Charles Bridge (in Czech: Karlův most) is an iconic landmark in the very centre of Prague. The bridge crosses the Vltava river and connects the Old Town (Staré Město) with the Lesser Side (Malá Strana). It is not the oldest Czech bridge, because this title goes to the Stone Bridge in the town of Písek in South Bohemia. But Charles Bridge is definitely the most famous bridge in Czechia and perhaps also in the whole…
Kutná Hora is a small town in Central Bohemia, about 70 km east of Prague. It may be a small town today, but centuries ago it competed for importance with the Golden City. Looking at Prague today, it may not be easy to imagine, but it is nevertheless true. Kutná Hora owed its position and wealth to the silver mines that had been established there in the Middle Ages. At the end of the 13th…
Plzeň, in English known also as Pilsen, is a city in western Bohemia, in the southwestern part of Czechia. After Prague, Brno and Ostrava, it is the fourth largest city in the whole of Czechia. Pilsen is one of very few Czech cities that have English names different from the original. This small group includes also Prague (Praha) and Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary). In English, the name Pilsen is used interchangeably with Plzeň, as it is…
The Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape (Lednicko-valtický areál) is an area in South Moravia encompassing the village of Lednice and the town of Valtice. Due to the high concentration of architectural monuments and the beauty of the surrounding planned landscape, it was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1996. The World Heritage Site takes up an area of more or less 200 km², which makes it one of the largest complexes of its kind in Europe….
Olomouc is a major city in Moravia and the capital of the administrative region of the same name. It is the sixth largest city in the country and the most important city in the Haná region of Moravia (also known in English as Hanakia or Hanácko in Czech). Until the mid-17th century, Olomouc could be considered one of Moravia’s capital cities (together with Brno). Its well preserved Old Town belongs to the most beautiful ones…
České Budějovice is the capital city of the South Bohemian Region. It is internationally famous for its beer, known in other countries as Budweiser, after the German name of the city: Budweis. The city also played a role in one of the greatest works of Czech literature: “The Good Soldier Švejk” (in the original: Osudy dobrého vojáka Švejka za světové války).
Český Krumlov is a stunningly beautiful town in southern Bohemia, and after Prague, Czechia’s second most visited tourist attraction. The historic center of the town was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1992. The historic center of Prague was inscribed at the same session and these were the first two Czech World Heritage Sites. The abundance of beautiful old architecture, the location in a horseshoe bend of the Vltava river and the nearby hills,…
Házmburk is the name of a ruined medieval castle and the hill on top of which it is situated. Thanks to its elevated location and the relatively flat surroundings, the ruins are visible from far away. Their easily recognizable silhouette was an inspiration for artists during the Romantic period. Házmburk is located near the village of Klapý…
The Prague Astronomical Clock, commonly known as the Orloj, is one of the most popular sights in the Czech capital. It is very easy to find, because it is mounted on the Old Town Hall in the magnificent Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí). At full hours between 9 AM and 9 PM, you will see there crowds of tourists watching the parade of 12 wooden apostle statues appearing in two windows.
Mikulov is a beautiful old town in South Moravia, in Břeclav District. The town boasts very well-preserved historic architecture. The highlight is Mikulov Chateau, situated on a hill and dominating the landscape. Charming market squares are relatively common in Czech towns, so the one in Mikulov might not surprise you, if you have seen several or more if them before. Nevertheless, it is very pretty and definitely worth seeing. Also, the surrounding area is very…