Tajemné stezky - Za skrytou krásou Chebska – Česal Aleš (2020)

Let us embark together with Aleš Česal to the westernmost corner of our homeland, to Cheb and Aš. A landscape shaped by the Ohře River. A land with the seal of underground fire and healing springs. A landscape full of medieval monuments and natural beauty. We will unveil the mysteries of Cheb Castle and the symbolism of its mysterious chapel. We will visit the westernmost point of the Czech Republic, venture into the heart of one of the youngest volcanoes in our territory, and be captivated by the beauty of the westernmost Czech castle. We will trace the footsteps of the poet and scholar Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the last executioner of Cheb and collector of antiques Karel Huss, and we will not forget Duke Wallenstein, who was murdered in Cheb along with his loyal followers. We will reveal the mystery of Bismarck's towers, human sacrifices at Skalná Castle, and the Cheb vampire. We will visit both well-known and forgotten monuments and curiosities. We will walk through places that are sacred and cursed. The author also addresses the relatively recent past when the Nazis ruled the borderlands and then locked it behind the Iron Curtain. We will learn when and why a dirigible landed in Cheb, what the local earthquake is about, how the legend of the popular modern 'fertility god' František came to be, and we will discuss the Nazi underground...