In the first part of our Medieval Pursuits series, we took you on a trip through medieval France, Spain and England. The journey now continues with an exploration of regions that today are part of the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany.
There are more than 2,000 castles, chateaus and fortresses, whether intact or in ruins, spread throughout the Czech Republic. The grandest by far is Prague Castle. At more than 750,000 square feet, it is the largest castle complex in the world. Built around A.D. 880 by Prince Borivoj of the Premyslid dynasty, today the castle continues to function as a governmental building.
The masterpiece at the center of the castle is St. Vitus Cathedral, a Roman-Catholic religious site that serves as the Czech national church. The site was originally built in 930, but the striking gothic influence was added in the 14th century by the visionary architect Petr Parler. In walking distance of these landmarks, Harper Alliance property ARIA Hotel boasts its own UNESCO World Heritage site. The hotel’s Vrtba Garden is Prague’s oldest baroque garden, a manicured masterpiece that is open to the public from April through October.
ARIA Hotel is just steps from the smallest section of the city, known as the Jewish Quarter. This area was walled off as a Jewish ghetto in the 11th century and was the site of one of the deadliest pogroms in history on Easter Sunday of 1389. Although Prague officials attempted to transform the area into a Parisian-style hamlet after World War II, important medieval sites still remain. Be sure to visit the Old-New Synagogue, which was built in 1270 and maintains the longest continuous Jewish congregation in all of Europe, as well as a historic Jewish cemetery containing graves dating back to the year 1439.
Some 45 miles east of Prague lies Kutna Hora, a former silver-mining town that once minted coins for use all over Europe. Today, the town is home to several interesting and impressive medieval sites, offering visitors a palpable feel for what life was like centuries ago. Start at Sedlec Bone Church, an unassuming building that houses 20-foot pyramids, as well as chandeliers and other décor, made from an unexpected material: the bones of 40,000 people killed in plagues and wars in the 14th and 15th centuries. The church is located in an ossuary rumored to contain soil brought over from Jerusalem. Consequently, the burial ground was a coveted final resting place from the 13th through 15th centuries.
This small chapel houses 20- foot pyramids, as well as chandeliers and other décor, made from the bones of roughly 40,000 people.
A cemetery rumored to contain soil brought over from Jerusalem, this site was a coveted burial ground in the Middle Ages.
Walking down this quaint stretch of road transports you back to the medieval era. Italian Court: This 13th-century court was named for the financial specialists from Florence, Italy who were invited to Kutna Hora to assist with minting.
This 13th-century court was named for the financial specialists from Florence, Italy who were invited to Kutna Hora to assist with minting.
Open since 1996 and housed in an authentic Gothic building, this museum tells the story of Kutna Hora and the importance of the Czech silver mining industry.
Lucia Cudova, sales manager at Prague’s ARIA Hotel, recommends these easy day trips from the Czech capital:
Cesky Krumlov is home to a 13th-century town and castle, while Holasovice still maintains a ground plan from the Middle Ages. Both towns are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Be sure to visit the old Jewish Quarter and St. Procopius’ Basilica in Trebic, as well as Telc’s 14th-century Gothic castle.
Litomysl’s is home to a UNESCO-listed chateau complex, and Olomouc served as a vital trade stop when it was founded in the late 13th century.
Brno is home to several medieval-style buildings, as well as Spilberk Castle and the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul. The Lednice–Valtice complex features one of Europe’s most celebrated and unique parks.
Many of Dresden’s medieval sites were destroyed during WWII but have been meticulously recreated. The city is easily accessible from Prague via car, train or bus.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
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