Prague, the heart of the Czech Republic, is a place where legends come alive at every turn. Walking through the historic districts of the capital, it is worth knowing the stories that have inspired locals and fascinated visitors for centuries.

The most famous Prague legend is undoubtedly the story of the Golem of Prague. This mythical creature was created in the 16th century by Rabbi Judah Löw ben Bezalel to protect the Jewish community from pogroms. The golem, fashioned from clay and animated by placing the Hebrew word 'emet' (truth) on his forehead, became the protector of the Prague ghetto. According to legend, a rabbi activated the Golem through a special incantation, and deactivated it by removing the first letter of the word 'emet', turning it into 'met' (death). However, the Golem had its drawbacks - it didn't understand the nuances of human commands, and once, when the rabbi forgot to deactivate it before Shabbat, the creature went on a rampage and began destroying the ghetto. The legend is closely associated with Prague's Jewish quarter, and tourists visiting the Old Town can see the Staron synagogue, where the Golem's remains are said to rest in the attic to this day.

Strolling through the majestic Hradčany Castle, it is impossible not to mention Princess Libuše - the legendary founder of Prague. This wise and just ruler, daughter of Prince Kroka, possessed the gift of clairvoyance. One day, standing on the hill of Vyšehrad, she predicted the creation of a great city: 'I see a great city whose glory will reach the stars.' She then sent messengers to follow her vision. They found a man plowing a field - Přemysl the Ploughman, whom Libuše chose as her husband and the first ruler of the Přemyslid dynasty. This legend is the foundation of Czech national identity and explains the origins of Prague as a city 'born of prophecy'. Hradčany Castle, which is the largest castle complex in the world, is the perfect place to feel the spirit of this tale. Spread over 70,000 square meters, with numerous courtyards, gardens and buildings, this castle has witnessed many historical events that are intertwined with legendary tales.

While strolling along the Charles Bridge in Prague, it's worth remembering the Bohemian watermen (vodník). These mythical creatures, inhabiting rivers and lakes, were depicted as greenish humanoid beings with frog-like features, wearing red caps and wet, dripping clothes. According to legends, aquatic creatures lured unwary people into the water, where they drowned their victims and stored their souls in porcelain pots. The Charles Bridge, which spans the Vltava River, is the perfect place to look out for these mythical creatures. This 14th-century bridge, decorated with 30 Baroque sculptures, is itself the subject of many legends. One of them says that eggs were added to the mortar to strengthen the structure, which was supposed to give the bridge extraordinary durability. Another tale suggests that the cornerstone was laid at exactly 5:31 a.m. on July 9, 1357, forming the numerological sequence 1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1, which was supposed to provide the bridge with magical protection.

Czech legends are full of heroic figures whose courage and cunning have inspired many generations. One of the most moving is the story of Horymír and his faithful horse Šemík, which takes place during the time of Prince Křesomysl.

Horymír was a nobleman who opposed the excessive silver mining that was destroying the surrounding farmlands. When miners, taking revenge for his opposition, burned down his property, Horymír destroyed their mining equipment in retaliation. For this act, he was sentenced to death by Prince Křesomysl. Before his execution, he asked to be allowed one last ride on his beloved horse Šemík. The prince agreed, not knowing that Šemík was no ordinary horse. As Horymír mounted the steed and whispered in his ear, Šemík made an impossible leap from the walls of Vyšehrad, leaping over the Vltava River and saving his master. Unfortunately, the heroic leap cost Šemík his life. Before his death, he asked Horymír to bury him in Neumětely. This moving story of sacrifice and loyalty is one of the most famous Czech legends.

When visiting Karlštejn Castle, learn about the legend of Žito, the court magician of King Wenceslas IV. This clever magician was famous for his unusual tricks and ability to unmask crooks. He once turned thirty sheaves of straw into thirty pigs, which he sold to a baker, warning him, however, not to let the animals touch the water. When the baker ignored this warning, the pigs turned back into straw, leading to a dramatic confrontation between Žito and the baker. Karlštejn, a majestic Gothic castle built in the 14th century by Emperor Charles IV, provides the perfect backdrop for this magical tale. Situated on a limestone hill about 30 kilometers southwest of Prague, the castle was designed as a treasury of coronation jewels and holy relics. Its massive walls, towers and fortifications form an imposing silhouette visible from afar. The castle's interiors hide priceless treasures, including a collection of 129 Gothic paintings in the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Visiting the chambers of Karlštejn, it's easy to imagine King Wenceslas IV and his court magician Žito entertaining the court with his magic tricks.

And don't miss the legend of the district's name Smíchov, which comes from the Czech word 'smích' meaning laughter. According to the legend, the site once housed the castle of the harsh ruler Rohovic. When he was captured and executed by Prince Vojen, his body was buried on the hill. Soon evil spirits began to gather around the grave, and their terrifying laughter spread through the area, giving rise to the name of this Prague neighborhood. This dark tale is a reminder that Czech legends can also be sinister and disturbing.

Špilberk Castle in Brno, while not directly related to these legends, has its own dark history that fits perfectly with the atmosphere of Czech folk tales. This 13th-century fortress, later transformed into a notorious prison known as the 'Prison of Nations,' was the site of suffering for many political prisoners. Today, as a museum, Špilberk offers visitors the opportunity to explore its dark corridors and cells, where one can almost hear echoes of the past. The castle towers over the city of Brno, offering impressive views of the surrounding area, and its massive walls hide many mysteries and unexplained phenomena, making it an ideal destination for lovers of legends and history.

Czech folklore abounds with fascinating mythical creatures that have inhabited the country's forests, mountains and lakes for centuries. Some of the most intriguing are the Lesní Ženy (Forest Women) - ethereal beings who are guardians of the deep forests, embodying the wild beauty of nature. These mysterious creatures can be kind to those who respect their domain, but merciless to anyone who destroys the forest. According to legends, Forest Women can both help lost wanderers and bring them doom, depending on how a person relates to nature.

When wandering in the vicinity of Karlštejn Castle, it is worth remembering that the surrounding forests may once have been home to these mythical creatures. Karlštejn, set amidst lush greenery, is surrounded by dense forests that fit perfectly with the legends of the Forest Women. This imposing Gothic castle, built in 1348 by Emperor Charles IV, was originally intended to house royal treasures, including crown jewels and holy relics. Today it is one of the most visited Czech castles, attracting visitors with its majestic architecture and rich history. Visiting its chambers, chapels and towers, you can feel the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, when belief in mythical creatures was commonplace. Karlštejn offers various tours, the most exclusive of which leads to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, where the most precious relics were kept.

Another fascinating creature of Czech folklore is Hejkal, a forest demon whose shrill screams can be heard deep in the forests. According to legends, imitating his scream could bring misfortune or even death. These tales were often passed on during long winter evenings, when families gathered around the fireplace in castle chambers or country cottages.

Prague's Hradčany Castle, which is the largest castle complex in the world, is also surrounded by legends about mythical creatures. According to some legends, the castle's vaults are home to the spirits of past rulers, and magical creatures guarding royal treasures can be found in the surrounding gardens. This impressive complex, spread over 70,000 square meters, has witnessed many historical events, which over time have grown into legends. The castle, which is the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic, consists of numerous palaces, churches, gardens and towers, each with its own history and legends. St. Vitus Cathedral, located on the castle grounds, is not only a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, but also the resting place of Czech kings and saints, which adds to its mystical character.

The Charles Bridge in Prague, one of the city's most recognizable symbols, is also the hero of many legends. In addition to the aforementioned watermen, the bridge was said to be protected by other mythical beings, including Neptune himself, the god of the seas. According to one legend, offerings of eggs, wine and other products were made during the bridge's construction to ensure the structure's durability and protection from floods. The bridge, decorated with 30 Baroque sculptures, is a kind of bridge between the real and mythical worlds, where history is intertwined with legend.

Špilberk Castle in Brno, though less famous than Prague's monuments, also has its legends. One tells of the White Lady, the ghost of an unfortunate woman who appears in the castle's corridors during a full moon. Another tale mentions a hidden treasure, guarded by subterranean creatures, which can only be found on Midsummer night. Špilberk, originally a royal castle from the 13th century, later transformed into a notorious prison, today functions as a city museum. Its dark prison history, when it was known as the Habsburg Monarchy's 'prison of nations,' adds authenticity to the tales of ghosts and demons.

Czech legends, though often fantastic and improbable, are an important part of the country's cultural heritage. By learning about them, tourists can gain a deeper understanding of the Czech mentality, history and traditions. Visiting historical sites associated with these tales, one can almost feel the presence of the Golem, hear the laughter of the ghosts of Smíchov or look out for watermen in the currents of the Vltava River. It is this magical layer, superimposed on reality, that makes a trip through the Czech Republic an unforgettable experience.