Prague, Czechia

Prague, Czechia

Monday, 14 October, 2024

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, home of the world’s best beer, stunning architecture, and oh, yeah: ancient secrets.

Initially settled by Slavs, the area now known as the Czech Republic was then made up of two kingdoms: Moravia and Bohemia. By the ninth century, it was part of the Holy Roman Empire. Fast forward a few hundred years, and the region came under the rule of the Habsburgs until that empire fell at the end of WWI.

Between the two world wars, there was a brief, golden era of independence when the Czech identity soared. Truly Czech art, language, music, and writing were all the rage. It was a time of democracy, optimism, and creative output — but then WWII brought the Nazi occupation and, after that, the communist regime until 1989.

What’s bad for everyday life is excellent for storytelling. The tales inspired by Prague include daring rebellion, Slavic folklore, love of democracy, and an affection for a darker, but still humorous, perspective on life.

our podcast

In this episode, we talk about why we love our adopted home city. Then we discuss books we love, including two that transported us directly into communist territory during the Cold War, crime stories that explore the shadowy side of Prague, a fresh look at two Czech heroes of WWII, and more. Get ready to be hit in the feelings. We also chat with travel writer Mark Baker who gives us the inside story on the city’s bookshops, spies, and ghosts. (show notes / transcript)

recommended books

111 Places in Prague That You Shouldn't Miss

buy | read review

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay

buy | read review

Daughter of Smoke & Bone

buy | read review

Faces of Vyšehrad

buy | read review

The Glass Room

buy | read review

Gottland

buy | read review

Goulash

buy | read review

HHhH

buy | read review

Honest Guide Prague

buy | read review

The Lost Wife

buy | read review

The Other City

buy | read review

Prague

buy | read review

Prague: Artěl Style

buy | read review

Prague Fatale

buy | read review

Prague Noir

buy | read review

The Prague Sonata

buy | read review

Prague Spring

buy | read review

Rick Steves Prague & The Czech Republic

buy | read review

The Riddle of Prague

buy | read review

Secret Prague

buy | read review

The Trick

buy | read review

The Wall

buy | read review

The Woman From Prague

buy | read review

Top image courtesy of NothingisEverything/Shutterstock.

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featured posts

Episode 01 of The Strong Sense of Place podcast — Prague: Cobblestones and Castles. Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, world's best beer, and ghosts.
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It's been 27 years since Melissa's last college French class. Now, as a resident of Prague, she's tackling the tricky grammar and pronunciation of the Czech language. Will she ever learn enough to read 'Jana Eyreova'?
Prague's stunning architecture and magical atmosphere make it one of Europe's must-visit cities. But we love it because it's full of stories. Everywhere you look, there's a tale to be told, a mystery to unravel.
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The novel 'Goulash' reads like a memoir of an American expat's adventures in 1998 Prague. It was a dynamic time for the city, but some things stay the same: the pubs, the beer, and good, honest Czech food.
Soft light illuminates floor-to-ceiling shelves of gilt-spined books in the libraries of the Strahov Monastery. But it's not all Latin texts and antique globes: a narwhal horn and a giant crab decorate the hallway.
Let this story enthrall you as it travels from you from WWII-era Czechoslovakia to modern Los Angeles with a family of unforgettable characters. It will make you believe in the pure, unstoppable magic of love.
How about a bookish trip to Prague? This novel has it all: a troubled but good-hearted heroine, dangerous secrets, gorgeous scenery, music and art and romance — all played out against the backdrop of Czech history.

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