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In search of the Green Man in Prague
Mysterious leaf-covered Green Man faces adorn several Prague landmarks The Green Man, a face either completely made of or covered in foliage, can be found on buildings across Europe. Prague has several…
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The Apocalypse was supposed to unfold in Prague’s New Town
Emperor Charles IV believed the world would end in his lifetime. If you lived in medieval times, Doomsday was always just around the corner. Emperor Charles IV was not only a firm believer…
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Mystery in stone: the New Town Hall palindrome
Two sentences in Latin are the same backwards and forwards If you look closely at the side of the tower of the New Town Hall next to Prague’s Karlovo náměstí, you will…
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Secrets and legends of Prague’s House at the Black Madonna
The statue seen by millions of tourists hints at alchemical mysteries Even if you visit Prague for just one day, you are likely to pass by the House of the Black Madonna,…
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Does a vampire princess live in a Bohemian church?
Eleonore von Schwarzenberg is buried in a church in Český Krumlov. The odd circumstances have led some to speculate she was considered a vampire princess.
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Sepulchral imagery in The Bohemian Gothic Tarot
Motifs from Prague cemeteries adorn several cards in The Bohemian Gothic Tarot.
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The Rudolfine Tunnel, a technical marvel from a strange time
A 400-year-old engineering feat runs beneath Prague’s Letná district. Emperor Rudolf II is mostly remembered for his pursuit of esoteric arts like alchemy and astrology, or his vast collections of curiosities including…
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The Black Death is commemorated by Prague’s fascinating plague columns
A lot of squares have Baroque columns in the center. Many were to give thanks for the end of a recent outbreak of Black Death
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Follow Nosferatu on a scary excursion to Czech ruins
All three versions of Nosferatu used gothic locations in Czechia or Czechoslovakia. . The classic of Gothic cinema started as an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s seminal vampire novel Dracula.
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Bohemian holiday traditions: Foretelling what the new year will bring
Carp scales, walnut shell boats and molten lead help to predict fortunes for the coming year. As the new year approaches, people are naturally curious about what the next year will bring…
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Devilish gingerbread is a tempting Bohemian holiday treat
Visitors are often surprised to see devilish gingerbread next to other holiday figures. One curious element of Christmas in Bohemia is the omnipresent Devil, who is even seen in devilish gingerbread. The…
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Carmilla: the undying allure of the first lesbian vampire story
The original goth girl has inspired a whole genre of fiction. The second most popular vampire tale no doubt is Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu, published in 1872. This story of a…
