Tag: Hradčany

A portrait of Maria Theresa

The Empress who transformed a city

When Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV died in 1740, he didn’t leave any male heirs. His daughter, Maria Theresa, inherited the role and became the first Empress of the Empire. Her influence can be directly seen in Prague, which became one of the major imperial cities because of her.
A photo of a gargoyle on the Town House in Munich

Banning Bohemian gargoyles

Gargoyles are an important architectural feature in Gothic buildings around Europe. These ornate water spouts depict grotesque creatures or human figures. As practical as they were, they seem to have existed from the 14th to the 16th century in Bohemia.
A photo of the second sunset - Prague, Czechia

The solstice and the double-sunset

Prague is full of esoteric and exotic features, which makes a random walk around the city a magnificent way of spotting all that the City of a Hundred Spires has to offer. If you're in Prague on the summer solstice, you can watch the sun set twice on the same day if you're around the Charles Bridge.
A photo of the banqueting hall, now an art gallery - Prague, Czechia

The death of Tycho Brahe

One of the many illustrious people who lived in Prague was the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe. He came for the mysteries of alchemy, and he died in Prague because he was overly polite. Would you have risked your life like this?
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!
The Cartouche of the Two Suns - Prague, Czechia

The Two Suns of Prague

An enigmatic cartouche of two suns watches you as you walk up to Prague’s famous Castle complex. On either end of the suns, two faces in profile look in opposite directions;
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A photo of the Golden Apples - Prague, Czechia

Prague’s Golden Apples

Prague castle boasts one of the most spectacular views of the city. On your way up, you can see the Golden Apples of Greek mythology hanging above a doorway.