Prague Castle

Travel
November 19, 2024

Prague Castle, a historic and architectural gem in the heart of the Czech Republic's capital, is the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Here are some fun facts about Prague Castle:

Prague Castle, known as Pražský hrad in Czech, covers an area of approximately 70,000 square meters (753,474 square feet).

The castle was founded around 880 AD by Prince Bořivoj of the Přemyslid Dynasty, making it over 1,000 years old.

Prague Castle has served as the seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic.

The complex includes a variety of architectural styles, from Romanesque and Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque, reflecting its long and varied history.

St. Vitus Cathedral, located within the castle grounds, is the largest and most important church in the Czech Republic, known for its stunning Gothic architecture.

The castle is home to the Bohemian Crown Jewels, which are stored in a hidden room in St. Vitus Cathedral and are rarely displayed to the public.

The Golden Lane, a picturesque street within the castle complex, is famous for its tiny, colorful houses that once housed castle guards and goldsmiths.

Prague Castle has a network of underground tunnels and chambers, some of which were used as prisons and dungeons in medieval times.

The castle's Vladislav Hall, built in the late 15th century, was used for coronation banquets, jousting tournaments, and other grand events.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Prague Castle takes place every hour, with a special ceremonial change at noon, featuring a fanfare and banner exchange.

The castle has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, recognized for its cultural and historical significance.

Prague Castle offers stunning views of the city and the Vltava River, making it a popular spot for tourists and photographers.

The Old Royal Palace, part of the castle complex, was the seat of Bohemian kings and features the Vladislav Hall, one of the largest secular Gothic halls in Europe.

The castle gardens and courtyards provide a peaceful retreat with beautiful landscapes, fountains, and sculptures.

Prague Castle is the most visited tourist attraction in the Czech Republic, drawing millions of visitors each year who come to explore its rich history and architectural beauty.

Seoul

Travel
January 24, 2025

Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is known for its blend of modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways, and traditional temples. Here are some Seoul fun facts.

Seoul was founded in 18 BC as the capital of Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea.

The city's name means 'capital' in Korean.

Seoul is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine.

The city is the fourth largest metropolitan economy in the world, after Tokyo, New York, and Los Angeles.

Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, is one of the largest and most beautiful palaces in Korea.

The city has a population of over 10 million people, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

N Seoul Tower, located on Namsan Mountain, offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular tourist attraction.

Seoul is known for its vibrant nightlife, with districts like Hongdae and Itaewon offering a wide range of entertainment options.

The city has a highly efficient public transportation system, including buses, subways, and high-speed trains.

Seoul's Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a major urban development landmark known for its neo-futuristic architecture.

The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Seoul Lantern Festival and the Seoul Kimchi Making & Sharing Festival.

It is a major hub for technology and innovation, home to tech giants like Samsung and LG.

The Han River, which runs through the heart of Seoul, is a popular spot for leisure activities like biking, picnicking, and water sports.

The city is famous for its street food and night markets, with popular dishes including tteokbokki, hotteok, and gimbap.

The city has a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and galleries showcasing Korean art and history.

Tower Bridge

Travel
February 21, 2025

Tower Bridge, one of the most famous landmarks in London, is an extraordinary feat of engineering and an iconic symbol of the city. Built over 125 years ago, it continues to captivate both residents and tourists alike with its majestic structure and rich history. Here are 15 fun facts about Tower Bridge that reveal some lesser-known aspects of this remarkable bridge.

Tower Bridge was officially opened on June 30, 1894, by the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII.

The bridge took eight years to construct, with over 11,000 tons of steel used in its framework.

Tower Bridge is often mistaken for London Bridge, which is actually a different bridge further upstream.

The iconic twin towers are connected by two walkways that provide stunning views of the River Thames.

The bridge was originally powered by steam engines that operated the bascules, which could be raised to allow ships to pass through.

In 1976, the steam engines were replaced with a more modern electro-hydraulic system.

The high-level walkways were closed to the public in 1910 due to lack of use but were reopened in 1982 as part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

During World War II, Tower Bridge was camouflaged to protect it from enemy air raids.

The bascules, or the movable sections of the bridge, still open about 1,000 times a year.

The bridge is painted in a distinctive red, white, and blue color scheme, a change made in 1977 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee.

A London bus famously jumped across the opening bascules in 1952 when the bridge began to rise unexpectedly.

The bridge has appeared in numerous films, including 'The Mummy Returns' and 'Mission: Impossible'.

Tower Bridge is a Grade I listed structure, indicating it is of exceptional historical importance.

A glass floor was added to the walkways in 2014, offering a unique view of the bridge and the river below.

Tower Bridge's design was chosen from over 50 submitted designs in a public competition held in the 19th century.