Archive: Travel | Travel Travel
Cycle path traces former Iron Curtain, revealing forgotten history and unspoiled nature
The frightening and desolate border separating western Europe from the
Communist countries for some 40 years is now being made into a new
10,000-kilometer long cycling path, full of unique natural and historical
landmarks, going from northern Finland to southern Bulgaria. Part of the
Iron Curtain Trail in the Czech Republic began to be marked out a couple of
weeks ago. Radio Prague spoke to Daniel Mourek from the Partnerství
Foundation who is the coordinator for the Central European part of the
route and asked him about the background of the Iron Curtain Trail project. More
Cycle path shows the hidden side of Žižkov
The rumbling railroad track that used to pass through Žižkov in Prague
was completely natural to the gritty-but-chic image of the 19th century
proletariat quarter. The main western entrance to Žižkov was arched by
three foreboding railway bridges, and the noisy, spray-painted cars passed
alongside Vítkov hill to the cargo station. Four years ago the trains
were
still rattling the plaster off that lower end of the neighbourhood, just
as
they had been since the late Industrial Revolution, and then the route was
cancelled for a higher-capacity alternative. More
Sacral tourism on the rise in the Czech Republic
Sacral tourism is fast gaining ground in the Czech Republic. Although it is
perceived as one of Europe’s most atheist countries the Czech Republic
has an impressive network of cathedrals, basilicas, chapels and, even a
church museum. More
National Heritage Institute seeks to attract more visitors to Czech castles and chateaus
The Czech Republic is sometimes called the land of castles and chateaus.
For historic reasons, many of those monuments, including some of the most
popular ones such as Lednice, Český Krumlov and Karlštejn, are owned by
the state and run by the National Heritage Institute. To attract more
visitors to these sits, the institute this week opened an information
office in Prague. Radio Prague spoke to Tomáš Brabec from the National
Heritage Institute, and asked him what information visitors can find in the
new facility. More
Cycle path shows the hidden side of Žižkov
The rumbling railroad track that used to pass through Žižkov in Prague
was completely natural to the gritty-but-chic image of the 19th century
proletariat quarter. The main western entrance to Žižkov was arched by
three foreboding railway bridges, and the noisy, spray-painted cars passed
alongside Vítkov hill to the cargo station. Four years ago the trains
were
still rattling the plaster off that lower end of the neighbourhood, just
as
they had been since the late Industrial Revolution, and then the route was
cancelled for a higher-capacity alternative. More
Litoměřice
The North Bohemian town of Litoměřice has long enjoyed the reputation of
being one of the Czech Republic's most beautiful towns. Founded roughly
1,000 years ago, Litoměřice lies in one of the Czech Republic's hilliest
ranges on the confluence of the Elbe and Ohře Rivers. The town's
beginnings was originally a Slavonic fort overseeing a number of small
municipalities, later replaced by a castle and emerging town in the 11th
century. More
Romantic Kokořín
Anyone longing to escape the Czech capital in the stifling summer months
would do well to visit the nearby Kokořín region - only around 40
kilometres or so northeast of Prague. Kokořín - with deep forests,
valleys, as well as characteristic sandstone cliffs and unique
architecture, is remarkable. You'll feel you've travelled more than one
short train or bus ride away. It's an escape back to nature, with numerous
spots for swimming and excellent trails for hiking, all in quiet and peace.
More
Křivoklát Castle
With the arrival of spring in the Czech Republic the tourist season is
beginning to slowly re-awaken and with it a favourite Czech pastime -
visiting the country's many castles and chateaux with family and friends.
In that spirit today we visit the royal castle of Křivoklát - a most
remarkable site with a history that stretches back to the 12th century.
Found on a promontory of rolling hills overlooking deep woodlands,
Křivoklát was a favourite of King Wenceslas IV. He used it primarily for
leisure and sport, preferring it to his father's more famous Karlštejn,
located in the same region. Over the centuries Křivoklát then served as
bastion as well as prison; as fans of the esoteric will know even famous
English alchemist Edward Kelley was imprisoned there, breaking his leg in
a botched escape. Certainly, Křivoklát never easily released its own.
Their histories continue to pervade the site going back hundreds of years. More
What Mecca is to Mohammed, Říp is to a Czech
What are the origins of the Czechs? Where did they start out? The cultural
anthropologist would tell you there is no clear answer. The patriot however
would tell you the answer is as clear as day, or in this case, as clear as
a mountain: a famous one outside of Prague that has played a special role
in the history of Czechs, and it’s called Říp. More
Švihov Castle
Anyone visiting the area of southwest Bohemia throughout May to October
shouldn’t miss a tour of Švihov Castle, one of the country’s most
significant water castles found not far from Plzeň. Founded in the late
16th century, the castle represented the best defence system in its day –
a combination of high fortifications and moats that put off the most
obstinate of would-be attackers. Today the castle offers two tours, which
include a look into its inner courtyard, a private chapel and the armoury.
More
+1
