If you drive about 30 kilometers southwest of Prague, then you will feel as though you arrived in the medieval ages. Perched on top of a hill is the most famous gothic fortress of Bohemia, castle Karlstein. In the 14 th century Roman Emperor Charles IV commissioned its construction for the safekeeping of the holy relics and crown jewels of the empire. Here is where the emperor liked to spend time in meditation and solitude. After elaborate renovation, the Holy Cross Chapel, which is lavishly decorated with inlaid precious stones and inset with golden leaf, is now again accessible to the public.