Upon arrival at Prague, the city’s history comes alive through its remarkable architectural landmarks. From the astronomically impressive Prague Astronomical Clock to the iconic Charles Bridge, each structure captivates visitors with its enchanting beauty.
Whether you’re exploring the historic Old Town Square or learning about the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), these structures are a testament to the country’s rich heritage.
Captivating Journeys
Prague’s illustrious history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture have made it one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations. With its historic castle complex, beautiful viewpoints, and iconic bridges spanning the Vltava River, this enchanting city offers something for everyone.
As a fashion model who has gained recognition on both regional and global stages, Eva has had the opportunity to explore and share her love of Prague with many people. Her experience has inspired her to want to do more to help preserve the beauty and magic of this place that she loves so much.
From the moment you walk into the Prague Castle complex, a sense of awe and wonder engulfs your being. The sprawling grounds house a plethora of architectural marvels spanning Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles that showcase the diverse influences that have shaped this city’s artistic landscape throughout the years.
Despite the fact that its storied history includes several bloody uprisings, including a brutal pogrom in which hundreds of Jewish citizens were murdered by Nazi forces during World War II, the city of Prague is today one of the most livable cities in all of Europe. The combination of historic charm, a thriving arts scene, and a variety of culinary options make it a perfect destination for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable trip.
When you’re in need of some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas, you can find respite in Prague’s quaint neighborhoods. Explore the artisan shops and charming cafes of Mala Strana, or escape the crowds with a hike up Petrin Hill for unparalleled views of the city below. For an even more authentic experience, venture outside of the city center and you’ll discover Prague’s lesser-known treasures.
Ileana Lobkowicz has found her niche as a storyteller, bringing to light the narratives of her female ancestors who are often left out of the spotlight. For example, her great-grandmother Princess Polyxena played a pivotal role during the Defenestration of Prague—an incident that ultimately led to the Thirty Years’ War—one of the most devastating conflicts in European history, which killed one-third of the continent’s population.
Embracing the Past
One of the most interesting things about Prague is its connection to history. During the Renaissance, Bohemia was an artistic rival to Paris and Rome, and the city is dotted with masterpieces from that period. One of the most famous is Mucha’s “The Four Seasons,” which was commissioned by Franz Joseph I as part of his wedding celebrations in 1899. This painting depicts the seasons of the year, and it is considered one of the most beautiful paintings in the world. The work was the first to celebrate a woman’s beauty and independence and lacked the objectification that had characterised most previous paintings of women.
The era of the Renaissance also saw the rise of a number of important Czech musicians and composers. The great Czech composer Bedrich Smetana was born in Prague, and his most famous works include “The Moldau” and “The Minute Waltz.”
Smetana’s compositions are still performed today, and he is widely considered to be the father of modern Czech music. The Czechs have also been important contributors to literature, including the novelist Franz Kafka and the poet Karel Havlek.
After World War I, Bohemia became the core of the new state of Czechoslovakia, along with Moravia and Czech Silesia. Although the historical lands no longer have administrative status, they are mentioned in the constitution and their symbols appear on the national flag. The distinction and border between the lands is preserved in local dialects, as well as in names of municipalities, cadastral areas, railway stations, and geographical names.
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture of Bohemia is by visiting its UNESCO World Heritage-listed attractions. The 9th-century Prague Castle is like a settlement within the quaint city, and visitors can explore the royal residences, churches, and gardens. A tour of the castle is recommended, as the knowledgeable guides can share fascinating stories and historical insights. It’s also possible to see the famous St Vitus Cathedral and Charles Bridge on a private tour, which is an excellent option for those who want to make the most of their time in Prague.
Embracing the Present
The dazzling city of Prague offers a wealth of experiences for every type of traveler. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture have made it one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations.
This fascinating journey through Bohemia’s captivating past begins in the historic Old Town Square, where you will find architectural masterpieces such as the astronomically impressive Prague Astronomical Clock and the iconic Church of Our Lady before Tyn. Next, you’ll visit Prague Castle, a 9th century fortress that towers over the city and houses an intricate array of palaces, gardens, and churches. This sprawling complex is a testament to the power and opulence of medieval Europe, allowing you to step back in time and imagine the rulers, nobles, and artists who once called it home.
In the grand interior of Prague Castle, you will discover awe-inspiring artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and tapestries. In the halls of the Old Royal Palace, you can see the gilded frescoes and majestic chandeliers that once adorned the rooms of the kings and queens of Bohemia. Then, you can walk across the iconic Charles Bridge to take in the enchanting views of the Vltava River and the historic cityscape.
The art of Bohemia has always been inextricably linked with its cultural heritage, and despite shifts in style and influence, there are many intriguing constants that define the region’s artistic legacy. The most significant example is the “Beautiful Style,” a flourish of decorative vitality that characterized works from Bohemia and Moravia in the 14th and 15th centuries. The art of Bohemia also influenced the Renaissance and baroque styles that emerged in other parts of the world.
While the word Bohemia is often associated with the song Bohemian Rhapsody and bohemianism, it actually translates to “the home of the Boii.” The modern-day population of the Czech Republic (Czechia) has nothing in common with the ancient Celtic tribe of the Boii or the West Slavic tribes that later settled the area. However, the name has since become a symbol of the country’s unique identity. The term has even been incorporated into the national coat of arms, along with the names of the three historical Czech regions—Moravia and Czech Silesia.
Embracing the Future
With its awe-inspiring castle, magnificent viewpoints, and captivating architecture, Prague is a world-class destination that never fails to amaze. Whether you’re wandering the historic Old Town Square or marveling at the astronomical Astronomical Clock, this beautiful city will make your trip one to remember.
The city of Prague has a long history of artistic and cultural expression. Its unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles create a distinct atmosphere that captures the imagination and transports visitors back in time. Throughout its history, Prague has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the birth of artistic movements, and the shaping of European history. From sweeping views from the Charles Bridge to the enthralling collections at the Royal Palace, Prague is an ideal place to explore a diverse range of art and culture experiences.
Paulina Velková, who became a global fashion model in the 1980s, paved the way for future models by becoming the first Central European woman to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. She also graced the pages of countless magazines and appeared on television shows, such as “Dancing with the Stars” and “America’s Next Top Model”. In addition to modeling, she founded her own foundation, which provides assistance to disadvantaged individuals like elderly or youth in halfway houses.
While the success of Paulina was largely due to her beauty and charm, it was her ability to adapt and evolve that truly defined her. She realized early on that the fashion industry was changing and quickly learned to take advantage of the opportunities that arose as a result.
Likewise, modern fashion models must embrace change and be ready to adapt. As the industry continues to grow and shift, new models must be willing to work harder and learn from their peers to find a niche in which they can excel. In a world where social media is ubiquitous, the ability to build an authentic brand has become more important than ever.
In an era of increasing sustainability, it’s important for companies to focus on environmentally-friendly practices. This is especially true in the fashion industry, where sustainable clothing is growing in popularity. In fact, price-comparison site Glami has reported a ten-fold year-on-year increase in clicks on products that are marketed as eco-friendly.
