• Miscellaneous

    Power poles

    I find it refreshing … to look for beauty where it is not obvious, … to look for beauty that is not exactly beautiful but it is interesting,… to look for beauty that has inherent significance. Shooting power poles may not sound exiting but see the shapes and atmosphere…

  • Places in Czech Republic

    Kladruby monastery

    The Benedictine monastery in Kladruby has not been actively used as a monastery for more than 200 years. Sadly enough, it resulted in gradual destruction of the historically important construction that came into existence in 12th century, and is only slowly repaired nowadays. The most impressive part of the monastery has undoubtedly been the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which was rebuilt by the architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel in the baroque-gothic style at the beginning of 18th century. Santiny became an appreciated architect in his lifetime and his work is highly valued till nowadays. Just see, among all other modifications, Santiny replaced previous two romanesque towers in…

  • Places in Czech Republic

    By the pond in Kladruby

    My husband drives a lot and some time ago he sent me as a surprise a quick photo of just a water reflection of a building he had just been passing by. I surprised him as well as I recognized which building it was. How could I not? I love the old monastery in Kladruby in all of its shapes and colours. A few weeks later we went for a trip there and I could see the whole scenery, including the old dilapidated house by the pond under the monastery wall. What an interesting view! The monastery is not actively used any more but you can visit guided tours, which…

  • Places in Czech Republic

    Pilgrimage to Kladruby

    In September I posted a few photos from our brief stop at the premises of the Benedictine monastery at Kladruby. About three weeks ago a diocesan pilgrimage took place there and I decided to go, together with my younger son. He wanted to go and I thought it was a good opportunity both for him and me to spend a nice day and enjoy the atmosphere of the place. Buses were provided for participants in several towns and we went with the nearest one. It was quite a change not to go by car for once, it added to the atmosphere of the pilgrimage. The pilgrimage… I’m not sure about…

  • Places in Czech Republic

    Benedictine monastery at Kladruby

    On our way back from Bečov nad Teplou we briefly stopped in a monastery in Kladruby to have a look around and see what’s changed there. The monastery is a magnificent cluster of buildings but when we visited the place a few years ago, for me it was quite a sad view of battered walls and facades. This time I was pleased to see great improvement, it’s obvious that a lot of work had been done and a lot of money spent to preserve these historical buildings. I’ve taken a few photos but mostly details as when you stand close to a huge building there is little chance to squeeze…