Prague the Mighty - Castle Complex and St. Vitus Cathedral

Apart from being the home to the Kings of Bohemia, several Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, and Presidents of Czechoslovakia, Prague Castle also has the distinction of being the largest ancient castle in the world.

* Nothing screams WELCOME than two giant sculptures of legendary characters beating their foes to a bloody pulp.

* Bloody glorious! Enjoy your stay!

* While construction started in 870 (that's over a millennium and century ago!!!), the whole complex was finalized in 1929. Good job Mr. Contractor!

* The Castle is also home to the Bohemian Crown Jewels, the 4th oldest set in Europe.

* The wifey was hesitant to pose with this serious-looking Eastern European fella.

* This Gothic cathedral at the center of the castle complex is also the Czech Republic's biggest and most important church, St. Vitus Cathedral.

*  Vitus was one of the first Christian saints and was martyred during the persecution of the early Christians by the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

* He is also the patron saint of actors, comedians, and dancers. An entertainer-saint?

* Containing the tombs of numerous Bohemian Kings and several Holy Roman Emperors, the Cathedral also houses the relics of a couple of Catholic Saints.

* Such was the influence of St. Vitus Cathedral throughout Central Europe, that several cities in Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia copied its design and architecture.

* Did this gentleman pass away, or is he just drunk (hence the stars)?

* Welcome to Gondor... I mean Prague!

* The complex is also home to St. George's Basilica, this blood-red building that also contains the Bohemian Art Collection of the National Gallery of Prague.

* And across St. George is All Saints Church (not to be confused with the 90's girl power group), which contains the tomb of St. Procopius, a well-known medieval hermit. 

* In a dark chapter of Czech history, the Castle Complex became the headquarters of the Nazi Occupation headed by Reinhard Heydrich. So important was capturing Prague to German plans, that Adolf Hitler himself was said to have spent the night here to "proudly survey his new possession".

* Legend states that Heydrich (Trivia: He was also in charge of coordinating the Nazi Final Solution) placed the Bohemian crown on his head, despite being warned that usurpers who did so were doomed to die within a year, according to local folklore. Eerily, less than a year later, Heydrich was assassinated by Czech soldiers.

* On the way down from the Castle, we were treated to this amazing view of breathtaking Prague.

* All aboard for our Vltava River Cruise, also known as power nap time!

* Despite the gloomy sky all throughout the day, we were blessed with a rain-and-stress free visit.

* The highlight of the cruise was this incredible view of Charles Bridge, whose awesomeness deserves a blog post of its own (to follow!).