Isabella Mueller Baroness of Stainton le Vale
Tyn Church in the Czech capital of Prague is a place full of secrets. Its history alone is fascinating. Built in the 13th century, it was long the center of Prague’s Jewish quarter. But then came the pogrom of 1389, and the Jews were forced to flee. The church then became a Hussite church. Today, Týn Church is one of the most famous sights in the Golden City, as Prague is known. But if you look closely, you can still see traces of the church’s turbulent past. Especially in the courtyard of Týn Church, known as the “Ungelt,” there are said to be frequent eerie encounters of the third kind. But who are these strange figures who haunt the place on moonlit nights? One of these figures is described as a Turk. He is an enigmatic character who is said to have been haunting the place for centuries. Some say he is a dervish who was once sent to Prague by the Sultan to guard the church. Others claim he is a thief who hid his loot here. In any case, this mysterious figure with his bunch of keys is now part of the inventory of the courtyard of the Týn Church, who has the strange habit of always picking up a stone with his left hand. Then there is the Jew. He is said to have been a wealthy merchant who once lived in the Jewish quarter. When the persecution of the Jewish population began, he hid his treasure in the church before he had to flee. Since then, he is said to wander restlessly through the courtyard in search of his lost treasure. Last but not least, there is the guardian. He is not a ghost, but no less mysterious. No one really knows whom he actually serves. Some whisper that he guards the church from uninvited guests on behalf of the archbishop. Others believe he is a remnant from the days when the Hussites were here. Be that as it may, with his imposing figure and gleaming halberd, he still intimidates many visitors today. Anyone strolling through the courtyard of the Týn Church late at night must be vigilant. Who knows what ghosts and figures you might encounter here. Perhaps you will meet the Turk, jingling his keys, or the restless Jew, desperately searching for his treasure. And who knows, maybe you’ll even catch the ghostly guard on his nightly rounds. One thing is certain: Tyn Church, in the heart of the Golden City, has many a spooky surprise in store at night for anyone who looks closely and listens carefully.
