Monday, October 5, 2009

A "Must-See" Hrad Karlstejn (Castle Karlstejn)



About 40 meters from Prague (40-50 minute drive)
http://www.hradkarlstejn.cz/history/
The castle was built in 1348 - 1368 by the King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV (Also the reason the main bridge in Prague is called the "Charles" Bridge), as a place of safe-keeping for treasures and the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire. As with most castles there comes fables and tales that are hard to tell if they are fact or fiction. Three such stories come with Hrad Karlstejn.

Feminist’s Nightmare
One such fable that women were not allowed into parts of the castle. Women roamed freely around the castle. The only place prohibited to them was one floor of the Great tower. This floor was the seat for only men, the defenders of the precious treasure.

Maid's Nightmare
Apparently one of the kings wives was a mass murderer and tortured and killed 14 house maids. Maybe she was insanely jealous?

Blind man's Dog Nightmare
One of the most popular myths of Karlstejn is the one about a blind musician. The story says that he was followed everywhere by his loyal dog and that he used to play his flute in the castle. A servant tried to poison the King by passing a poisoned goblet to the noble, who hence offered it to the musician instead of the King. The musician's dog jumped up and knocked the goblet out of the blind man's hands. The dog then drank the spilled wine and died. Okay, if the dog was smart enough to knock the poisoned wine down, why was he stupid enough to drink it? That one has a few holes in it.

Lost in Translation


This is a photo of a sign on the castle wall to one of the entrences. It is meaning to say that you can't take picutures, video or cell photos of the inside of the castle. In English it says, "Translation Prohibited"

Feeling Adventurous?

While you are in the area...stop by the Koneprusy Caves (Konepruske Jeskyne)about 10 meters drive from the castle. www.caves.cz/en/caves/koneprusy-caves/

Ticket for adult costs 120 CZK and for child costs 60 CZK. You can pay only
in cash, czech crowns only. Credit cards are not accepted. They have guided tours, it is not difficult at all, but there are about 500 steps in the cave. Temperature inside is 10 above to -5°C wear some jackets and good boots. There are no fixed times of guided tours - it depends on amount of visitors, but usually nobody waits here more than 1/2 hour. They will lend you a paper with basic information about the cave in English, deposit for that is 50 CZK.

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