CZECH REPUBLIC
CZECH REPUBLIC is a landlocked, slipper-shaped country, with Slovakia in the east and Bohemia and Moravia in the west. Slavic tribes settled in the Moldau valley in the second half of 6th century A.D. and founded the town known as Prague (Praha). Tribal chief Moimir took control in 800's A.D. Greek missionaries St. Cyril (Constantine) and St. Methodius spread Christianity throughout the region and promoted by the first Przemyslid prince Borivoj and successors. The mighty Magyars invaded the country in 905 A.D., ruling for a thousand years. It was ruled by the Duke of Bohemia in 1041 under the Holy Roman Empire continuing on to the rule of one of seven electors under the Holy Roman Empire in the 1200's. King Charles of Bohemia became Emperor Charles IV in 1346. He founded the first European university, Charles University, in 1348. His reign was known as the golden age of art and civilization. Polish kings ruled and rhapsodized Bohemia from 1471 until 1526. Louis II (Louis Jagiello) was killed by the Turks in the Battle of Mohac leaving the crown of Bohemia to the Hapsburgs. The Catholic absolutism of the Hapsburgs led to the Thirty Years' War in 1618. So it was....the early history of the Czech people in a nutshell.
TRIP PHOTOS
1. Vltava (Moldau) River lined with riverboat cruises.
2. Old Town (Stare Mesto): Jewish quarter. The dollar exchange to currency koruna (crown) during our stay was 1=17.
3. Charles Bridge
4. Statue of the Charles Bridge.
5. Astronomical clock.
6. St. Nicholas Church overlooking the northern side of the Old Town.
7. Facade of St. Vitus Cathedral inside Prague Castle.
8. The famous Golden Lane (Zlata Ulicka) with tiny houses built up against the outer walls of the castle. The place was the hangout of magicians and alchemists in those legendary days. The renown writer Frank Kapka (1883-1924) stayed in one of the houses at one time. The cute houses are now converted into souvenir shops.
The King of Pop Michael Jackson had a big concert right up the hill - Letna Park - September 7, 1996
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| Charles University - First University in Europe |
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| Guard at Prague Castle |
Original Publication ALT MSN Groups 11/7/07
Web Page: Globe Spinner Series
Published 2009 Multiply
Recycled 5/23/13 lib's labyrinth
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