Captivating Getaways for Enchanting Love Tales

Visit Křivoklát for Filipina and Ferdinand

We definitely haven’t overlooked the ladies, starting with the oldest: Filipina Welser (1527-1580), affectionately known as Bella Filipina. She was a wealthy yet somewhat anxious beauty who married her future spouse, the emperor’s second son, the archduke Ferdinand II. of Tyrol (1529-1595). They met at the March Castle, owned by her aunt. Their wedding took place in secret during a frosty January night in 1557, an event often depicted in various historical novels.

Even though their marriage was kept under wraps, it was considered one of the happiest unions in Habsburg history. However, the couple had to go to great lengths to keep their family life hidden; at times, their children were left as infants at their doorstep so that Filipina could take them in as foundlings. This unbalanced marriage was officially recognized only four years prior to Filipina’s death, when Ferdinand II became ruler of Tyrol and Fore Austria following his father’s passing. Legend has it that he commissioned a summer palace, named Hvězda, specifically for Filipina in the Prague surroundings of the same name, and the couple shared their life together at Křivoklát Castle. You can uncover their story by joining the tour titled “Castle palaces,” which features a section of the castle museum dedicated to them, including a 16th-century Renaissance painted trunk believed to have belonged to the lovely Filipina.

Travel to Brandýs to learn about Karel and Zita

The Bohemian region played a pivotal role in the romance between Karl I., the last Habsburg Emperor (1887-1922), and his future spouse Zita Bourbon-Parma (1892-1989), who first met at Františkovy Lázně. In 1908, Archduke Charles became the second heir to the throne after completing his studies at the University of Prague and was then stationed with the 7th Regiment of Dragoons Duke of Lorraine, living at a charming mansion in Brandýs nad Labem, which has attracted many visitors for centuries, including members of the Habsburg dynasty.

They tied the knot in 1911 and after their honeymoon, the happy couple returned to Brandýs Castle. Sadly, their bliss was short-lived; in 1914, the assassination of the heir to the throne, Franz Ferdinand d’Este, caused Charles to ascend one step in the line of succession. Two years later, after the passing of Emperor Franz Joseph I, he became emperor himself but lost the throne in 1918. Tragically, he died in exile at the young age of 35 on the island of Madeira. Following his death, Zita wore only black for the rest of her life, dedicating herself to raising their eight children. She never returned to her beloved Brandýs again.

Visit the Gorge to see Olga and Karel

The relationship between Karel Čapek (1890-1938) and actress Olga Scheinpflug (1902-1968) lasted for a total of fifteen years, but their marriage only lasted three years. For a long time, a shared future seemed unlikely due to Čapek’s health issues, which his doctors advised against marriage. Thus, they lived as free partners and were eventually wed in a small ceremony in the summer of 1935. As a wedding gift, they received a lovely Empire home by the Strž pond in Stará Hut near Dobříš, which is now known as the Karel Čapek Memorial, open to visitors daily from April to October except Mondays.

Come visit the place where the renowned writer authored works such as War with the Newts, White Disease, and The First Batch, along with his last unfinished piece, The Life and Work of the Composer Foltyn. Here, he and Olga embraced the joys of nature, enjoyed picking mushrooms, relished the picturesque surroundings, and entertained guests. Who would have imagined that after a flood in December 1938, while clearing the damage in the ravine, Čapek would catch a mild flu that would develop into kidney inflammation and pneumonia? Tragically, he passed away that Christmas, leaving Olga to spend the next three decades alone. Her final role was in 1967, playing the title character in Čapek’s play The Mother at the Vinohrady Theatre; after she passed, she was buried alongside her husband in Vyšehrad Cemetery.

Flower(n)apology at Loučín Castle

Join in on a unique tour of Loučín Castle, where tales of flowers and their meanings will lead you through the rooms, along with a family member of the princely house. This special event is called Flower(n)apology. The exclusive tours will be available from May 1 to June 1 in 2025, revealing the messages exchanged between Prince Alexander and Princess Mary, who shared 59 years of life together, and Prince Erich and Princess Gabrielle, who had nine children. Is flower language solely about love, or can it convey much more? You may be amazed by what you already know regarding the exchange of flowers, alongside all the new insights you’ll gain. Additionally, you’ll leave the tour with a small gift that is intricately connected to the meanings behind flowers.