Travel Destination: Czech Republic
About Czech Republic
Czech Republic is in central Europe, a country formed in 1993 as a result of the split of Czechoslovakia into two countries. Its land consists of Moravia, Bohemia and part of Silesia, historic regions all. It borders Slovakia to the east, Germany to the west and Poland to the northeast.
Fly into this country through the Prague-Ruzynì Airport, its main international airport. Out of 46 airports with paved runways, six are for international service. There are also railway operations which carry around 180 million passengers a year. Around Czech Republic, it’s easy to see the sights by bus, inter-city trains, taxi or car rental. You may also bike ride or stroll the city by foot. Public transportation is reliable especially in the capital city of Prague.
Prague is an enchanting city with spectacular palaces, chateaux, cathedrals and basilicas that it is easy to fall in love with. The Prague Castle, where the Holy Roman Emperors, Czech kings and presidents of Czechoslovakia and currently Czech Republic held offices, is the biggest ancient castle according to Guinness Book of Records. Like most European cities, Prague is a treasure land with architecture that showcases different era: Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic, Neo-Classical, Art Nouveau, Cubist and modern. Discover important buildings, museums, churches, the medieval Old New Synagogue which was completed in 1270 and the historic Charles Bridge which was constructed in 1357. This city is the sixth most visited in Europe.
Popular R & R destinations are the spa towns of Mariánské Láznì, Františkovy Láznì and Karlovy Vary. These towns are known for their hot springs, mineral springs and curative methods. Another tourist favourite is the Karlštejn Castle, founded in 1348 AD by Charles IV, a gothic castle that contains 129 panel paintings by Master Theodoric in the Chapel of the Holy Cross and the largest portrait collection of Czech rulers.
Going to South Bohemian Region, you’ll find the UNESCO-cited Historic Site of Èeský Krumlov. You’ll find here the Baroque-style Èeský Krumlov Castle which was completed in 1799. The town is a cultural centre with festivals that attract tourists from all over. The Five-Petalled Rose Festival celebrated in the weekend of summer solstice in June is truly a feast for the eyes where the downtown area is converted to a medieval town complete with costumes, dances, folk theatre, jousting, fencing and fireworks. There are around 80 restaurants within the area so you can also indulge in their cuisine while enjoying various shows and activities.
The Cistercian monastery, Zlata Koruna; Hluboka nad Vltavou, gothic chateau; Holasovice village; and the country’s largest park, Šumava National Park are also within the region. Èeský Krumlov was used as location for Hollywood movies, The Illusionist and Hostel.
Never leave this country without trying their cuisine. Meat dishes are their specialty and you can try pork, beef, chicken, goose, rabbit, duck and wild game with gusto. Fish is rarely served but if you’re lucky, you can have fresh trout. Carp is usually served during Christmas. Must-try is the roast pork with dumplings and marinated beef sirloin which is often served with Knedliky (these are boiled sliced dumplings that are usually potato or wheat based and a popular side dish).
Czech beer and wine are world famous too. The liquors Becherovka and Fernet Stock are uniquely Czech. If you ever hear people say that the best beer in the world is in Czech Republic, try the Pilsner Urquell. Plzeò in western Bohemia is where Pilsner was originally developed in the 19th century.
Its castles, chateaus and architecture show that the country has a rich cultural history. But being a relatively new country, with cities that are thoroughly modern and places of interest constantly changing, it’s exciting to see how the Czechs are reinventing their identity.