Tucked away in the picturesque landscape of southern Moravia lies a hidden gem that every wine lover must visit: the Plže Wine Cellars. These are no ordinary wine cellars – they are small, white houses adorned with sky blue base walls and ornamentation, giving them an almost otherworldly charm, as if they were inhabited by Tolkien’s hobbits. The Plže cellars form a quaint, enchanting street with two village greens where cultural events are held each summer. This vineyard complex boasts a rich history, with a tradition of wine-making that dates back to the 15th century. The open-air museum is located on the southwest edge of the protected landscape region of the White Carpathians, a place where superb wine matures and is available for tasting. Visitors can explore the Plže cellars throughout the year. During the summer, several cellars are always open, with wine-growers taking turns to serve guests. Why “Plže”? Curiously, the name “Plže” translates to “slugs” in English. The area is aptly named due to the abundance of slugs found in the region, adding a quirky touch to its rich historical and cultural appeal. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
“A Sudden Glimpse to Deeper Things” by Northern Irish director Mark Cousins won the top Crystal Globe award at the Karlovy Vary film festival on Saturday, organisers said. Cousins’s documentary “explores themes of gender, neurodiversity, climate change, and the mysteries of creativity from youth to old age” through the eyes of Scottish painter Wilhelmina Barns-Graham (1912-2004), its authors said. The 58th edition of the festival in the western Czech spa city of Karlovy Vary started on June 28. US actor Viggo Mortensen, known for playing Aragorn in “The Lord of the Rings” films, received the Festival President’s Award at the opening ceremony. Other guests at Karlovy Vary included “Closer” and “Sin City” star Clive Owen and “Erin Brockovich” and “Traffic” director Steven Soderbergh. Both Owen and Soderbergh also received the Festival President’s Award, as did German actor and director Daniel Bruehl, known for roles in “Inglourious Basterds” and “Rush”. Oscar-winning British actor Geoffrey Rush, known for “Shine”, “The King’s Speech” and “Pirates of the Caribbean”, was a member of the festival jury. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
The Ministry of the Environment has announced an agreement with most municipalities in the Ore Mountains to create a new protected landscape area (PPA), spanning over 1,200 square kilometers. According to Novinky.cz, the new area will be situated between Kraslice and Petrovice. “I am pleased that municipalities in the central Ore Mountains, which previously had reservations, now support the designation of the PPA,” said Environment Minister Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL). The ministry states that the new area will enhance the protection of the local landscape, known for its old forests, meadows, and pastures. It will also simplify state administration. Residents in the area will face certain restrictions, which will vary depending on the zone. In the strictest category, activities like mineral mining and new construction will be prohibited. Chemical gritting and highway construction will be banned throughout the PPA. The Ore Mountains As the name of the mountains may refer to its source, the Ore Mountains are primarily known for their mining of ores and silver. The area has been affected by the mining industry since the 14th century. However, its specific nature was recognized by UNESCO, and several mining landscapes were put on the UNESCO list in 2019. Today, tourists...
It will be one of the largest productions ever in the Czech capital, with Barrandov Studio fully booked for the sci-fi series over the next six months. Blade Runner 2099 is being filmed in Prague under the working title “Bulero.” The project has applied for funding from the Czech Film Fund under two headings: “Rebirth” and “The Hunter Becomes the Hunter.” Dimitri Abold (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes) and Lewis Gribben (Somewhere Boy) join the previously announced Michelle Yeoh (The Brothers Sun) and Hunter Schafer (Euphoria) in two more main roles. While Katelyn Rose Downey (The Nun II), Daniel Rigby (Renegade Nell), Johnny Harris (A Gentleman in Moscow), Amy Lennox (Only Child), Sheila Atim (The Woman King) and Matthew Needham (House of the Dragon) join as guest stars on the series. Blade Runner 2099 follows the acclaimed films “Blade Runner,” directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford, and “Blade Runner 2049,” directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Ryan Gosling and Ana de Armas. Blade Runner 2099 will join several major TV productions recently filmed in Prague, including “Carnival Row,” “The Wheel of Time,” and “Foundation.” Unlike these projects, which used various locations across the Czech...
Aleš Juchelka (ANO), deputy speaker of the Chamber of Deputies and shadow minister of labour and social affairs, stated that the “Czech economy heavily relies on Ukrainian workers”. He highlighted that culturally, the Czech Republic and Ukraine share many similarities, making the integration smoother. Juchelka expressed gratitude for the contributions of Ukrainians, without whom the Czech economy would struggle. Juchelka noted that around 120,000 Ukrainian refugees are now part of the Czech workforce, filling crucial roles such as drivers, waiters, and construction workers. He emphasized that these individuals are “not only working but also contributing to the system, underscoring their importance to the economy”. In addition to Ukrainians, Juchelka pointed out that the Czech Republic attracts people from Western countries as well. He mentioned that “many are drawn to the country because it is one of the safest places in the world. The safety factor is a significant pull for those looking to relocate, especially for those weary of illegal migration in other parts of Europe”. The politician also highlighted several other factors that make the Czech Republic appealing. He mentioned the country’s wealth, strategic location, and excellent healthcare system as major attractions. These aspects contribute to making the Czech...
The Saints Cyril and Methodius Day is a national holiday of the Czech Republic, which is celebrated every year on July 5 to commemorate the anniversary of the arrival of the Slavic prophets Cyril and Methodius in Great Moravia in 863. The date for this holiday used to be March 9, but Pope Pius IX changed the date because July 5 is when St. Cyril and St. Methodius arrived in the Moravia region. In an effort to limit the influence of encroaching Germanic neighbors, Czech Prince Rostislav in 863 invited Byzantine monks and brothers Cyril and Methodius (Constantine and Methodius) of Thessalonica to come to the Czech lands to preach the gospel in the Slavonic language (a predecessor of Czech). To spread the Gospel among the Slavs, they translated the Bible and other religious books and helped to spread the Old Slavonic Language, or staroslověnština [transl. from Czech]. What is more important, the alphabet they created formed the basics of what was later used to establish more than 50 Slavic languages – the Cyrillic alphabet. In many countries like Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and others, the Cyrillic alphabet remains the foundation for writing. The two brothers are considered the founders of Slavic literature and...
The monumental burial mound dates from the 4th millennium BC – making it one of Europe’s earliest known funerary structures. A team of archaeologists from the University of Hradec Králové (UHK) discovered the prehistoric burial ground during rescue excavations along a highway in the eastern Bohemia region. The “long barrow” structure measures an impressive 190 meters in length, making it one of the longest of its kind in Central Europe – as well as one of the oldest. “Mounds of this type are found mainly in northwestern Bohemia. They have not yet been reliably documented in Eastern Bohemia,” Petr Krištuf, a professor in UHK’s Department of Archaeology, said in a statement. “In addition, the examined specimen represents the longest prehistoric mound not only in our region but probably in the whole of Europe.” Invisible above ground prior to the excavation, two central burials were revealed during the dig: two human skeletons, both laid on their left side facing north, the first accompanied by a ceramic vessel, and the second with five chipped artefacts. Researchers believe the orientation of the skeletons and offerings provides valuable information about the burial customs of the time. The burial mound was partially disturbed by a...
The Czech Defence Ministry said on Wednesday that the country donated equipment from its army storage, including aircraft and ammunition, worth CZK 6.75 billion to Ukraine as of the end of May. Czechia has so far sent eight aircraft, including two this year. Supplies also included 94,860 artillery ammunition, including 10,000 this year. Previous supplies include 62 tanks, 131 infantry fighting vehicles, 26 chemical reconnaissance vehicles, 16 pieces of air defence vehicles, 13 howitzers, 12 multiple rocket launchers, and various ammunition and small arms. The Czechs have been among the staunch backers of Ukraine and the first to send heavy equipment soon after Russia’s full invasion started in February 2022. Apart from donating from their army storage, they have arranged much larger supplies of heavy equipment and ammunition with funding from allies and Ukraine itself. This includes half a million of artillery shells to be delivered under the so-called Czech initiative this year, or hundreds of pieces of heavy equipment including tanks. The government last week approved a $37 million national contribution to the Czech-led artillery ammunition scheme. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Anastacia, the international pop icon known for her powerful voice, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of her debut album “Not That Kind” with a European tour. The US pop star will perform in Prague on 28 March 2025 at O2 universum. Anastacia’s “Not That Kind” tour marks 25 years since her debut album was released in 2000. She achieved a breakthrough in Europe with the hit “I’m Outta Love” from this album and has enjoyed worldwide success since then. “I am overjoyed to be touring Europe again and performing in so many beautiful places in front of my very special family. I wasn’t able to tour for my first album back then, so this tour makes it extra special for me. I can’t believe it’s been 25 years since ‘Not That Kind’ was released and we’re going to celebrate in typical Anastacia style. It’s going to be a huge anniversary party. I’m really looking forward to seeing you all there,” Anastacia said about her upcoming tour. Anastacia started her career in 1999 and was named the “world’s best-selling new female pop artist” just two years later. She is known for hits like “I’m Outta Love,” “Paid My Dues,” and “Left...
The fruit harvest in the Czech Republic is expected to plummet by 77 percent this year compared to the five-year average, which may threaten many farmers’ livelihood, Martin Ludvík, chairman of the Fruit Growers’ Union told iRozhlas. Spring frosts have caused one of the worst crop damages in the last century, with the apple harvest particularly devastated. “In Bohemia, 90 percent of the apple production is destroyed,” added Ludvík. Traditionally, spring frosts primarily affect more sensitive fruit species like apricots, peaches, plums, and cherries. However, this year saw a slight decrease in damage to apricots and peaches, as these fruits are predominantly grown in southern Moravia, which experienced less frost damage. The unprecedented severity of the frosts has led to a dramatic reduction in the apple crop, with expectations of only about a fifth of the usual yield. The reduced harvest is likely to lead to a significant rise in the price of Czech fruit, particularly apples, which have a long selling period from autumn to the following summer. This situation mirrors the recent rise in cherry prices and foreshadows similar trends for apples. The most critical period for fruit growers will begin in January when the shortfall in apple...
This June was one of the hottest months ever recorded at Prague’s Klementinum, the oldest weather station in the Czech Republic. The average temperature for the month was 21.2 degrees Celsius. According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ), only six Junes have been warmer since the station began operating in 1775, with just one occurring before the year 2000. Across the country, June was exceptionally warm, with a national average temperature of 17.9 degrees Celsius, based on preliminary data. “June 2024, with an average monthly temperature of 21.2 degrees Celsius, was significantly above normal in Prague-Klementinum, ranking seventh to ninth among all Junes since 1775,” meteorologists reported. The deviation from the 1991-2020 average was 1.6 degrees higher, and the long-term average from 1775 to 2014 was exceeded by 3.1 degrees this June. The warmest June in the past 250 years at Klementinum was in 2019, with an average temperature of 24.5 degrees Celsius. This was followed by June 1811 at 22.5 degrees, and recent years like 2003, 2021, 2022, and 2017. “Of the six Junes warmer than this year, only one occurred before 2000,” meteorologists noted. In contrast, the coldest June since 1775 was recorded in 1923, with an average...
On Tuesday, July 2, the Prague Transport Company introduced two new lifts at the Jiřího z Poděbrad metro station. Originally opened in 1980, the station did not have lifts, requiring new shafts to be constructed from scratch. This project, lasting almost three years, cost CZK 500 million. Jiřího z Poděbrad is now the 47th barrier-free station in the Prague metro system, which has a total of 61 stations. The lifts are placed in different parts of the station, with a 40-meter passage between them. Each lift can accommodate 21 passengers or up to 1,600 kg. The shafts of the first pair of lifts are 16.9 meters high, while the second pair reaches 28.1 meters. The travel time for the first pair of lifts is 11 seconds, and for the second pair, it is 14 seconds. After a major reconstruction, Jiřího z Poděbrad station reopened on November 2, 2023, with the installation of the lifts marking the completion of the project. The renovation of Jiřího z Poděbrad square Work on transforming Prague’s Jiřího z Poděbrad square started in February this year. The reconstruction which aims to create an open green space where people can sit on the grass, on benches under...
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