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Blog posts tagged with 'prague'

November 17th: Commemorating the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy

 

Every year on November 17th, the Czech Republic observes a significant national holiday known as the Day of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy. This date holds immense historical importance, symbolizing the peaceful fight against totalitarianism and the relentless pursuit of democratic values.

 

 

 

The origins of this holiday trace back to 1939 when Czech students took to the streets of Prague to protest the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. Tragically, the peaceful demonstration was met with brutal force,...

Čertovka a Hidden Gem on Prague's Lesser Town

Tucked away in the charming Lesser Town (Malá Strana) of Prague lies a hidden gem known as Čertovka, or the Devil's Channel. This picturesque waterway, also referred to as Vltavská strouha, offers visitors a delightful escape from the bustling streets of the Czech capital. Here, you can embark on a journey through history, enjoy a leisurely stroll along its banks, and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere that makes Čertovka a true Prague treasure.

 

 

A Serene Waterway Steeped in History

Čertovka's his...

Discovering Náměstí Republiky: A Blend of History and Modernity

Náměstí Republiky, or Republic Square, is a vibrant hub nestled in the heart of Prague, where the city's rich history seamlessly intertwines with modern life. This bustling square has something for everyone, from architectural marvels to shopping and cultural experiences.

1. Municipal House

At the eastern end of Náměstí Republiky stands the stunning Municipal House, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture. Its intricate façade and intricate detailing make it a visual delight. Inside, you'll find the exquisite S...

Unveiling the Timeless Charm of Prague's Old Town

Prague, often hailed as the "City of a Hundred Spires," boasts a history that spans centuries. At the heart of this captivating city lies its Old Town, a place where time seems to stand still amidst a blend of history, culture, and architectural wonders.

 

 

As you stroll through the cobblestone streets of Prague's Old Town, you'll find yourself transported back in time. The impressive Gothic and Baroque architecture of the buildings that line the streets showcases the city's rich and diverse history.

One of ...

Metronome Prague: Where Art, History, and Scenic Views Converge

In the heart of Prague's Letná Park stands a giant, rhythmic guardian of the city, the Metronome. This iconic structure has not only become a symbol of modern Prague but also a gathering place for both locals and tourists. Here's what makes the Metronome so special:

 

 

 

Perched atop Letná's hill, the Metronome occupies a spot once held by a monumental statue of Josef Stalin, a stark relic of the city's communist past. After the fall of communism in 1989, the statue was torn down, and the Metronome emerged a...

Baroque Beauty in Prague: St. Nicholas Church in Lesser Town

St. Nicholas Church in Malá Strana is a Baroque Masterpiece

The St. Nicholas Church, located in the picturesque neighborhood of Malá Strana in Prague, stands as an exquisite example of Baroque architecture and is considered one of the most prominent churches in the Czech Republic. With its awe-inspiring facade, remarkable interior, and rich history, this church has captivated visitors for centuries.

 

 

 

 

A Glimpse into History

Construction of the St. Nicholas Church began in 1704 under the supervision o...

A Blend of Nature and History: The fascinating Petřín Hill

Nestled in the heart of Prague, Petřín Hill is a true gem that combines lush natural beauty with historical attractions. Towering above the city, this green oasis offers visitors a delightful escape from the urban hustle and bustle.

 

 

 

The Eiffel Tower of Prague

A visit to Petřín Hill wouldn't be complete without ascending the iconic Petřín Lookout Tower. Often referred to as the "Eiffel Tower of Prague," this 63.5-meter-tall steel structure offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Climbing the 299 ...

Discover the Magic of Prague's Astronomical Clock: The Famous Prague Orloj

The Prague astronomical clock or Prague Orloj  is a medieval astronomical clock attached to the Old town hall at the Old town square in Prague. 

The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest clock still in operation. 

 

 

The clock mechanism has three main components – the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details; statues of various Catholic saints stand on either sid...

Exploring Czech easter traditions: From egg decorating to whipping monday

Easter means that spring has arrived. Many traditions are still observed and practiced, especially in villages, and different regions may have their own Easter traditions and customs. The week preceding Easter is called Holy Week. And Monday? Monday is all about folk traditions! And what are they?

 

    

The most famous symbol of Easter, not only in the Czech Republic, is the painted egg, which used to represent fertility and new life. Today, they are only used for decoration. Empty eggshells are decorated in a ...

Kranner staircase

As early as 1622, Charles of Liechtenstein was thinking about the staircase between Kampa and the Charles Bridge. Time, however, had other concerns. Only the flood in 1784 was the last impulse to build at least a wooden spiral staircase from Kampa to the Charles Bridge in 1785. 

 

 

Until then, people from the flooded Kampa had to climb ladders from their houses and boats to the bridge. In 1844, Josef Ondřej Kranner built the current neo-Gothic stone staircase. This staircase is still a popular backdrop for fi...

Column of Knowledge in Prague

The so-called Idiom, a column made of 8,000 books, has been present in the vestibule of the Central Library at Mariánské Square since 1998. The author of the Idiom, sometimes dubbed the “Column of Knowledge“, is the Slovak artist Matej Krén. It has been standing in the entrance hall for twenty five years and is rightly attracting a lot of attention. Lean into it – and you’ll know right away what infinity is.

 

 

 

 

Matej Kren often uses books to connect viewers with the feeling of infinity, exploring their st...

Prague: City of love

Prague is the 2nd most romantic city in Europe. Did you know that? Prague has a lots of breath-taking views, fairy tale cobblestone streets and pastel-coloured buildings, chapels, castles, candlelit dinners, and horse-drawn carriages is the ideal recipe for romance. As one walks the historic bridges and old parts of the city, one will hear buskers playing classic old music that catapults one back to the times of Mozart and Beethoven.

 

 

Prague is one of the continent's main tourist attractions. In fact, it is...

Four Prague mysteries: Faust's house, the Jewish town, a miraculous mummy and the Devil's column at Vyšehrad

 If you are planning a trip to Prague, do not miss these tips on four mysterious places, which are not usually on the first pages of the guides and are definitely worth a visit. You should not miss the famous Faust House, the old Jewish town, the miraculous mummy of Maria Electa on Hradčanské náměstí or the Devil's column in Vyšehrad.

 

 Faust Hause

 

The Faust House:

 

The Faust House stands at the Charles Square, in the area, where people used to bring sacrifices to the dark goddess Morana in the pagan times. The plac...

140 years since the first phone call was made in Prague

The first telephone call in Bohemia was made on April 10, 1881 between the Hartmann coal mine in Ledvice and a nearby train station in Duchcov, covering a distance of around two and a half kilometres.

 

 

 

A year after the first phone call took place, the first switchboard was established at Pragues Malé náměstí, in a house called u Rychtrů. In the beginning, 13 people were interested to own the phone. It was far from a cheap service. In addition to the call charge, other fees were paid - for the distance of ...

Mysteries of Star Summer Palace - Letohrádek Hvězda

At the place where the famous Battle of White Mountain (Bílá hora) took place in 1620, today we find a beautiful English park with rich alleys. The whole area is dominated by the original Renaissance building of the summer house, which has the shape of a six-pointed star and after which the park is named.

 

 

Letohrádek Hvězda is one of the most mysterious buildings in Prague. According to ancient legends, a sacred oak tree was supposed to stand on the site of the Star. In front of which a fire was burning, wh...

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