Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a charming European country with the most vibrant traditions. It's one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in the world. Picturesque parks, mysterious castles, and cozy châteaux, magnificent cathedrals and clock towers, Medieval villages, emerald thick forests, spectacular resorts, - every person will find a place to his liking. The Czech Republic cherishes the memory of histories of ancient tribes and great royal dynasties. People in South Bohemia and Moravia are very passionate about traditions and national culture. They love throwing fairs and festivals. Travelers come to the Czech Republic to rest and enjoy walking and cycling tours, improve health in splendid SPA hotels, and taste the beer. Brewery brought the Czech Republic fame far beyond its boundaries - they produce one of the best sorts of beer in the world.
General information
Capital: | Population: | Official language: | Currency: | Territory: |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prague | 10 677 540 | Czech | Czech koruna | 78 866 km² |
Geography
Map Czech Republic
Combination of Sharp Gothic and Refined Baroque
The Czech Republic has a feel of the refined Middle Ages. Every city, house, and castle tell their stories here. You need to visit different corners of the country to know it better. That's the only way to feel all the charm and riches of the Czech Republic.
Prague
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, the cradle of the Czech culture. This largest city in the country has a centuries-old history. Its architecture is marvelous in its variety: the Gothic style, almost untouched by time, aristocratic Baroque, Rococo, and neo-classicism. Eighteen bridges lend a unique charm to the city. Charles Bridge, built in the XIV century, is the central pearl among them. It goes across the Vltava river and is decorated with numerous sculptures. A statue to St. John of Nepomuk is the most renowned among them. All tourists touch it and make wishes. On one side of the Vltava, you can find historic districts, Old Town Bridge Tower and the Powder Gate, a square, the Church of Mother of God before Týn, Prague Astronomical Clock, and the City Hall. The observation deck of the City Hall offers a stunning view of Medieval Prague. The Dancing House - a unique attraction created in the XX century - is situated not far from the historical center. On the other bank of the river, you can find a district called Malá Strana. Its buildings are mainly created in Baroque style. Owing to this, this neighborhood always looks ornate and creates a festive mood. Famous attractions of Malá Strana include Toscan Palace, Archbishop Palace at Hilltop Hradčany, and Prague Castle with all the adjoining constructions. One of them is St. Vitus Cathedral. It took 600 years to build this masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Prague is a fabulous city with incredibly beautiful streets, houses, plenty of cafes and confectioneries, tiny antique shops, and restaurants where you can try goulash, roast pork knee, and drink excellent local beer.
Brno
Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic and an important cultural center of the country. The town is famous for its modern architecture, and its masterpieces include Klein's Palace with metallic decorative elements; Mahen Theatre as the first electrified theatre in the Czech Republic and the world; Villa Tugendhat that became a significant milestone in the development of Modern style. Such sights as the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Špilberk Castle, New and Old City Halls are of great historical value. Brno also has a zoo, Botanic Garden, nightclubs, night cinemas, and amusement halls. The Moravian Karst is located north of the city. It is one of the most massive karst landscapes in Europe. Tourists from every corner of the Earth come to see its extraordinary caves. It's more than 25 kilometers in length and has around 1100 caves. Only 5 of them are open to the public.
Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary (former Carlsbad) is a renowned world resort located on the bank of the Tepla river in a scenic corner of the Western Czech Republic. The water in the river is warm almost all the year round as hot springs warm it up. The city was founded 600 years ago by Emperor Charles IV. Karlovy Vary and its neighboring areas have over one hundred mineral water springs. Sprudel is the most renowned geyser among them. It is located in the same-name Collonade. Besides hydropathy, guests of the resort have a chance to play golf, tennis, or to ride horses. Walking tours along the picturesque routes are one of the best leisure activities in Karlovy Vary: to Diana Observation Tower, Goethe's Lookout Tower, and Vyhlidka Tri Krize.
Pilsen
Pilsen is another marvelous city in the Czech Republic and a real center of brewing. Its main square is the largest one in Western Europe. Brewery Museum, located on the territory of the beer factory, is the most significant attraction in the city. By the museum, you shall find an entrance to the XV-century dungeon. It is 15 kilometers in length and consists of underground passages united in one network. These caves served well to the city in various periods of its life. It used to be a storehouse and a bomb shelter. While visiting Pilsen, you should see the cathedral of St. Bartholomew and ascend to its observation deck; the XVI-century City Hall built in the Renaissance epoch style on the central Square of the Republic; the Franciscan Monastery and Great Synagogue. The city offers a wide range of bars and cafes that serve great beer. There are some rare sorts that you can find only here.
Český Krumlov
Picturesque Český Krumlov is located in the very south of the Czech Republic. The historical center of the city is in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Travelers come here to see the renowned Český Krumlov Castle - the second in size in the country after Prague Castle; Gothic Church of St. Vitus with the surviving frescoes of the XV century; and also the museum and photo studio called Seidel that keeps photographs, equipment, and personal belongings of the XX-century photographer Josef Seidel. Český Krumlov offers a diversity of bars and cafes, and plenty of picnic zones equipped on the bank of the Vltava river. In winter, Krumlov looks like a fabulous decoration to a mysterious fairy-tale: the castle is covered with snow, the city is desolated and beautiful.
National peculiarities of the Czechs
- The Czechs are an extremely punctual nation. They zealously watch their time and always finish their working day in time and not a minute later. Even if they work in a souvenir shop or a cafe in a tourist zone, they will close the door when it's time for them to leave.
- Czechs love beer. This love has a full right to be considered as a national feature and lifestyle. Everybody drinks beer everywhere. A visit to a local pub after work to drink a bottle or two of beer is a developed daily routine.
- Czechs are very polite and friendly people with good manners. It is customary to yield a seat to pregnant women and seniors in public transport. They often apologize while standing in lines, knocking together in the metro or any other similar situations.
- Czechs are fans of an active lifestyle. They aim to be in motion, attend gyms, adore cycling, and try to get to a ski resort at least once a year.
Cities in Czech Republic
Attractions
The Czech Republic is a country that seems to have leaped from the pages of fairy-tales. There is hardly any other place where you can come across such a diversity of various castles of all architectural styles. The Gothic ruins dread you with their majesty, and the festive Baroque mansions dive you into the atmosphere of dancing parties and luxury. Every city and village are a historical memorial and a genuine attraction. Every traveler comes across something extraordinary wherever he goes.