podebrady – By Sarah

AKA A Day of Indulgence and Adventure

Today started with what can only be described as the most decadent and expansive buffet breakfast I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. As soon as we walked into the dining room at our hotel, we were greeted by glasses of champagne, already poured and waiting. Well, it would’ve been rude not to indulge, right?

The selection was nothing short of staggering. There were endless options: flaky croissants, delicate pastries, fresh breads, and rolls, crumpets, crispy rosti, sausages, and eggs in every conceivable style. And then, the cheeses—oh, the cheeses! Alongside these, there were olives, pickled veggies, fresh fruit, jams, cream, and yoghurts. There was even bircher muesli, and yes, desserts—desserts for breakfast. I mean, why not? It was an indulgent way to start the day, and I wish I’d taken my camera to capture the spread (I know, I know, rookie mistake). But I promise to remember tomorrow!

After breakfast, we treated ourselves to a little luxury by dropping off our clothes to be laundered. Then, we ventured into the New Town to check out a charming espresso bar called Little Bali. Highly recommend – this was one of the best coffees I’ve had on the trip so far. The quality was exceptional, and it was a perfect pick-me-up.

Next up, we hopped on a regional train to Kutná Hora. The train itself was a bit rustic, but that only added to the charm. The clickety-clack and the rocking motion as we left the Prague city limits felt oddly exciting. Our destination? The famous Ossuary, known for its hauntingly beautiful interior decorated with human bones.

Kutná Hora’s Sedlec Ossuary, also known as the “Bone Church,” is a famous historical site located in the Czech Republic. It dates back to the 13th century, originally established as a cemetery for victims of the Black Death and later expanded as a burial site for people from all over Central Europe. In the 16th century, a monk arranged the bones into artistic formations, creating the macabre decorations that still captivate visitors today. The ossuary houses the remains of an estimated 40,000 to 70,000 individuals.

Restoration works at Sedlec Ossuary have been ongoing to preserve its unique architecture and delicate bone arrangements. Recent efforts focus on stabilising the structures that support the bone decorations, maintaining the integrity of the historical site, and controlling environmental factors like humidity that could accelerate the decay of the bones.

Additionally, there is a concerted effort to balance the growing influx of visitors with the need to preserve the site’s solemnity and respect for those interred. Modern interventions aim to ensure the site can withstand the pressures of both time and tourism while preserving its historical, artistic, and spiritual significance. It was truly unique experience and one I respected immensely, by not taking photos.

Randomly, there was a “Museum of Bricks” right near the ossuary, which is a delight for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages. This interactive museum features impressive displays and intricate models built from LEGO bricks, ranging from detailed replicas of famous landmarks to creative original designs. Visitors can admire the Czech Guiness World Record holder’s feats while also building their own creations at the tables in the cosy bistro.

On the way back to Prague, we stopped off in Poděbrady, a small town that offered a glimpse into quiet, rural Czech life.

Poděbrady is a historic town in central Bohemia, with origins dating back to the 13th century. It rose to prominence in the 14th century when it became the seat of the noble Poděbrady family, whose most famous member, George of Poděbrady, became the King of Bohemia in 1458. His reign was marked by efforts to maintain peace in a divided Europe and to establish a more stable governance for Bohemia. Poděbrady is also known for its mineral springs, which have been used for their therapeutic properties since the 16th century, making it a popular spa destination. Over the centuries, the town has preserved its medieval and Renaissance architecture, with significant landmarks such as the Gothic-style Church of St. James and the royal castle, reflecting its rich historical legacy.

We didn’t get to explore too much as the weather was against us (and the city pretty much closes at lunchtime on Fridays anyway!), but the peaceful vibe was welcome.

The temperature took a real dive on our journey back to Prague; down to a chilly 1°C, but with the wind, it felt more like -7.8°C. Brr! But we powered through and picked up our laundry before heading out again for a pre-dinner drink.

For dinner, we treated ourselves to a fun experience at Výtopna Railway Restaurant, a place where trains deliver your food and drinks directly to your table. The quirky, fun atmosphere was a highlight of the day, and the food was just as delightful.