LOCATIONS — 260/262 — Trosky region
An area, also known as Bohemian Paradise, about 90 km north-east of Prague with a great number of natural and cultural monuments. The main landmarks of the region are Kozákov Mountain and Trosky Castle, while other important sites include, for example, the Prachov and Klokoči rock formations, the castles Kost, Waldstein and Sychrov, and a number of ponds. Its picturesque landscape is mainly underscored by the ubiquitous sandstone rocks, characterised by their steep and rugged reliefs and towers. It is an important protected landscape area and a popular destination for climbers. Nowadays the area is crisscrossed with a dense network of tourist trails, making it a haven for nature lovers and enthusiasts of historical landmarks. In the medieval period the region was quite bustling, particularly due to the numerous castles, fortresses and fortifications, which are located almost literally on every hilltop.
TRIVIA
— Besides Trosky Castle, the Bohemian Paradise region contains a number of places whose origins are tied to the unusual geology of the area. The sandstone formations that dominate the landscape created natural defenses, which were later used for castles. Among the most notable examples is Kost Castle, one of the best preserved medieval castles in Bohemia. Unlike most castles, it was built on a sandstone rock between two streams rather than on a hilltop. A popular legend attributes the castle's name to Jan Žižka, who supposedly declared it "hard as a bone" after failing to capture it, although the name actually derives from its founder, Beneš of Costi.
The interesting geology of the region is reflected also in Kozákov, the highest point of Bohemian Paradise. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, the hill was a source of gemstones that were collected from prehistoric times, medieval ages, and onward. Agates, jaspers and amethysts found there supporteed the economy of places such as Turnov - the same place where Valdenštejn castle was built - often considered the oldest castle in the region.
Among the most recognizable natural monuments of the region are the Prachov Rocks, a labyrinth of sandstone towers, gorges and passages. It is Apollonia's 'cousin', though with more developed features. Many individual formations acquired names inspired by local folklore, including the famous Devil's Kitchen.
The name Bohemian Paradise originally referred to the area of Litoměřice (today Zahrada Čech), populated by a German-speaking population. The current definition was created in the second half of the 19th century. Spa guests who visited the Sedmihorky spa are often cited as its authors, but the first documented use comes from the editor Václav Durych in 1886.
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