Jaroslava Kelly
Official Website
Official Website
Athletic Club Sparta Praha was founded on 16 November 1893. Stadium: epet ARENA (Letná Stadium), Prague – capacity 18,349. League: Czech First League
Early Years: Founded by the Rudl brothers, Sparta quickly became a dominant force in Czech football. The club adopted red jerseys inspired by Woolwich Arsenal in 1906.
"Iron Sparta" Era: In the 1920s–30s, Sparta dominated with legendary players like Oldřich Nejedlý, top scorer of the 1934 World Cup.
Golden Periods: The 1960s and late 1980s–1990s saw Sparta return to prominence with stars like Kvašňák, Mašek, Chovanec, and Rosický.
National Team Contributions: Sparta has historically supplied many players to the Czech and Czechoslovak national teams, including Petr Čech, Karel Poborský, and Tomáš Rosický.
The Church of St. Anthony of Padua is a striking neo-Gothic landmark located in Strossmayerovo Square in the Holešovice district of Prague. Here's a concise summary of its history and architectural significance:
Construction Period: Built between 1908 and 1911, the church was designed by František Mikš, a prominent Czech architect who also contributed to the Basilica of SS Peter and Paul at Vyšehrad.
Consecration: The church was officially consecrated on October 25, 1914 by Cardinal Lev Skrbenský.
Style: Neo-Gothic, with twin spires inspired by the famous Church of Our Lady before Týn in Prague’s Old Town.
Right Tower: Contains a bell cast in 1572 by the legendary bell-founder Brikcí of Cimperk. Left Tower: Features a copy of the American Liberty Bell, gifted by President Woodrow Wilson to T.G. Masaryk in 1918, symbolizing the founding of Czechoslovakia.
The Casemates at Gorlice are a fascinating part of the underground complex of the Vyšehrad fortress in Prague, offering a unique insight into the city's military history and architecture.
The casemates were built at the end of the 17th century as part of extensive fortifications following the Thirty Years' War, when Prague was preparing for new threats, especially artillery attacks. It’s a system of over one kilometer of underground corridors, designed to protect soldiers and serve as storage for ammunition and supplies.
Gorlice was created by mistake—an outer wall was built in the wrong place, resulting in an unintended space that was later vaulted with a massive brick ceiling. The hall covers an area of about 330 m² and reaches a height of 13 meters. Originally used as a military warehouse, it now hosts exhibitions, theater performances, and serves as a gallery for Baroque sculptures.
Gorlice houses six original Baroque sculptures from Charles Bridge, including works by Matyáš Bernard Braun, Ferdinand Maxmilián Brokoff, and Matěj Václav Jäckel. Replicas of these statues now stand on the bridge, while the originals are preserved in Gorlice’s stable climate.
The casemates and Gorlice have become popular filming locations, featured in movies like Mission: Impossible with Tom Cruise and the Czech film Jedna ruka netleská.
Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest and most historically significant cathedrals in Europe. Its origins trace back to 642 AD, when King Cenwalh of Wessex founded the Old Minster. The current cathedral was begun in 1079 by Bishop Walkelin after the Norman Conquest and showcases a blend of Norman and Gothic architecture.
The Great Hall is the last surviving part of Winchester Castle, originally built in 1067 by William the Conqueror. The hall itself was constructed in the 13th century under King Henry III and is considered one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in England.
Battle Abbey, located in Battle, East Sussex, is a historically significant site built on the very location of the Battle of Hastings (1066) — one of the most pivotal events in English history.
Founded by William the Conqueror, the abbey was established as a penance for the bloodshed during his conquest of England. Construction began shortly after the battle and was completed around 1094, during the reign of his son, William II.
The high altar of the abbey church was placed on the spot where King Harold is believed to have fallen in battle.
It was a Benedictine monastery, home to monks from Marmoutier Abbey in France, and enjoyed privileges such as sanctuary rights and exemption from episcopal jurisdiction.
The abbey thrived until the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII in 1538.
Arundel is a picturesque historic town in West Sussex, England, known for its rich heritage, striking architecture, and scenic riverside setting.
Arundel Castle was built shortly after the Norman Conquest by Roger de Montgomery, the castle has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk since the 16th century. It played a role in the English Civil War and was later restored in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Arundel Cathedral of Our Lady & St Philip Howard is a striking Gothic Revival building completed in 1873, it adds to the town’s dramatic skyline alongside the castle.
Salisbury Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is one of England’s most iconic and architecturally significant religious buildings.
Founded in 1220, the cathedral was built in just 38 years, giving it a rare architectural unity among medieval cathedrals. It was relocated from Old Sarum, a nearby hilltop settlement, under the guidance of Bishop Richard Poore.
The cathedral’s 404-foot spire is the tallest in England and a defining feature of the Salisbury skyline.
Reading Abbey Ruins are a remarkable historical site located in the heart of Reading, Berkshire, offering a glimpse into nearly 900 years of English history.
Founded in 1121 by King Henry I, Reading Abbey was once one of the largest and wealthiest royal monasteries in Europe. It served as a religious, political, and cultural hub until its dissolution by Henry VIII in 1539. King Henry I himself was buried here, although the exact location of his tomb remains unknown.
Wicked the Musical at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London is a spectacular and long-running West End production that reimagines the world of The Wizard of Oz through a fresh and emotionally rich lens.
Wicked tells the untold story of two iconic witches from Oz — Elphaba, the misunderstood, green-skinned girl who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the bubbly and popular girl who becomes Glinda the Good. Set before and during the events of The Wizard of Oz, the musical explores their unlikely friendship, personal struggles, and the choices that ultimately shape their destinies.
Křivoklát Castle is one of the oldest and most significant medieval castles in the Czech Republic. It is located in the Central Bohemian Region, in the Rakovník District, perched on a rocky promontory above the Rakovnický Stream. Its history dates back to the 12th century, although the current form of the castle was developed in the 13th century during the reigns of Přemysl Otakar I and Wenceslas I.
In 1929, the castle became state property. Today, it is managed by the National Heritage Institute and is open to the public.
Křivoklát Castle is now a major cultural monument and a popular tourist destination. It offers guided tours of historical interiors, exhibitions on its history, and beautiful views of the surrounding Křivoklátsko landscape.
Pisa is a city in Tuscany, best known for its Leaning Tower. This tower, located in the Piazza dei Miracoli, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. The city has a rich history and offers many other landmarks, such as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist, and the Camposanto cemetery.
Florence is a beautiful historic city in Tuscany, known for its rich history and art. Among the most significant landmarks are the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Fountain of Neptune.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Construction began in 1296 and was completed in 1436. The cathedral is famous for its impressive red dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The facade of the cathedral is adorned with marble in shades of pink, white, and green. The interior of the cathedral is relatively simple, but the fresco in the dome is stunning.
The Fountain of Neptune is located in Piazza della Signoria and was created in 1575 by the sculptor Bartolomeo Ammannati. The fountain is decorated with a statue of Neptune standing on a chariot drawn by sea horses. The fountain symbolizes Florence's maritime power and is a popular spot for tourists.
Verona is a beautiful city in northern Italy, located in the Veneto region. It is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and romantic atmosphere. The city lies on the banks of the Adige River and is the second largest city in Veneto, after Venice.
Verona is home to many significant landmarks worth visiting:
Arena di Verona: An ancient Roman amphitheater, which is the third largest in the world. Today, it hosts opera performances and concerts.
Casa di Giulietta: The house where, according to legend, Juliet from Shakespeare's tragedy "Romeo and Juliet" lived. You can see the famous balcony here.
Castelvecchio: A medieval castle that now serves as a museum. Its bridge, Ponte Scaligero, offers beautiful views of the city.
Piazza delle Erbe: A historic square surrounded by beautiful buildings, ideal for walks and sitting down.
Florence is a beautiful historic city in Tuscany, known for its rich history and art. Among the most significant landmarks are the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Fountain of Neptune.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Construction began in 1296 and was completed in 1436. The cathedral is famous for its impressive red dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The facade of the cathedral is adorned with marble in shades of pink, white, and green. The interior of the cathedral is relatively simple, but the fresco in the dome is stunning.
The Fountain of Neptune is located in Piazza della Signoria and was created in 1575 by the sculptor Bartolomeo Ammannati. The fountain is decorated with a statue of Neptune standing on a chariot drawn by sea horses. The fountain symbolizes Florence's maritime power and is a popular spot for tourists.