These past few days, we had nothing but blue skies and bright days. Summer is indeed here.
This morning, since we didn’t go out of town, my husband and I decided to take a short trip to Kutna Hora, a neighboring town, for a picnic at one of the famous parks there. Because we didn’t check the event calendar for the park, we ended up running on to the “Festival of the Royal Silvering of Kutna Hora.”
Performers dancing a traditional medieval danceYoung girls dancing as part of a short stage play.
The event was held at the Italian Court, the central mint of the Kingdom of Bohemia and former residence of the king in the 15th century.
The Italian Court overlooking the Park where the festival was held.
It was an awesome event filled with music, dancing, jousts, and the fictitious arrival of King Wenceslaus and Queen Sofia of Bavaria.
Drummers announcing the arrival of the king and queen.The knights’ paradeThe king and queen arrives.The king’s court
Being in the event made me feel like I was transported back in time when Kutna Hora was at its prime. Back then, Kutna Hora was a famous silver mining town which was the second most important town in the kingdom of Bohemia after Prague. The costumes that were worn signified wealth and prosperity in the town.
One of my favorite parts of the show was a sword fight performed by actors.
Another favorite was the performance of a band that specializes in Medieval music.
It was also fun to watch people dress up for the event. Kids in costumes always have a soft spot in my heart.
But I wasn’t the only one who was totally entertained. Guess who were at the front row?
I am really glad that we accidentally attended this event in Kutna Hora. I will mark it in my calendar next year, so it will be one of those weekend events that we will go to.
More information about this event can be found here.
Perhaps one of the best attractions in Vysocina, the Czech highlands, is “Vesely Kopec ” (Merry Hill). Vesely Kopec features a collection of folklore buildings, arts and crafts in an open-air setting.
Entrance to the museum
Once you are inside the museum, it gives you a feel of being transported back in time when people lived simply with ancient tools. It is even more amazing to note the craft they had created through it.
A typical folk cottage
Here’s a peek into one of the cottages. Isn’t it amazing how people used to survive in such small space? One room serves everything: eating, sleeping, socializing.
Interior of the cottage
But the view outside seems to make up for what’s lacking in the inside.
The museum features a mill, a barn, a weaving area and a flax and fruit dryer to name a few.
The equipment used for weaving.
This cabinet is an ancient fruit dryer.
One of the volunteers doing some restorations. Yes, it is restored the same way it was built.
Vesely Kopec is the only architectural folklore exposition in Eastern Bohemia.
So if you are ever in the Czech Republic and decide to go beyond Prague to explore the countryside, this is one spot worth checking out.
More information about Vesely Kopec can be found here.
Czech the Flip 