dancers?  I had a difficult time, but it is definitely an abstract image.

After walking a little further, we walked up  to an old castle overlooking the river.  At the center of the castle is a quaint cathedral surrounded by the Czech National Cemetery.  The cemetery is the final resting place of Czech political, artisan, and cultural figures.  All the headstones are ornately decorate and some date back to the 1400s.  Walking through the ivy laden garden of headstones, I felt a strange connection with the Czech Republic and their rich and tumultuous history.

National Cemetery of the Czech Republic.

A different view of Prague that still overlooks Vltava River.  Still gorgeous, still Prague.

Ultimately, we walked back up to Petrin Hill and proceeded to the St. Norbert monastery.  The monastery gave is further picturesque views of Prague, but is most famous for their beer.  The St. Norbert Amber Ale, brewed by the monastery monks, was so delicious and the the best beer I have ever drank.

St. Norbert Monastery
I didn't see many monks.  They must be busy brewing ALL the beer.

All the beers they serve at the monastery.

Nearby is a preserved 15th Century section of the city, which has narrow, winding cobblestone streets connecting to the more modern parts of the city.

Take a stroll through 15th streets of Prague.

As my friend and I made our way back to the hostel, we were able to take some gorgeous pictures of Prague at night, which was one of most beautiful nighttime cityscapes!

Tomorrow, I head to Kutna Hora and its famous Bone Cathedral.