Czech Republic: 10 quintessential, enjoyable and quirky information about Czechia |

Czech Republic or Czechia, a rustic located in Eastern Europe is an ideal vacation spot for travellers who’re on the lookout for off-the-beaten-path locations with reasonably priced European glamour, a number of tradition, inspiring structure, enchanting historical past, dramatic panorama and charming character. Prague, one of the vital cultured cities, nicknamed the “City of 100 spires”, is a web page straight from a fairy-tale guide. Even past Prague, all the things is fairly and picturesque about this nation however there may be a lot to its character that nobody emphasizes on. Most of the travellers nonetheless don’t know what to anticipate from this Bohemian nation regardless of its relaxed ambiance, numerous historic websites, attractive trails, sprawling panoramic views and comforting meals. A few years in the past, after I visited Prague, I indulged within the metropolis’s standout experiences – from its breathtaking sights to inform tales of centuries previous, however I made the identical mistake as others- of not daring to problem the standard Czechia itinerary. Thus, I missed some actually distinctive experiences and enjoyable information that would have added extra color to my journey. However, I redeemed myself this 12 months. From diving in its panoramic views to strolling in its slim alleys and indulging in its culture-rich experiences to interacting with loads of locals, I found the magical aspect of the nation. I travelled close to and much from Prague and visited a few of its most stunning chateaus and summer season homes. And whereas I used to be spending time in nature, I additionally realized that the nation has the world’s densest (and best-marked) climbing path community with virtually 25,000 miles of footpaths. I realized about cubism and the issues that Czech inventors have given us. Here are 10 quintessential information that may make you extra inquisitive about Czechia. Read on– you’re in good arms!

The magical fairytale castles are for actual

Czechia allures with its historical past and heritage. The nation has the very best variety of castles in Europe, the biggest one and is a treasure trove of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. So in terms of dreamy, feisty and rebellious castles, retains, ruins, chateaux, fortresses, and romantic summer season palaces, Czechia has one of many highest densities of castles per sq. mile on the earth, with greater than 2000 in quantity. Lednice Castle, initially a Renaissance villa, is unquestionably one of the vital stunning palaces within the Czech. Bouzov within the Moravia area constructed within the thirteenth century has been popularly showcased in Czech movies and films. To be enthralled with one among most stunning examples of the Renaissance fashion in Bohemia, one has to go to Litomyšl Château, additionally acknowledged by UNESCO. If you want to see a Moravian Disney château, don’t miss Hradec and Moravici. And then there may be much-talked about Karlštejn Castle which boasts of the royal treasures, collections of saint relics and the crown jewels. Not to overlook, I’m all the time mesmerized by Prague Castle and always remember telling my mates how I fell in love with Hluboka Castle and Český Krumlov Castle throughout my go to to Cesky Krumlov. Did Prague Castle is formally the world’s largest historical fort advanced (based on Guinness World Records)?

Mushroom choosing is a much-loved pastime

A big inhabitants of Czechs might be known as ‘mycologists’ –mushroom fans as effectively. I used to be stunned to study that nearly two-thirds of the inhabitants indulged in mushroom foraging no less than yearly. How cool is that this? This nationwide pastime is a much-loved pastime of the younger and outdated and the data of specific species is usually handed from one era to a different. It is part of Czech custom, the place folks search by the forest, take pleasure in nature, spend time with their households, and later clear it to arrange native dishes. The mushrooms are principally collected for private use, and the deeply-rooted foraging custom has taught them to distinguish between toxic and excellent for consumption mushroom varieties. Tourists can even go mushroom choosing however they have to be accompanied by a mycologist. And one can even go to a “Mushroom Advice Centre” in Prague the place guests can carry mushrooms they’ve discovered to have them recognized. You should not miss the favored mushroom dishes like Houbový kuba (mushroom risotto), Žampionová polévka (mushroom soup), and Houbová smaženice (mushroom stir-fry).

Golden Lane is unique

Have you heard in regards to the Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička) in Prague? Zlatnická ulička means Goldsmith’s Lane. It is a tiny, vibrant road with 11 historic homes, steeped in legends and myths. It is believed that a few of the most expert artisans, who offered items and companies for the inhabitants of Prague Castle lived in these homes. Several writers and artists have been fascinated with the paranormal artwork of alchemy that was even practiced right here. There are many mystical tales about this lane. One of the legends goes that this lane was occupied by the goldsmiths who have been housed right here by Emperor Rudolf II and have been commissioned to discover a substance that would flip metallic into gold. Later a few of the well-known writers and personalities additionally selected this lane as dwelling. Franz Kafka is thought to have written a few of his finest works right here, together with the novel ‘The Castle’. Nobel Laureate Jaroslav Seifert additionally lived on this lane.

Bata’s legacy is price a see

I’m certain everyone knows in regards to the well-known shoe firm Bata and many people additionally know that it’s not an Indian model. When you’re visiting the Czech Republic, do look out for the city of Zlin -the metropolis the place essentially the most well-known Czech shoe model and an empire was arrange by none different however Tomasz Bata and his siblings. Though now these footwear are manufactured exterior Europe, one should go to the town to expertise Tomáš Baťa’s indelible legacy. From buildings to streets to establishments that bear his title, the entrepreneur is in every single place within the structure. Zlín’s Letná district, the so-called “Bata village”, has rows and rows of attention-grabbing red-brick homes. There can be a museum with footwear from numerous corners of the world and completely different eras.

Narrowest Street (lower than 50 cm)

It is actually squeezed in between two buildings however you need to search for this one. Vinárna Čertovka within the historic Malá Strana neighborhood is the narrowest road in Prague. Only one individual can handle at one time. It is actually a highway to nowhere nevertheless it has gained limelight in the previous few years. It results in a restaurant on the opposite aspect. To information folks by and stop them from bumping into one another, the road additionally has visitors lights. Isn’t it enjoyable to find out about this quirky road, proper?

Cubism in structure is exclusive to Czech Republic

Czech is dwelling to a few of the hottest architectural kinds and the nation is actually a photographer’s delight. You title it and you’ve got it in Czech- from Gothic to Renaissance, Baroque, to Art Nouveau, Rondocubism to Modernist structure and Arc Cubism to Czech Art Deco. I did know a lot about cubism till I visited Czech. The architectural fashion focuses on abstraction, geometrization, symbolism, distortion, and phantasm. Cubism was began round 1906 by Pablo Picasso in Paris and Georges Braque in Barcelona, quickly adopted by younger architects nevertheless it discovered a singular id in Czech. Czech visionaries took fondness for this new fashion and introduced Cubism to their land. If you’re visiting Prague, don’t miss the “House of the Golden Grille,” the House of the Black Madonna, essentially the most notable Cubist construction within the nation. The historical past and design buffs should join an skilled tour that delves into the origins of the Art Nouveau, Rondocubism and Cubist actions within the nation of structure. The Lesser Town Square and Wenceslas Square are decked up by buildings drenched in artwork. Do Prague is dwelling to the one Cubist lamppost on the earth?

Quirky Easter (Velikonoce) traditions

Czech Easter traditions are related to the onset of offspring and fertility. There is a whipping custom the place males use comfortable twigs to whip the women and the females give them painted eggs, ribbons as rewards. Pomlázka (Willow Whip) is symbolic of Czech Easter. The adorned Easter eggs are known as Kraslice. In some areas, water dousing is completed as a substitute of whipping. Men pour buckets of chilly water on ladies which is believed to carry wellness for them.

Soft lenses, robotic and sugar cubes all got here from Czech inventors

Tennis gamers from Czech have all the time dominated our hearts however there are some extra fashionable inventors who’ve given us helpful issues. The famend Czech chemist, Otto Wycherley is credited world over for performing some wonderful work with trendy comfortable contact lenses. He was a realized man, he tirelessly labored on a number of researches on lenses for a few years however at some point whereas he was stirring his espresso, the centrifugal power impressed him to attempt to produce the lenses of their present form (bowl like). After that additional analysis grew to become simple and he was unstoppable. A Czech author, Karel Čapek, used the phrase Robot for the primary time and it was used to indicate a fictional humanoid. He derived this phrase from the Czech phrase “robota” or compelled labor. Czech’s Jacob Christoph Rad invented sugar cubes in 1841 and holds a patent. In Datschitz (a metropolis on the southernmost tip of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands), there may be additionally a monument devoted to sugar dice.This invention additionally has a really attention-grabbing story the place he considered cubes when his spouse injured her finger whereas chopping off a bit of sugar loaf.

Wine wellness and beer spa

Okay, so which nation does the world’s highest consumption of amber nectar? Czechia it’s! There are two distinct areas within the country- Bohemia within the west and Moravia within the east of the nation. The Czech beer is the perfect on the earth however what continues to be not recognized is that its Moravia area produces beautiful wines. Vineyards tastings and boutique stays are a passé; Czechia has taken its custom of hop cultivation to wellness and wine spas. Beer baths and wine wellness are in vogue within the nation. One can bask in beer wellness at a number of spa centres. It just isn’t essential to drink beer, why not use it for regeneration of your pores and skin and absolute psychological and bodily leisure?

Traditional meals

Smažený sýr or vyprážaný syr of fried cheese is liked in each the Czech and Slovak as a result of as soon as, it was Czechoslovakia. If you like garlic soup, that is the perfect place to bask in Česnečka made with croutons, cheese, and typically ham or egg. The Czech model of Hungarian goulash known as Guláš (Goulash) can be a must-try. Roasted pork with bread dumplings and sauerkraut (Vepřo knedlo zelo) is a real Czech traditional. Also, there’s a notion that Trdelník – the candy and much-loved chimney cake is one from the Czechs nevertheless it isn’t. Though this can be very fashionable in Prague, it comes initially from Slovakia/Hungary. Klobása, Nakládaný Hermelín, and Medovník are some native snacks and candy treats to strive. Sweet breads, desserts drenched in honey and nuts, sweets, egg dishes and Easter Lamb (Beránek) take over the Easter and Christmas markets.About the creator:Manjulika Pramod travels the world and tells compelling tales to make folks pack their baggage. She can be a compulsive foodie, an creator, an upcycling artist and a telecom engineer.