Imagine stepping back in time to a village nestled in the heart of Prague. Cholupice, once a vibrant independent municipality, today holds a prominent place in Prague’s 12th district. This charming village boasts a history rich with stories, a place where everyday life, tradition and a touch of magic intertwine.
You are standing where the bustling village once stood. Stroll down any of its 18 cobblestone streets and you can almost touch the past. A quiet place, its population has dwindled to around 600, leaving you free to explore without feeling hurried. Breathe deeply and picture the villagers going about their lives. Imagine families gathered around the maypole, their laughter mingling with the scent of spring blossoms during the annual Welcoming of Spring celebration.
But Cholupice is not just a village frozen in the past, it also embraces the present. It is a place where the modern and the traditional exist side by side. Take a stroll through the cemetery peacefully resting to the east of the village. Pay homage to the fallen of World War I at its somber Memorial. The village is also home to several clubs and associations, including the active volunteer fire brigade and the lively TJ Sokol Cholupice athletic club.
The village is known for its vibrant annual witch burning celebration. Every year on April 30th, a symbolic pyre is set alight on the east side of the village near Ke Kálku street. This tradition is a reminder of the village’s vibrant history and the enduring spirit of its people.
While the Outer Ring Road now runs just south of Cholupice, you can still capture a glimpse of the village’s past amidst the modern bustle of the city.
Cholupice is a place where tradition is cherished and change is embraced, an idyllic retreat in the heart of Prague.