Czech Republic: From Prague Castle to Česky Krumlov Castle, a land of castles and fairy tales

by Jennifer Lyn King (RSS feed) on Aug 18th 2010 at 12:04PM

For hundreds of years, Czech Republic was the land of knights and castles, royalty and moats, and drawbridges. Though the country boasts hundreds of castles and palaces across its hills and mountains, several impressive castles are close enough to Prague to be seen within one vacation. Still depicting the spirit of their peak days as royal medieval fortresses, these five castles are worth a closer look.

Prague Castle
Founded in the 9th century, the Prague Castle is one of the oldest castles in the region. During its long history, the Castle housed Bohemian Kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and Presidents of Czech Republic. Today, the Prague Castle is said to be the biggest ancient castle, and gleams as the jewel glistening above the Vltava River as the centerpiece of Prague.

What to do: Plan to spend a day to tour the soaring Cathedral, extensive gardens, and regal palaces within the Prague Castle.

Please go to AOL's Gadling.com travel site by clicking here to read the rest, and see the other four castles. A big thank you to Gina and the editors at RedRoom.com for connecting me to the AOL.com crew. 

Starting the conversation: Have you visited a castle? What is your personal favorite?

What Prague Looks Like in Winter

This week, as I continue work on my in-progress novel (and deplete all of my brain cells), I'm taking the opportunity to post photographs I've taken from in and around Prague this winter.

So, what does Prague look like in the winter? Beautiful! And, given the heap-loads of snow we've had in the past few months, the sites have been perhaps even more beautiful adorned with snow.

Prague in Winter ... Enjoy!

Josefov, Jewish Quarter

Old Town Square

the Astronomical Clock

one of my favorite buildings on Old Town Square

Strahov Monastery

the view over Prague from Petrin Hill

a Palacial facade near Prague Castle

Prague Castle

Inside Saint Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle

The Star Summer Palace near Bila Hora, Prague

We look forward to watching (and photographing) Prague awakening for Spring.

Have  a great week! -- Jennifer

Starting the conversation: What is your favorite photograph, or site in Prague? Do you have a favorite European city you've visited? (Leave a comment below... Thanks!)