Liberec Region – Luoghi Parlanti

Region of Liberec

Region in the north of the Czech Republic rich in traditional local handcrafts

PERSONAGES

Vlasta Burian

(1891-1962) Born in Liberec and known as the King of comedians, he was a Czech theater actor, director, singer, theater director, athlete, entrepreneur, film actor of the era of silent and sound cinema, patron, writer, mime and Czech imitator who, thanks to his vivacity, spontaneity and improvisation he has become a real star of Czech cinema, theater and radio.

František Xaver Šalda

(1867 - 1937) Born in Liberec, he was a scholar of vast European culture, a Czech journalist and writer, a supporter of the avant-gardes who radically renewed Czech literary criticism. He is sometimes considered the leading figure of the literary generation of the 1890s and was co-author of the Manifesto of Czech Modernism.

Svítí-li slunce na Hromnice, bude zimy o šest neděl více

The translation is "If the sun is shining on Hromnice, there will be six more weeks of winter." The day of Hromnice is an important day for Czech weather-related folklore and it falls on February 2nd. The Czech word Hromnice is derived from sanctified "hromnice" candles that were lit on the night of February 2nd if there was a thunderstorm (thunder = hrom). The weather on Hromnice is a sign of how long winter will linger. According to the tradition of Groundhog Day, the groundhog comes out of his hole after his winter sleep on February 2nd and if sees his shadow (i.e. if the day is sunny), he will go back to his hole and we should be ready for six more weeks of winter. If the day is cloudy, he will stay above ground, expecting the spring.

WHAT TO EAT

Hladká Ančka

It is a white soup with potatoes and boiled eggs.

Rozcuchaná nevěsta

(the ruffled bride)
A typical dish made of sweet potatoes cooked with apples and cinnamon.

Dráčky

A dish of roast pork flavored with lots of garlic

MUST-SEE

Crystal Valley

Who doesn't know Bohemian Crystal! This is the region par excellence where for more than 460 years unique nature has been combined with a passion for tradition and glass craftsmanship. More than 300 years ago, Czech crystal was born in the Crystal Valley. It was then used by local glass masters to create the world's first cut stone, the first majestic chandelier and the first crystal jewels. Here the perfect glass bead was created.

The vedette towers

Lookout towers of various constructions, heights and ages are a phenomenon of the Liberec region, especially of the Jizera mountains. There are nearly forty in the region. Their queen is the Štěpánka of Příchovice. The most unique is the Ještěd mountain hotel and television transmitter, which has become a symbol of the city of Liberec and the whole Liberec region.

Hrad Bezděz

Bezděz Castle was built in the 13th century as a royal castle and significantly influenced Czech history in the past. Bezděz represents the most advanced stage in the development of castles in general. Due to its difficult accessibility, it has not been rebuilt or significantly transformed in the past. Bezděz is located on the top of a 604 m high hill, from its 35 m high tower one can enjoy a spectacular view of the distant surroundings.