Old Castle and South Tower

We also toured the old castle.  This room was used for jousting, yes, with horses.  There was a special entrance with a ramp where the horses could enter.  Apparently the floors were stone not wood during that time.  The high arched ceiling was rather unique, with all of the arches being weight bearing.  The high peaked wooden beamed roof burned and collapsed upon the top of this ceiling, but the supports held.

Royal crown made for Wencelas, took too long so he wasn’t actually coronated in it.  He gave it to the church with the provision that each king had to be crowned in it. The church allowed the kings to use it, but with a hefty ‘rental’ fee.

This is the replica.  The real jewels are locked behind a door with 7 locks that 7 different important people in the country hold keys to.  They only come out once every 5 years, although with the anniversary of King Charles or King Wencelas (can't remember which), they may come out for a while next year.  The sapphire is the 2nd largest one in the world next to the one in the British crown.

I took the group up to the South Tower in the cathedral.  Apparently I did not give them sufficient warning that stair climbing was involved!  287 spiraling stairs later, we got to see the magnificent view of the city!

The South tower in the background with the clock.  The viewing deck includes the three windows above the clock face (and runs all the way around the building).  Here is the group smiling at me before I dragged them up the stairs.

Largest bell in the tower, approx 13,00 kg!

I was absolutely fascinated with this rooster.  I took about 5 pictures of him.  So cool with the flying butresses in the background.

Plaza below the tower.  Yes, we climbed up quite a ways!

The group is still smiling for me as we go back down the 287 spiral stairs.  I guess the view was worth it!