The not-so-old part of historical Prague
As tourists, we tend to make the mistake of assuming that any structure which looks suitably old is automatically ancient. It’s easy to walk around any city and make this
The Mansion that thinks it’s a Castle
About an hour’s drive from Prague, you can discover the grandly named Mnichovo Hradiště castle. I say “grandly named” because it is nothing more than a mansion rather than a
The Knights of St Lazarus
The Knights of Malta (to give them their full name, the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta) are certainly familiar to followers of this site. I was
Prague’s Marian Column
Prague’s Old Town Square used to contain one of the largest sundials I’ve ever heard of. Judging by reports in the local news, it just might be rebuilt too. And
Charles’ Crown Castle
As architectural designs go, insisting on a new castle that resembles a crown is quite original. Wanting this sort of thing to impress the king is less original, but that’s
Skorba Temples in Malta
Would you bother to see a unique 6,000 year old temple just because it is not as impressive or complete as the others? If you answered ‘no’, you would miss
The Buskett Forest and the Maltese Falcon
When the Knights were given the Maltese islands they were asked to pay tribute of a Maltese Falcon every year to the monarch of Sicily. It’s a strange request, and
Prague’s Metronome – and Communist Past
With a hand that is around 75 feet long (22.8 metres), the metronome that waves above Prague is impressive enough as it is. Its location is no random choice and
The con man who sold the Eiffel Tower
One of the smoothest con men who ever lived managed to fool people into buying France’s Eiffel Tower from him. Twice. His name is Victor Lustig and he was Czech.
Egypt and Malta – Unusual Historical Connections
Ask anyone in Malta to direct you to the Mosta Dome and you’ll get immediate directions. Not all churches on the island are as well-known as this one is. Not