Discover the Blooming Wonders of Golden Ferns this Good Friday

Don’t believe it? That’s okay, but you might discover some exciting destinations among the treasure sites. And if you feel a spark of adventure, the magical moment happens on Good Friday at three in the afternoon. At that moment, as recorded in the Gospels, Jesus died on the cross, and it is said that the mountains and rocks part to reveal a golden fern, which is an age-old symbol for treasure seekers.

Legends come alive in Erben’s poem The Treasure, or Vrchlický’s Ballad of Blaník: On Good Friday, at the sound of the Passion / once a year, Blaník opens its gates. / Woe betide, woe betide the one whose footsteps tread there, / they must wait, they must, until another year has passed.

Where can you find castles full of treasures?

On Good Friday, it is not just Great Blaník that reveals its secrets; treasures are said to be hidden in places like the cellars of the fortress in Čejkovice, at the ruins of Zubštejn Castle, beneath Rokštejn Castle near Brtnice, and in the remnants of the old Mydlovary Castle. Rumors also speak of robbers’ treasures lying under the remains of the rock castleRotštejn in the Bohemian Paradise. Easter treasures can also be found in the rock where Český Šternberk Castle is built: local lore says that during the reading of the Passion, the stone wall breaks open and gold coins flow into the river below. The same is thought to occur with the rock beneath Kozí hrádek near Tábor, a place once visited by Jan Hus.

For some, the ultimate treasure may not just be gold, but a trip back to history. This might take place at Hasištejn Castle above Chomutov: according to legend, on Good Friday, the castle is said to reappear in its full glory, along with its lords and servants. Tales mention the long-lost castle on the Kákovský ridge south of Nepomuk or the Church of St Nicholas near Krudum. Whether these stories hold any truth remains to be explored during your journey there.

Rocks, hills and the golden calf on Good Friday

On Good Friday, treasure seekers can look for hidden gems on the table mountain Ostaš near Police nad Metují, beneath Třemšín Hill near Rožmitál, and on Vinařická Mountain close to Kladno. A rare phenomenon occurs in Tetín, where during the reading of the Passion, Damil Hill reveals a golden calf. However, it is said that only honest people can witness this sight. In many cases, simply being at the right location isn’t enough—some treasures, like those hidden in the hills around Kraslice, only reveal themselves to individuals born on a Sunday, while the treasure at Čeladná can only be found by the firstborn sons of three sisters who visit it at midnight during Holy Week.

The treasure located at the ruined Kotkov fortress near Pečky in the Kolín region can only be discovered by those who can run three laps around the castle grounds while holding their breath on Good Friday. You need to know precisely where the little castle once stood. Anyone capable of holding their breath while running may also try their luck at Opočnice in the Nymburk region. It is said that the treasure below the hill in Bolice only opens twice a year, at Christmas dawn mass and during Easter when the Passion is read, but only for those who can run around the hill nine times without breathing. Quite challenging, wouldn’t you agree?

On Good Friday, the sleeping army and the threads of the Passion

• • Good Friday is, according to legends and folk traditions, a magical day linked to Christ’s death, silence, and the uncovering of treasures. Among the most talked-about Easter treasures is a Russian military cash box, concealed before the Battle of Austerlitz in the fields near Bučovice. No one was able to retrieve it because the entire regiment at Austerlitz was lost. It is said that a fire glows at the spot where it remains hidden on Good Friday.

• • Like treasures, the mountains where enchanted armies lie dormant also awaken on Good Friday. Hidden army reserves are said to be slumbering not just beneath Blaník; the mythical army of the Slavníkovci is believed to be resting under Oškobrh Hill near Poděbrady, and a similar story is shared about Turov near Hronov.

• • Treasure hunting is serious business; moreover, Good Friday is a day of mourning, silence, and reflection. The decorations in churches are typically simple, with bare altars lacking flowers or candles. To remember Christ’s suffering, only specialized evening services take place. The hymns sung are not accompanied by organ music, and the bells remain silent: they have embarked on their annual journey to Rome.

• • Historically, Good Friday was marked by various ceremonies and rituals, such as washing with spring water before dawn to keep illnesses away. It was believed that the land should be left undisturbed; therefore, no work was performed in fields or gardens, and laundry was prohibited—it was said to be stained with Christ’s blood.

• • In weaver communities, it was thought that Passion threads sewn into clothing would protect against evil spirits. A shirt made with Passion threads was believed to shield its wearer from lightning strikes.