I found Prague to be one of the most beautiful cities I’ve visited in Europe. The capital of the Czech Republic was the last stop on our recent Uniworld trip, Delightful Danube: Budapest to Prague. We walked 18,000 steps in the one full day we were there, trying to see as much as we could of the “City of 100 Spires.”

The variety of architecture in Prague is stunning: Romaneque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau, Cubist and Modernist. No, I don’t know all the distinguishing features of each style or how to recognize Renaissance versus Baroque, for example, but I was well aware of the diversity as I walked the city.

Here’s an interesting building I encountered, evidently providing quarters for a study-abroad program sponsored by NC State. A touch of home I didn’t expect to see. Swarovski jewelry is sold in a store on the ground floor.

The Powder Tower leading from New Town to Old Town is a landmark in Prague. Once used to store gunpowder, hence its name, kings would pass through it on their way to Prague Castle for their coronations.

By the way, the quarter of Prague called New Town dates to 1348. Old Town was founded in the 9th century. America, in terms of history, is a baby (although I am excited about our 250th birthday.)

One of the top must-do things while in Prague is to cross the Charles Bridge. Lined with 30 statues of saints, the bridge offers views of the Vltava River.

The statues on the bridge are not to be outdone by the one of King Charles IV at the Old Town entrance to the bridge. In his hand, he holds a model of the bridge.

Rising above the skyline on a hill, the Castle District can be seen from the Charles Bridge. Prague Castle is part of a complex. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, this grouping of palaces and churches is the largest such complex in the world.

Prague Castle Complex is another must-see item on the Prague tourist agenda. To get there, we could either take a trolley or a series of steps. We labored up the steps but once we reached the top of the hill where the castle complex is located, the views were stunning.

St. Vitus Cathedral, on the grounds of the castle complex, is yet another lovely European church.

Prague Castle Complex has lots of tourists. I got tired of waiting for this guy taking selfies to finish, so he became part of my picture of the statues of the Wrestling Titans, which stand at the entrance to the first courtyard of Prague Castle.

Prague is also known for its beautiful public gardens. Walstein Garden, with a resident peacock, was a perfect place to stroll after lunch.

One of our Prague dinners was a food tour. There was a little too much cream cheese on the appetizer for me, but the main course featuring bread dumplings and beef sirloin was delicious. (Note: there was a piece of beef hiding under the garnishes and cranberries.)

The Prague Astronomical Clock Tower always draws a crowd, especially when it’s time for the twelve apostles to parade in front of two windows to mark the hour.

Over our years of travel, my husband and I have been fortunate to have a group of friends join us for many adventures. The gang was all here for this trip. Safety–and fun–in numbers.