For the average student, a May Day Bank Holiday usually means a lie-in, but for a group of intrepid adventurers, a trip, (the second, kindly organized by Petra Fabringerova, the head of the Languages Department), to Konopiste Chateau beckoned.
Set about 40 km, (45 minutes by train), outside Prague, near, (20 minute walk), the town of Benesov, Konopiste Chateau is a beautiful historic castle which was first founded in the 13th century. Over the years various amendments were made giving Konopiste a very unique feel. Konopiste was home to Archduke Franz Ferdinand d’Este, whose assassination resulted in the start of the First World War. The major attraction to Konopiste was the impressive collection of stuffed animals, some 300 000, which were all hunted by the Archduke himself, the Gothic and Romantic architecture, and the Bear who patrols the castle moat. Equally as impressive as the hunting trophy collection were the surrounding Rose gardens, which were rich, colourful, and patrolled by peacocks; a source of fascination by many of the students.
The trip was made even more memorable by the town of Benesov hosting a small ‘Franz Ferdinand’ celebration. The town square was surrounded by small market stalls selling a range of items, from home made cork wares to pottery. There was a feel good vibe to the celebrations, indeed I was enticed to join in a dance with two accordion players!
All in all, the trip was an enjoyable success, so hats off to Petra for a relaxing day out. The languages department will be planning another trip in the autumn, so stay posted.
Devan Patel
