Petřín Hill

Just 327 meters above sea level, Petřín Hill still manages to dominate the landscape. Covering 78 hectares, part of it is bordered by the “Hunger Wall.” This fortification was built by King Charles IV to protect the Malá Strana district. Despite the eerie name, rest assured—there is no terrifying story behind it. According to legend, the king employed impoverished workers to build the wall, so that he could financially support them during the famine. Once a place of pilgrimage, then cultivated as a vineyard as early as the 12th century, Petřín Hill became open to the public in the early 1800s. This meant it grew increasingly popular, and every May 1st, the place is full of couples. But why? To honour an old tradition, lovers come to the foot of the Czech romantic poet Karel Hynek Mácha statue to share a kiss—or even a passionate embrace—to seal their love. You should be able to see the statue as I speak. Of course, whether it’s May 1st or not, you’re always welcome to embrace the tradition, if you want to.