Saturday's Discoveries

The weather held out in spite of the forcasted rain and I talked Ian into doing some Olomouc siteseeing. So here are the three best discoveries of the day.

#3 Wenceslas Cathedral. The original building was built on the site in the 1100s. It has been built and rebuilt several times to reflect the architectural style of the age. The outside is amazing. Just imagine walking up the street and when you turn the corner around a building, this is the view that greets you:

Unfortunately the picture pales in comparison to the real thing. It really takes your breath away, especially if you're not expecting to see that around the corner.

We walked inside, and the windows are all huge stained glass, and there is intricate painting decorating the walls and ceiling. But the real view is from the outside.

Discovery #2: St. Michael's Church: This is just the opposite--very unassuming from the outside, but when you walk in you are struck by the huge gold front alter area. We didn't take any pictures, but you can see what I'm talking about here. Click on the video.

But that's not the only cool thing about St. Michaels. First, you can walk up the spiraling stone steps to the bell tower and stand within feet of the new bells which weigh somewhere around six tons, or so Ian tells me. From there you get a great view of Olomouc.

Then you'll want to find your way to the back of the church and go underneath. Legend has it, this is where Olomouc was founded--the top of the highest hill around a fresh water spring. The spring is still located under the church.

I'm apparently standing in the spot of the Roman encampment in front of the spring.

Discovery #1 Fast Food Stand: We live two minutes from the best gyros and fried cheese on the planet. Great spice. I won't need to eat dinner tonight.