Tag: Czechia

A copper engraving of Prague besieged by Swedes in 1648

The Lasting effects of the Thirty Years’ War

I've written plenty of articles about the effects of the 30 Years' war on Prague and Czechia in general. I knew bits and pieces of the story so I decided to put all my research into a larger article to put things into context.
A photo of Prague, as seen from the top of the Lesser Town Bridge Tower - Prague, Czechia

How to find the hidden mysteries of alchemy in Prague

Prague has alchemical symbols hiding in plain sight. Regular readers will be familiar with some of these. There is a larger pattern of alchemical symbols hiding in the streets of Prague. This article guides you through the mystical underbelly of the City of a Thousand Spires!
A photo of the National Museum - Prague, Czechia

The Lost Walls of Prague’s New Town

I've written about the walls of Prague's Old Town, which the city destroyed. It's unfortunate they removed such a historical feature. Once Prague had a New Town and external fortifications there was no need for the walls around the Old Town.
A photo of the view on Bezděz castle - Liberec, Czechia

How to see a quarter of Bohemia in one go

About an hour's drive north-east of Prague, the Gothic Bezděz castle watches over the region of Liberec. The view from the top of the Devil's Tower is such that you can see one-eighth of the entire country!
A photo of the tree line - Houska, Czechia

Do you know where the Gates to Hell are?

Houska Castle is a thirteenth century castle in the middle of a large unpopulated area in Bohemia. It's only an hour's drive north from Prague which makes it perfect for a day trip if you don't mind visiting the gates of hell ?
A photo of the interrogation room - Velke Losiny, Czechia

The Hated and Feared Czech Witch Hunter

In 1678, Jindřich František Boblig arrived in the small town of Velke Losiny in Northern Moravia. It was the beginning of a horrifying nightmare from the region. Boblig was one of the Inquisition's ?witch-hunters.
A photo of Stromovka park - Prague, Czechia

The surprising tunnel under Prague 7

Sixteenth century Prague was smaller than it is today. Prague Castle was the only part of the city north of the river. The neighbourhood which is now known as Prague 7, or Holesovice, was not inhabited at the time. The Kings used to hunt and fish ? here.
A photo of the Charles Bridge (seen from the Old Town Tower) - Prague, Czechia

The superstition behind Charles Bridge

Every visitor to Prague ends up on the Charles Bridge. There is a magnificent view of the castle and the city from there, so it isn't surprising the bridge is packed all day long. Not many people traipsing across know about the superstition behind its construction.