Thanks to its geographical position at the very heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is a place where Europe’s historical forces have literally crossed at all points. The Czech people are suitably proud of their past, meaning that historical celebrations, fencing tournaments, even re-enactments of medieval castle sieges or great battles enjoy great popularity.
Historical town celebrations
Celebration of the Five-petalled Rose (Slavnosti pětilisté růže)
The celebration of the five-petalled rose, recalling the noble house of the town’s former rulers, the lords of Rosenberg (Rožmberk), brings Český Krumlov back to the era of the Renaissance at the end of June.
Historical Weekend in Pilsen
In June Pilsen stages a historical weekend in the style of a fairy-tale, with the largest parade of ghosts in the world.
Tips for the visitor
Find yourself a costume and become one of Pilsen’s officially registered ghosts. You will receive confirmation with an official town stamp, and possibly become part of a world record.
Royal Silver in Kutná Hora
Royal Silver (Královské stříbření) (www.stribreni.cz) held in Kutná Hora, is a celebration in High Medieval style, serving as the symbolic opening of the tourism season.
Pálava Wine Festival (Pálavské vinobraní) in Mikulov
The Pálava wine-festival in Mikulov is an event with a medieval market-fair and a wine-market, along with parades, wine tasting, entertainment for all ages and special dishes.
Znojmo Wine Festival (Znojemské vinobraní)
Another South Moravian wine festival in Znojmo – a grandiose costume spectacle and celebration of fresh and vintage wine, along with performances of Renaissance music and dance and lots more besides.
Military history
Terezín
In the town of Terezín stands the building originally constructed as a military fort by Empress Marie Theresa, perfectly preserved from the 18th century. Its greater fame or infamy, though, dates from World War Two, when it served as an internment camp for Jews from across Europe. Now it contains the Monument to the Victims of Nazism (Památník obětem nacismu) (www.pamatnik-terezin.cz).
Fortification systems of Czechoslovakia
The fortification system constructed in 1934-38 consists of several thousand structures of differing types. Though ultimately unsuccessful, the design, technical equipment and overall concept of the Czechoslovak fortifications were among the most advanced of their day. Even today, many of the bunkers near the national borders still stand, and are well worth a visit. The original bunker network numbered up to 10 000 separate structures.
Tips for the visitor
The Hanička Fort near Rokytnice in West Bohemia is also worth visiting.
Military History Institute (Vojenský historický ústav)
The Military History Institute (www.militarymuseum.cz) administers the Military Technical Museum, the Aircraft Museum and the Army Museum.
Battle re-enactments
Re-enactment of the Battle of Austerlitz (Slavkov)
On December 2, 1805 Napoleon defeated a combined Russian and Austrian force at the “Battle of the Three Emperors” near the South Moravian village of Slavkov, better known internationally by its German name of Austerlitz (www.austerlitz.org). Every year thousands of visitors arrive below Santon Hill to watch a re-enactment of the manoeuvres during the original battle. One of the largest events of its kind in Europe, it is attended by hundreds of “soldiers” in period uniforms.
The Battle of Königgratz (Chlum u Hradce Králové)
Every year, the anniversary of one of the bloodiest battles of the Austro-Prussian War – the Battle of Königgratz – is held at Chlum u Hradce Králové (July 3, 1866) with a memorial ceremony and re-enactments of the battle. At the centre of the battlefield stands a museum (www.muzeumhk.cz), serving as the centre of events associated with the battle’s anniversary.
Mladějov – Blosdorf 1915
Every August in the Industrial Museum of Mladějov in Moravia, a commemoration of a battle from World War One, known as Mladějov – Blosdorf 1915 (www.mladejov.cz) is held. The aim is to reconstruct a battle on the Russian-Austrian front.
