The flaming skeleton of Prague
There are many ghost stories surrounding a medieval city like Prague. The most spectacular ghost (if you see him) is the flaming skeleton riding a black coach.
The lost Royal Palace of Prague
Tourists mistake any old-looking structure as something which is ancient and "worthy of attention." Whether this is true or not, it's always worth looking into the detail of anything you see on your travels.
This article focuses on Prague's magnificent Municipal House.
St Valentine’s Shoulder in Prague
I’ve written about saintly relics before. They exist all over the world because there is a belief that proximity to even part of a saint means ‘something’ can rub off.
Istanbul’s Galata Tower
Like any self-respecting city, Istanbul is not short of towering city blocks providing incredible views. One of the oldest towers is the Galata Tower which overlooks the Bosphorus straits.
The Black Sun in medieval Prague
Tourists stroll along Prague’s Celetna street, heading to or from the beautiful Old Town Square. Those who look up and marvel at the art on the buildings facades will wonder what the symbol of a black sun means. This article explores its mythology and its connection, or otherwise, to Prague's mystical alchemical trail.
Why Prague’s Hidden White Peacock Holds the Secret to Transformation
Walk down Celetna street in Prague's Old Town and you might miss it. There's a coded message left by alchemists—a sign that you're walking the path to enlightenment.
The Legend of St John’s 5 Stars
Uniquely amongst Catholic saints, the statue of the Bohemian St John of Nepomuk has 5 stars on its halo. Catholic tradition usually portrays the Virgin Mary with stars (and all others with a simple halo), so what's the story here?
Prague’s Powder Tower: The Full History
Tourists crowd around the Powder Tower for selfies and videos and who can blame them? The city is photogenic; this tower is one of the iconic scenes people have in mind. The funny thing about the tower is that, grandiose as it is, it was always more ornamental than useful.
This article explains why and how it was built, and how it became what it is today.