“Better keep yourself clean and bright. You are the window through which you must see the world.” – George Bernard Shaw
I admit, I tend to have a small obsession with photographing doors and windows. I don’t know exactly why but perhaps it is because of the mystery they behold of what lies behind. The unknown stories from centuries of the past. I have written several posts on windows and doors from around the world. Up there with Paris, there is no other place in Europe in which I found the doors and window decorations as fascinating and beautiful as in Prague.
Prague is an enchanting, delightful city with some of the most well-preserved architecture in Europe. Yet her beauty has caught on and there are few times throughout the year that Prague is not overwhelmed with tourists. Given the constant crowds, I ended spending a lot of my time looking up and craning my neck to crop out the people from my photos. Thank goodness I did, as otherwise I would have missed so much as the windows, doors and rooftops of the buildings are sensationally decorated.
Prague is known for its interesting decorative door signs that back in medieval times when the signs were used for street addresses. The ornate doors and windows are befitting of Prague’s eclectic mix of architecture ranging from Baroque to Renaissance and Neo-Classical genius. After visiting other places in Europe, I’ve come to realize how incredibly fortunate Prague was to have avoided the bombing from WWII and remain relatively untouched. The entire city feels like an enormous open-air museum that is a true joy to see.
Here are some of my favorite little treasures I saw while wondering the charming cobblestone streets of Prague.
mores here- decorative walls
In case you are interested in seeing some of my favorite posts on windows and doors, here are a few to check out.
Beautiful photographs.
Thank you so much!
I’m a door and window fan, too, especially in places that take those things seriously!
Great to know I’m not alone Lexi! 🙂 Are you back from your trip yet? I have a post yet to read in my inbox about it. Can’t wait !
Yes, I’m back after some horrific flight delays, but even that was worth it! Mongolia was so great – more posts coming up!
So excited to read them all Lexi! What did you do on a day to day basis when you were in the steppe?
Some hiking, lots of driving (it’s a vast area), some visiting of random families (our guide was great that way – very flexible), a visit to Karakorum (once the capital of the world and Mongol empire), some chilling out in the ger camps, etc. They days were long and filled with just being out there!
How wonderful Lexi. I can’t wait to read more.
That’s quite a selection. Nicole. I enjoyed looking at them all. 🙂
Thanks Sylvia! So glad you enjoyed!
Very nice……like you said that these were spared in WWR 2. Unsure how many such treasures were destroyed. I am sure, the piece of art and the calibre in the artist are indeed rare, which is hard to find today. The amount of hard work is unimaginable.
Yes it truly is remarkable that it is so well preserved. I was just in Bucharest Romania and hardly much remains. It felt sad thinking about what could have been.
I see you do windows! And doors! VERY WELL, and around the world! I see it as a labor of love, so you don’t need my thanks to keep on going, but thank you anyway.
Thank you! 🙂
Love your photos. That fourth photo… I was in Prague during Christmas in 2002 and walked past those doors. They were so beautiful that I stopped and marveled at the embellishment. Thanks for taking me back to those doors and that memory! 🙂
Wow how cool that these photos brought you back! That is what I love best. Glad you enjoyed the post and it brought you back wonderful memories of a trip to Prague!
I enjoy your post and I hope you enjoy mine as well Please feel free to follow back if you don’t already
Thank you!
You are very welcome
A beautiful smorgasbord of windows and doors!
Thanks Sue! 🙂
Such elaborate decorations! You should join Thursday Doors on Norm’s site (https://miscellaneousmusingsofamiddleagedmind.wordpress.com/) on, of course, Thursdays.
janet
Thanks Janet! Yes I’ve seen your Thursday posts and kind of like Jo’s walks on Monday, I never seem to get organized enough with my posting to do it! I will have to remember this! Thanks!
You can always do the post in advance and schedule it, then link it in the morning when you see it and remember. 🙂
Good idea Janet! I have really gotten behind with my blogging this summer. Hoping to step things up this fall. 😊
I too love taking photos of doors and windows and spent lots of time doing just that during our travels in Mexico. Your photos are beautiful Nicole.
Id love to spend more time in Mexico LuAnn! So many places I would love to see!
Me too!
Great image and quote!
Thanks!
Prague is such a beautiful city, and does indeed have a wealth of wonderful doors, windows and ornaments, which you have captured so delightfully here. 🙂
Thanks Otto!
Reblogged this on Chef Ceaser.
I do the same thing! Love taking pictures of doors on all of my trips. I end up with hundreds, haha.
Great, I’m not alone in my fascination with photos of windows and doors. They are lovely, aren’t they.
Beautiful photos! I am the same way but with landscapes/cityscapes. My camera ends up full of of them!
http://simplydianaa.blogspot.com/
Thank you! Also thanks for sharing you blog with me!
My wife does this too- she has a window and door obsession! You can see her photos on Instagram: alexandra_adams
Thanks so much for sharing! I just checked out her account and it is beautiful! Just followed. 🙂