Jews

Hans Krasa and Terezin

Hans Krasa and Terezin

Born in 1899, Krasa was a young musical prodigy who composed his first songs at the age of ten. By the age of 39, he would compose his most famous song, Brundibar. By the age of 40, in 1939, the occupation of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany took place. After their occupation, Krasa was arrested by the Nazis and deported to the Terezin concentration camp, forced to compose as a part of a propagandic smokescreen.

Magic on Charles Bridge

Magic on Charles Bridge

Like Halloween in the United States, the Czech Republic has its own celebration, Dušičky, or All Soul’s Day, on the 2nd of November. And like the monsters and ghosts of Halloween, the Czech Republic has its own, such as the Golem of Rabbi Loew, a Prague classic.

Emperor Rudolf II: Prague's Patron of Arts and Science

Emperor Rudolf II: Prague's Patron of Arts and Science

Rudolf II, leader of the Holy Roman Empire, ruled from 1575-1612. His reign as emperor was nontraditional and he was well known for his patronage of arts and science. Under his rule, alchemists were protected and allowed to experiment and learn, making Prague one of the cultural centers of this scientific discipline. His rule also allowed artists from all over Europe to thrive and flourish, which artists noticed and greatly appreciated.

The Languages of Kafka

Czech novelist Franz Kafka was a man whose deliberate use of language would come to define key aspects of his life. Having known German, Czech, and Hebrew, these three represented the continuous struggle for identity he faced up until his death.