Ein Reisen nach Prag

Last weekend proved a rather exciting and mystical experience: a travel to the wonderful Czech city of Prague, or in the Czech language, Praha. As with all places in European countries, Prague boasts extensively rich history coupled with hoards of old-style architecture dating from Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Massive cathedrals sprout from the city, imposing and massive behemoths thwarting the smaller structures, and lending the fey mystique which the Hauptstadt of Czechia offers. Simply strolling through the streets will daze the mind with legions of historical importance. For example, part of my visit to Prague included an exploration of the famous and second-oldest Jewish synagogue of Prague, the Pinkas Synagogue. After World War II, the long-standing synagogue was modified to be a museum, paying tribute to some 78,000 victims of the Holocaust. Inside the building you will see every single name, birth, and death date of each of these victims painted onto the walls. Before entering, men, as a sign of respect for the synagogue, must cover their heads; the museum staff happily provides coverings if one is in need.

Pinkas Synagogue

In speaking of the Czech Republic, I could not leave out one of the most important figures in Czech national history: Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. Masaryk, to the Czechs, is equivalent to JFK or FDR, and indeed the Czechs have popularized the use of his initials, TGM. Born in 1850, TGM would become exceedingly involved in politics during the time in which the area we know as Czechoslovakia was owned by the Habsburgs and the Austro-Hungarian empire. The history of the empire itself is enormous and would take much to long to explain, but for now, understand that the Habsburgs were and still are a very famous and important family, especially for Austria, and also Hungary and many of the Slavic states. The Habsburgs - before WW I in 1913 - ruled over much of the Slavic states, extending into Romania, part of Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and part of modern-day Ukraine and Moldova. However, the Empire under the Habsburgs collapsed after WW I which brought about the creation of Czechoslovakia under the new leader, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk.


The history takes an interesting turn here because of course Czechoslovakia was then occupied and forcibly annexed by Hitler during WW II. Sadly, Masaryk died in 1937, a year or so before his country was taken. The land then went through the horrors of the Nazi era, and, following the fall of the Third Reich, became occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945. Going back to TGM, the Soviets made sure that he would be as erased from Czech memory as possible in order to ensure Soviet rule. However, after the Soviet Union collapsed, the Czechs worked towards creating their own state which was finally resolved in 1993 when the Czech Republic we know today was formed. Naturally, Masaryk was reincarnated as the key figure for Czech Independence, and today he can be seen as a statue across Czechia.


During my visit, I had the great fortune to see the Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) across the Vltava river from our hotel. This behemoth of a complex, dating from the 9th century, features a royal palace, many smaller buildings with interesting shops, and the massive St. Vitus Cathedral. Beautiful structures and architecture make this one of the most worthwhile experiences you could have in Prague. Especially with the St. Vitus Cathedral, it is a sight not to be missed.

Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral

Overall, my trip to Prague was extraordinary, and I would highly recommend it as one of the top cities in Europe to visit. I promise you would not be disappointed.

Below I will show some more pictures with explanations. Thanks for reading everybody! Your support is appreciated.

Entrance to the famous Charles Bridge

Statue of St. John Nepomuk (touching the part where he is thrown off the Bridge is said to let you return one day to Prague!)

Some fabulous examples of Czech Food. On the top is a variety of meat with dumplings in the Czech style. On the bottom is a popular Dessert Snack, the Trdelnik.

Antique car heading to a Show.

Beautiful park upon the hills of Prague

Cloudy view of the oldtown of Prague