The Path of Light Through Europe
Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey across a continent full of light, stories, and wonder!
The Path of Light Through Europe invites you to explore the most iconic landmarks, myths, and symbols of the Old Continent — from the romantic streets of Paris to the sagas of the Vikings and the ancient myths of Greece.
At every step, you’ll discover stunning light installations that come alive with color and history. Learn fascinating facts about Europe’s culture, heritage, and mythology, and experience the magic of places where legends were born.
Experience Europe as never before — through light that tells its stories.
Let’s set out together on a journey of discovery…
- Entrance / Exit
Let us begin our luminous journey through Europe! But do you know where the name “Europe” comes from?
According to ancient legend, Zeus, king of the gods, fell in love with the beautiful Phoenician princess Europa. Disguised as a gentle white bull, he lured her onto his back and carried her across the sea to the island of Crete, where she became queen. In her honor, the continent was named Europe.
Now, let’s discover the beauty of Europe through the light that will guide us along the way. Bon voyage! - Ticket Office / Cash Desk
- Dutch Windmills
The Netherlands lies largely below sea level, so windmills were not only used for grinding grain, but also for pumping water out of flooded lowlands. At the height of their use, there were over 10,000 windmills across the country! - Clogs
Wooden clogs have been part of Dutch tradition for more than 700 years. Originally carved from a single block of wood, they served as protective footwear for farmers, fishermen, and craftsmen. Today, they are cherished as colorful souvenirs and a true symbol of the Netherlands. - Tulips
Tulips are a national icon of the Netherlands, though they originally come from Central Asia. Every year, Dutch growers produce over 3 billion tulip bulbs! The Netherlands remains the world’s largest exporter of flowers. - Moulin Rouge
The legendary Moulin Rouge (“Red Mill”) cabaret in Paris is famous for the high-kicking can-can dance — full of energy, color, and joy. Artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec immortalized its lively atmosphere in their posters and paintings. - Eiffel Tower
Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the Eiffel Tower rises 324 meters high. It was the tallest structure in the world until 1930. Fun fact: it was originally painted red! - Art Nouveau Metro Entrances
The elegant entrances to the Paris Metro were created between 1900 and 1913 by architect Hector Guimard. They became one of the most recognizable symbols of Art Nouveau and are now protected as cultural monuments. - Vikings
The Vikings were fearless explorers who sailed not only through Europe but also reached Iceland, Greenland, and even North America — around 500 years before Columbus! - Viking Helmet
The iconic horned Viking helmet is actually a myth! Real Viking helmets were simple, lightweight, and practical — designed to protect in battle while allowing free movement and visibility. - Aphrodite
Aphrodite (known to the Romans as Venus) was the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and desire. Her image inspired countless works of art, including the famous Aphrodite of Milos (Venus de Milo). - Acropolis
The Acropolis, symbol of ancient Athens, stands as a masterpiece of classical Greek architecture. Its crown jewel, the Parthenon, once housed a giant statue of Athena made of gold and ivory. - Hera
Hera, sister and wife of Zeus, is the goddess of marriage, family, and women — often portrayed as majestic and proud, wearing a crown and holding a scepter. - Athena
Goddess of wisdom, strategy, and crafts, Athena was the patron deity of Athens. Her owl remains a symbol of knowledge and learning to this day. - Zeus
Zeus, ruler of the gods, commands thunder and lightning. After the war with the Titans, he and his brothers divided the world: Zeus ruled the sky, Poseidon the sea, and Hades the underworld. - Hades
Hades, god of the underworld, is known for the myth of Persephone — whom he took as his wife. Her time spent with him explains the changing of the seasons: spring and summer when she returns to earth, autumn and winter when she descends below. - Poseidon
Poseidon, god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses, wields a mighty trident with which he stirs the oceans and creates storms. - Medusa
Medusa, one of the Gorgons, had snakes for hair and could turn anyone to stone with her gaze. The hero Perseus defeated her by looking only at her reflection in his shield. The stars still tell their story — in the constellations of Perseus, Pegasus, Andromeda, and Cassiopeia. - Colosseum
Rome’s grand Colosseum was a marvel of ancient engineering — hosting gladiator fights, animal hunts, and even naval battles. It could seat up to 80,000 spectators! - Venetian Carnival
The Venetian Carnival dates back to the 11th century and is famous for its elaborate masks and costumes. Traditional mask types include Bauta, Colombina, and the beaked Medico della Peste. The festival let people of all classes mingle freely and anonymously. - Leaning Tower of Pisa
This world-famous tower leans due to unstable ground beneath it. According to legend, Galileo dropped objects from the top to test gravity — though this story is likely just a myth. - Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, near Paris, was the royal residence of French kings until the Revolution. Its Hall of Mirrors features 357 mirrors reflecting the palace gardens’ light in dazzling splendor. - Red Telephone Boxes
A true British icon, the red telephone box was designed in 1924 by architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Today, many have found new life as mini libraries or Wi-Fi hotspots! - Tower Bridge
Built in 1894, Tower Bridge is a bascule bridge spanning the River Thames. It takes about 90 seconds to lift its central section for ships to pass through — once powered by steam, now by electricity. - London Eye
The London Eye, standing 135 meters tall, offers breathtaking views of the city. A full rotation takes 30 minutes — just enough time to take in all of London’s landmarks. - Big Ben
Originally the name of the great bell, “Big Ben” now refers to the entire clock tower of the Palace of Westminster. The tower was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II. - Double-Decker Bus
The red double-decker bus is a symbol of London. The classic Routemaster model from the 1950s featured open back steps so passengers could hop on or off — even while moving! - Mary Poppins
The magical nanny from P. L. Travers’ beloved books, Mary Poppins brings joy and order with her enchanted umbrella and bottomless bag. The first book was published in 1934. - Sagrada Família
Barcelona’s Sagrada Família is the unfinished masterpiece of architect Antoni Gaudí. Construction began in 1882 and continues to this day. The basilica’s intricate symbolism makes it a “Bible in stone.” - Spanish Guitar
The classical Spanish guitar is central to flamenco music — full of rhythm, passion, and emotion. Legendary players include Andrés Segovia and Paco de Lucía.
Olive Tree (Unnumbered)
A symbol of peace, fertility, and longevity, the olive tree can live for thousands of years. Some of the oldest grow in the Garden of Gethsemane. Spain is the world’s largest producer of olives and olive oil.
- Opera Carmen
Bizet’s Carmen (premiered 1875) is a French opera infused with Spanish spirit. Set in Andalusia, it tells a story of love, jealousy, and fate — featuring the famous Habanera and Toreador Song. - Lighthouse
A lighthouse guides sailors and warns them of danger. The first known lighthouse, built around 280 BC in Alexandria, Egypt, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It remains a universal symbol of hope and guidance. - Christopher Columbus
The Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, sailing under the Spanish crown, set out in 1492 to find a new route to Asia. Instead, he reached the Caribbean islands — marking the beginning of the Age of Discovery. His ships were the Santa María, Pinta, and Niña. - Bratislava Castle
Standing proudly above the Danube, Bratislava Castle has played an important role throughout the history of Great Moravia, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Slovakia. It has been a National Cultural Monument since 1961. - Prague Panorama
Prague — “the Mother of Cities” and “Heart of Europe” — is among the most beautiful cities in the world. Its skyline, crowned by Prague Castle, is truly unforgettable.
A few fascinating Prague facts:
- Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle complex in the world (70,000 m²).
- The Astronomical Clock from 1410 is the oldest working clock of its kind.
- The Charles Bridge’s foundation stone was laid on July 9, 1357, at exactly 5:31 a.m. — forming the magical palindrome 1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1.
- And why is Prague called the “City of a Hundred Spires”? You’ll find out in our quiz!
✨ Your Story of Lights Prague Team ✨