Page:Guide to the Bohemian section and to the Kingdom of Bohemia - 1906.djvu/257

 various kinds—especially garnets. All kinds of beautiful jewellery is here manufactured. There is a special school of instruction for those who desire to practise any branch of the jewellery trade; including cutting, polishing, gold setting and engraving.

The town has several good churches, and a fine town-hall. It is a convenient point from whence to start on many pleasant excursions to places of special interest in this Paradise of Bohemia“. For the first, we go by the Turnov-Jičín Railway to the castle Waldstein founded in the 13th. century. It is situated on a ridge 388 m, in height and affords a splendid view of the country. 6 km from Waldstein is the far-famed wateringplace Sedmihorky (Wartenberg). We go on next to Hrubá skála a castle standing on a rock at a height of 352 m. [sic] A little beyond this we reach Borek-Trosky from whence we start to climb the steeps leading to the intensively interesting ruins of the castle Trosky built on a high doublepeaked rock, each peak having a tower. The „Panna“ (Maiden) presents almost insurmountable difficulties, but the „Baba“ (Old woman) is an easy task for the experienced rock climber, but whatever be the difficulties and labour involved in making the ascent, all who accomplish the climb are amply rewarded; to see such lovely scenery is worth any amount of toil. From Trosky to Železnice (19 km) we pass to the ruin of the castle Bradlec and enjoyeenjoy [sic] another panoramic view, then finally to Jičín (5 km). This ancient town, formerly the seat of the famous count Waldstein, duke of Friedland, has many monuments of great historic interest: such as the gate Valdice (16 century), the decanal church of St. James. St. Mary’s (1629), the castle (17th. century), St. Ignacius’ (14th. century) the college of the abolished order ot the Jesuits, and some remains of the ancient fortifications.

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A trips to the Prachovské skály (rocks of Prachov) is one certain to be enjoyed by all making it. There, at an excellent pension, guides are provided; it is best to have their services for the charm of the place comes from it being