There is a country in Europe whose landscape harmoniously combines deep lakes and mysterious mountains overgrown with dense forests, thermal springs and rushing rivers, green meadows with bright, intoxicatingly fragrant grass and hills overgrown with flowers. The only thing missing here is the sea, but you don’t remember it at all when you find yourself in a Czech fairy tale. We present to your attention the ten most famous historical, cultural and natural attractions of the Czech Republic. Medieval cities, ancient castles, squat breweries, bell towers piercing the clouds with their spiers - welcome to the Czech Republic!
1. Magical Prague (Praha)
It is impossible to begin the story about the most beautiful cities of the Czech Republic other than with the beautiful Prague. Anyone who has ever been there knows what we are talking about. The capital is considered not only the most beautiful city in the Czech Republic, enthusiastic tourists often award it the title of the most beautiful city in Europe. It is difficult to list all the sights, significant squares and ancient streets of the hundred-towered Prague, but let’s try to look at least at the most famous ones.
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Karlovy Vary is one of the most famous and beautiful resort towns in Europe. The city was founded in the Middle Ages and became famous for its 12 hot mineral and...
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The city of Kutna Hora is a UNESCO monument, famous for the history of silver mining and silver coinage. And if you want to meet a real ghost, then you...
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Most tourists who come to Prague on vacation focus their attention on historical attractions and architectural monuments located in the city itself, completely forgetting that in the vicinity of the Czech capital there are no less interesting sights!
Every corner in the vicinity of Prague is a real treasure trove of various natural and historical attractions, including castles, fortresses, monasteries, churches, ancient cities with interesting museums, forests, hills and rivers with bridges and dams built on them.
List of the best attractions around Prague
In this article we will tell you about the most interesting and popular attractions located in the vicinity of Prague among numerous tourists.
Karlstein is a Gothic castle built in 1358 on a rocky shore in the valley of the Berounka River. The castle was built to become a reliable repository for numerous imperial treasures, as well as coronation regalia and relics of saints, which reliably protected the walls of Karlštejn until 1619. At the beginning of the 19th century, the castle became the summer residence of the court, and a little later it was turned into a museum.
All visitors to the castle will be able to see such interesting sights of this place as the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Chapel of the Virgin Mary, the Bohemian Karst protected area, with a forest and the famous Koněprusska Cave.
Miller - a small regional center located 33 km north of Prague, which is famous for its vineyards. The history of this place began in the 10th century, when a Slavic fortress was built on the site of the now existing castle.
Today, all guests of the castle can visit a museum dedicated to the development of local winemaking, an art gallery and a famous wine restaurant. Also among the city buildings, the Prague Gate, the Town Hall and the Gothic Church of St. Peter and Paul are of interest.
Nelagozeves - located 26 kilometers north of Prague, the castle is famous for the fact that the famous Czech composer Antonin Dvorak was born and raised within its walls, in whose house a museum is opened. Having visited this fabulously beautiful place, you can also visit the Central Bohemian Art Gallery located within the castle walls, which contains many interesting exhibits from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Lana - a magnificent castle ensemble located 40 kilometers west of Prague in a deer reserve. Built in the Renaissance style, the castle was for many years a resting place after hunting for Emperor Rudolf II and his retinue. A visit to this amazing and incredibly picturesque castle will give you the opportunity to touch the great past of the country.
Konopiste - this is one of the most interesting attractions in the vicinity of Prague, which is located 45 kilometers south of the Czech capital. Throughout the history of its existence, the castle, built in 1300, has undergone many changes and acquired its final appearance only at the end of the 19th century. Today, valuable collections of weapons and paintings are kept within the walls of the castle, and there is an unusually beautiful park near it.
Podebrady - this is a unique place in the vicinity of Prague, famous throughout the world due to the fact that it is here that the Bohemia glass factory is located, which produces popular Czech crystal and Bohemian glass.
Sazava is a resort town located 45 kilometers southeast of Prague, on the banks of the river of the same name. By visiting this medieval town, you can see such local attractions as an ancient castle, a monastery hall with frescoes, an unfinished monastery church from the 16th century, and also visit the Cavalier glass factory, founded in the early 19th century.
Kutna Hora - an interesting and quite rich in various historical and architectural attractions regional center, located 65 km east of Prague. Today, Kutná Hora, which has aroused interest among guests of the Czech capital throughout its centuries-old history, is one of the most popular places that almost all tourists coming to Prague seek to visit, and this interest is completely justified. Here you can see such sights as the Royal Residence, the Mint, the Church of St. Barbara, the Gothic Church of St. James, the Stone House of 1485, the Plague Column of 1715, the twelve-coal stone fountain of 1495, the Prince's House of 1500 and many others. And in the part of the city called Sedlec, you can see a huge monastery founded in 1142, a Gothic church from 1330, a cemetery chapel, and a small Hradek castle. Agree, the list of attractions in a place like Kutna Hora is impressive!
This is just a small part of the attractions in the vicinity of Prague that are worthy of your attention. You can visit all these and many other historical and architectural attractions located in the vicinity of the Czech capital during excursions in Prague and its surroundings. By ordering excursions around Prague on the website, you will take a fascinating journey to the most outstanding and famous attractions located some distance from the capital of the Czech Republic. And thanks to our Russian-speaking guides, you can take a fascinating excursion into the history of these places and learn a lot of new and interesting things!
There are many famous castles in the vicinity of Prague that are a must see. You can visit the castles near Prague on your own or by booking a tour. Each of them is unique, has a unique atmosphere and is located in a picturesque location. The excursion can be booked by contacting numerous travel agencies in Prague. Some castles provide their own guides for a fee to give tours of the building.
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Karlstein
The castle is famous all over the world. It is located on a cliff 72 meters high. It was built in the mid-14th century by order of King Charles IV and named after him. Initially, the castle was used to store relics. Karlštejn was built on the principle of a stepped arrangement of individual buildings. At the bottom of the ensemble there is a large courtyard, the Lower Castle and the main gate. The Imperial Palace and Church are located above. At the very top of the rock there is a Great Tower, as well as fortifications. This construction principle makes the castle powerful and noticeable from afar.
Karlštejn has unique wall paintings that have survived to this day from the 14th century. It preserves a collection of paintings by Theodoric. It is the largest in the world and has 129 works of art. In Karlštejn there is a replica of the royal crowns and a gallery of rulers.
The excursion can be booked on site. The castle offers 3 hiking routes. The duration of 1 route is about 1 hour. During this time you can see part of the Imperial Palace, the Marian Tower, the Noble and Knight's Halls, and the prison.
The cost for an ordinary tourist is 11 euros, for children over 6 years old, students and pensioners 7 euros, for children under 6 years old free. You need to pay 1 euro for the reservation. Photography is possible for a fee of 6 euros.
The second route involves visiting the Marian and Great Towers, the Chapel of St. Catherine and the Holy Cross, an art gallery, and a library. The tour lasts about 110 minutes. Possible only with advance reservation, the cost of which is 1 euro. A ticket for adults will cost 13 euros, for students, pensioners and children over 6 years old - 9 euros, children under 6 years old - free. Photography is prohibited.
The third tour covers only the floors of the Great Tower. Cost 6 euros for adults, 4 euros for beneficiaries, children of preschool age free. Photography is free.
Sikhrov
The castle is rightly called the pearl of the northern part of the Czech Republic. It belongs to the category of castles near Prague that everyone should see. Sykhrov was built in the 15th century. It came to us with significant reconstructions. After World War II, the castle was confiscated from its previous owners and became state property. Subsequently, Sikhrov was restored. The castle belongs to the neo-Gothic style.
Next to it there is a huge English park. It contains several species of oaks and beeches, some of the plants are quite rare. The park has a water tower, a chapel, greenhouses, fountains and swimming pools.
Hluboka nad Vltava
One of the popular castles in the Czech Republic near Prague is a snow-white building located in a picturesque location. This is Hluboka nad Vltava. The castle was built in the middle of the 13th century. The owners of Hluboka nad Vltavou often rebuilt the castle, so it has reached us in a greatly altered form. At first it was used as a guard fortress. The owners were representatives of noble aristocratic families. In the 17th century, a park was laid out near the castle. After the Second World War, Hluboka nad Vltavou came into the hands of the state.
The castle offers 6 routes for its guests. You can explore the garden and take pictures against its background absolutely free.
A special route has been developed for winter. Tourists are invited to get acquainted with the interiors of the first floor, where the personal chambers of the last residents were located. There are also unique engravings, trophies, and portraits of the owners. On the ground floor, tourists can see dining rooms. The walls are decorated with hunting weapons, because almost all the owners of the castle were avid hunters. All rooms are heated. Entrance to the tour costs 9 euros, for students 6 euros, for pensioners 8 euros.
The main excursion route runs through the Staircase and Reception halls, the bedroom and dressing room of Princess Eleanor, the dining room, the Smoking salon and much more. Tourists will be able to immerse themselves in the luxurious atmosphere of the castle. Entrance to the tour is 10 euros, for students 6 euros, for pensioners 8 euros.
You can separately visit the private apartments of the castle owners, dining rooms and the Great Marble Hall. The cost of visiting is 9 euros, for students 6 euros, for pensioners 8 euros.
You can inspect the kitchen premises and become familiar with their structure. Ticket prices are 6 euros, 3 euros and 4 euros for students and pensioners respectively.
You can climb the castle tower. A visit is only possible in good weather. It offers a magnificent view of the park and the surrounding area of the castle. Cost 1.5 euros. For students and pensioners, admission is 1 euro.
Krivoklat
The castle is located in close proximity to Prague, only 40 kilometers. The owners were Czech kings. Krivoklat is a medieval castle. It served as a place where kings came to hunt. The situation inside the castle remained almost the same as it was in the Middle Ages. Now the castle is located on the territory of the reserve.
On the territory of the castle there is a Gothic church, in which the altar of the 15th century has been preserved. The figures of the apostles are hovering nearby, Jesus and 2 angels are standing. All the statues are made so skillfully that they seem alive.
It is worth visiting the royal library, where books from all over the world are collected. It stores over 50,000 copies. They are written in Czech, as well as in the languages of European countries.
You can explore the Royal and Knight's Halls and enjoy the luxurious interiors. The walls are decorated with weapons that were produced for hunting. You can climb the tower to appreciate the view that opens to tourists. The castle houses a former prison.
A visit to the castle will cost 8 euros. The entrance ticket for children, students and pensioners costs 4 euros.
Loket Castle
Castles in the vicinity of Prague are considered unique historical and architectural monuments. One of them is considered to be the oldest building in the Czech Republic.
Loket Castle was built around the 12th century. For a long time it served as a fortress. Many dark legends have developed around the castle. This is due to the cruelty of the rulers who lived in this area. In 1400, a meteorite fell on the castle. Part of it is still kept in Loket. There is a legend that one of the most severe rulers, Count Puta von Ilburk, was punished by turning into this stone. The gloomy castle was used as a prison for a long time. In the 70s of the 20th century, the building was recognized as a monument, restored and opened its doors to visitors.
On the territory of the fortress you can see ancient buildings preserved almost in their original form. In the Czech Republic, the dark glory of the castle is used, so tourists are offered to visit the torture chambers. For clarity, there are moving figures on which torture instruments are used. An appropriate soundtrack has been created. You can explore the halls located in the castle. They do not have the luxury that is present in most castles in the Czech Republic, but Loket attracts the attention of tourists with a real medieval style. Every year a vibrant carnival takes place in Loket, which is free to visit in the city.
All castles located near Prague have a fascinating history associated with the names of their previous owners. The best castles near Prague also have their own official websites. On most of them you can find out upcoming interesting events, excursion schedules, and book tickets. Not all sites are maintained in Russian. Mainly represented are Czech, English and German.
The castles accept payment in cash and bank cards. Tours of castles from local travel agencies are more expensive than visiting them on your own. Getting to them is not difficult, and Russian-speaking guides can be hired on the spot.
A densely populated country located in a natural area rich in reservoirs, mountains and forests, the Czech Republic remains a popular tourist destination even after its collapse. Many beautiful resorts, nature reserves, and unique attractions, in addition to the brilliant Prague, attract travelers from all over the world. There are authentic towns and villages in the Czech Republic full of unique charm that are definitely worth seeing.
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Every Czech knows about a sacred object located on the outskirts of the city of Kutna Hora - Sedlec, visiting which you become convinced of how short a person’s earthly life is. This is the famous, one-of-a-kind, Ossuary Church, where everything is made of human bones: crosses, chandeliers, decorations of arches and vaults (according to rumors, 40 thousand bones were used). The history of the extraordinary church began in the 13th century, when the local monastery cemetery became holy land on which representatives of all noble classes dreamed of being buried.
Over the course of 2 centuries, the cemetery had nowhere to grow, so they began to bury it a second time: they dug up the bones and put them in the chapel. One of the monks laid out 6 high pyramids from bleached bones - from them, in 1870, the carver F. Rintu began to decorate the church with them. Now the Ossuary is of great interest to tourists as an extraordinary shrine, where you can think about the eternal, reconsidering something in your life.
Brewery Pilsen
Not only beer lovers know that the best foamy drink is made in the Czech Republic, as evidenced by the Pilsen brewery. One of the oldest and most famous Czech breweries is located in Pilsen. Although there is now a modern plant operating here with new production technologies, the “heart” of the plant - the old workshops of the former brewery - are still alive, and beer is still brewed in them. Tourists get acquainted with the stages of beer preparation, go down to the vast cellars, where the famous drink is kept in wooden tubs. It will be very interesting to visit the Brewing Museum, where the history of the development of beer production and the lives of those who stood at the origins are clearly illustrated. At the end of the excursion, everyone is allowed to taste “live”, unfiltered beer. Visitors leave only positive reviews about their visit to the enterprise.
Karlovy Vary
Everyone who comes to blessed Karlovy Vary kindly remembers Charles VI, who was once enchanted by the lush greenery, thermal springs with clouds of steam and the extraordinary beauty of these places (15th century). It was on his order that a village was founded here, which later became a famous spa resort with 12 types of mineral healing water. A majestic monument was erected as a token of gratitude to the discoverer of this beautiful corner of the Czech Republic. Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) was a favorite resort of many great personalities, not only as a resort where you can receive medical treatment, but also as a city with a special peaceful atmosphere that promotes the moral purification of the soul.
Streets immersed in luxurious greenery and amazingly beautiful flowers, surrounding enchanting landscapes, forested areas, magnificent hotels - everything here delights and sets you up for the positive. The following objects are interesting to visit: Geyser and Mill Colonnades, Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Peter and Paul Church, Goethe Tower, Jan Becher Museum, Local History Museum, Dvorak Gardens, etc. Having visited Karlovy Vary once, you can fall in love with it for life.
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Moravia
The eastern region of the Czech Republic with a rich history was known as far back as 4 centuries BC as an area inhabited by the ancient Celts. Moravia moved from one state to another many times, and only since 1993 did it become an administrative unit of the Czech Republic. Such a historical path could not but affect the appearance of the region, which is why its cities have so many ancient castles, cathedrals, churches, and palaces. In Ostrava, the main attraction is the Silesian Ostrava Castle, surrounded by picturesque nature. Ostrava, admire the surrounding landscapes.
The Cathedral of the Divine Savior is an object of tourist pilgrimage. Spielberg Castle in Brno, the first building around which the city began to grow, captivates with its beauty. The mysterious castle of the White Lady - Pernštejn will leave deep impressions. These are just a few examples of historical monuments in Moravia; they can be found in every city in the region.
Moravian Karst
The amazing natural karst reserve Moravian Karst is the largest among the karst massifs of CENTRAL Europe (more than 1,100 karst grottoes). Tourists can have a very interesting time here, unraveling the mysterious formations. 4 karst caves on the Punkva River are available for visiting, amazing with their stalagmites, stalactites, huge underground corridors and abysses. The Empty and Dry Trough karst gorges capture the imagination; a walk along them is a journey into the unknown. The main mystery of the Moravian karst - the Rudice sinkhole - fascinates and surprises with the mysterious bed of the Jedovnicka River, flowing underground and bursting out after 12 km. The value of the reserve is its rich flora and fauna. The Moravian Karst is protected by the state.
Olomouc
The wonderful small town of Olomouc (100 thousand sq. m) on the banks of the river. The Moravians are a real “museum of antiquities.” Its history began with a military camp, then with a powerful fortress, which became the center of the Olomouc appanage principality and the capital of the county of Moravia. Having survived repeated devastation from wars, the city was reborn from ruins, and now it is one of the most beautiful cities in the Czech Republic, with a well-preserved historical center, developed culture and educational system. 3 large squares and their surroundings make up the old town, the historical core from which Olomouc grew.
This region contains magnificent monuments of the past: the 25-meter Column of the Holy Trinity, the Town Hall with an astronomical clock and a Gothic chapel, a luxurious building of neoclassical architecture - the Moravian Theater, quite famous in the Czech Republic, the Cathedral of St. Wenceslas, etc. Trip to Olomouc – a journey into the medieval history of the Czech Republic.
Ardspach
A miracle of nature, the rock town of Ardspach, located in the southeast of the Czech Republic, has become a place of pilgrimage for tourists who want to penetrate the secrets of bizarre rock formations. Pedestrian paths (length 3.5 km) began to be built here in the 19th century, dividing the heaps of rocks into the suburbs and the city. The trails are marked with green signs and equipped with directional signs so that no one gets lost. Over the course of 2 centuries, each expressive rock image received its name by analogy with the object it resembles.
In the suburbs there are the Kuvshin, Sugarloaf rocks (52 m high) and other interesting objects. The Gothic Gate (1839) leads to the Rocky City, from which a gorge begins with a well-equipped path for tourists, leading to the square. Elephants (rock formations resemble the ears and trunks of elephants). The Tooth Rocks, the Devil's Bridge, the Madonna, and the Silver Stream waterfall will amaze the imagination and will be remembered for a long time.
Brandys nad Labem
30 km from Prague there is an amazingly beautiful, picturesque settlement - Brandys nad Labem Castle - the embodiment of several centuries of Czech history, starting from the 14th century. Representatives of many noble families took turns owning the architectural and park miracle, and since 1918 the castle began to belong to the state as a most valuable historical and cultural monument. It is impossible to describe in words the beauty of all the buildings, paintings, sculptures, and park landscape. You must definitely see this in order to appreciate the cultural and material value of all its splendor. Today, this “Renaissance and Empire beauty” hosts various festivals, ceremonial meetings, chamber concerts, and wedding ceremonies. No one will leave here disappointed.
Terezin
The topic of the Jewish Holocaust will never leave the people's memory, and the small Czech town of Terezin is evidence of this, as is the recent poignant film by Pavel Chukhrai “Cold Tango” (we recommend watching it). An ancient fortress of the 17th century. At first it served as a prison, and at the beginning of the war of 41-45 it became the first fascist concentration camp. Here, during ethnic cleansing, the Austro-Hungarian authorities killed several tens of thousands of Russians who did not want to convert to Catholicism. Having captured Terezin, the Nazis expelled the entire local population from it in order to turn the fortress into a Jewish ghetto, where German and Austrian Jews were taken under the pretext of deportation to the east.
In reality, they were sent to Auschwitz for extermination. 33 thousand people were burned in Terezin, of the 140 thousand who ended up in the ghetto, only 3 thousand survived. Now a Memorial complex has been created here, walking through which you can visually imagine what inhuman conditions the unfortunate doomed were in and what torment they experienced. The huge cemetery has memorial plaques - symbols of grief. There is a Columbarium, a ritual hall, a Ghetto Museum, and a prayer house. Each of those present experiences a spiritual protest against the repetition of such atrocities.
Marianske Lazne
Better known as the city of Marienbad, Marianske Lazne is a wonderful spa resort that received this status back in the 19th century, transforming from a small town into a fashionable European resort in 2 decades. There are many beautiful modern buildings here, but there are also interesting ancient architectural monuments inherited from past eras. One of them is the Tepla Monastery (late 12th century) with early Gothic buildings and later Baroque buildings. Within the walls of the monastery are stored valuable rarities - ancient books that can be viewed.
A perfectly preserved architectural monument of the 17th century is the authentic Kunzhvart Castle Museum, in which the exhibits are original furniture and belongings of the previous owners. There are many churches in the city, among them the Church of St. deserves special attention. Vladimir and the Catholic Church of the Virgin Mary. The resort is associated with the names of Chopin and Goethe - there are their museums here, which have become popular tourist attractions. Visitors love to walk under the Colonnade in the city center, where the enchanting Singing Fountain is installed. The beautiful parks of Marianske Lazne (Geological, Boheminium) are very interesting to visit.
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Benatki nad Jizerou
The main attraction of this Czech city, for which tourists come here, is the 16th century palace castle, in which Emperor Rudolph II and the court alchemist and astronomer Brahe lived for some time. It is no coincidence that there is a laboratory in which anti-plague medicine was allegedly invented, and an observatory. One of the castle expositions tells about the life of a scientist, the second is dedicated to the stay of the great composer Smetana in the castle. Many are interested in the Toy Museum in the castle, which displays unique antique dolls, various cars, and scooters. Local churches attract the attention of tourists: the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Chapel of the Holy Family, Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Czech krumlov
A captivating fairy tale of the Middle Ages opens up to those who come to Cesky Krumlov, enchanting the eye from the first steps with its medieval appearance. Its location is also surprising: the blue “ribbon” of the Vltava runs in zigzags along the streets and squares of the city, dividing it into islands. The view of Krumlov from above is uniquely picturesque: it truly resembles a fairy-tale city where the distant past comes to life. The Hluboka castle complex (13th century) near the Vltava is irresistibly beautiful and unique - an undoubted masterpiece of architecture and an important historical monument.
In the very heart of the city there is another castle - Krumlov (early 13th century), in which everything has been preserved in its original form, for which it received the status of a state reserve (1989).
The 3-level raincoat bridge is a unique multifunctional structure and a popular place in the city. It is worth visiting the Church of St. Vita is a symbol of splendor and power (14th century), still active. The ancient Cistercian monastery of Vyšši Brod (13th century) deserves attention - a monument of national culture, still active.
Hluboká nad Vltavou Castle
In Cesky Krumlov, on the rocky bank of the Vltava, there is a truly architectural “pearl” of the Czech Republic, built here around the middle of the 13th century. The exterior of the castle mixed Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. The last reconstruction of the 17th century, carried out by the aristocratic Schwarzenbergers, gave the castle a neo-Gothic appearance, irresistibly beautiful. The castle can be admired as a real work of art. Everything inside is also worthy of admiration: a rich collection of Flemish tapestries, paintings by the famous painter Hamilton, a unique fireplace trimmed with granite, a golden sleigh, luxurious furniture, cutlery, crockery - amazing with grace and beauty.
Karlštejn Castle
Not far from Prague (28 km) on a high, inaccessible cliff stands the truly fabulous Gothic castle Karlštejn (Karl's Stone). The picturesque mountain river Berounki flows next to it. It was no coincidence that Charles VI chose this place for his residence - none of the numerous enemies were able to besiege the fortress. After the death of Charles VI, the castle suffered a sad fate: owners changed, but no one cared about its preservation until it was handed over to the state. After a grandiose reconstruction, the castle with the Imperial Palace, the Marian and Great Towers, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross became a place of pilgrimage for tourists. You can come here by train, regular bus or tourist bus. A signposted road leads from the railway station to the castle.
The Czech land is rich in history. There is not a single village, town or hamlet that is not associated with some interesting events. How often, when traveling to the capital's sights, we forget to look at the surrounding area, the eventful places located around Prague, without which the capital itself might not exist as it is now.
Not far from the capital, on the banks of the Labe (Elbe) River, is the small town of Stara Boleslav, the same age as Prague, known since the 10th century. Even then, there was a church of two saints Cosmas and Demian here. On September 28, 935, Prince Wenceslas suffered martyrdom near the gates of the church from his brother Boleslav, after whom the city was later named, and became the main saint defending the Czech land in heaven.
Several years ago, Benedict the 16th Pope himself came to this small town in order to see for himself the places of pilgrimage of Czech Christians. It is best to visit these places on September 28 to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, admire the knights clad in armor, and watch theatrical street performances. Nearby, on the opposite bank of the Elbe, stands the Brandis Castle.
Not far from Prague there is a small town with an ancient castle, where the only toy museum in the Czech Republic is opened. Unpopular because it is unknown to the general public and tourists, the town is sparsely populated and quiet. The ancient, strong, thick-walled houses with arches around the first floor look like fairy-tale gingerbread houses. The spirit of history, unreality and tranquility lives here.
The small town, located near the German border, always receives special attention from tourists. It is here that you can see buildings with transom brickwork dating back to the 17th century. The 65-meter central city hall is impressive with its strict Gothic architectural style.
On Mount Jested, in our time, the original tower-hotel Hotel a televizní vysílač na Ještědu was erected. In the vicinity of Liberec, tourists who are partial to wildlife can visit the botanical garden and zoo with a hundred-year history. Liberec Castle and art gallery, the Church of the Holy Crucifix and the Church of St. Anthony the Great complete the extensive intellectual program.
Having fully satiated yourself with history, nature and information, you can and should relax in the Babylon entertainment and shopping center. In an area the size of five football fields, you can find everything to recharge your energy for further exploration of the world: restaurants, shops, an amusement park, a disco, bowling alley, game rooms and even a large water park.
33 km southwest of Prague, the Karlštejn Castle rises above the Berounka River on a high rocky mountain. It was erected in 1348 by order of King Charles IV and was originally awarded the mission of personifying imperial power, while at the same time being a huge safe depository for the most important state documents, relics, jewelry and royal regalia.
Emperor Franz Joseph I entrusted the restoration of the castle to the famous architect Joseph Mocker, who, using the principle of purism, preserved and brought to us the medieval spirit of the architectural style of this majestic building.
129 works of the first architect of the castle, Master Theodoric (wood painting), can still be seen in the walls built according to his designs. The largest collection of portraits of Czech rulers and wall paintings from the 15th century also delight many visitors to this interesting place.
The village of Čestlice is located very close to Prague and is known throughout the world for the largest indoor water park in Europe. On an area of almost 1000 m2 there are all possible entertainments related to the water element: slides, streamers, pipes, swimming pools, jacuzzi and much more. Families from different countries and cities around the world come here to spend time.
Near the water park there are the Pruhonice Castle and the Dendrological Garden, which are no less educationally interesting, but, having devoted all your energy to somersaults in water pipes and pools, it can be difficult to concentrate on contemplating natural relics or historical exhibits.
If you are completely tired of museums, architecture and civilization, get on the bus and go to Macocha. 120 km east of Prague (very close by Russian standards) there is a “hole” in the ground that was discovered 300 years ago. Its depth of 138 meters was first measured by a monk in 1723.
At the very bottom of the abyss there is a “bottomless” lake, the depth of which has been measured at 13 m in our time. Nearby, another lake with a depth of 30 m was discovered. A small river flows between them, along which an excursion is now organized for tourists who want to see not only a coin-sized lake from the observation deck, but also the sky from the depth of a 138-meter well.
Village Velke Popovice
Fans of the Czech beer “Velkopopovice Kozel” will be interested in visiting its homeland, which is located 20 km east of Prague. The history of the village is interesting. Until the 6th century, ancient Celts settled in this territory. The first mention of a Slavic settlement dates back to 1352.
Currently, about two thousand people live here. Tourists here can visit the Church of the Virgin Mary of the Snows, an ancient brewery and the Velkopopovice Kozel Museum. And really, what would Prague and the Czech Republic be without beer?!
