If you’ve ever wanted to know what bohemian looks like, it’s sipping absinthe while reading Kafka in an underground jazz bar that’s housed in a 15th-century building. Welcome to Prague.
Here are 10 quirky things you probably don’t know about the Czech Republic.
1. The word robot was born here
The word robot first hit the scene when Czech writer Karl Capek used it in a play to describe creatures that could perform all the work humans didn’t want to do and had no soul. Sound familiar? His brother, Josef, was the one who suggested using it for the famous title: Rossum’s Universal Robots.
2. Czechs are mad about mushrooms
The only thing Czechs love more than eating mushrooms is hunting for them. If a town is empty on St. Wenceslas Day (held at the end of September), it’s because everyone’s gone funghi-picking in the forest. Unrelated to mushrooms, the statue of the state’s patron saint can be found in Wenceslaus Square – one of the most famous monuments in Prague.
3. Being bohemian is more than a lifestyle
Being bohemian isn’t just Czechs being cool; it’s their heritage. This area was once the Kingdom of Bohemia. In 1918, Bohemia transformed into the western part of the newly formed country of Czechoslovakia – which was split into The Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993.
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4. You will find some of the most medieval originals in Europe
Prague is the only major city in Europe that wasn’t extensively bombed in WWII. For this reason, you will find many of the buildings in the historic centre standing as originally built, some dating to the Middle Ages! There is a lot of Czech Republic history to be discovered here.
5. The Czech Republic is famous for its beer
Czechs consume the most beer per capita in the world. You can go join them for a Pilsner-style larger (their most famous brew) in any old alluring pub – called a hospoda – around town.
6. You can explore the king of all castles
Prague Castle is the largest in the world! Built in the 9th century, these famous halls have hosted kings, queens, presidents, emperors and more over its long history. The crown jewels, alongside many important national relics, are housed with some open for public admission.
If you’re visiting, we’d recommend you wear good walking shoes and get ready to be transported into the chambers from a scene in Game of Thrones.
7. It’s both east and west
The Czech Republic is considered part of Eastern Europe, but Prague is more west than Vienna, which is in Central Europe.
8. Prague has a seriously impressive Astronomical clock
Prague’s astronomical clock, known as Prague Orloj, was installed in 1410, making it the oldest in the world. It’s an impressive instrument to behold. Located at the Old Town Hall Tower, this intricate and colourful clock has long been an attraction for European visitors.
The major reason for its popularity is the hourly 45-second sequence, which occurs at the beginning of a new hour. The show involves figures representing the 12 Apostles moving in and out of the windows before the new hour is rung. While you’re there, see if you can spot your star sign on the clock face!
9. There’s a Wall of Lennon
The ever-changing wall of graffiti named after John Lennon can be found in the district of Mala Strana in Prague. It’s been dubbed in the past as the ‘crying wall’ and was used by protesters of the day to paint political messages.
10. There’s a chance you’ll get castle mania
The Czech Republic has the highest castle density in the world. Get your fix of medieval charm with more than 2,000 around the country to Czech out.
Learn more from the locals
Feature image by The Common Wanderer.
