Morning at the Bell Tower in Prague

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Prague is one of those cities that seduces one’s soul. It is a magically beautiful city that is easy to fall in love with its architectural charm, its open air squares, cobblestoned streets and endless array of terra-cotta rooftops, medieval churches and spires. Voted as one of the top touristic destinations in Europe, Prague has obviously been discovered and the best way to see her unspoiled beauty is to get up and going early.

On our last morning in Prague, we set off right after breakfast to Old Town Square to climb the Bell Tower knowing that if we were lucky, we would beat the crowds. Our timing was perfect and there is nothing quite like getting a bird’s-eye view of the city as it wakes up and comes to life.

Old Town Hall (Staroměstská radnice) was built during the reign of King John of Luxembourg in 1338 as the seat of the Old Town administration. The oldest part of the complex consists of a lovely Gothic tower with a bay chapel and a unique astronomical clock – known as the Orloj –which is the oldest and most elaborate functioning astronomical clock in the world.  Although watching the hourly presentation of the “12 Apostles” is a huge tourist attraction, the real pleasure of the Old Town Hall is its remarkable views of the city from the Bell Tower.

As you climb up a series of winding steps, you are delighted with a sense of awe and wonder at the views below. Here are a few of my favorites.

Bell Tower Prague


Along the way you can stop and read about the history of the Bell Tower. However I was too busy peeking out the windows at the candy-colored buildings and red tiled rooftops to linger to long.

“The ancient splendor and beauty of Prague, a city beyond compare, left an impression on my imagination that will never fade” –Richard Wagner

When I reached the top, I didn’t want to leave except for feeling a little bit of vertigo.

I admit that I got a little bit carried away with taking photos but I just couldn’t stop. It was so beautiful, like looking out over a giant open-air museum from medieval times.

Despite the cloudy weather, I’m happy that I got to the Bell Tower early enough so I could get these shots around the narrow openings. I didn’t have to wait to long to take my place and snap my photo. On a busy time, I imagine it would be much harder if not impossible. So I learned one important rule of thumb when traveling to a busy tourist destination like Prague: The early bird gets the worm. It pays to get up early and going!

 

38 thoughts on “Morning at the Bell Tower in Prague”

  1. Pingback: Morning (Rainy Day) | What's (in) the picture?

  2. spiritofdragonflies – New York State – My purpose in life is always transforming and expanding. The focus is still to inspire others to reach their goals, dreams, higher selves, but now mainly to guide you back to a connection with nature, with living simply, finding joy in the everyday experiences. Are you ready to transform your life forever, to enhance your health, peace and joy in life? Allow me to guide you along the steps toward reaching your inspirational, joyful life. I am a lover of life, a certified Mindfulness Outdoor Experience Guide, Certified QSCA Life Coach, End-of-Life Doula certificate, Therapeutic Touch practitioner, amateur photographer, and aspiring writer taking steps to reach my own goals and loving every minute. Love and Light!
    spiritofdragonflies on said:

    Wonderful! So happy that you chose these photos to share. I have never been to Prague and probably never will so your photos are perfect. I would probably do the same.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much. I tended to go a little crazy with so many photos but it is always hard for me to cut down. 🙂

      Reply ↓
      • spiritofdragonflies – New York State – My purpose in life is always transforming and expanding. The focus is still to inspire others to reach their goals, dreams, higher selves, but now mainly to guide you back to a connection with nature, with living simply, finding joy in the everyday experiences. Are you ready to transform your life forever, to enhance your health, peace and joy in life? Allow me to guide you along the steps toward reaching your inspirational, joyful life. I am a lover of life, a certified Mindfulness Outdoor Experience Guide, Certified QSCA Life Coach, End-of-Life Doula certificate, Therapeutic Touch practitioner, amateur photographer, and aspiring writer taking steps to reach my own goals and loving every minute. Love and Light!
        spiritofdragonflies on said:

        I feel the same way.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        😊

  3. Wow! You have just convinced me that I need to go to Prague! Beautiful pictures! Do you think Prague would be kid friendly?

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes Prague is amazing! As for kid friendly, I think it depends on the ages of your kids and how they travel. I have two kids ages 9 and 11 and I haven’t brought them to Europe yet. Prague requires a fair amount of walking and has a lot of cobblestones (may be tough with a stroller but I’m sure can be done). However, depending on how your kids are and what they like, I’m sure they would enjoy it especially if you threw in a visit to some of the nearby castles. 🙂 I’d love to bring mine there someday but mine right now are probably more interested in Costa Rica or something active.

      Reply ↓

      • Thank you for the information! I am actually backpacking across Italy in a couple months with my toddler. She does well in a carrier so I am not bringing a stroller. I think we may be able to handle Prague someday too!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        That is wonderful!!! Enjoy!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much for the wonderful compliment. I put a lot of time and effort into the photos and posts so when someone tells me they have enjoyed reading my posts, it really makes me feel good. Thank you! I enjoyed my time there and loved all the amazing history and architecture. 🙂

      Reply ↓

  5. Praga is wonderful…a place where we can see its famous history and art….
    Congratulations for this post and generally for your writing.
    many regards
    have a great w.e.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!

      Reply ↓
  7. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    What a beautiful city. I’m so looking forward to getting there one day. Love your photos Nicole. You got some wonderful shots that really capture the beauty. The photo of the huge square is exceptional.
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thank you Alison! I’m really glad you enjoyed the photos and post. Yes Prague is definitely a must-see place. It feels like a giant open air museum. It is pretty amazing.

      Reply ↓
  8. restlessjo – Hi! I’m Jo! Johanna when I’m feeling posh, Jan to my Dad, and Joasiu to my Polish family. A bit of a mix-up, that’s me. The one constant, however, is my restless nature. I love to travel and to explore our world. It doesn’t have to be the big wide world. I can be ridiculously happy not too far from home, so long as I’m seeking new horizons. Of course I have a wish list, and it was to help me fulfil my dreams that I started to write travel guides for a venture called Simonseeks. I’d always kept a travel diary, and it was hugely satisfying to share my experiences and to make new friends who shared my passion for travel. Alas, Simonseeks hit a few troubles, but I still find myself writing about my travels. I’ve become addicted. I’d love to share them, and to make more friends. So, it has to be a blog- right? Or do I mean- write?
    restlessjo on said:

    It has very much the feel of bell towers I’ve climbed in Krakow and Wroclaw in Poland. The architecture is lovely 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I have to get to Poland Jo. It has been “on the list”. I’ve enjoyed seeing all your posts on Poland and now you’ve piqued my interest even more.

      Reply ↓

  9. Really loved these posts, thank you for the beautiful photos and the care with which you organised them and described your experience!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Your comment means so much to me! Thank you! I did spend a lot of time working on the photos, researching the facts for the posts (as I couldn’t remember what half the photos were I took so many) and putting them together so it is really nice to hear that you enjoyed it! Thank you!

      Reply ↓
  10. Melissa Chin – Ontario, Canada – I work in the education industry as the MYP Coordinator at St. Jude's Academy. I live in Ontario, and am so excited to start sharing my professional insight on education trends and news here in Canada!
    Ms. Chin on said:

    Am in absolute awe of the wonderful photography, thank you for including so many photos!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! I am so glad you liked the post and all the photos. My dad says I always put way too many pictures in. I can’t help it! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  12. Sweta Raghavan – A voracious reader, self-proclaimed cartoonist, an earnest advocate of ‘fair access to education for all’, I, Sweta, have believed in thinking large and taking charge since 1989. With an insatiable appetite for science, I am currently pursuing my doctorate in Cell Biophysics. In my spare time I teach, climb (errr.. fall off ) walls and take loooong walks! My interest in politics, culture and people led me to pen my thoughts through 1MoreTake. I hope you enjoy reading it!
    raghavansweta on said:

    Can’t blame you for getting carried away, it is breathtaking ! I enjoyed your post!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!!! 🌟

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!

      Reply ↓

  14. I love how you captured the city through the framed windows. This is a city that has long been on my bucket list.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks LuAnn. Prague is a must see destination.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      You bet! Glad you enjoyed the post!

      Reply ↓
  16. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    Nicole I have to say that your trip to Prague has left me feeling like it is the backdrop of most fairy tale settings. Almost as if someone painted the backdrop that it couldn’t actually be so beautiful. I’m convinced it must be on a future European itinerary. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I think you need to hit Prague and Romania Sue as you would love biking there! So gorgeous and wonderful people!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy!

      Reply ↓

  18. Pingback: Self-Guided Walking Tour of Prague: A Complete 2-3 Day Itinerary - Thirdeyemom

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