Up early and explored the city in a bus then finished at Prague Castle. From here we had a walking tour of the castle. Prague Castle is the largest coherent castle complex in the world, with an area of almost 70,000 m². A UNESCO World Heritage site, it consists of a large-scale composition of palaces and ecclesiastical buildings of various architectural styles, from Roman-style buildings from the 10th century through Gothic modifications in the 14th century. The famous Slovenian architect Josip Plečnik was responsible for extensive renovations in the time of the First Republic (1918-1938). Since the Velvet Revolution, the Prague Castle has undergone significant and ongoing repairs and reconstructions. We watched the changing of the guards, had morning tea in a little cafe, apple strudel and coffee and then walked down through the cobbled streets to Charles Bridge. This bridge is the main pedestrian route connecting the Old Town with the Lesser Town (Malá Strana) and Prague Castle.

From Charles Bridge you are truly in the centre of the city with beautiful views of the Prague skyline. The wide expanse of the river flows beneath it, flanked on both sides by elegant buildings. Prague Castle towers above in its eminent position.

King Charles IV commissioned the bridge. The foundation stone was laid in 1357. Charles IV's favourite architect and builder, Peter Parler, oversaw the majority of the work. The initial idea was to build a functional construction for knight tournaments, and for many years the only decoration on the bridge was a simple crucifix. Later, the Catholic desire for ornamentation resulted in 30 statues being erected between 1600 and 1800.

There are now 75 statues on Charles Bridge, but most are copies, as floods and catastrophes over the centuries damaged the originals. Perhaps the most interesting, as well as the oldest, is that of John of Nepomuk . The entrance to Charles Bridge is marked at both ends by towers: the Old Town Bridge Tower and the Malá Strana Bridge Tower.

The town was having a marathon today and there were visitors and spectators everywhere. We stopped for lunch in a little cafe and had a lovely meal. All the meals here are supersized and very filling.

As it is mothers day, Betty and I are treating ourselves to tickets to the Ballet, Swan Lake, the price was too good to miss. Garry and Peter are going to the castle with the group for a typical Czech meal and entertainment.

Having a rest at the moment then heading out to the old town to do some shopping...