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Prague was founded by Libuše, a pagan princess
A visionary woman named Libuše saw the future of the Czech capital. Like many old cities, the origins of Prague are a bit mysterious. A popular legend says the city was founded…
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Cursed trios reside on the facades of three Prague houses
Building names hold clues to some gruesome tales about unfortunate trios of people. Older buildings in Prague are known not by their numbers but by distinctive names, and corresponding pictures are often…
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The ghost of a Templar knight gave up due to disrespect
A Templar knight on a fire-breathing horse went on strike when their church became a print shop. The former Church of St. Anne on Liliová Street in Prague’s Old Town used to…
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The fortuneteller of the Golden Lane
Madame de Thebes read cards at Prague Castle’s Golden Lane but fell afoul of the Gestapo. One of the big attractions of Prague Castle is the Golden Lane. Legends claim it was…
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The Devil’s Column is due to a diabolical bet
Some see a broken stone pillar as evidence that a demon named Zardan visited Prague. The history of Vyšehrad goes back to the very foundation of Prague, and the walled fortress-like area…
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Interactive map shows the ghosts of Prague
More than 100 spirits inhabit the historical parts of the Czech capital, and an interactive map helps to find them. Prague is filled with ghosts, at least according to popular legends. But…
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The Iron Knight at Prague’s City Hall is a jealous ghost
The statue of an Iron Knight at City Hall relates to a gruesome ghost story. Prague City Hall is certainly the only administrative building in the world with a statue of a…
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Witches’ Night is fun for the family
One of the first nice days of spring is an excuse to roast sausages and burn a witch. Witches’ Night sounds a bit ominous, but in Bohemia and much of Central Europe,…
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Legends of the Loreta Carillon
A sad tale stands behind the melodious bells in the tower known as the Loreta Carillon. The beautiful pilgrimage church called the Loreta, in the Prague Castle neighborhood, has more than its…
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The Infant of Prague doubles as a Santeria idol
An Afro-Spanish religion uses the Infant of Prague to represent one of its key figures. One statue, two religions. The Infant of Prague is of course a world-famous Roman Catholic icon, and…
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Magic Prague Tour shows a week of wonders
People can see esoteric treasures plus meet like-minded people. Prague, and much of Bohemia, is just filled with mystical and curious places. Finding them on your own and separating the fact from…
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Meet Kabourek, Prague’s famous beer-loving water sprite
A friendly green vodník used to be a regular in pubs near Kampa Island. There is a particular type of Bohemian supernatural being called a vodník, or water sprite. They are related…
