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The devil chef of Emauzy
The centuries-old monastery once had some devilishly good food made by a devil chef. The monastery at Emauzy looks pleasant enough from a distance, with its modern concrete wing-shaped spires added in…
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The valiant legend of Horymír and his talking horse Šemík
A knight tried to stop a famine by urging the prince to turn away from silver. Greed drives rulers to become shortsighted tyrants. Bohemia was once filled with silver ore. Back in…
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How Drahomíra was dragged through the gateway to Hell
The pagan era ended when a conspiring duchess was dragged down into a gateway to Hell, One of the dark villains of early Bohemian history is Duchess Drahomíra of Stodor, one of…
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Built with the Devil’s help, Part III: Karlov
The big dome at the Church of St Charlemagne in Karlov is simply to die for. Making a large building or a bridge requires a lot of complex math and engineering. But…
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Built with the Devil’s help, Part II: Kinský Palace
Kinský Palace may have some dark secrets buried in its foundation. Making a large building or a bridge requires a lot of complex math and engineering. But back in the Middle Ages…
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Built with the Devil’s help, Part I: Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge was falling down until an architect made a deal. Making a large building or a bridge requires a lot of complex math and engineering. But back in the Middle Ages…
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Headless Laura and the Invisible Nun
Some buildings have become home to several restless spirits. The Czech Museum of Music doesn’t look too scary now, but in its long history it has attracted two or three ghosts. One…
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A fateful tale of false measurements at New Town Hall
The metal rod on the side of the old tower at New Town Hall is a reminder for those who would cheat at business. Near the entrance to New Town Hall, there…
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Rival ghosts haunt the House at the Golden Well
Old Town’s iconic House at the Golden Well is also home to legends of greed and murder. One of the most striking facades on the route from Charles Bridge to Old Town…
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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…
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Edward Kelley and his Bohemian adventures
British alchemist Edward Kelley went from highs to lows to a premature death in the Rudolfine era. When it comes to alchemists in Bohemia working under Rudolf II, two names stand out:…
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Alchemist and seer John Dee languishes in Bohemia
John Dee was once an adviser to Queen Elizabeth I, but he saw his fortunes decline in Prague. The scholarly John Dee will likely always be remembered for getting caught up with…
