Renaissance Astronomy in Kepler’s Prague

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 10 SEPTEMBER 2023

Join astronomer and lecturer Martin Griffiths for a journey to the heart of early modern science on our tour of mediaeval Prague in the footsteps of Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler. Johannes Kepler (1571-1630), namesake of the NASA space observatory, was one of the world’s most influential astronomers whose work on optics and the laws of planetary motion would influence the ground-breaking research of Galileo and Newton after him. He spent some of his most important years working with Tycho Brahe in Prague, whom he replaced in 1601 as imperial mathematician and advisor to Holy Roman Emperor Rudolph II. The Prague of the 17th century was a melting pot of international artists, scientists and thinkers, attracted by the tolerant political climate which made their work possible. On our five night tour we shall discover the legacy of Brahe and Kepler, including the world’s oldest Astronomical Clock, Benatky Castle where Kepler conducted some of his early experiments; and an evening visit to the Stefanik Observatory. Martin Griffiths has been an astronomer for 40 years. A former lecturer, he developed adult education programmes for Swansea University and taught undergraduate Astronomy and postgraduate Science Communication at the University of South Wales and the University of the Heads of the Valleys Initiative (UHOVI). Martin has gained an international reputation for his knowledge and science communication and he now volunteers as the Director of the Brecon Beacons Observatory, a public educational resource in the Brecon Beacons National Park, and as a consultant for Dark Sky Wales.

the itinerary

1

Flying direct into Prague, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the 4* K+K Hotel Central in the centre of the city. The afternoon is at leisure and you will meet Martin in the bar for a drink before an introductory talk. We will then proceed to a local restaurant for dinner.

2

This morning you shall be met by an expert local guide who will give a guided walking tour of Prague’s mediaeval Old Town. Highlights include the Old Town Square where you will see the Prague Astronomical Clock, which is the oldest continuously functioning example in the world. There will also be a visit to the National Technical Museum including its fascinating astronomical section and to the Tyn Church where Kepler’s mentor Tycho Brahe is buried. Martin will accompany the group throughout the day and give a second talk before dinner this evening.

3

We start today at Benatky Castle, where Tycho Brahe lived from August 1599 to June 1600. These magnificently decorated Renaissance and Baroque palaces were not only the site of Brahe’s observatory, but were also home to the Czech composer Smetana. In the afternoon we return to Prague, to visit the Klementinum, a historic former college, now home to the national library of the Czech Republic. Here we see the magnificent Baroque library hall as well as the Astronomical Tower (steep steps and no lift), and the Meridian hall, previously used for determining noon. In the evening we head to the Stefanik Observatory. Here, with Martin’s guidance and advice from the expert observatory team, we will observe the same night sky which once fascinating the Renaissance astronomers.

4

The morning is devoted to the Castle District of Prague. Staring at the castle itself, there will be time to explore the complex here including a visit to St Vitus Church and the fine Renaissance palace of the Lobkowicz family, with art works of Velazquez and Canaletto and original manuscripts of Beethoven and Mozart. In the afternoon we will visit the village of Nelahozeves, birthplace of the composer Antonin Dvorak.

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DAY 5

The beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site of Kutna Hora is situated about 1 hour from Prague. One of the most fascinating historic towns in Central Europe, highlights include the spectacular Gothic St. Barbara Cathedral and the Sedlec Ossuary – the unique complex of the former Cistercian monastery, also known as the Church of Bones, which is decorated with the bones of 40,000 skeletons. After returning to Prague we shall dine together in a local restaurant this evening.

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We shall depart after breakfast this morning.

DAY 6

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 10 September £2,178 £390

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 09.50, arrive Prague 12.55 Depart Prague 13.45, arrive London Heathrow 14.50 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights • Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast • Three dinners in local restaurants • The services of a Kirker tour leader and local guide • Guest lectures from New Scientist contributor Martin Griffiths • All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities