A photo of Barbastro today

The siege of Barbastro – the pre-crusade

In the 11th century, Musim-controlled Spain was under attack from Roman Catholic Europe. One key siege was a turning point in how the church viewed war as a tool of foreign policy. This article explores the impact of the siege, and how it influenced the Crusades.

A photo of the old labour camp

The Red Tower of Death

In western Czechia, there is a grim reminder of how the Communists treated prisoners. This article explains what the Red Tower of Death is, and why it exists.

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.