I went north today with one of my students, Lucka, and her boyfriend Mirek to climb to and see the amazing castle called Bezděz, about 74km northwest of Prague. Bezděz castle is the castle immortalized in the epic poem by Czech writer Karel Machá in his poem entitled "Maj"(May).
This castle is incredible and the walk was both exhilarating and tiring, as it was almost straight up the side of this "mountain", but once on top, worth all the energy. Amazing views of the Czech countryside.
Machá's epic lyrical poem "Máj" (May), published in 1836 shortly before his death, was judged by his contemporaries as confusing, too individualistic, and not in harmony with the national ideas. Máchá's genius was discovered and glorified much later by the poets and novelists of the 1850s generation and "Máj" is now regarded as the classic work of Czech Romanticism, and is considered one of the best Czech poems ever written.
After reading an english translation of this poem several months ago I was hoping to one day to see it and today I did! An amazing drive through great countryside and what a sight to see this castle arising in the distance out of the fog and haze that had not yet dissipated. Thank you to Lucka and Mirek for just a great day. Dekuju moc.
PS: one starts walking up at THE bottom of that Hill... from the car park at the bottom in the town...then THE journey begins.
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