In Bohemia, a region of the Czech Republic, glassmaking produces true masterpieces
"I knew Bohemian crystals by reputation, but on the occasion of my move to the city, I was lucky enough to enter a factory and to witness the making of these famous objects" - says Paola ".
Italiani.it interviews Paola, a young Italian who moved to Bohemia to achieve a Master's Degree in Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures
What is Bohemia like?
Bohemia is a very green region, says Paola. I am enchanted by an evocative area right from the name: Bohemian Paradise. Parks, rivers, mountains, forests, lakes and rock formations due to erosion. Over 400 sandstone towers, canyons, caves, castles. Nature reserve since the 50s, the area is not only a protected area but also a Unesco geopark.
Inside there are routes of all levels, to be done by bicycle or on foot. Routes suitable for trained people but also for families with children. One of the most famous is the golden thought, which crosses an area with wooden houses, medieval castles, watchtowers. There is no shortage of more adrenaline sports such as paragliding, ballooning, climbing.
Why is Bohemia said to have a crystal heart?
Glass processing in this region of the Czech Republic produces true masterpieces. I got to visit the Ajeto di Lindava blows. And here from the top of a gallery, I admired the artisans creating, like hundreds of years ago and with the same tools, chandeliers, centerpieces, vases.
The furnace can reach 2.000 degrees.
The blower, with a long and heavy barrel, takes a small amount of glass from the furnace. Blow into the opposite end of the barrel and rotate it until the piece is the right size. Then another worker intervenes and quickly adjusts the shape of the object with a metal tool. He inserts it into the beech mold, a wood that is better resistant to high temperatures. At this point, the piece must cool down slowly so that it does not crack. Then it is entrusted to other specialized workers for carving and decoration.
Czech master blowers are so famous that they are invited to all parts of the world to demonstrate and teach.
What other city would you recommend us to visit in Bohemia?
One of the cities to visit absolutely is Kutna Hora, a few km from Sàzava. Unesco heritage which with the majesty of the monuments testifies to the prosperity of the past. For the silver mines it was nicknamed "the safe of the nation". In the Middle Ages it was so rich that it competed with Prague. It was also the summer seat of the royal family and the most important mint.
The owners of the mines financed the project of the Cathedral dedicated to Saint Barbara, protector of miners. Construction began in the 300th century but it took 500 years to complete. This explains the heterogeneity of styles, from Gothic to Baroque, to Art Nouveau. Heterogeneity which, however, increases its charm. In addition to the statues of the saints, in the middle of the central nave, that of a miner stands out. White tunic, leather apron, lantern and work tools.
"These are the destinations not to be missed if you intend to spend a weekend in this wonderful city" - says Paola. "I love Italy. I love our country. But now my life belongs to this city. Like other students, I decided to emigrate from Italy to follow a different education. And I hope a secure occupation ".
