Top 10 Places to Visit in the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has become a favourite tourist destination for many travellers who crave something off of the traditional European tour path. It is a favourite destination for those who like older architecture, partially because this small landlocked country went mostly untouched during the world wars, and partially because the area has been owned by many different nations with different architectural influences throughout the last millennium.
Prices are lower for those who like to find the best deal, and the culture is more “authentic”, or unspoiled by tourist demands.
1. Prague
One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Prague was founded in the 9th century and has served over the centuries as the seat of Holy Roman Emperors as well as an important economic, cultural and political center in Central Europe.
Playing important roles in the Protestant Reformation and the Thirty Years’ War, the city became the capital of Czechoslovakia after World War I. Following Czechoslovakia’s 1993 division into two separate governments, Prague became the capital of the Czech Republic.
Today, Prague is a magical city of stunning cathedrals, medieval architecture, vibrant culture, fine dining and energetic atmosphere, making it one of the most visited cities in Europe. There is no shortage of exciting things to see and do in Prague. Not to be missed is the Prague Castle, the world’s largest ancient castle.
2. Kutna Hora
Kutna Hora began as the first Bohemian monastery in 1142. It began to boom and prosper as the town’s mountains were shown to have a large silver deposit in the 12th century.
The town was under German control when much of this boom happened, and has created a number of spectacular Gothic buildings. Included in the list of must-see places is the five-naved Cathedral, St Barbaras Church. Also, the royal residence and mint now called the Italian Court, the current museum called the Stone Haus, the Ossuary (bone house), and two more lovely Gothic Churches.
3. Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov, a town featuring a large “Bohemian Castle” resides in the region of Krumlov. It was created in the late thirteenth century, when the region was
The location along a natural crossing of the Vltava river made it a perfect place to build. The town’s appearance is little changed since the 18th century and the buildings have been well maintained and restored.
It is a lovely castle city that still has the look and feel of a Medieval town. Crooked cobblestone streets and brightly-colored stucco facades make Cesky Krumlov beautiful and unique.
4. Karlovy Vary
This hot spring town has been believed for hundreds of years to have healing waters that can clear anything from poor digestion to brain tumors. Like many hot spring regions, the waters were developed into a large spa region.
In this case, the transformation happened in the 13th Century, and was commissioned by Charles IV. As spas were the place of nobles, the architecture has always been opulent. However, a series of natural disasters have destroyed most of the buildings that existed before the heyday of Karlovy Vary in the 18th and 19th centuries.
5. Castle Karlstejn
This 14th Century Gothic Castle was the home of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. It is located about 30 km (18 miles) from Prague, and makes a nice day trip for tourists staying in the city.
The castle has served as a war fortress, a storehouse for treasure, and a royal home at different points. The building is designed with three terraced levels, each standing for different levels of importance.
6. Olomouc
Olomouc was originally created as a Roman fort during the imperial period. The name is a corrupted version of its Roman name, Mount Julius. It later became the residence of the Moravian governor.
There is much to see here, as the town was considered important during almost every century of the last millennium. Olomouc Castle dates back to the twelfth century, and has in it the beautiful Saint Wencelas Cathedral.
7. Telc
This town in the Moravia region of the South was created as a port town in the 14th Century to facilitate trade between Bohemia, Moravia, and Austria. The town’s historic center boasts easter-egg colors and renaissance architecture, which make it a picturesque place to visit.
The local Gothic palace was redone in the 17th century to remake it in Renaissance style. Beautiful churches like the church of the Holy Ghost and the local Jesuit Church make this a lovely place for photographers, architectural and history buffs.
8. Litomysl
This eastern town on the once border between Bohemia and Moravia sat on an important trade route called the Tristenice Path. In the late sixteenth century, the most notable building in the town was created, a renaissance-style castle.
This palace is the birthplace of noted classical music composer Bedrich Smetana. Another highlight in the town is the Portmoneum, the former home of art lover Josef Portmon, and a tribute to graphic art that covers walls, floors, ceilings and furniture in a completely immersive style.
9. Moravian Karst
This geologic phenomenon is in a naturally protected region of the Czech Republic, just north of Brno. This is a giant series of underground limestone caverns and gorges that stretch for thousands of square miles.
10. Plzen
This western Bohemian city is the fourth largest in the Czech Republic, and is known worldwide as the home and the namesake of Pilsner beer. For those looking for great architecture, St Bartholemew’s Cathedral, the Great Synagogue, and the Renaissance style Town Hall are must-sees.
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