Czech Republic Travel Guide
Czech Republic is a land-locked country found in Central Europe. It is bordered
with
Germany to the
west,
Poland to the
north,
Slovakia to
the east and
Austria
to the south. The Czech Republic was part of Czechoslovakia until the "Velvet
Divorce" in January 1991 which split the communist state into the Czech and
Slovak republics. This was when tourism in the country slowly picked up because
of the new found democracy and new president Vaclav Havel.
Tourism in the country is largely focused on its capital, Prague and the
country's historic regions of Bohemia and Moravia. The country has a rich
cultural heritage evidenced by its myriad of galleries, museums and concert
halls. Some of its famous citizens include classical composer Dvořák and writers
like Kafka. The country also boasts of 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as
fascinating castles, old churches, chateaus, monasteries and other architectural
treasures.
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is situated on the banks of Vltava
River and has always played an important role in Europe's history. It is noted
for its numerous Baroque, Gothic, Romanesque and Cubist architectures and has
been called the ‘Paris of the East' since the fall of communism in the country.
Some of the key places to visit in the city is its historical center which is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Prazky hrad (Prague Castle), Karluv or the
Charles Bridge which offers view of the Vlatva and gave Prague its reputation as
a "fairytale city"'. The Mala Strana found beneath the castle, is a mix of
winding road, palaces and old artisan houses from the 17th and 18th century. The
Stare Mesto or old town with its huge clock found in the town hall and Gothic
Tyn Church and the Jewish town with its cemetery and synagogues.
Just outside Prague, grim reminders of World War II remain in the Terezin camp
which is now a museum. You can also pass by the silver mining town, Kutna Hora,
with its towering Gothic Cathedral St. Barbara which is also a designated UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
Aside from historic architectural buildings the Czech Republic can also boast of
its magnificent canyons and steep volcanic rock formations in a densely forested
area, the Krkonoše Mountains National Park which offers hiking and a lot of
snowboarding, cross country and downhill skiing facilities. The Spindleruv Mlyn,
by River Labe banks, is the most popular mountain town in the park.
Though not really a beer country, the Czech Republic is home to two towns that
became famous for its brewed alcoholic beverage. Of course who can forget the
local beer of Ceske Budejovice (Budweis), whose wealth was founded on silver
mines, Budvar or Budweiser which is the town's claim to fame. Then there's the
town of Plzner, the second largest city in Bohemia, which is home to the famous
Pilsner beer. Beer has been brewing in this town since 1295 but it was only was
established during the year 1842. Guided tours to the Plzensky Prazdroj brewery
for the curious tourists are available.