Reasons to Visit Czech Republic
Formerly part of the Austrian Empire in the 19th century and Czechoslovakia in the 20th century, the Czech Republic is a country overflowing with beautiful historic cities and rich Bohemian culture. So why not visit Czech Republic today?
1. Romantic Prague
One of the top reasons visitors visit Czech Republic each year is to see Prague, its capital city, which is also known as the Golden City and one of the most romantic cities in the world. In fact, it is one of the most visited cities in Europe. Prague’s main sights include the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square, which can be found in its World Heritage historic centre, medieval monuments like St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle, the largest of its kind in the world, and Art Noveau buildings like the Dancing House. Couples can also enjoy a romantic stroll in its winding cobblestone, gas-lit streets at night or hail a horse-drawn carriage.
2. Medieval Cities and Castles
While Prague is nothing short of enchanting, other Czech cities have their own charm and share of remarkable medieval monuments, too. Some of them have even been pronounced World Heritage Sites. For example, the Basilica of St. Procope in Trebic is a must-see attraction, with its stunning rose window and 700 year-old crypt, while the elegant houses in Kutna Hora, Holasovice and Telc – some of which date back to the 13th century – are truly astonishing. There is also a magnificent Baroque column in Olomouc and romantic chateaux to be found in picturesque Cesky Krumlov, Kromeriz and Litomysl.
If you love castles, you should also see Karlstejn Castle, particularly its Holy Rood Chapel which once housed the crown jewels and relics of the crucifixion, along with the chateaux at Lednice, Sychrov and Hluboká nad Vltavou.
3. Spas
Karlovy Vary in western Bohemia, also known as Carlsbad, is one of the most popular spa cities not just in Czech Republic but all over the world, drawing even many famous personalities each year who want to enjoy its over 300 hot springs. It is also known for the colorful buildings along its winding streets, set against a backdrop of green hills, making it a picturesque film setting. Aside from Karlovy Vary, the towns of Marianske Lazne and Frantiskovy Lazne, which offered the world’s first peat pulp bath, are also popular.
4. Beer
Czech Republic has a rich brewing tradition. In fact, the Czechs love their beer so much that they come first in the world when it comes to beer consumption per capita. The most popular types of beer come from the Bohemian region, particularly Pilsner Urquell, the original pilsener from the city of Plzen, and Budweiser Budvar from the town of Budweis or Ceske Budejovice. The Budweiser Budvar Brewery was once the royal brewery of the Holy Roman Emperor, and is considered the original version of the popular American lager.
Aside from Czech beer, there are other unique beverages for you to try when you visit Czech Republic. These include Slivovitz, a type of plum brandy, and herbal alcoholic drinks from Becherovka, made exclusively in Karlovy Vary with a secret recipe of over 30 herbs, and Fernet Stock.
5. Puppet Shows
For a taste of the rich Czech culture, get tickets to a puppet show when you visit Czech Republic. These are not difficult to find in the country, especially in Prague, where there are many puppet theatres. There are various puppet festivals, too, and puppet museums like those in Chrudim and Cesky Krumlov, which give glimpses not just of Czech puppetry but of the various forms of the art throughout the world. Don’t forget to buy a puppet to bring home with you, as well, which can be a unique and excellent souvenir.
Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including many European countries by car. To book a car rental Germany, or learn more about cheap car hire worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com
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