Jáchymov marks 500th anniversary of foundation

Events marking the 500th anniversary of the foundation of the West Bohemian town of Jáchymov are reaching a climax this weekend. On Saturday a procession of historical figures through the town is being followed by a light show referring to the town’s past, while on Sunday a special mass is being said at a local church. The locally minted 16th century silver currency the tolar is regarded as being a forerunner of the dollar. In the 20th century Jáchymov was known for its uranium mines, where many political prisoners were used as forced labour.

Author: Ian Willoughby