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October 13th, part II - Continuing a full day in Prague.


The astronomical clock in the south tower
Sign describing the astronomical clock

At the head of the staircase in the south tower was an astronomical clock. As the second picture (the sign) notes, the clock was originally built in 1597 and was renovated in 1930.


The view was incredible.

The first picture is of St. George's Basilica from the southern tower.

The second is a hazy view of Old Town and the Moldava River. Not sure if this is just moisture in the air, or if it's air pollution.

St. George's Basilica from the southern tower
Bridges over the Moldava River from the southern tower

Morning sunlight shining into the cathedral
Morning sunlight shining into the cathedral
A statue of a cardinal

Some more pictures of the golden light streaming into the cathedral that morning.

A statue of a cardinal praying. This was at the eastern end of the cathedral.


Some more cathedral crypt action. The first two are some of the "lesser crypts" along the side of the cathedral.

The third, fourth, and fifth pictures are of the royal mausoleum which sat directly in front of the altar.

After all of the time we spent in the cathedral, on top of the cathedral, underneath the cathedral, and outside of the cathedral, I am embarrassed to admit I didn't get a single picture of the altar in the cathedral. My bad.

A patron saint or perhaps a Czech sovereign is likely interred here
A patron saint or perhaps a Czech sovereign is likely interred here
The royal mausoleum
The royal mausoleum
The royal mausoleum

More crypts
More crypts
More crypts

Even more crypts.


It's a crypt-o-rama!

More crypts!
More crypts!
More crypts!

Crypt stones
Crypt stones
Crypt stones

There are many crypt stones in the cathedral, some in fenced-off alcoves, and some mounted on walls. Most of them describe who was buried in the tomb as well as the date. I find them fascinating, even though I cannot read them.


Statues, statues, everywhere. There were statues on pillars, statues on altars, statues on crypts, statues on statues, and standalone statues.

They were all very beautiful; I would have needed several more gigabyte media cards to have taken photographs of them all.

A statue on a corner, with a crest over a doorway
Statues on columns

A very elaborate set of statues
Engraving around the base of the statue
The top of this incredible display

This statue set was on the south side of the cathedral, south of the royal mausoleum. It had a very long inscription wrapping around the base, a lion above that, a pair of statues on either side, rising up to two angels at the peak.

The second picture is a close-up of the inscription. I don't read Latin; it would be interesting to know what it says. If you do read Latin and can translate, please let me know. A full size image can be seen here for ease of translation.

A more detailed picture of the top of the display.


The pipe organ was quite impressive as well!

The pipe organ
The pipe organ

A wooden relief of the city of Prague
A wooden relief of the city of Prague
A wooden relief of St. Vitus' cathedral
A stone relief of a man kneeling in front of a cross

There were some beautiful reliefs in the cathedral. The first and second pictures are of a wooden relief depicting Prague and the St. George bridge over the river. Old Town is on the right bank, and the Prague Castle is in the upper left corner. The first picture makes it easier to see the entire thing, but the glare from the window behind it sucked. The second photograph is from a better angle, window-wise.

The third relief is of the interior of the cathedral itself. It appears to be in some stage of construction to me.

The fourth relief is done in stone (marble?), and depicts a man (not sure whom) kneeling in front of the crucifix, praying.

<-- Oct 13, part I   Oct 13th, part III -->

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