Rovinj

Rovinj Marina

Rovinj is a really pretty little coastal town with a stunning old town and its own personality. The town centre, complete with a picture perfect marina, makes it very popular with tourists.  Even at this time of year, just past the peak of summer, when the weather (or at least the water!)… Read the rest

Karlstejn Castle

Karlstejn Castle

Karlstejn (Karlštejn) Castle is King Charles IV (1316-1378) original Gothic home. Founded in 1348, the castle served the King of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Empire. It was a place for safekeeping the Imperial Regalia and the Bohemian Crown Jewels as well as holy relics and other royal treasures.… Read the rest

Cesky Krumlov Castle

Cesky Krumlov Castle

The centerpiece of the stunning medieval town of Cesky Krumlov (Český Krumlov) is its magnificent castle complex. The castle, founded by the Vítkovci family in the 13th Century, is one of the largest in Central Europe. The castle reflects a blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles shaped by centuries of expansion and renovation.… Read the rest

Konopiste Castle

Konopiste Castle

Konopiste (Konopiště) Castle is one of the most prominent historical landmarks in the Czech Republic. Situated near the town of Benešov, approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Prague, Konopiště stands as a symbol of both medieval architecture and the personal legacy of the late Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria.… Read the rest

Cesky Krumlov Dreaming

Cesky Krumlov Dreaming

Cesky Krumlov Dreaming. If there was ever a place where it’s possible to find yourself in a fairy tale, this MUST be it.

We left Karlovy Vary this morning, headed for Cesky Krumlov. I have heard of its beauty and charm previously but nothing has quite prepared me for what we encounter.… Read the rest

Loket nad Ohří and Mariánské Lázně

After a bit of a lazy start this morning we head out to explore some more castles and spa towns in the West Bohemian area of the Czech Republic. We have Loket nad Ohří and Mariánské Lázně in our sights.

Loket nad Ohří

Surrounded by a loop of the river Ohří, this tiny town almost becomes an island.… Read the rest

Prague

Prague

Glorious Prague: Day 1 – 26 August

Prague is glorious.  We have arrived late August in Prague and while the night has a certain chill to it, the days are long and still relatively summery.  Jan greets us at the airport and we have been whisked away on a Czech adventure.… Read the rest

Krivoklat Castle

Krivoklat Castle

We arrive at Krivoklat Castle after a morning at Karlstejn Castle and lunch in the little town of Karlstejn. From here it’s a mere 45mins to Krivoklat, nestled in the dense forests of the Berounka River Valley. After walking the steep path to the castle at the top of the hill, we’re rewarded with sweeping views.… Read the rest

The Apse of San Martin at Fuentidueña

The Apse from San Martin at Fuentidueña

Exploring the Romanesque jewel of Fuentidueña, San Martín’s Apse at The Cloisters, I am transported to medieval Spain.

Fuentidueña

Tucked into the Duero River valley, the fortified town of Fuentidueña was born in the eleventh century, a strategic frontier between Christian and Muslim territories on the Iberian Peninsula.… Read the rest