A History Lesson

Today was spent exploring more of Old Town and specifically the Jewish Quarter.  This section of Prague dates back to the 13th Century when the Jewish community in Prague were ordered to live in one area.  While most buildings currently date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a few of the significant early buildings/synagogs have been preserved.  The cemetary is also a remarkable jumble of tombstones.  We then picked up our rental car and drove to Terezin, an hour north of the city. 

Terezin was an old military fortress built in the late 18th century and used for various purposes up to the second world war when it became a transit and work camp during the genocide.  A rather sobering but important visit which brought to life both the horrors of the period and the resiliency and hope of the people being held there.  The Ghetto Museum houses artifacts, childrens artwork, and many stories and photos of the prisoners who lived and died there (and elsewhere).  We have no pictures of this experience but many memories tonight that are bound to stay with us.

We headed back to Prague afterwards and watched the sky light up with lightning and thunder through the evening at the hotel.  While driving back we passed by the National Museum and old train station, both impressive and ornate structures from the late 19th century.  It appears the old train station is to be restored if the posters on the wall of the structure are any indication and it will be impressive when completed....

Big thunderstorm over Prague tonight; lots of lightning, rain, and thunder.....

Tomorrow we leave Prague and drive south to Cesky Krumlov.