The myths of magical Prague
Magical Prague is a city of myths and mysteries. The Czech capital is home to many legends and its cobblestone streets, glowing lanterns, stone statues and gothic architecture all add to its undeniable mysticism.
Set out on a trail of its tales, from fantasy creatures to unique places which make up the character of the 'City of a Hundred Spires'.
Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge is the oldest bridge in Prague, built between 1357-1402 and named after Charles IV who commissioned its construction. The bridge is lined with status of saints, and there are two fountains on either side of it that were added for tourists when they crossed. Interestingly, the last stone of the bridge was put into place at 5:31am on July 9, 1357. The significance of this date becomes clearer when looking at the ascending and descending odd digits, 135797531. The legend goes that if you step on one of the bridge's stones at night, your shadow will be reflected back at you…
Wenceslas Square
This renowned square was named after St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia. It started life as a horse market in 14th century, and it is now home to some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the National Library, National Museum, Old Town Hall and the House of the Black Madonna. The famous statue of St. Wenceslas on horseback in the middle of the square was sculpted between 1887-1924 by Josef Václav Myslbek.
The nun of St. Agnes Convent
In the Old Town, by the banks of the Vltava, sits the Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia, one of the most important gothic buildings in the city. It is said to have a ghost of a murdered nun. The story tells of a young woman who fell in love with a man against her father's will. He sent her to live in the convent, and when she tried to escape, she was met by her father who murdered her in the hallway. People have claimed to have seen her moaning and weeping at night or smiling at an unhappy couple. It is believed she helps people who are unhappy, and wishes them a fulfilling life.
The Golem
During the reign of Rudolf II, Rabbi Judah Loew created a Golem of clay from the banks of the river Vltava to protect the Jewish quarter and its citizens. At this times, Jews were heavily persecuted in the city and spent their days in fear, until the Golem came. The legend goes that one day during the Sabbath, the Rabbi forgot to let Golem rest and he went on a rampage in the ghetto's streets. While this was happening, the great Maharal of Prague was reciting Psalm 92 in the Old New Synagogue. To this day, during services here, Psalm 92 is recited twice as an ode to the great Rabbi Loew.
The knight of Daliborka Tower
Located in the magnificent Prague Castle complex is the Daliborka Tower, part of the castle's late Gothic fortifications. It was used as a prison until the end of the 18th century and housed Dalibor of Kozojedy, a young knight who was sentenced to death for sheltering serfs. While in prison, it is said he learned to play the violin and because so good that locals would gather to listen to him play. His execution date was never publicly announced, and people only learned of his death when the music stopped playing.
Libuše, the founder of Prague
From its foundation in the 8th century, it is said Libuše, a princess and fantasy figure, one day had a vision while standing over the Vysehrad Fortress. She saw a mighty town called Praha, a name that derives from the word 'prah', meaning "threshold", and the Czech name for the city we know as Prague today.
Prague really is a city where dreams meet reality. The Hideaways Club apartment, Malá Strana, sits in the shadow of Prague Castle, and is perfectly positioned to explore this magical place on foot. A majestic weekend city break.
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