From Prague to Vienna via Slovakia

[Slartibartfas]

These pictures are specteclar. Can't wait to see other towns/cities.

Originally Posted by 1+1=3

Ahem, no. How does 'German' or 'Austrian' architecture looks like? Yes, there are some architectonic patterns common for whole Central Europe from Germany to let's say Hungary, but it were all styles invented and transformed thorough whole Europe. Prague was lucky to be influenced by all styles from the whole Europe, e.g. Spain, France, Italy, Benelux, Germany... Those were pretty much international styles back then and nations were basicly nonexistent in the Middle ages. Were only waiting for people like you and your fellows to invent nonsense terms like "German" of "Austrian" architecture.

Of course there is a larger European background. I would not call the architecture of the Austrian realms "German" either. In fact, "central European" is a better term, or more specifically "old-Austrian". Great Bohemian architects worked in Vienna as well as Viennese architects in Prague. And thats not limited to those two cities, this common area extended to all the Habsburg realms.

[Benonie]

Originally Posted by Slartibartfas

These pictures are specteclar. Can't wait to see other towns/cities.

Thank you Slartibartfas! Still some weeks untill we finish in beautiful Vienna.

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[Benonie]

It's a good idea to take the kids to the National Technical Museum on a rainy day.

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[Benonie]

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[Benonie]

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[openlyJane]

What inspired pictures! A fantastic photographic tour.

[Benonie]

Thanks Jane: Last pictures of the splendid Technical Museum:

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[tomeeek07]

Great shots from Prague. I am going there in the Christmas.

[JAVICUENCA]

Wonderful pictures!!!

[Benonie]

Thank you guys!

Originally Posted by tomeeek07

I am going there in the Christmas.

Looks like a great Christmas destination. Don't know if it snows there often, but Prague would be even more wonderful covered with a white blanket.

Almost finished with Prague here. Just some pictures of the main railway station before we jump on the train to the east.

[Benonie]

A last glimpse of the National Museum, before entering the main railway station:

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The station, Praha hlavní nádraží has got a modern part, built in the seventies, and an old Jugendstil building, what once must have been graceful and, stylish...

The modern part was quite okay, allthough we had to pass dozens of aggressive drunks in the park in front of the entrance. And the glass tubes were very hot and there was an unbearable stench of urine inside...

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[Benonie]

But what happened here? Where is the beauty and pride of Prague?



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[openlyJane]

Orhan Pamuk in his book "Istanbul, Memories and The City', uses the word Huzun to describe the feeling of melancholy which arises when a city of former magnificence becomes faded or decrepit.

There are sections in all of the world's big cities which recall great times gone by - but are now forlorn and depressing.

[Urbanista1]

absolutely lovely even the huzun parts

[Benonie]

Huzun, nice word. I try to remember it.

I don't care about a bit decline in a city, but what's happening with the old station is unacceptable. I read on Wikipedia that the station was restored recently?... But definitely not the fine jugendstil station!

[1+1=3]

Originally Posted by Benonie

Huzun, nice word. I try to remember it.

I don't care about a bit decline in a city, but what's happening with the old station is unacceptable. I read on Wikipedia that the station was restored recently?... But definitely not the fine jugendstil station!

Sure, there was huge reconstruction in the platforms and the 70's section in recent years, this old part will be the last phase since it has no use for transport anymore. The problem is magistrala as you probably have noticed there - the six lane motorway running throught the city (and in front of the old building). Once the Blanka tunnel is finished in 2014 this motorway will be probably reduced and rebuilt to restore these public spaces.
The whole railway station was rented to Grandi Stazioni (Italian company who runns several railway stations in Italy) for few decades and it is now up to them when they will start with reconstruction of the old building.

[Benonie]

Thanks fort the very useful information!
I hope they start renovating soon, allthough I'm afraid that the Italian compagny has got other priorities. And they only rent the building. Doens't have the owners the obligation to finance that work?

[1+1=3]

No no, actually that was part of the contract: they will reconstruct the station on their own and take benefits (rentals from shops). They already did reconstruction of the 70's section in recent years which was most lucrative for them since most people go to trains and metro through that 70's part of the station - which undergoes the city motorway and metro station is integrated in it.