Experience Ethiopian Culture in Czechia: Explore Our Prague Exhibition and Beyond!
Roses and Poisonous Spurge in the Botanical Garden in Prague
African flora holds a significant place in the diverse botanical collections of the Czech Republic. Nestled near the Prague Zoo—home to a vibrant array of African fauna—and perched above the acclaimed vineyards of Troja, the Botanical Garden of Prague showcases a stunning collection of plants originating from Ethiopia. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
-
Adenium: Often referred to as the desert rose, this plant captivates visitors with its striking red and pink flowers.
-
Spurge: This unique plant can grow up to 12 meters in height and contains a toxic latex that should be handled with care.
-
African Kigelia: Known as the sausage tree, it produces large, hanging fruits that are highly esteemed in Africa for their medicinal properties. Unripe fruits are commonly used in compresses for wounds and as a gargle for alleviating tooth pain.
UNWIND IN THE GARDEN. If you have a passion for beautiful flowers and exceptional plants, be sure to visit the Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science at Charles University, conveniently located in Prague’s Albertov district (just a short walk from the city center and close to a tram stop). Here, you can also explore a range of exotic rarities. Entrance to the outdoor areas is complimentary, and the greenhouses with parrot aviaries are a must-see. A delightful romantic spot – ideal for relaxation.
Ethiopian Animals in Czech Zoos
For example, Zlín Zoo features an impressive Ethiopia-themed exhibition, and visitors can enjoy Ethiopian coffee at the onsite Kefa Bar. Additionally, Ostrava Zoo, which includes a charming botanical garden, is home to the rare Grevy’s zebras. However, for the quintessential “African zoo experience”, look no further than Safari Park Dvůr Králové, where efforts in conservation are directly connected with Ethiopia.
At this park, you can see blue-winged geese and the Abyssinian sitatungas, some of the rarest antelope species. You’ll also encounter northern giraffes, African wild dogs, and swift cheetahs. To enhance your Ethiopian experience, don’t miss out on enjoying coffee made from Ethiopian beans at Safari Coffee. Sipping this delightful brew also supports the conservation of endangered maneless zebras.
Embellished Sandals and Bibles
An unexpected location to discover a hint of Ethiopian culture is the Museum and Gallery in Most, situated in a town in North Bohemia. Their impressive collection includes a pair of 19th-century leather sandals from possibly Sudan or Ethiopia, intricately adorned with copper. Additionally, at the Small Museum of the Bible in Starý Pelhřimov, located in the Vysočina Region, you can explore a variety of Ethiopian Bibles written in multiple languages.
A Taste of Ethiopia: Roasteries and Cafés
Renowned worldwide, Ethiopian coffee is a staple on the menus of many esteemed cafés across Czechia. You’ll find it being freshly ground at Kaava in Prague’s Karlín district, as well as at the Voznice Roastery, which has a branch in the Czech capital. Other spots include the Coffee Trail Bar in Brno and various cafés in Kroměříž – a town celebrated as one of the top tourist hotspots in East Bohemia.
