It's my last night in Prague. The very kind folks here at The Four Seasons have put me in the Presidential Suite ... and the view ... like the past couple of days ... is SENSATIONAL! It's getting dark and we have just been out for supper. The Castle is lit up as is the Charles Bridge ... I will miss this view ... surely one of the most beautiful city vistas in Europe.
Today was all about the Lobkowicz family.
The Castle (built in the 8th century) has one palace that is privately owned ... called The Lobkowicz Palace. It was built in the 17th century ... and twice was confiscated ... once by the Nazis and again by the Communists from the family. After the Velvet Revolution of 1989, the Palace (& numerous other castles, palaces & works of art) were returned to the family.
William Lobkowicz is now the keeper of the "family jewels". He could call himself Prince (legitimately) ... but he does not ...
The Palace has an amazing collection of art and artefacts which includes original manuscripts from Beethoven's major symphonies, Canalettos, Velazquez and one of Brueghels "Haymaking" paintings! Awesome!
We then drove to Roudnice Castle - 50 kms from Prague. It was built in the 17th century ... and has around 185 rooms! It was used as a training camp for the Hitler Youth and as the Dept of Agriculture by the Communists.
It is now looking for a use ...
BUT it has a vineyard attached to it ... that dates back to the 15th century. The whole set up is quite amazing ... and the wine is all sold in the Czech Republic ... not exported ... I tried the Pinot Noir (quite "proud") and a sweet wine that is made with straw! Interesting but not bad!!
SO - tomorrow, it's back to the UK! I am exhausted ... I am looking forward to being in my own bed tomorrow night ... the show has been tough to film but will look fabulous.
Prague IS one of the most beautiful cities in the world - with certainly the most beautiful women AND a more than generous helping of Cocker Spaniels!
Song of the Day: Take It Easy - The Eagles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPospvRqP_s
Weather: Hot Hot Hot ... Sun Sun Sun ... Hot Hot Hot ... Rain Rain Rain!
The Palace Guards
Ceiling fresco ... Alexander the Great
The Catholic Chapel
Manuscript - Beethoven's Eroica
Haymaking
William Lobkowicz
Cellar of old wine!
An 0ld bottle ... it tasted bad ... but it was rather old!
85 hectares of vineyards
My living room
Bedroom
View of Charles Bridge
HAPPY ME!
