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Halloween step aside: Dušičky rules in Bohemia
In most of Central Europe, All Souls’ Day is a family affair. For much of the English-speaking world, October is spooky season, with ghost and cobweb decorations already going up. It culminates…
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The unlucky black cat of the Křížalova Street inn
A murder plan during the plague had long consequences for an evil servant Prague’s menagerie of supernatural critters of course includes a black cat. The tale is one of the most gruesome,…
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Terror of a bald ghost haunting Wig Maker’s Hill
A wildly unlikely tale attempts to explain the odd name of a local park. A hill overlooking Prague’s largest cemetery, Olšanské hřbitovy, has an undeservedly shady reputation but is now home to…
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The mysterious White Lady of the Záběhlice Chateau
A ghost at what was a rural castle near a vineyard never revealed her secrets Parts of what is now Prague used to be villages separated by dusty and seldom used roads.…
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Perchta, the ghostly White Lady of the Rožmberk castles
The famous White Lady had a difficult life but returned after death to look after the Rožmberk family and property
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Ruprecht the headless ghost of a trumpeter haunts the Senate
One of Prague’s finest palaces is home to a headless ghost who missed an important command Some people like to sleep in late, especially after a night of partying. And isn’t it…
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Ghostly goats of the Golden City
Among the more curious supernatural apparitions in Prague are some stubborn ghostly goatsPrague at night is a virtual menagerie of spectral animals. There are the mundane yet otherworldly dogs and cats, and…
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Prague’s cemetery row is a sculpture garden of history
The city’s gardens of stone offer a retreat from the overly touristed center Visitors to Prague can be quickly overwhelmed by how crowded the main tourist attractions are. But the city’s cemetery…
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Whipping away infertility at Easter with a pomlázka
A traditional practice involves braided willow branches called a pomlázka and plum brandyEaster in Europe has always been tied up with spring rituals related to fertility and birth. Bunnies are among the…
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Ghost riders at náměstí Republiky
Three ghost riders haunt the same area near the start of the Royal RouteThe area around the square called náměstí Republiky marks the start of the old Royal Route that leads all…
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Red Goat, the pirate ghost of Prague
A seafaring buccaneer tried to hide on land but could not escape his fate The current mayor of Prague, since November 15, 2018, has been a member of the Czech Pirate Party.…
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Krampus, the evil friend of Santa
A demonic figure with pagan roots called Krampus puts bad kids in a sack Christmas traditions vary across regions in Europe. Not entirely surprisingly, the residents of Central Europe tend to go…
