my virtual hobby … on things that impress me
Bratislava, 2022: same place – Old City Hall – photo on the left was taken on 27 Feb. 2022, photo on the right on 6 Nov. 2022. Same place, but looks somehow different – depending on where you look at it from – up or down.
What better way to start November than with a hike to Katarínka Monastery – a Gothic chapel made of stone, the history of which goes back to the 15th century. It is located in the Little Carpathians and is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria (venerated in the Christian Orthodox Church on 24 November).
St Catherine’s Monastery preservation project is realized through young volunteers from Slovakia. An hour drive from Bratislava. From the parking lot in Naháč, follow the blue signs through the forest and in 50 minutes you are up there! Every step on the way up is worth the effort!
To My Album – 1 Nov. 2022
As a bohemian, living in the vicinity of Bohemia (the largest historical region of the Czech Republic), a long weekend (21-23 Oct) around, visiting several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, was a real bohemian (un)expected treat!
Tábor
The trip started in a gloomy weather, but the incredible sights were worth it. The name of the town translates as “camp”, however it was named after the biblical Mount Tabor in Israel.
Holašovice is a small historic Baroque-era village. It was deserted after the Second World War, allowing its medieval plan and vernacular buildings to remain intact. It was restored and repopulated in 1990. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
Hluboká nad Vltavou is a charming town of about 5,400 inhabitants. The town is most famous for its 13th century Gothic – Hluboká Castle and numerous artistic cafes!
České Budějovice is the largest city in the region and is the seat of the University of South Bohemia and the Academy of Sciences. The historic city center is well preserved and is magnificent.
Budweiser Budvar
The leader in beer consumption per capita – the Czecks do know how to make it. A Budweiser pale lager at the brewery is a delight. Cheers!
Červená Lhota
When I visited the Red Stone Castle [Červený Kameň] in Slovakia, I expected it to be red. The real red one 🙂 is in Bohemia Červená Lhota is a picturesque Renaissance style castle which stands in the middle of a lake on a rocky island. The chapel of the Holy Trinity is right across.
Česky Krumlov
The historic centre, dominated by Gothic and Baroque architecture, has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Český Krumlov Castle dates back to 1240 when the first castle was built by the Bohemian family Rosenberg.
Veselí nad Lužnicí
Both the Renaissance Old Town Hall and neighbouring museum were built in 1616.
Telč
The town is well known for its historic centre, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally all building were wooden. In the 14th century, they were destroyed by a great fire and were re-built of stone.
It was a Bohemian trip! No kidding!
What makes any home-made dinner delicious is the company. When combined with a fabulous view and a topic of discussion: Bratislava Summit on the Future of Hitchhikers through the Galaxy … 🙂 one can’t help being grateful!
Delicious dinner with a view 🙂
Olomouc (in Czech Republic), located on the Morava River, the historical capital city of Moravia, is a gem of a place for a one or two-day visit from Bratislava. Among several amazing landmarks, the Holy Trinity Column (35 m high, built between 1716 and 1754), designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 35 m) should not be missed. End of June 2022 instead of being in Katowice, Poland, God seemed to have had other plans. To Olomouc Album (June 2022) >>>
Circus is a combination of art and magic – for kids and adults alike. The beautiful Castle Park in Stupava (near Bratislava), which hosted Cirku l’art (27-29 May 2022) was fun for people of all ages. All the tricks happening right in front of one’s eyes, as well as, the stunning acrobatic performances bring sweet memories of childhood days.
Rayn@'s Spot 