Travel to Prague: Where fairy tales come to life

Vienna to Prague

Eventually, my path turned to the roads again. Roads remove the sense of residence from humans, as if they take you away from your habitat to a new habitat. Like the passion of flight in a bird that flaps its wings for migration. It is motivating, it is hopeful, it is beautiful.

I traveled to Prague for the first time 7 years ago, a city that I dreamed of visiting before that, has been calling me for a long time. I had come to know Prague through my Czech friends and the masterpieces of Kafka, I had seen the history hidden in its heart, I had seen about its stunning architecture, I had attended Czech symphonies, I knew about the sense of humor of its people, and I knew they had to be different. Czechs have their own culture and art. A trip to Prague, for me, is a trip to the novels I have read by Kafka.

The road from Vienna to Prague is beautiful. I see villages in the middle of the hills that can be guessed to be somewhere between Austria and the Czech Republic, as if the architecture changes in a special way. The flags of the Czech Republic gradually appear after crossing the border of Austria, their number increases and their distance decreases.

Join me in Prague.

I was supposed to travel from Vienna to Prague with a friend, his trip was canceled due to work and I decided to travel by bus this. I reserved a good VIP seat to make good pictures. This was my first bus trip after one year; I feel like a student who is now preparing for a short and cheap trip. The reality was not like this; I am a bird that has been migrating for a nest for years, crossing borders without time and place limits to reach a branch.

I had traveled to Prague in 2017; Back then, like now, there weren't Instagrammers to write about it, although even now they seem to have not touched Prague as much as they should. It seems to be known as a passage that connects Eastern Europe to the West. Here, like before, you are going to see Prague from my point of view, you are going to feel it, you are going to read things that you have not read before. So stay with me and send my posts to those interested in Prague and the things that I will post in the next stories.

• Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires: They say Prague has the most spires in the world. The oldest large ancient castle is in Prague.
• Prague is a beer lover's paradise: The Czech Republic has the highest per capita beer consumption in the world; sometimes beer can be cheaper than water.
• Birthplace of the robot: While robots don't actually live there, the word "robot" was coined by a Czech writer.
• A country of castles: The Czech Republic has more castles than any other European country.
• A wartime miracle: Prague is one of the few major European cities that wasn't bombed during WWII, preserving its historic charm.
• The Mafia game series was created by the Czech game development company 2K Czech, and the soundtrack for the first installment of the series was composed by Czech composer Vladimír Šimůnek.
• Franz Kafka, my favorite author, is Czech: While Kafka's works are in German, they are deeply rooted in the Czech experience and are a cornerstone of 20th-century literature. His surreal stories continue to captivate readers worldwide.

These are made by Czechs:

Contact lenses, Ruchadlo plough, Lithography, Semtex, “Robot”, Blood groups, Sugar cube, Lightning rod, Mendelian inheritance, Electrical tram, Front car fender, Ship propeller, Fanfrnoch, W0 constant, Versatilka mechanical pencil, Polarography, Remoska, Silon polyamide thread

I have arrived in Prague and it is as if I'm walking in the movies; It's like everything comes out of the heart of history and I love the immaculate display of history. It seems that nothing here force you to see history, the castles are so protruding from the ground that the city shouts: I am who I am, welcome.

One of my good fortunes is friendship with Bertrand. I know him from France. A businessman and manager who has been living in Prague for 15 years. Prague is one of those cities that you may be caught in without prior planning. Cities like Prague, where I have many friends from the past, make my trip more interesting, now we are going to Bert's house. After a short rest, I soak my shoes on the cobblestone of the whole city. I will drown in this city. A significant area of this city is paved, I have not seen anything like it anywhere; It is said that many of these pavements are more than 100 years old.

Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square is where the history of the Czech Republic screams out. Every corner of this square has witnessed countless significant events in this country. Today, important events in the Czech Republic, including protests, celebrations, and other public gatherings, are held here. Previously, these walls and square were witnesses to revolutions, protests, World War II, and many other events.

Kafka mentions this square in his novel "America"; in short, this is the heart of the Czech Republic.

What makes standing here sad for me is the self-immolation of the young people of the 1960s. The bloody summer of 1968, when hope for democracy in Czechoslovakia was turned to ashes by Soviet military intervention, Czech students, led by Jan Palach, showed the world that the spirit of freedom cannot be suppressed by sacrificing their own lives through self-immolation. Jan Palach was the first to set himself on fire in this square. This tragic event is considered one of the turning points in European history and is a reminder of humanity's constant struggle for freedom and justice.

A bronze cross has been placed in this same square in memory of Palach and Jan Zajíc.

Řehoř Samsa café bar & knihkupectví

Kafka is my favorite writer, and Tereza is the name of one of my Czech friends. She already knew about my love for Kafka. In fact, on my first trip to Prague, all the streets somehow reminded me of Kafka's surreal fantasies; Tereza invited me to a cafe?, a teahouse?, or I don't know what else to call it, a bar? A pub? A place that is a bar, a cafe, and a library all at once.

This place is called the Řehoř Samsa cafe bar, the same Gregor Samsa, the mysterious and surreal character of the novel 'The Metamorphosis'. I first read 'The Metamorphosis' when I was eighteen, a novel I'm glad to have encountered at a young age, though I've heard it's used in many schools around the world today.

'The Metamorphosis' is one of my favorite novels, or perhaps the best novel of my life, and it had a great impact on my life and my understanding of the real world. It's a novel in which Kafka tried to express the reality of life in a surreal way; a novel that awakens people from their illusions and materialism; the Gregor Samsa cafe-bar is a place where I remember all the chapters of 'The Metamorphosis' again, a metamorphosis that I've read both in English and in the Persian translation by Sadegh Hedayat. Thanks to Tereza for bringing me here.

We can be peaceful - Prague

After the café-bar, Tereza and I returned to Wenceslas Square, where I was meeting an old friend, Jiří. I had met Jiří in 2015 during one of his trips; a young Czech man who travels a lot. We were planning to take a photo with the 'third eye'. Jiří didn't know about it. When I told him, he was happy and said, 'I've always wanted to see this up close and take a picture with it. I've only seen it in your posts.'

Wenceslas Square is the perfect place to display the meaning of the 'third eye'. This square has witnessed countless wars and events, a place where people have set themselves on fire for freedom, a place where you can hear the screams, the bullets, and all the elements of war and human violence against each other.

The 'third eye' invites humanity to peace, reminds us of our dignity and humanity; it strips away the clichés of national differences and calls for love for one another in people's hearts. I believe that people's two eyes have become accustomed to everything, including war and injustice, and that humans need to view the world with a new eye, an eye that cannot be hidden from reality by the media. We can be peaceful.

on the way back home and photography.

Prague Castle

In the blink of an eye, I'm here, standing in the heart of history, beside the magnificent Prague Castle. This colossal structure, according to the Guinness World Records, is the largest castle in the world; however, numbers simply cannot capture its grandeur.

Wandering through its grounds feels like traveling through time. This is where Bohemian kings were crowned, Holy Roman Emperors ruled, and even Adolf Hitler spent a night after the Nazi invasion in 1939. The thought of all the historical events these walls have witnessed gives me goosebumps. And have you heard about the Bohemian Crown Jewels hidden somewhere within the castle? Imagine the priceless treasures concealed within these ancient stones.

The castle is so vast and awe-inspiring that I've already filmed countless movies in my mind during these few hours. The most frustrating part about visiting this place is that no camera can truly capture its magnificence and splendor.

Golden Lane

Golden Lane, a small alley in Prague Castle, houses extremely small dwellings. These simple houses were once home to the castle's archers, families, goldsmiths, and artists. The last inhabitants left in 1953.

House number 22: This was the residence of Franz Kafka, the renowned Czech writer, during World War I.

House number 12: During the Nazi occupation, this house was home to Josef Kazda, a historian and film collector who hid Czechoslovak films here and steadfastly preserved them from destruction.

Each of these houses holds a rich history that I would love to delve into and write about more fully someday. Below are images of Josef Kazda's and Franz Kafka's houses.

St. George's Basilica: Oldest church remaining in Prague Castle

St. George's Basilica is the oldest church remaining in Prague Castle. Founded by Wenceslaus I of Bohemia in 920 and consecrated in 921, it is one of the oldest Romanesque churches in Prague.

Unlike the Baroque and Rococo churches of Prague, the interior of the basilica is simple and austere with bare limestone blocks.

While I have a special place in my heart for Baroque architecture, the spiritual and simple atmosphere of this church, knowing its history and significance, is very different. There is a unique grandeur and magnificence hidden within this simplicity. It reminds me of Armenia.

Love in Prague

Prague is a city of fairytales, often becoming a destination for romantic getaways or honeymoons. Known as the City of a Thousand Spires, Prague's cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and cozy coffee houses create a timeless and romantic atmosphere.

A symbol of European history, culture, and eternity, it's often referred to as the heart of Europe. Countless stories have unfolded here; from opera and ballet to live music, stunning castles, and the sight of people enjoying the city's beautiful coffee houses or beer halls, enhancing its beauty tenfold.

The city's allure for lovers is evident. Just look at the roads leading to Prague; they're filled with couples. In the city's cafes and pubs, you'll see countless pairs, among tourists, on honeymoons, and even during wedding ceremonies.

Yet, Prague remains a wonderful destination for solo travelers and a warm city for a poetic life. What about you? How would you like to experience Prague?

St. Vitus Cathedral

Nestled within Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral stands as a testament to medieval architectural brilliance. This grand edifice, adorned with intricate stained glass windows, delicate sculptures, and breathtaking murals, serves as the spiritual heart of the Czech Republic.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1344 under the patronage of King Charles IV of Bohemia. Renowned architects like Matthias of Arras and Peter Parler contributed significantly to its design and construction. Over the centuries, the cathedral has witnessed the coronation of Czech monarchs, the burial of saints, and countless religious ceremonies.

Today, St. Vitus Cathedral remains a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of Czech national identity. Its majestic presence, combined with its rich historical significance, continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Reflections on Prague Castle

Prague holds a special place in my travels; so many emotions are intertwined there that I often don't know how to address them. I don't know whether to write about history or Kafka, my memories or feelings, my Czech friends or the beauty of their country. I get lost among all these emotions until, perhaps in a section of my blog, my feelings are accidentally directed towards a certain point through my writing.

Here, alongside the Gothic architectural masterpiece, I feel a sense of profound emptiness; to be honest, I'm envious of it. I wish humans could remain so eternal, able to shout their history so gloriously without uttering a word. This is exactly where I'd like to live for a while, in the middle of Prague Castle.

The Old Royal Palace, a historic gem within Prague Castle, dates back to the 12th century. This Gothic and Renaissance-style palace houses the Vladislav Hall, a prestigious venue for official ceremonies and home to a replica of the Czech crown.

Vladislav Hall, a stunning Gothic masterpiece within Prague Castle, was once the grandest secular space in medieval Prague. Built in the 15th century, its intricate stone vaulting and spacious interior were a marvel of engineering for its time. This historic hall has witnessed royal ceremonies, lavish banquets, and even knightly tournaments.

Prague view from castle

Humans are beautiful from a distance, but some are even more beautiful up close; cities are beautiful from a distance, but not all of them. Prague is one of those cities that is beautiful both from afar and up close, in every street and alley.

I've loved Prague since childhood. Before I started traveling as a teenager, Prague was always at the top of my 'places I want to visit' list. This place is different, a place where you can look at anything from different angles and learn so much. Here, the walls speak to you, here is a place that brings me closer to myself.

This city immerses you in beauty. But cities aren't something I give life to; they are the art of other people whom I always think about; people whose mere presence in this city has made it Prague, like Kafka.

Photos don't lie but they aren't everything that could be expressed. I love landscapes, I love to sit here for a long time and stare at the city; from here, you can't just see Prague, but the world on a smaller scale. Cities where life flows are a sample of the world, one of the centers of the world; this is the feeling I get from my travels.

Here, I think about many things. The grandeur of this city's buildings has faded in my eyes and I think about the poetic life I've lived so far. In my thoughts, I've created a luxurious life, for me, drinking a coffee at a height that overlooks an entire city like Prague is enough for me to enjoy life; I want to sit here this time and start writing. I want the sound of the leaves of the trees at this height to decide for me this time, I want the sound of the wind blowing through the grass and flowers to guide my feelings in a way that I want to love myself more.

Franz Kafka

Franz Kafka’s birthplace

Traveling to Prague, I learned that Franz Kafka, one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, is even more popular than I had imagined. This popularity is particularly evident among the Czech people. The significance of Kafka to the Czechs is clearly visible throughout the city of Prague.

Kafka, whose novels act like an axe against the ice within humans, had bequeathed to his friend Max Brod to burn all his works unread. However, Brod defied this wish and published most of his works, bringing him worldwide fame. Kafka is a novelist who was recognized only after his death, and perhaps this is why the quality of his work never diminished. Fame can sometimes have a negative impact on an artist's work, in my opinion.

The apartment behind me is where Kafka was born. One of the most influential writers in Western literature. A writer of surrealist works that, even after him, are sometimes referred to as 'Kafkaesque' in the works of other authors.

This street is named after Kafka, and on its main side, there is a bronze statue of Kafka's face. I will delve deeper into Kafka's works, his life, and their impact on me and my travels.

Franz Kafka's childhood home

In Prague's Old Town Square, sits the magnificent Renaissance gem, the House at the Minute. Adorned with intricate Sgraffito decorations depicting Greek mythology, biblical references, and Renaissance legends, this house is easily recognizable due to its striking facade. Built at the beginning of the 15th century as a late Gothic style house, it was reportedly a tobacconist's shop.

The Sgraffito decorations were created in two phases - before 1600 and before 1615, but they were whitewashed during Baroque modifications. They were only renewed in the 1920s. The Kafka family resided on the second floor of the House at the Minute from 1889 to 1896; it was Franz Kafka's childhood home.

Kafka, a writer who has profoundly influenced me more than any other, was born into a German-speaking Jewish family in Prague. His two brothers passed away before the age of six, and his three sisters later perished in Nazi concentration camps during World War II.

Franz Kafka - Rotating Head by David Cerny

I want to write about my reflections on the past; about how I became who I am. I chose to post a photo in front of the statue of Franz Kafka, an author whose works I've lived through over the years.

In these years, I've experienced what I understood from reading "The Metamorphosis" at the age of eighteen. Although that age might be a bit young to confront the reality of life—especially in a surrealist way—I don't regret it. No, I don't regret the years I've lived. I've been able to live in this world and touch it in the way I wanted.

Humans are still born every day, and they cling to anything that humanity and nature have created to live. Human survival under certain conditions may require one to reduce their emotions and turn life into a battlefield. Until now, I've lived with love. The details of the world, nature, and animals are enough for me to want to live another year. I want to see the lights, smell the flowers, and experience life among my friends and loves ones.

Franz Kafka statue: Description of a Struggle

Franz Kafka, with a phd in law, worked for an Italian insurance company in Prague for a year in 1907. However, due to dissatisfaction with the working hours and their impact on his writing, he resigned and began working for the Royal Bohemian Workers' Accident Insurance Institute, a job he only mentioned as a means of making a living.

You might find it hard to believe, but management expert Peter Drucker claims that Kafka invented the safety helmet during this period. This simple invention had a significant impact on reducing fatalities among workers in the Bohemian iron industry, and in recognition of this innovation, Kafka was awarded a prestigious medal.

The novel "The Trial" is a masterpiece that vividly portrays the profound influence of the legal environment on Kafka's mind. With its captivating language and complex narrative, this novel draws the reader into a world of obscurity and anxiety.

Kafka's works also have a strong presence in Prague, his hometown. A bronze statue of him, created by the artist Jaroslav Róna, has been erected in the Jewish Quarter of Prague. Located near the Spanish Synagogue, this statue depicts Kafka riding on the shoulders of a headless figure. This symbolic image references Kafka's short story "Description of a Struggle."

Franz Kafka and his the trial

In this photo, with my back turned to the camera, I'm crying. This was the moment my emotions reached their peak during this trip.

If you're a reader of novels, you know that the mind unconsciously visualizes the setting of a story while reading.

I started reading Franz Kafka's 'The Trial' when I was 19. At that time, I had formed images of the character Josef K., particularly his home, and the street where his life unfolded. The image of the apartment and street where Kafka's Josef K. lived in 'The Trial' was imprinted in my mind.

During the exclusive Kafka tour, which took me to locations associated with Kafka, we arrived at this street. I thought, "This looks so familiar." The street and apartment that the Czech lady, 'Layla', said Kafka had lived in for two years and written 'The Trial' in... I got goosebumps. It was exactly the same street and apartment I had imagined from reading 'The Trial', down to the smallest detail, even the color and height. How is that possible?

The alignment of reality and imagination created a peak of emotion, turning into tears. Could the feelings Kafka experienced in this street and building during those two years have influenced his writing of 'The Trial' and my visualization of it?

Franz Kafka's Tomb

Alongside Franz Kafka, I recall my adolescence; I was only 17 when I was introduced to his novels, novels that had a profound impact on my desire to continue living. Life in the shadow of Kafka's novels could be dark, though it might shed light on the hidden darkness of life.

Kafka, the author of surrealist novels who had a significant influence on European literature in the last century, became my favorite author from my teenage years. I was strangely immersed in his novels 'The Metamorphosis,' 'The Trial,' and 'The Castle,' to the point where I could effortlessly place myself in the atmosphere of all these works, as if I had previously lived in Prague.

As such, we created a separate website called kafka.ir for Kafka enthusiasts and Kafka scholars. In Iran, Kafka is mostly known through the translations of Sadegh Hedayat. For me, it was the opposite; Kafka introduced me to the works of Hedayat.

Prague's Old Town Square

Prague's Old Town Square is simply magical. It's a place where you can experience a whirlwind of emotions all at once. From every direction, tourists of various nationalities converge on this grand square, where artists of all kinds are constantly creating.

I've traveled to many large city squares, but this one is truly unique. It seems to exude a sense of history, an old-world charm. It's as if everyone has their own rhythm and thoughts, and they're all perfectly content in their own little worlds. This is a square that truly deserves to be called one of the world's greatest.

In the midst of all this, I spot an Iranian man playing the santour. I'm delighted to encounter a fellow countryman after so long, but he seems quite nonchalant about it. I ask for his permission to film him, and he agrees, but he doesn't want his face shared on social media among Iranians. His music seems to draw the tourists in, inviting them to dance, at least in their hearts.

An Iranian man's performance in the Old Town Square of Prague

Photography in Prague (1)

I adore sunsets, especially the breathtaking ones. I love sitting here by the Vltava River, dreaming of visiting Prague. This city has so much beauty to offer; I’ve never seen cobblestones like these anywhere else. A city that survived the World War, a city whose name has enchanted me since childhood.

As the sun sets, this is the end of the Franz Kafka tour. Of all the Kafka-related locations, only his museum and grave remain, which I’ll visit on my own. I want to thank the kind Czech lady, Layla, who guided me on my 'private Franz Kafka tour'.

Vltava River: The Law of Continuity

It seems everything adheres to a single law: continuity. I think of the Vltava River, which divides Prague in two; the continuity of life in Prague, even if severed by a thousand rivers, will not cease. Czech history is a teacher of life. The Czech people "preserve," "effort," and "perseverance" manifest differently in this part of the world; Czech history, and the way they've built the bridges of Prague - just a small example - confirms this.

Humans follow the same law. Continuity is an option I've always considered. Since childhood, I've sought permanence and resilience; I was fond of tortoises, tools that wouldn't break easily, friends who would be consistently loyal, and journeys that were always ongoing. Anything that lacked continuity quickly lost its appeal for me.

By adopting this perspective on life, my surroundings, and my travels, I've arranged the puzzle in a way that reveals the main theme. It's as if I'm now assessing the continuity of everything and everyone, without knowing or recognizing it, and this has made life more beautiful for me.

Dancing House

The concept behind the Dancing House is truly captivating to me—a symbol of life's resilience, emerging from the ashes of destruction. Its story begins in 1945, when the building that once stood on this site was reduced to rubble by U.S. bombings. The land remained a desolate wasteland until the 1960s when the area was finally cleared.

The neighboring plot belonged to the Havel family, home to Václav Havel, the last president of Czechoslovakia and the first president of the Czech Republic. Havel, a poet, writer, and playwright, spent much of his life there.

In 1986, amidst the Communist era, Vladimír Milunić, a prominent Czech architect, conceived an idea for a project on this site and shared it with his neighbor, Havel, who was then a less-known figure.

Years later, during the Velvet Revolution, Havel rose to prominence and eventually became president of Czechoslovakia. Thanks to his power, the project gained traction. Havel commissioned Milunić to explore the site with the hope of transforming it into a cultural center.

The building was finally designed by Vladimír Milunić in collaboration with Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry in 1992. Gehry initially dubbed it "Ginger and Fred," referring to the iconic dancers Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire—the building's form resembling a dancing couple.

A post-war dance, It's beautiful, isn't it?

Thoughts in Prague

Prague (1): A Bridge to the Past

Writing about the Czech Republic feels like an insurmountable task. If European history were a person, it seems they would have chosen Prague as the stage for their destiny. I've written and rewritten about Prague countless times, only to erase it all. When I write about this city, time slips away from me.

I strive to guide my writing so that it doesn't fall into the abyss of history, nor does it get trapped in a dead-end or become merely a diverting tale. I endeavor to preserve its literary value, using my writing as a bridge between your eyes and my inner world. Writing about Prague is a breath-taking task, akin to gazing at the Charles Bridge, which connects the two halves of Prague divided by the Vltava River.

Perhaps alongside Prague Castle, this is the most significant relic of Prague's history. Construction of the bridge began in 1357 and was completed by the early 15th century. It served as the most important link between Prague Castle and the Old Town and the surrounding areas. This terrestrial connection transformed Prague into a vital commercial route between Eastern and Western Europe. The Charles Bridge is the most magnificent bridge I've ever seen. Stay tuned for more images.

Prague (2): A Symbol of Authenticity

Every step in Prague is breathtaking. Each street holds a hidden history; every city or country finds representation here. Architecture, reconstruction, and all that humanity does to change a place reveal the "philosophizing/intellectualization" in that city. Sometimes they try to showcase a city in such a way that history is altered at first glance, making it difficult to discern what has happened in that place.

Prague has no need for such philosophizing/intellectualization. Everything is magnificent as it is. The bridges, castles, architecture, nature, the effort to preserve what is, and ultimately, the people here have maintained their authenticity. Authenticity is a word that reaches its pinnacle in Prague.

What I intend to showcase through the arrangement of words and the photos I've taken cannot fully convey a deep feeling. However, my writing is structured to invite you not just on a journey, but into the emotions that arose from a journey.

Prague (3): A Silent Symphony

Prague is to me like an aged, powerful artist who seeks no fame, a singer who masters a thousand songs but never sings, a director of countless successful films who desires neither image nor recognition.

A city that itself tastes like aged wine. It seems as though this city requires no renovation; authenticity gains meaning when a city becomes the narrator of its hidden past; Prague shines in my eyes in this way.

In Prague, everything is laid bare. The Czechs exhibit all that they have, and without knowing the hidden gems of this city, you'll fall in love with it at first sight. This is the place where I would like to direct the film of my life. It's the best location to express my feelings without using words.

Statue of Saint John the Baptist. It's a statue I love to pass by every day on Charles Bridge.

Prague (4): A Password to Anthropology

A journey to Prague, beyond its architecture and history, reveals the human aspects of this country and a part of Europe. This title departs from the usual clichés in describing Prague and directs my writing toward a less-considered aspect.

A third of the Czech Republic is comprised of Germans in a fairly large region called Sudetenland; a country that has undergone vast historical changes now has the "most indifferent people to religion," ranking third in the world's list of most irreligious people. I think 74% of people are non-religious, and 10% believe in God.

Throughout my life, I've had connections with various Czechs; I have old friends. All of them are mostly carefree, historically suffering, kind, relaxed, artistic, intelligent, adventurous, and of course, thoughtful people. It seems Czechs like to experience everything to the end. Czechs are relatively straightforward and can sometimes be harsh; they can easily swear without considering it bad; this somewhat distinguishes Czechs in terms of humor and intellectualism. In a word: Czechs are "indifferent" people.

The Czech Republic has many writers, directors, and artists, especially in the fields of theater and opera. Czechs are world-renowned for their performances of opera and theater; just like Charles Bridge, anthropology in the Czech Republic contributes to a broader anthropology of Europe and the world.

Prague (5): A Hidden Corner in History

John of Nepomuk, is one of the most well-known Catholic saints in the Czech Republic. He is considered the patron saint of confession and bridges, and his statue on Charles Bridge in Prague is one of the city’s most iconic images.

The story of John of Nepomuk is intertwined with various legends and narratives. According to the popular account, he was a priest in the 14th century who refused to reveal the queen of Bohemia’s confession. As a result, he was thrown into the Vltava River on the king’s orders. John of Nepomuk is considered the first martyr of the Seal of the Confessional, a patron against calumnies and, because of the manner of his death, a protector from floods and drowning.

The prototypical statue of John of Nepomuk at Charles Bridge in Prague, at the site where the saint was thrown into the Vltava, was created by Jan Brokoff based on a model by Matthias Rauchmiller in 1683, on the supposed 300th anniversary of the saint's death, which was until the mid-18th century presumed to have happened in 1383. It was the basis for a number of statues of the saint all across Europe.

A trip to Prague is even more enriching when you know the history behind it, isn’t it?

As you can see in the photo, I shared a story on Instagram last November about the painting "Martyrdom of St. John Nepomuk" by Szymon Czechowicz, which is kept in the National Museum in Warsaw.

Prague (6): Charles Bridge, the Heart of Prague

Charles Bridge is more than just a bridge; it’s a treasure trove of dreams, aspirations, and memories. Every stone in this bridge tells a story that has been etched onto it over centuries. Street performers with their instruments, young lovers with their gazes, and the leisurely steps of tourists all bring this bridge to life. Charles Bridge is a mirror that beautifully reflects the collective soul of Prague.

The statues on it are magnificent, though aged. While the originals have been moved to a museum, these replicas have gained value over time. The birds on the bridge, the view, the grandeur, the cobblestones, the excitement and curiosity of tourists, all add to its splendor.

It feels as if a piece of the Czech Republic has been placed at this very spot. In other words, Charles Bridge is the center and heart of the Czech Republic.

Wimmer's Fountain

I felt like the things that interested and excited me didn't appeal to anyone older when I was a child. They had seen and done it all by that age and hence had nothing left to enjoy because nothing was new to them.

Well, into my thirties now, I realize absolutely nothing could be further from the truth. They love 'looking back' to the past, unfolding stories, the playing of light, the passage of time, and fruits of their imagination. The elderly reflect on their long-standing relationships, what they have always thought and questioned and never found the answer to, and still get pleasure from seeking new relationships. They find pleasure in the mere fact of being on this ever-turning planet and in revisiting their collections and pictures from the time of their tender age.

Sometimes, I even think they might enjoy life more than we do. They do not get obsessed with the building of a different future; they actually live more in the present. They have no reason to lie to achieve something.

I like to observe older people, as well as take their pictures. This is Wimmer's Fountain in the old town of Prague.

Prague afternoons

Prague afternoons weren't as I had imagined; they're just as beautiful at night. Even though I've only seen it in summer, the sunsets evoke memories of winter. I adore stillness and silence. Perhaps that's why I prefer winter travel.

I'd love it if it were just me and the people of Prague here, our memories of a history we both share somehow intertwining to create images within me. I like my thoughts to wander like this, where I'm unable to put them into words.

Over the years, I've built a world within myself, one that has made my view of the world incredibly beautiful. I no longer travel like a tourist, merely observing. I live in cities, touching the streets as if my heart were beneath my feet. In Prague, I become Kafka himself, metamorphosised to experience this city.

We can be peaceful: John Lennon Wall, Prague

Seeking Peace in Front of the Lennon Wall in Prague, Czech Republic.

The "Third Eye" project was initiated in 2015 with the aim of uniting people from all corners of the globe. The project seeks to inspire a renewed perspective on the world, one where peace and harmony can prevail regardless of nationality, borders, gender, race, religion, beliefs, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

As the creator of this project for the past nine years, I have had many wonderful experiences. In all my memories, I have discovered a universal desire for peace and friendship among people; this world needs peace and friendship more than ever.

The Lennon Wall, located near the French Embassy, has been a symbol of dissent since the 1960s. After John Lennon's death, it became a focal point for anti-government protests. Despite official attempts to erase the messages, the wall remains a testament to freedom and resistance.

When I embarked on this journey with this poster, the plan was for me to capture images of myself alone in war-torn locations, parliaments, and so on. But everything changed from the very first photo. As soon as people saw it, after a brief pause and reading the text, they would ask, 'Can I take a picture with it?'

The number of people in the photos gradually increased. Seeing someone of a different nationality, each person wanted to join the photo. The poster reads: 'Open your third eye to a new world; we can be peaceful.'

I quickly realized people's yearning for peace. It doesn't matter where it is, whether in Ukraine, Russia, Iran, or Prague. This world is not as we think it is. The desire for peace has existed in people since the day they were born. But what is it that prevents the world from achieving lasting peace?