What is your profession?
After high school, I studied history and art history; originally, my intention was to become a castle manager. However, after a couple of years of studies, I opted for law instead. During my studies, I worked as a flight attendant for Czech Airlines and also as a waiter or postman. When I started as an associate in a law firm, I realized that this was not my dream career, and I looked for a job in the judiciary. As much as history and art history have remained my life-long hobbies, I found my purpose in civil and business law. I became a judge; first at the District Court for Prague 2, then at the Municipal Court in Prague.
How did you become a tour guide?
Since my first part-time job at 16, my interest in history and landmarks has led me to tour guiding at historic sites. It’s a romantic thing: living on a castle in beautiful historic interiors and guiding visitors. I started at Vysoká u Příbramě, which houses the Antonín Dvořák Memorial. Then I got to guide big tours at Konopiště Castle, known as the residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria; then the Sternberg family’s Český Šternberk Castle, and also the Colloredo-Mansfeld family’s Opočno Castle. Ultimately, Frýdlant Castle has become my true love; it is inseparably tied to Albrecht von Wallenstein, Duke of Friedland, and later also to the Clam-Gallas family. I started guiding there shortly after the 1989 revolution and have been doing it occasionally ever since.
Which building/part of Prague or architectural style is your favorite?
Vinohrady, in every aspect. It’s a beautiful neighborhood not just in terms of housing or work but as a place to live in general. Though urbanist have been giving us new examples of ideal places for years, again and again, no city or neighborhood has convinced me that it would be a better place to live than Vinohrady. It’s probably the combination of grand architecture, street network, and greenery, which comes with a number of services and cultural events. I’m not offended by historicist architecture, Art Nouveau is something I downright enjoy, and I even like the modernist architecture from the era of the First Czechoslovak Republic. My top favorite style of architecture, however, is the Renaissance, which can’t be found anywhere in Vinohrady. But that’s okay; I can always go on a trip to Florence or Frýdlant.
How long have you been working with OHP and what do you like about it?
Not long; it started after the 2024 festival when I got the idea to enroll our building of the municipal court, which I thought was interesting in every way, and I believe it was confirmed during the 2026 festival, when we did actually open it to the public. I like the concept itself – enabling people to discover the city in a different way than just through historic landmarks, which are naturally open to the public; i.e. giving them the opportunity to visit places they would normally not be able to see at all or with difficulties. The volunteers are great; their passion and genuine enthusiasm makes working together such a joy.
What are your hobbies?
I’ve already mentioned history, so that’s clear. If I didn’t have that, this activity would make no sense. Another hobby of mine is making stained glass. I find it fascinating not just as a part of church windows, where it essentially belongs, but also as an element that significantly adds to any space, completely transforming it with the help of light. I’m also passionate about ballet, both passively and actively, so I try to do this kind of art as well, and I also go to the gym. And to make the list even longer, I love opera. I go there just for the performance, though; I haven’t tried singing, but who knows…? So I divide my life between the court, the atelier, Frýdlant, ballet, the gym, and opera.