In our travels, we focused on the first of the Luxembourgs on the Czech throne, John of Luxembourg, and his son and successor, Charles IV, Czech and German king and Holy Roman Emperor, who is described as the most important European ruler of the late Middle Ages.
To the cities – for sightseeing and celebrations
Prague
It is thanks to the Luxembourgs that the most beautiful buildings are situated in the capital today.
St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert Cathedral was founded by Charles IV together with his father John of Luxembourg. It is the largest and most important cathedral in Prague.
John of Luxembourg gave permission that the Old Town have its own autonomy, and thus, during his reign, construction of The Old Town Hall commenced.
During the reign of Charles IV, many significant buildings were erected in Prague—Charles Bridge was built; the city fortification was constructed; Charles University (http://www.cuni.cz), which ranks among the world’s oldest universities, was established; and many ecclesiastical buildings, such as the Emauzy monastery (www.emauzy.cz), emerged.
Our tip:
You will learn more about the history of the Charles Bridge in the adjacent Charles Bridge Museum (www.muzeumkarlovamostu.cz). If you like mystery, go to the Old Town Bridge Tower (Staroměstská mostecká věž) where a short film about the astronomical and astrological contexts of the rise of the bridge is shown. www.prazskeveze.cz
Karlovy Vary
In what is today a famous spa town, Charles IV and his entourage accidentally discovered a hot spring. According to legend, the emperor, who is said to have had a bad leg at the time, convinced himself of its medicinal power and thus ordered that a city be built around it. The city, of course, has gained worldwide acclaim due to its springs.http://www.karlovy-vary.cz
Our tip:
While in Karlovy Vary, visit the Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda) where you will find the Spring of Charles IV, with a temperature of 64.5 degrees. An old myth asserts that it was right at this spring that the sovereign treated his afflicted limbs. Here you can see the memorable relief “The Discovery of Karlovy Vary” (Objevení Karlových Varů).
Znojmo
History tells us that in 1327 the valiant Czech monarch John of Luxembourg came to Znojmo to drink to successful political negotiations in Wroclaw. It is this incident that has become the central theme of Znojmo’s historical wine festival. For two days, this South Moravian city dons a festive attire to greet King John of Luxembourg. You will see a magnificent historical procession with some five hundred characters in costumes, tournaments of knights, authentic military camps… A rich cultural programme, laser show, gastronomic specialties and, of course, delicious “burčák” (partially fermented fresh grape juice) and wine are prepared. (10–11 September 2010, http://www.znojmocity.cz)
Jemnice
The times of John of Luxembourg also are commemorated each year at the folk festival in Jehnice called Barchan. According to legend, in 1312 the king was to lead a campaign against the Hungarians. He left his wife, Queen Elizabeth, who was expecting a child, in Jemnice and sent her messages through couriers. The heart of the festival is thus the running of these couriers who bring the queen tidings from the campaign. Apart from this historical scene, you will enjoy a fair, festival attractions and a rich cultural programme in the picturesque town of Jemnice. (18–20 June 2010, http://www.barchan.jemnice.cz)
Our tip:
Jemnice is located only 25 kilometres from the historical, UNESCO-listed city Telč. You can combine your festival visit with a tour of this more well-known city.
To the castles – for history and romance
Křivoklát
Křivoklát is among the oldest royal castles in the Czech Republic. King Charles IV spent part of his childhood there and lived there with his first wife Blanche of Valois. She also gave birth to his first child, princess Margaret, there. As the legend tells us, she bore the child in a little tower on the south side. It is also said that King Charles had nightingales kept in cages and then would let them out under Blanche’s windows for her amusement. www.krivoklat.cz
Karlštejn
Karlštejn, one of the most beautiful Czech castles, was built by Charles IV as a place to enshrine the crown jewels. A great rarity of the Karlštejn castle is the Holy Cross Chapel where visitors can admire a unique collection of 129 tabular paintings by Master Theodoric, comprising the greatest portrait gallery of Czech kings in the Czech Republic. www.hradkarlstejn.cz
Other castles founded by Charles IV include Kašperk in Šumava (www.kasperk.cz), Radyně in the Pilsen area (www.staryplzenec.cz), and Hrádek, the romantic ruins of which can be found near Hluboká.
Střekov
The Střekov castle that stands on rocks above the Elbe River is one of the most romantic in the Czech Republic.
Its history began in 1319, when John of Luxembourg decided to build a guard station over the Elbe that would ensure the safety of navigation on the river. However, as he did not have enough money, he invested a rich Prague burgher, Pešek of Veitmile, with the property and the cliff under the condition that he would build a castle on the rock at his own expense and the king would then present it to him with hereditary rights. www.hradstrekov.cz
To the countryside – for a swim and an excursion
Macha’s Lake
A large pond (what is today Macha’s Lake – Máchovo jezero) was established in 1367 by Emperor Charles IV. The region around Macha’s Lake (www.machuvkraj.cz) is today a very popular recreational area. A famous centre is Doksy (www.doksy.com). Popular trip destinations include the Bezděz castle, where Charles IV liked to stay (www.hrad-bezdez.cz), and the sandstone cliff dubbed the King’s Throne (Králův stolec) where, as legend has it, the king used to sit and observe his waterworks.
Attraction:
Set out in the footsteps of the brother of Charles IV
In 1349, Charles IV entrusted Moravia into the hands of his brother, John Henry of Luxembourg. Head to at least a few of the places linked with him.
The Margrave of Moravia John Henry resided at Špilberk Castle, which today houses the Brno City Museum (www.spilberk.cz). The castle underwent Baroque reconstruction, so we can only guess at its appearance during the time of the Luxembourgs. From Špilberk you can see the St. Thomas Church and the Augustinian monastery founded by John Henry.
Another south Moravian castle—Veveří—is connected with his name. This castle served as a hunting place, and John Henry also used it as a peaceful place suitable for important negotiations. It was during his reign that the castle was considerably expanded (essentially to the extent it is today). http://www.veveri.cz/
The picturesque north Moravian town of Štramberk founded by John Henry also is certainly worth visiting (http://www.stramberk.cz/). Štramberk is famous in its own right thanks to a sweet smelling confectionery product – “Štramberk gingerbread ears” (Štramberské uši), which have been baked here for centuries.