Říp Hill - Not Too Worshipped Czech Monument

„Říp Hill has the same importance for Czechs, as Mecca has for Mohammad“. This slogan can be read in front side of Říp pub. It could be an exaggeration, but, on the other hand, a bit of truth, too. In comparison with a pilgrimage to Mecca, effected once a year by many thousands of pilgrims from all over the world, struggling for free piece of space, not to be trampled to death, the mounting to this Czech holy hill is a „walk through rose garden“, indeed.

We, the Czechs, were never full of unbreakable faith. Maybe, Forefather Čech stopped on Říp just from this reason. The hill is composed from non-appearanced basalt clod, easily accessible for each visitor. Except of this, that this old man showed the place, where the town of Prague was established later, no special event happened on Říp Hill till now. To tell the truth, Říp was a scene of manifestations and meetings of various kinds in past. Even basic stone from Říp was brought for construction of National Theatre building. But, frankly speaking, there is no mention regarding Říp sacrifice in struggle for liberty or faith.

Holy Hill and  Nation of Atheists

The notices about importance of all holy subjects make the evidence in articles, describing the fact that any WC place could be found on Říp Hill. Nevertheless, this fact changed recently. The finger-post towards WC leads you from the foot up to the top. So, the time periods, when you found toilet paper, put on the earth, are over. Except the toilets, which is to be found in a chalet (where you cannot be afraid of „mountain surcharge“), St.George Romanesque Rotunde is placed. In 1126, Prince Soběslav I. let to construct the chapel, as a memory of victorial battle at Chlumec village. Anyway, the church was originally sacrified to St.Ethelbert, and circle tower was built later.

Říp Hill at present

The crowds of people climb to hill top several times a year. Several marked tourist trais lead you to the top. Main path is marked with red colour, leading from the community of Rovné, made of concrete. The hill, covered with trees, allures also cyclists. They are forced to overcome two very steep ascents, in order to enjoy consequently right descent during way downstairs. Each year, on Sunday, following St.George Anniversary (24th April) the foot of Říp Hill is overcrowded with Říp Pilgrimage.

Text/video: Klára Svobodová

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš

Photo: Štěpánka Svobodová