Czech Republic

Czech Republic won't disappoint travellers looking for a taste of Central Europe. It has a quick public in transportation system - it's an easy country to get around, particularly for those planning on spending the bulk of their time exploring the nation's beautiful capital, Prague. le Prague hosts an inordinate number of excellent attractions, there are enough exotic attractions to warrant exploring by car. Highlights of a trip to the Czech countryside include many excellent national parks and conservation areas, one of the most popular being the aptly named Bohemian Paradise, an area of outstanding natural beauty characterized by numerous splendid rock formations and many fine old castles, Podyjí National Park in Moravia with its large unspoiled forests. Along the way, you'll stumble across numerous old villages and towns, many unchanged since medieval times and home to fine old churches, palaces, and public squares, all of them worth a visit.

Travellers focal point of a visit to the Czech Republic is Prague Castle. In the city's Hradčany neighborhood and dating from the late 10th century, Prague Castle has been central to Eastern European history for centuries, and once housed Holy Roman Emperors, the Habsburgs, Bohemian kings, and, more recently, the Czech Republic's President. In its 1,000 years history of the castle - the largest in the world in terms of area - has undergone many dramatic changes in architectural style, evidence of which can be seen in the numerous buildings constructed within its walls through the centuries. Highlights include beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George's Basilica, the Powder Tower, and the Golden Lanewith its medieval workshops.

Beautiful Prague Castle

Night view of Prague Castle-Vitus Cathedral

Of particular note is the Old Royal Palace with its magnificent Vladislav Hall, so big it was used to host knightly jousting tournaments, as well as the adjoining 16th-century Royal Garden with its spectacular Singing Fountain

Prague Castle Royal Garden

The State Castle of Český Krumlov, with its architectural standard, cultural tradition, and expanse, ranks among the most important historic sites in the central European region. Building development from the 14th to 19th centuries is well-preserved in the original ground plan layout, material structure, interior installation and architectural detail.

The acquisition of historic monument preservation status was given after concern authorities assess the Castle. In 1963, the town was declared a Municipal Preserve, in 1989 the castle became a National Monument, and in 1992 the entire complex was included onto the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monuments.

Český Krumlov Castle night view

Inside Cesky Krumlov Castle

Kutná Hora also called the city of silver, is deservedly attributed the name “national treasury”. These is a saying that its wealth helped to ensure the boom of the Czech Kingdom. The centre of the city was included in the UNESCO world heritage list in 1995 thanks to its historical importance and architectural gems.

All of the streets, houses and churches convey a long history full of important events. The symbol of Kutná Hora is the unique late Gothic Cathedral of St. Barbara.

Kutná Hora St. Barbara Cathedral

In western side of the country towards the German border, nestled in woodland valley is the spa town of Karlovy Vary which was established by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV to exploit the healing powers of the hot springs here. 

Karlovy Vary hot springs

This extraordinarily scenic town has been popular with tourists for centuries and counts Russian Tzar – Peter the Great, Attaturk – founder of modern Turkey and musicians Beethoven, Chopin & Mozart amongst its former patrons. Take time out to enjoy a luxury spa or stop by the exclusive Moser Glass factory’s visitor centre.

The formidable fortress of Karlštejn is just 30km from Prague and is one of the finest examples of Gothic fortresses to be found anywhere. Built in the 1300’s by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, Karlštejn was intended to house the Emperor’s crown jewels & treasures as well as holy relics. You’ll be able to view the crown of the Czech kings, the world-famous panel paintings in the Church of the Holy Cross and the original decorative mural from the 15th century.

Karlštejn castle : The castle setting in romantic woodlands acquaints visitors with the natural beauty of Czech countryside and a glimpse of some typical local villages.

Moravian Karst is one of the most important karst area of Central Europe. In the area of Moravian Karst, there are more than 1100 caves and valleys. But only 4 caves from the all are open to public. 

Kateřinská jeskyně / Katerinska Cave with unique lime stone coloums

There are Punkvevní jeskyně (Punkva Caves) with their underground river – during the cruise you can see there the bottom of the famous Macocha Abyss. Another cave is Kateřinská jeskyně with its unique limestone columns. The Balcarka Cave is full of colorful stalactite decoration. Sloupsko-šošůvské jeskyně are made by huge corridors and underground gorges.

Telč is one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic, and the facades of the houses that surround its main square must be some of the most photographed buildings in Moravia. The historic centre of Telč was added to the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage in 1992, thanks mainly to the chateau and beautifully preserved town square.

Telč town square 

The appearance of the Telč town square is a result of a catastrophic fire in 1530 that destroyed much of the town. Lord Zachariáš of Hradec turned the stone castle into a stylish residential chateau, and rebuilt most of the devastated centre to a uniform plan. The main square is completely encircled by arcade-fronted townhouses all of similar size and proportion, but with fascinating and intricate surface decorations unique to each building. 

While visiting you will see the fabulous interior the richly decorated vaults of the arms room, the treasure house, embellished with sophisticated sgraffiti, All Saints' Chapel and the halls, each one more elaborately decorated than the next.

Though it's a colorful, busy place ringed with outdoor cafes and restaurants, the Telč square has essentially kept the same appearance for centuries and is one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture north of the Alps.

The charming and beautiful city of Olomouc lies beside the Morava River in central Moravia. With around 100,000 inhabitants, it's the fifth largest city in the Czech Republic and certainly one of the most beautiful. The centre is the largest historic preservation zone outside Prague, and its cobblestone streets are lined with majestic cathedrals and grand palaces.

Olomouc has always been a centre for education and culture and the rich schedule of festivals means that you stand a good chance of one being in progress, no matter what time of year your visit occurs. The festival calendar includes the largest beer festival in the country (May, the International Organ Music festival (Sep. - Oct.), and the ten-day city festival in late June.

Despite its fascinating history and great beauty, you won't find the crowds of tourists that are so common in more famous destinations. It's a real living, breathing Czech city, with 1000 years of history and the vibrant, youthful energy of a university town.

The purpose of the national park is to maintain and improve its unique environment, especially the conservation or renewal of self-controlling functions of natural systems, strict protection of wild animals and plants, preservation of the typical landscape appearance, the fulfillment of scientific and educational objectives and use of the national park for sustainable tourism and recreation that does not impair the environment.

Krkonoše National Park

In 1889 the Czech Tourist Club organized a trip to the Exposition Universelle in Paris. Everybody was enchanted by the Eiffel Tower and so they decided they needed to get a similar construction built in Prague. As soon as they arrived back, they created the first plans for Prague’s Eiffel Tower. The only problem was the money hence the height is 63.5 meters where you could see really amazing views of Prague. 

The hill picked for the construction was the highest one in the city center – Petrin Hill.On July 2nd, 1891, it was completed and the festive opening took place on August 20th

Petrin Tower, Prague

Prague Astronomical Clock is a medieval astronomical clock that is considered to be the third oldest in the world and the oldest one still working. Based on the legend Master Hanuš was chosen by the Councillors of Prague to construct a unique time measuring device at Staromestská radnice that would have many other functions besides measuring time. 

Prague Astronomical Clock

Hanuš did what he had promised to make an unique clock. After he had introduced his perfect machine to the Councillors they got scared. The Councillors were worried if he could rebuild it another somewhere and made him blinded. With the help one of his student he was able to stop the clock and got his revenge, it took more than a century for experts to make it operational.

Prague Astronomical Clock (Prague Orloj)

The town of Mariánské Lázne is located in West Bohemia in a large vale at the altitude of 576 to 626 metres above sea level. A 20 km wide zone of woods, studded with a number of tourist trails, is in the immediate vicinity of the spa. It is famous because of its therapeutic methods and effective and quality beneficial resources as well as its pretty surroundings.

It has beautiful springs with different taste of water. A total of 160 springs are found here. Cold springs are used for the successful treatment of disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract, the nerves, and the digestive system, as well as skin problems and disorders of the breathing and motor apparatuses.

Krizik´s Fountain often referred to as a Musical Fountain as a Dancing Fountain in Prague Stromovka park. Fountain was projected and constructed by famous Czech engineer František Križík (Frantisek Krizik) at the end of 19th century. Krizik Fountain attracts large groups of tourists, especially in the summer months, with four nightly shows. 

It is quite unique and there is no other similar fountain show in the world. This unique structure was built in 1891 for the occasion of the Jubilee Exhibition near Prague’s trade fair area, behind the well-known historical metal building. Its lighting was created by the Czech inventor, Frantisek Krizik.

Situated near the popular spa town of Karlovy Vary, Loket Castle is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture and offers a different taste of the Middle Ages. There is also a porcelain museum, an archaeology exhibition and a museum of torture instruments.

Loket Castle

Loket Castle was founded by Czech kings at the beginning of the 13th century and was strategically located near the territory borders. The castle with its unique Romanesque architectural elements is open to the public, including the deep subterranean dungeons once used as a prison.

Loket Castle inside view

There are breathtaking views from the 26-meter high tower, Romanesque in style. According to legend, the Loket Dragon is hidden there.

Loreta is an important pilgrimage site, commissioned by Baroness Beligna Katherina von Lobkowicz in 1626. It was conceived to promote the legend of Santa Casa, a copy of the house believed to be the Virgin Mary's.

Loreta Church : It is crowned by the world-famous pilgrimage site of the Loreta complex, dominated by its Loreta Church. Most people know the Loreto thanks to its beautiful carillon made by the clock maker Peter Naumann. It was also used as Nazi's head quarter.

The National Museum (Národní Muzeum) in Prague is set in a commanding position at the top of Wenceslas Square. It is currently closed for reconstruction. The reopening of the museum is planned for 2018.

The National Museum is built on the site of the former Horse Gate, so named because Wenceslas Square once served as the main Prague horse market. For temporary exhibitions Museum is opened during this period.

National nature sight, the largest sandstone bridge in Europe, span 30m, height 21m, minimum thickness of the arch 3m. The gateway as such is closed to the public and can be viewed only from a lookout point close to it. 

One of the most popular rock formations in Czech rock cities, located 3 km from Hrensko near the border with Germany and the largest stand stone rock arch in Europe.

Pravcicka Brana Winter

Rudolfinum was built by the banking institution Böhmische Sparkasse (Czech Savings Bank) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. It was intended as a monumental house of arts with a picture gallery, concert halls and a collection of antiquities. It was named Rudolfinum after the crown prince Rudolph.

For more than 100 years, the Rudolfinum has been a part of Prague's Old Town and its waterfront. It is a leading example of Neo-Renaissance architecture of the late 19th century including a concert hall with excellent acoustics used for important concerts, such as the annual classical music festival Prague Spring.

The Spanish Synagogue in Prague is known as the most beautiful synagogue in Europe. It was built in 1868 on the site of the oldest Prague Jewish house of prayer. The Spanish Synagogue re-opened on the 130th anniversary of its establishment. This magnificent building now forms part of the Jewish Museum in Prague, so can be visited during the day.

Spanish Synagogue

Although the synagogue is the youngest it is classified as the most beautiful and its visitors pay always great attention to its splendid and beautifully decorated interior.