A Stroll Through Praha...Part I

Any day is a good day for a stroll through Prague, but a Friday that happens to be a holiday means the city empties out, which in turn makes for a perfect day to walk around.

Václavské náměstí (Wenceslas Square)

Hotel Ambassador Zlata Husa (Wenceslas Square) was built in 1920

As the name suggests, the hotel consists of two parts - the history of the first is quite straightforward in comparison to the history of the second, which is a bit funny...


The owner of the hotel was a rich widow, who had a young yet extremely unattractive and silly daughter.  The daughter was already of marrying age, but despite her assets she remained single. She never married and for that she was known in Prague by the nickname "Golden Goose" (Zlata Husa).

In 1964 both hotels were joined together and their modern history begins...

The National Museum ...founded on April 15, 1818

 View of Wenceslas Square from in front of the National Museum

One of the many stops I had to make was to this charming shop, located through a pasáž (passage) off Wenceslas Square

Can it be any cuter?  I think not!

 Surround me with fountains and I'll be a very happy girl

Ovocný trh - an outdoor market selling everything from fruits & vegetables to souvenirs, artwork, and leather goods.  I discovered my new favorite handbag maker. Made by hand, no less.  Um, yes, of course I made a purchase, and I'm contemplating deciding on another one.  

My new Kubat.  Love.

 I also couldn't resist a new one of these:

Gorgeous flowers caught my eye

Never even knew there was a tearoom in this courtyard...

That's another thing I love about Prague - all the nooks and crannies waiting to be discovered

Monday's House Insignia of the Day Revealed - U zlaté koruny (U bílého koníčka)

U zlaté koruny (U bílého koníčka)

At the Golden Crown (At the White Horse)

The reason for the two names is that in the mid-18th century, two Gothic houses were joined together during a late Baroque reconstruction after several other renovations.  The interiors of the buildings were refurbished in the 1820s to an early Classicist style, but the Gothic character was preserved in the cellars.  Wooden Baroque features were preserved as well, such as the wainscoting, window shutters and a joist ceiling.  Unlike many others, this house insignia is the original.  From the 16th until the 18th century, a pharmacy was housed inside the building.  Today, it's home to a glass and souvenir shop called Blue Praha

Location:  Karlova ulice 48/455, Staré Město (Old Town)

Tiffany & Co. is opening its first store in Prague!

Tiffany & Co. is opening its first store in Eastern Europe...guess where?  That's right, in PRAGUE!  Here's the article from CZECHPOSITION

Tiffany & Co. to open Prague store, first in CEE

Tiffany & Co. plan to open a Prague store next summer — the US jeweler’s first location in Eastern Europe — on the Czech capital’s high street.  

US jewelers Tiffany & Co. have announced plans to open a store in Prague in the summer of 2012, marking the luxury retailer’s first location in Eastern Europe. It will be located on Pařížská Street, the Czech capital’s high street, directly opposite Gucci and Lacoste stores.

Pařížská Street

“The opening of our first store in Eastern Europe marks a significant strategic move for Tiffany, as we further develop and grow our business throughout Europe,” said Melvyn Kirtley, the group’s vice president for Europe, in a press release. 

The approximately 240 square meters of retail space is designed with elements of Tiffany’s famous flagship store in New York, including custom furnishings and showcases that incorporate the company’s delicate wheatleaf, floral and dragonfly patterns, as well as elegant fluting and the distinctive Tiffany Blue, it said.

Tiffany Blue

Among the Tiffany & Co.collections that will be offered in the new store are exquisite diamonds in platinum and 18 karat gold settings, engagement, fine and fashion jewelry, sterling silver jewelry, watches and gifts, as well as the celebrated designs of Elsa Peretti and Paloma Picasso.

I don't know about you but when I think of Tiffany's I think of Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly...

 "If I could find a real life place to make me feel like Tiffany's, then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name." --Holly.

Fresh produce and souvenirs all in one place at Havelský trh

Havelský trh (The Gallus Market)

No one loves an open-air market more than I do.  There's just something about it that draws me in...makes me happy.  I never walk away without fresh cut flowers and forest fruits, and I adore watching the local babický choosing their produce for homemade meals.  

 

 

My favorite open-air market in Prague is Havelský trh (The Gallus Market) - it's located on the square of the former St. Havel's Market (originally called the New market in order to distinguish itself from the Old Town Square market).  

These markets are also a great place to find gifts - artwork, lace runners and tablecloths, toys, etc.  Lots of unique handmade wares can be found...and also lots of not-so-homemade items (look for the Made in China sticker if in doubt!).  I suppose it does help if you know the language, but at the end of the day if you truly love something, and if it will always remind you of your time in Prague and make you happy, then buy it.

It's good luck to have a witch in your kitchen - you'll cook better! 

Mmmm, lázeňské oplatky (spa wafers) - found in a number of Czech spa towns, but those from Karlovy Vary are the most famous.  They are large, round, thin and delicate wafers that come in many flavors (my favorite is dark chocolate) and you can buy them boxed like this or get them fresh from a street vendor who will even warm them up for you - now that's sinful! 

If I didn't have my grandmother's hand knit runners, tablecloths and coasters, I'd be all over these.  They just add a touch of romance...

During my last visit to this market I fell in love with a amazing necklace (děkuju Maminko! xoxo) and it's also where I bought my bomber hat one very cold winter.  So next time you pass by an open-air market, stroll through and enjoy - you never know what you may find!

Havelský trh

Havelska, Praha 1

Friday's House Insignia of the Day Revealed - At the Black Pony

The Black Pony

(Yes, he does look blue)

Even in prehistoric times, the horse was honored as a beast of great strength, associated with forceful energy, movement, and also success on the battlefield.  The good steed was regarded as the faithful companion and servant of his master as well, a form that the equine hero often assumes in many European folktales and legends.  The black pony on the shield of this building is known to have existed since the end of the 16th century.

Today, the building houses a shop called Blue Praha

Address:  Malé náměstí 14, Staré Město

Small Square 14, Old Town