Tips 1 - 3 of 3 Prague Things to Do
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Legends notwithstanding, the astronomical clock was not made by a man who was blinded after the work was done, who in turn spitefully broke the clock mechanism before his death.
Records credit the idea and design to a physician/rector/professor of astronomy and math at Charles University named Iohannes Andreae dictus Schindel (Jan Ondrejuv known as Sindel). With his design and the skill of a clock master named Nicolas of Kadaň, the astronomical clock was created in 1410.
The original clock only showed astronomical data including the movement of the sun, the moon, and the ecliptic; all mechanical figures were added in centuries later.
The permanent figures surround the clock represent three of the seven cardinal sins and their ultimate destiny. On the left side of the clock, Superbia (Vanity) admires her reflection from a handheld mirror, and Avaritia (Greed) holds tight to a bag of money. On the right side, Death stands ready to strike while Acedia (Sloth) idling life away in music and dance.
Every hour on the hour, Death pulls the bell while nodding his head to announce that time is up. The rest of the main casts shake their heads refusing to leave. The window flies open and the twelve apostles come running around in circle -- an act that holds no meaning except adding chaos to the unfolding drama between Death and the three sinners.
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Address: Staroměstské námestí, Old Town Square
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The cause of St. John of Nepomuck's death has been an issue of controversy in the Church since the XVIII century. A few historians mentioned two Johns of Nepomuch -- one was the father confessor of Queen Johanna and the other, Vicar-General of Prague -- both were thrown into the Vltava to drown, their deaths were ten years apart.
However, most scholars believe the XIV century records showing there was only one John and his death was caused by both aforementioned reasons.
John was born in 1340 in Nepomuck, Pilsen, Bohemia. He became Vicar-General for the Archdiocese of Prague in 1390. The discord between John and King Wenceslas IV happened after the vicar steadily refused the King’s request in divulging the Queen’s confession. As if he did not think that was enough to infuriate the King, the vicar also expressed his sentiment by publicly declared, "Only he who rules well is worthy of the name of king."
Not known as a good sport, King Wenceslas found an excellent opportunity to revenge. He ordered that another abbot would not be elected when Abbot Rarek of Kladrau passed on because the abbey church would be turned into a cathedral. Completely ignored the King’s order, the vicar confirmed Odelenus as the new abbot. When the news reached the King, all persons involved in the election were arrested.
Although his council did not handle torture well, John of Nepomuch refused to yield even when parts of his body were burned. On Mach 20, 1393, the King ordered that the vicar be chained and led through the city with a block of wood in his mouth. When the parade ended, John of Nepomuck was thrown from the Karlsbrücke into the river Vltava. He was later buried in Prague Cathedral.
In 1719, during the gathering of evidences for the beatification, the vicar’s grave was opened and his tongue was found intact.
St. John Nepomucene was canonized in 1729. His statues were erected in several locations in Prague, but the most visited one is on Charles Bridge.
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Address: Karlův most
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Things To Do: Il Commendatore
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On October 29, 1787, Mozart’s Don Giovanni was played the first time at the great theatre Stavovske Divaldo in Prague. Two hundred years later, sculptor Anna Chromy honors the celebrated play with a series of bronze sculptures installed in several locations in Prague.
The main sculpture, Il Comendatore or Pietŕ, is in front of the theatre. The other sculptures depicting musicians and marionette dancer are on Senovážné námesti square.
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 Comments for Ciambella about Prague | | | | |
harrymoses Thu Feb 21, 2008 21:39 UTC
We stayed there 3 nights after a river cruise..Wonderful hotel,but the casino is awful and very smoky. I highly recommend the hotel but stay out of the casino. | EllenH Sun Sep 9, 2007 20:42 UTC
I just LOVE this page. | deecat Wed Apr 26, 2006 21:33 UTC
Your usual superb job on your tips about Prague. I smiled as I read the shopping tips. Thanks. | kymbanm Thu Apr 6, 2006 17:39 UTC
One MUST always dress for success! |
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