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A practical guide to Moravian vampires
In the early 1700s, Czechia was the center of suspected vampire activity There was a “vampire panic” across much of Central and Eastern Europe in the first half of the 18th century.…
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Native American and African ghosts haunt far from home
Two of Prague’s sadder ghost legends tell of people who died while on tour with traveling shows. Prague has two resident ghosts – a Native American and an African – who died…
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Whipping away infertility at Easter with a pomlázka
A traditional practice involves braided willow branches called a pomlázka and plum brandy. Easter in Europe has always been tied up with spring rituals related to fertility and birth. Bunnies are among…
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Ghost riders patrol Prague’s New Town at night
Three ghost riders haunt the same area near the start of the Royal Route. The area around the square called náměstí Republiky marks the start of the old Royal Route that leads…
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Krampus, Santa’s evil friend stows bad kids in a sack
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…
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The kind ghost nun at St Agnes Cloister
A wealthy nobleman tried to break up a romance by having his daughter become a nun. The rich should marry the rich, and the poor should marry the poor. That idea was…
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Bruncvík and his magic sword
A dragon-slaying knight and his white lion now guard Charles Bridge. Not all of the statues on Charles Bridge are actually on top of the bridge. There is one off to the…
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The miraculous painting by Charles Bridge
An eternal flame, a portrait of St Mary and two washer rollers make an odd shrine. If you cross Charles Bridge, you may notice an odd shrine on the small balcony of…
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Pierre de Lasenic, a modern occultist led a mysterious life
Books by the 20th-century occultist Pierre de Lasenic remain in print but the man is an enigma. When people think of the occult in Prague, the time of Rudolf II comes to mind. But…
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The creepy Bone Church of Kutná Hora
Bones from 40,000 plague and war victims are in creative sculptures in the Bone Church. The ossuary at Sedlec is generally called the Bone Church, and for good reason. Bones from tens…
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A scary ghost bride stalks motorists at the Nine Crosses exit
A wedding ended in a massacre, and the ghost bride now haunts the D1 motorway. The tale of an unhappy female ghost causing havoc for motorists on the highway is almost universal.…
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A hooker and an angry Priest haunt Celetná Street
A truly odd couple roams Celetná Street near Old Town Square at night, oblivious to anyone else. Ladies of the night have always flocked to busy market areas and touristy spots, at…
