Author: Antoine P Borg

A photo of the mysterious menhir - Prague, Czechia

Prague’s mysterious menhir

Prague has continued to expand in the same way many other cities have grown over the centuries. We may never know what they used the land for before becoming part of the city. Sometimes, there are a few tantalising remnants which tell a fragment of a story. This article is about the lone mysterious Prague menhir - the Petrified Servant.
A photo of narrow Valletta streets

Every parents’ worst nightmare: The carnival deaths

In the 19th century, the monks at the convent annexed to the Ta' Giezu church in Valletta would help young boys stay out of mischief during carnival. They would pray together and then give the boys food. In 1823, this act of charity turned into a catastrophe.
A photo of one of the side roads in Zlaté Hory - Olomouc, Czechia

The World War II Death Marches

While travelling overland across Europe, it’s easy to enjoy the scenery and hospitality without a second thought to horrific acts which took place over the centuries. We often don’t realise how special our generation is to live in a Europe where there hasn’t been a major war in over 70 years.
A photo of Piazza di Spagna - Rome, Italy

Spanish steps

Rome’s Spanish steps are an iconic image of the city. People have loitered on the stairs since the 16th century. Not everyone knows the reason behind the name. Why would it be the Spanish steps when it’s in Italy?

The startling story behind the Hebrew inscription

One of the more curious sights on Prague’s Charles Bridge is that of Hebrew script on a Roman Catholic crucifix. The crucifix is a religious symbol that points to the break between the Jewish faith and Christianity so the story behind this is intriguing indeed.
A photo of elaborate corrosion in the limestone - Koněprusy caves, Czechia

The amazing Koněprusy caves

The Koněprusy cave complex is in the middle of a nature reserve and is 40 km away from Prague. Don’t think this is a mere collection of caves because it is one of the most unique cave networks in the world.

Churches that are not sanctuaries

There are a few chapels and churches around Malta which sport an intriguing Latin sign: “Non gode immunity ecclesiastica” ("Doesn't provide ecclesiastical immunity"). I wanted to understand why a church would not be a place of refuge, and why some other churches still were.
A photo of the restored interior

The lost rotunda of St Wenceslas

Rotundas used to be common in Central Europe. Prague was no exception and it is a shame so many have disappeared. This article explains how archaeologists re-discovered St Wenceslas’ rotunda which stood in the Lesser Town Square (Malostranské náměstí).