The Hungarian Girl » Czech Republic

Haunted Prague

The Hungarian Girl — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 06:00:00 +0000

The Old Jewish Cemetery, over 100,000 people are known to be buried here from the early 15th century to the 17th century. The site is reportedly to be one of the most haunted in the city.

Prague may come as no surprise as a spooky city due to its turbulent history and the many myths and urban legends that surround its top attractions.

Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, visiting these so-called “haunted places” make for a fun way of discovering the city.

You can find many tour groups in Prague that offer haunted walks throughout the year.

Charles Bridge

During the Middle Ages, this bridge held the heads of ten lords who were executed. Their heads were stuck on poles and placed on the bridge. It is said that the ghosts of the lords haunt the Charles Bridge still today. If you hear voices singing as you cross over the bridge around midnight, you can attribute it to the spirits of the headless ghosts.

Charles Bridge at dusk. Originally this was a place of execution for the Old Town.

The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn

This Gothic edifice began as a humble church serving residents in the mercantile town in the 14th century. Among the residents who lived in the settlement was a Turkish immigrant. When his betrothed ran off and married another, he flew into a rage and chopped her head off. He is said to wander around the Ungelt courtyard carrying the decapitated head.

St. Vitus Cathedral

In the 1600′s, Prague Castle was the home of Emperor Charles IV and his four wives. They were all buried beneath St. Vitus Cathedral. It is said the wives can be heard bickering amongst themselves in the night.

Old Royal Castle

In 1618, two Catholic governors were thrown out of a high window by a Protestant leader. The incident ignited the Thirty Years War. The bitter ghosts of the governors are said to roam the area seeking revenge for the wrongs committed against them.

Old Jewish Cemetery

The oldest existing Jewish graveyard in Europe, this cemetery was used from 1439-1787. The numbers of grave stones and numbers of people buried there are uncertain, because there are layers of tombs. However, it has been estimated that there are approximately 12,000 tombstones presently visible and there may be as many as 100,000 burials in all. This area is said to be the most haunted part of the city.

Strahov Monastery

A poor woman resided near the Strahov Monastery around the time of the plague. As her children died, one after the other from the pestilence, she used what few coins she had to ring the chapel bells. When she died, the bells continued to ring out, and on dark, moonless nights a hymn dedicated to Mary is said to be heard long after everyone has left the chapel.

Top Ten Underrated Cities in Central & Eastern Europe

The Hungarian Girl — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:49:57 +0000

Miljacka river and Latin bridge in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

If you’re looking to broaden the scope of your trips to include some less-talked-about places, with outstanding things to see and do. Here is our list of top ten underrated cities in Central & Eastern Europe.

Ceský Krumlov, Czech Republic

Ceský Krumlov is located in the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic. The city is famous for its Old Town, with 300 protected medieval buildings, and its castle complex, the second largest in the country. The cosy inns, coffee shops, and ancient taverns entertain a diverse international crowd. Being a world-renowned country for beer, Ceský Krumlov is also home to the Pivovar Eggenberg brewery.

Pécs, Hungary

Under the old communist regime, most of the government’s focus and money went to Budapest. As a result, foreign visitors rarely ventured beyond this city on the Danube River. However, there is a lot more to see within this charming country. Located on the slopes of the Mecsek mountains in the south-west of the country, close to the borders of Croatia, is Pécs. This ancient city has a multicultural heritage that includes rich Hungarian traditions and a history dating to the Romans, who called it Sopianae. Historical buildings, famous works of art, Turkish mosques, cafes, and wine cellars are just a few of the best highlights.

Kiev, Ukraine

There is much more to Ukraine than news stories of political tyranny and military submarines. The country gained its independence from Moscow, in 1991. Today its bustling capital Kiev has over 3 million residents and is considered an important centre of Eastern Europe. With a skyline defined by the golden domes of numerous churches and monasteries, the streets of Kiev, one of Europe’s oldest cities, exude a sense of permanence. It has stood here for centuries, its fortunes rising and falling, and now exists as a striking modern city which preserves its past, to the delight of visitors.

Torun, Poland

Contrary to Warsaw, Gdansk and some other Polish cities, Torun suffered no damage during World War II, and has retained its authentic character. It has many monuments of architecture beginning from the Middle Ages, including 200 military structures. The city is famous for having preserved almost intact its medieval spatial layout and many Gothic buildings, all built from brick, including monumental churches, the Town Hall and many burgher houses. Its lively centre is full of diverse cafes and pubs, offering a refreshing stop to its visitors. Torun specialises in traditional gingerbread, which makes it a great place to visit during the Christmas season.

St. Andrew's church in Kiev, Ukraine.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana is a vibrant and diverse city. It consists of colorful squares, stunning architecture, quaint cafes and shops, and stone bridges. Ljubljana also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, hosting countless musical, theatrical, and avant-garde events throughout the year. In the summer months, the Ljubljana Festival brings more than 50 cultural events and performances to the city. Furthermore, just outside Ljubljana there is skiing, water rafting, mountain biking and many outdoor pursuits.

Zagreb, Croatia

People often pass up this city in favor of Croatia’s sunny coastlines but Zagreb is worth visiting as well. It is home to more than 30 museums comprising of 3.6 million artifacts and exhibits. The historical part of the city to the north of Ban Jelacic Square is composed of the Gornji Grad and Kaptol, a medieval urban complex of churches, palaces, museums, galleries and government buildings. The city is also blossoming with modern shops, restaurants, bars, and other new businesses.

Riga, Latvia

Situated along the river Daugava, on the coast of Baltic Sea, Riga enjoys the status of being the largest city amongst the Baltic States. During the day, visitors can spend time walking through its windy cobbled streets in “old town” while admiring the grandoise architecture. Nightmarish gargoyles and praying goddesses adorn over 750 buildings along its stately boulevards. There’s also world-class performances of opera and theatre, many of which are very affordable. By night the city pulsates with life, offering a plethora of clubs, restaurants and bars.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is relatively unknown and unexplored by most travelers. It is a city with a rich past that features a combination of European and Communist-style architecture as well as many beautiful orthodox churches. Sofia has a many great attractions, excellent shopping and day excursions. Furthermore, it claims to be one of the few European capitals with a developed ski-resort so close to it – the Vitosha mountain.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is a picturesque city on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. Once a medieval Hanseatic town and for long periods in history dominated by the Germans, Swedes and Russians, Tallinn today contain lots of influence from those days but still manages to retain an Estonian soul and identity. There are numerous historical buildings to explore as well as beautiful parks and sights. Twisting cobblestone lanes and ancient stone walls, Gothic spires and medieval markets make up Tallinn’s old town. For those travelers who are looking for an unexplored but civilizing and stylish destination, Tallinn is a perfect choice.

Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina

Sarajevo is situated in the Miljacka River valley and is surrounded by the mountains which were host to the 1984 Winter Olympics. The recent war in Bosnia devastated the city and its inhabitants, and although the scars are visible in the shell-shocked pavement and demolished buildings, the progress is substantial. There is much to to appreciate in this moving city from museums, theatres, parks, cafes, as well as cultural events throughout the year. Sarajevo is one of the few places in the world that has a mosque, synagogue, and a Orthodox and Roman Catholic church within walking distance of each other. A reminder that Sarajevo can have religious diversity and that people can coexist in peace. This is one city that will prove to be a very worthy destination in the near future.

Luxury train travel: The Danube Express

The Hungarian Girl — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:20:05 +0000

The Danube Express which takes takes travellers to some of the most vibrant and contrasting cities in Europe including Istanbul, Prague, Vienna, Transylvania, Moravia and Bulgaria. Photo courtesy of the Danube Express.

Operating since 2008, The Danube Express is one of the newest train travel services in Europe. Yet, this emerging rail company is quickly getting a reputation for its high class service and distinct itineraries.

The luxury “hotel on wheels” offers travelers a journey across some of the most spectacular areas of Central and Eastern Europe.

Tours include the Istanbul Loop, a 7-day excursion from Budapest through Sighisoara & Brasov, Veliko Turnovo & Kazanlak and Istanbul as well as the Transylvanian Tour which entails a 4-day journey encountering stunning scenery and ancient architecture in Transylvania and rural Bulgaria. There is also The Hapsburg which takes travellers on 3-day journey through the heart of Europe including Vienna, Salzburg and the majestic mountains of Berchtesgaden.

Deluxe compartment with it's nostalgic and elegant decor. Photo courtesy of the Danube Express.

Tours start in either Budapest or Frankfurt with London St Pancras International or Heathrow for fully escorted holidays including hotel stays at various destinations. A professional tour manager accompanies guests for the entire duration of the trip.

The carriages of the Danube Express were originally built for the ruling elite of Hungary’s government in the 1950’s and visiting dignitaries. Most recently, the train has been fully refurbished and restored to its original splendor. Its brass-fitted deluxe sleeping compartments offer two lower berths and have private ensuite bathrooms with showers. All meals are included and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks are served in the restaurant and lounge cars.

Passengers will enjoy the excitement and intrigue of this luxurious train. Just imagine the thought of boarding in London to waking up to the exotic landscape of Istanbul or the Great Hungarian Plain. There are few things that can compare to such an unforgettable experience.

Prague’s Highlights

The Hungarian Girl — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:21:59 +0000

Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world at about 570 meters in length and an average of about 130 meters wide.

Situated on the River Vltava in central Bohemia, Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic.

This beautiful and impressive city has become a major tourist destination in Eastern Europe.

Here are some of the city’s best highlights.

Prague Castle

Constructed in the 9th century by Prince Borivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world.

It consists of a massive-scale composition of palaces and ecclesiastical buildings of various architectural styles, from Roman-style buildings from the 10th century through Gothic modifications in the 14th century.

The castle also houses several museums, including the National Gallery collection of Bohemian baroque and mannerism art, exhibition dedicated to Czech history, Toy Museum and the picture gallery of Prague Castle, based on the collection of Rudolf II.

St Vitus’s Cathedral

Located within Prague Castle and containing the tombs of Bohemian kings including Charles IV, Wenceslas IV and Rudolf II, this cathedral is an excellent example of Gothic architecture and is the largest and most important church in the country. Visitors can climb the southern tower for a wonderful view of the city.

Old Town Square

The Old Town Square started life as the central marketplace for Prague during the late 12th century. Over the years, many buildings of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles were erected around the market.

Old Town Square is one of the most popular gathering places in the city.

Today, it is a bustling area with cafe tables, street vendors, horse carriages, holiday markets and crowds of tourists. It’s most notable sights are the Jan Hus Memorial, Church of Our Lady Before Tyn, the Old Town Hall Tower & Astronomical Clock and the stunning Church of St. Nicholas.

The Loreto

This grandiose church was built during the 17th century and is a renowned place of pilgrimage. It’s most proud possession is a replica of the original Santa Casa in Loreto, Italy, believed to be the house where the Virgin Mary received the Incarnation.

Inside is the Church of the Nativity, which has fully clothed remains of two Spanish saints, St. Felicissimus and St. Marcia. The exterior of the Loreto is decorated with statues of religious figures, including Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John, as well as cherubs and other saints. The Loreto Treasury also has a wealth of liturgical items.

St Agnes’s Convent

St Agnes’s Convent was established in 1234 by Agnes, a sister of King Wenceslas I. It is the oldest Gothic building in the Czech Republic. The convent consists of two buildings, the convent of the Order of Poor Ladies and the monastery of Franciscans. In 1960′s, the complex was restored to its original splendor and is used by the National Gallery to display a collection of medieval and early Renaissance art.

The magnificent St Vitus’s Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. It was founded by Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia in 925.

Charles Bridge

This picturesque bridge contains over 30 statues of former citizens along with two large towers which can be climbed to get an excellent view of the city. Keep in mind that Charles Bridge is extremely crowded with tourists and trinket stalls. It’s best to go early in the day and or late in the evening.

The Old Jewish Quarter

The Old Jewish Quarter in Prague, known as Josefov, is located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River. Jews are believed to have settled in Prague as early as the 10th century. The area is a living testimony to the history of Prague Jews, spanning many centuries from the medieval ages through the Nazi German occupation to present day. Europe’s oldest surviving Jewish cemetery and several synagogues are just a few of the fascinating things to see.

Petrin Hill

Covered with forests, orchards, and gardens, Petrin Hill is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. Visitors can walk or take the funicular for a ride up the hill. Sights in the area include the Observation Tower, the Strahov Monastery, Karel Hynech Macha Statue and the Mirror Maze.

Prague’s most famous clock

The Hungarian Girl — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:47:01 +0000

The Astronomical Clock features four figures flanking towards the dial and moving sculptures known as "The Walk of the Apostles", which is set in motion every hour.

Every hour, hundreds of visitors gather in Old Town Square to watch one of Prague’s most famous landmark’s, the Astronomical Clock also known as Orloj.

The clock dates back to 1410 when it was originally built by Mikuláš of Kadan and Jan Šindel, who later became a professor at Charles University in Prague.

The three main components include the astronomical dial representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky, “The Walk of the Apostles” which is a clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures, and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months.

The Astronomical Clock stopped working several times in the centuries after 1552, which required constant repairing.

One story mentions how the council purposely gouged out the original clock maker’s eyes in order to prevent him from making a similar clock for another country.

Soon afterwards, he died while touching the clock, at which point the clock stopped working and remained broken for a number of years. In the 17th century moving statues were added, and figures of the Apostles were also added after major repair in 1865-1866.

Today, the Astronomical Clock is one of Prague’s most visited sites along with Old Town Square.

Visitors can climb the Old Town Hall Tower to get a view of the city for a minimal fee.

Prague’s Highlights

My Travel Photos: Trdelník

The Hungarian Girl — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 01:50:19 +0000

Enjoying a Trdelnik in Prague.

As most of you can see, I’ve have a sweet tooth. One of my favorite treats during my stay in Prague was the Trdelnik, a traditional sweet bread.

The Trdelnik is made by rolling the dough around a large cylindrical spit, grilled, and then topped with sugar and walnuts.

You can find Trdelnik stands throughout the city including at Old Town Square.

*Update*

I just wanted to clarify the origins of the Trdelnik. It is now an official protected Slovak product called Skalický Trdelník registered by the European Commission.

It’s also known as Chimmy Cake or Stove Cake in Hungary. The dessert originated from Transylvania. However, it was also known in the town of Skalica in Western Slovakia. One historical account indicates the dessert was prepared by a Transylvania cook who settled in the town during the late 18th century and improved the recipe.

Now, that’s a lot of history for a snack food!

Prague Food Festival 2009

The Hungarian Girl — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:12:43 +0000

Chefs at work at the Prague Food Festival in the Czech Republic.

Attention foodies and international travelers!

The Prague Food Festival is happening on May 29–31 in the Czech Republic. The three-day celebration features the culinary skills of top chefs in the Czech Republic, local and exotic delicacies by over 30 restaurants, along with a variety of cooking and food demonstrations.

There will also be a selection of Brazilian, French, Japanese, Mediterranean Kosher and Thai specialties.

As well, the festival will also be hosting the 2009 Nestlé Asparagus Cup on Sunday May 31, the second year of this successful competition for professional chefs. Visitors to the festival will be able to sample a broad range of asparagus dishes and see the uniqueness of this spring vegetable with its health effects.

For more information and tickets, visit the Prague Food Festival website.