Best of the Charles Bridge People say the Czech Republic is not a country, but a garden.

In the centre of a chain of mountains on the border, with deep and meditative forests covering the slopes, , the Mother of Cities we find the land of Bohemia, strewn with the silver coins The undisputed crown and of lakes and criss-crossed the mother of Czech cities is with the threads of rivers, Prague, with the beauty of or rippling with undulating a hundred spires and one of highlands. In the east lie the the most charming human historical lands of settlements on the planet. Prague – Spanish Synagogue and Silesia, brightened with But if you limit yourself only the endless plains of golden to Prague, you will miss a lot. fields. History, recent as well There are so many interesting as ancient, has left its mark and unique treasures to be on this blissful landscape, found across the country The Czech Republic with many valuable and that it would be difficult to astonishing treasures in the see them all in one’s lifetime. form of historical towns, There are many keys to the castles and chateaux, gates of the Czech Republic. churches and cathedrals – The brochure you are holding true architectural and urban in your hands unlocks these masterpieces of all the eras gates with the key of UNESCO that came before us. world cultural heritage. The key rattles in the lock, the gate swings open, and you can The Picturesque enter the land of wonders and Heart of Europe beauty.

Bohemian Switzerland

Kuks

Vranov nad Dyjí

1 Charles Bridge

Prague Discover the Story of No other Czech town has had Prague Castle as it is told so much written and spoken by a permanent exhibition The Centre of on the Gothic floor of the about it as the capital city, Old Royal Palace at Prague a Magical Labyrinth Castle. The story reveals Prague. the mystery of a place where the greatest Czech sovereigns and saints are entombed, a place Genius loci of authentic artefacts, where all historical styles Standing on one of the most Walking through this city converge in one unique beautiful stone bridges in the now means being a part of all complex, a place which world, the Charles Bridge, and the magic and mystery of its protects the Czech Crown looking past the silhouettes past. Prague’s atmosphere Jewels, the St. Vitus of silent statues and the Old is unmatched by that of any Treasury and collections Town full of winding alleys other city in the world. The preserved from past times, Astronomical Clock and picturesque squares, list of all its monuments, and a place which is also then up toward the hill where museums, galleries, amazing the dignified seat of the Prague Castle and St. Vitus spots and buildings, even in president of the Czech Cathedral glisten in the its briefest form, far exceeds Republic. sunlight is an experience that the size of this small booklet. never gets old, even for those Prague is a city you have to who have spent their whole blend with, let it grow on you, lives here. become a part of it for a while – and then the city may be Do you like classical The city of a hundred spires is persuaded to reveal some of music? Then visit the a mysterious labyrinth where its secrets to you. Prague Spring International the past is interwoven with www.praguewelcome.cz Music Festival, which the present, a magical place showcases the world’s where the most powerful men top soloists, symphony of Europe, rulers, generals, orchestras and chamber alchemists and Jewish ensembles. It traditionally scholars, met… It was here begins on May 12, the that Rabbi Loew breathed anniversary of the death of life into the Golem made of Czech composer Bedřich clay, here that Arcimboldo Smetana. Enjoy the painted his opulent portraits ultimate music experience! composed of fruits and www.festival.cz vegetables; and here that the alchemists at the court of Emperor Rudolf II struggled to find the Philosopher’s Stone in their crucibles and here that Franz Kafka wrote his dark and oppressive works. It was here that Smetana and Dvořák, as well as Mozart and Liszt, enjoyed standing ovations from their enthusiastic audiences, that church reformer Jan Hus preached, and that Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, Giordano Bruno, and Tycho de Brahe spent their time bent over their telescopes…

Prague bridges

2 Best of the Czech Republic 3 Karlštejn St. Barbara’s Church Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Three Jewels in the Very Centre of Bohemia Konopiště of Fairy Tales Listen to the story of the In three cardinal directions church’s construction, from Prague, there lie three In the south, in the middle of a story which was written a beautiful park with forests over five centuries and of the country’s historical and lakes, we find a fairy tale was interrupted several chateau. But the spirit of this times by historic events. treasures. All are less than place is infused with the court St. Barbara’s Church was etiquette of the early 20th originally intended as an hour’s drive away. Three century, the dress uniforms a representative building of the imperial court, and was erected under the witnesses to the ancient and hunting jackets, and the first patronage of the wealthy automobiles. The last person burghers of Kutná Hora. Its recent past, protected by to transform the chateau to origins reflect the tensions suit his liking was Archduke at that time between Kutná UNESCO. Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Hora and Prague and also Austro-Hungarian throne. His between Kutná Hora and Proud Karlštejn marvellous hunting trophies, the powerful monastery armoury, pompous drawing in nearby Sedlec. This West of Prague lies one of rooms and bedrooms, studies, magnificent structure is the symbols and landmarks as well as his private dining simply breathtaking, both Mysterious Kutná Hora of the Czech Republic, the room, all retain the spirit for its exterior architecture majestic Karlštejn Castle, of the man whose death in and also for the rich murals In the east lies the medieval built of stone, which is faraway Sarajevo sparked the inside the church. town of Kutná Hora, the pride of Czech Gothic First World War. www.guide.kh.cz charming and mysterious. Its craftsmanship. It is as if Time www.zamek-konopiste.cz secrets include cathedrals, itself was sitting in the corner, cloisters, houses of the not daring to disturb the air aristocracy, mysterious full of history. Palaces and Sedlec Ossuary passageways, vaulted cellars, chambers, long and spacious and masterpieces of Gothic corridors, impenetrable castle and architecture, walls and austere towers, urban planning, and and – the jewel of jewels – sculpture. In the Middle the Chapel of the Holy Cross Ages, silver was mined here with a unique collection of and coins minted; trade one hundred and twenty-nine flourished, and the Czech king Gothic paintings by Master even had his seat here. Theodoricus. You can stand in silent www.hradkarlstejn.cz admiration under the arched ceiling of one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe, dedicated to ; you can walk Konopiště through the courtyards and chambers of the Italian Court, the former palace of Wenceslas IV; and you Kutná Hora can hold your breath as you descend into the Ossuary of the Cistercian Monastery and Karlštejn gaze with awe and unease at the altars, coats of arms, chandeliers, pyramids and Konopiště obelisks made from the bones of plague victims. Then enter the unique Gothic Stone House and, for a while, become a medieval craftsman or even a cook… www.kutnahora.cz

4 Best of the Czech Republic 5 Český Krumlov

Holašovice Hluboká nad Vltavou

One of the most beautiful historical European towns, inscribed on the UNESCO list of world cultural and natural heritage sites, is located in South Bohemia. From the walls of its castle, Český Krumlov offers a lovely view of the forest-covered Šumava Castle Museum, Český Krumlov Český Krumlov Mountains. preserved groups of buildings Do not miss a tour of the constructed in the Rural Castle Museum with its walk through one of the city’s Baroque style and protected imaginative exposition. A Medieval Pearl many galleries and museums, by UNESCO – houses that You will see a model of the or board a boat and enjoy the for centuries have kept their castle as it looked in the views of the town from the original, medieval, and 16th century, a lapidarium, on the Banks Český Krumlov river. Baroque character. presentations on life in past www.ckrumlov.cz www.-czech.cz eras, and even a cinema. of the River The labyrinth of narrow The museum is open year and mysterious medieval The Land of Castles and round. alleyways has grown within Chateaux www.zamek- the grip of uncompromising ceskykrumlov.eu rocky slopes, on a plain as And if you are not ready to large as the hand of a friendly Holašovice – a Fairy Tale leave the fairy tale world just In temperate South giant. The Gothic town of Village yet, nearby is the beautiful Bohemia, a magnificent alchemists and stonemasons, Hluboká Chateau, built in the system of artificial ponds court jesters and proud South Bohemia, a hospitable Tudor Gothic style, a white was created over the aristocrats, crowned with a landscape of lakes and mirage floating above the centuries, connected by beautiful Renaissance castle rivers, forests and meadows, woods of South Bohemia, or ingeniously built canals. complex – the largest in the water castles and splendid the naiad of rock, the scarlet They were used primarily Czech Republic after Prague chateaux, historical towns Červená Lhota Chateau on for fish farming. To this day, Castle – is full of mysterious and picturesque villages, a a rocky island in the middle the region is a paradise magic and secrets. The paradise for water-lovers and of a lake. And the South for anglers and also the winding alleyways run from fishermen. Here, close to the Bohemian fairy tale does not most popular destination the charming square and are town of České Budějovice, end there… for holiday trips, ideal directed by the omnipresent lies the most charming of all www.zamek-hluboka.eu for hiking as well as River, winding its way Czech villages, Holašovice. www.zamek- cycling. Set aside plenty through the town and criss- -cervenalhota.eu of time to discover all the crossed by its many bridges. Standing in the centre of beauty of the picturesque its spacious village green countryside of South It is wonderful to lose and looking at the houses Bohemia – you will not yourself in the maze of proud and farmyards is like being regret it! Renaissance and Gothic transported into a fairy tale. www.jiznicechy.cz houses, sombre monasteries The façades are gleaming and dignified churches, as white and the many round there is a new surprise and gables soothe your soul. You a new secret around every feel as if you are in a land of corner. The town seems like a gingerbread houses covered dream that changes with each in white icing. On the surface journey. And if you get tired of the pond in the centre of of being lost, take a seat in Holašovice you can see a the revolving chateau theatre, reflection of one of the best

6 Best of the Czech Republic 7 Karlovy Vary

The Seductive Beauty of Spa Colonnades Karlovy Vary

The most famous Czech spa, Mariánské Lázně the importance of which far exceeds the borders of the country, lies in the westernmost part of Bohemia, in the charming Teplá River valley. According to

legend, the now-famous spa in Moravia, Janské Lázně town of Jáchymov, not far in the north… But the most from here, is home to one of springs were discovered by healing springs can be found the most unique spas in the in the famous “Spa Triangle” world – providing treatments accident in the 14th century in West Bohemia. using the beneficial effects by a hunting party of the of powerful radioactive All spa towns have grown springs. Karlovy Vary, with Emperor and King Charles IV. into beautiful places with its twelve healing springs and a rich social life, and today the famous geyser with a jet we can admire the gleaming reaching up to fifteen metres, Karlovy Vary town and see the beauty far buildings of Františkovy is the shiniest jewel in the below you. Karlovy Vary will Lázně that look like they were crown of Czech spas. Karlovy Vary is a magical take a place in your heart, and made by a skilled confectioner place. It is difficult to you will always be happy to to decorate a wedding cake. At Karlovy Vary International resist the worry-free and return here. the same time, we can draw Film Festival – see the stars ceremonial feeling of strolling www.karlovyvary.cz on the health to be found in of the silver screen. on the quiet promenade the local peat spa, the oldest Reach for the stars! between the ornate façades Czech Spas – Health in Europe. Let yourself be The Karlovy Vary Inter- of noble houses, among the Springs from Below the enchanted by the dignified national Film Festival is one columns of richly decorated Ground calmness of the Classical of the most prestigious film colonnades. Knowing that palaces of Mariánské Lázně, festivals in the world and from the same springs at the In the Czech Republic, particularly knowing that in has a stellar reputation. foot of Corinthian columns healing springs bubble up like this modestly sized town there Every year in early July, you in the fascinating Mlýnská golden threads on a precious are more than forty healing can see with your own eyes Colonnade hot healing water tapestry. Poděbrady in springs and another sixty in the actors and filmmakers was poured into the delicate Central Bohemia, Luhačovice the vicinity of the town. The as they walk the red carpet china cups of Peter the Great, – and, of course, you can Maria Theresa, Bach, Goethe, go to the cinema to watch Casanova, and Beethoven is Danubius Health Spa Resort Nové Lázně, Mariánské Lázně high-quality films. something that uplifts the www.kviff.com soul and makes a journey through the town of many springs an unforgettable experience.

Magic Hidden in a Bottle And if you sample not only the healing water but also Becherovka, the famed local herbal liqueur, the city will look even more attractive than before. And it is just as magical to climb one of the many trails leading through Karlovy Vary the forest slopes above the

8 Best of the Czech Republic 9 We recommend a tour of Plzeň Brewery gate the Pilsner Urquell Brewery or a visit to the Brewery Museum, which is located in the centre of the city. Discover the story of beer Plzeň from ancient times to the present! www.prazdrojvisit.cz The City of Beer and Culture

All Czechs will proudly agree Cheers! that the best beer in the world has been brewed since 1842 in Plzeň, the largest city of West Bohemia. The beer capital, however, is also famous for its cultural tradition, culminating in its being awarded the title of European Capital of Culture for the year 2015. A Gourmet Paradise Look for restaurants marked with the And it doesn’t end with beer, designation Czech of culture, there is still that as Czechs are also known to Specials – it is a guarantee marvellously cold beer with be fond of their food. The of quality. You will find a white, foaming head… local cuisine won’t likely these restaurants in Being in Plzeň and not www.plzen.eu win any prizes for being the frequently visited locations visiting the local brewery or most healthful, but it is hard throughout the Czech tasting the world-renowned The Czechs Sometimes Call to resist. A key component Republic. In addition to Pilsner beer would be an Beer “Liquid Bread” is always soup, without traditional Czech dishes, try unforgivable sin. But it would which no meal is considered some regional specialties! also be a mistake not to get A famous Czech saying goes complete. The most famous www.czechspecials.cz to know the real soul of the that a government that raises local specialty is dumplings, city. This soul can be felt with the price of beer will fall. The a typical Czech side dish every step, in the walls of the Czechs’ relationship to beer is served with meat and sauces; houses, in the streets, and on delicate and intimate. Having other well-known specialties the squares. For Plzeň has the a lot of beers to choose from, are roast beef in creamy soul of an artist, a joyful soul, they are true connoisseurs. svíčková sauce or roast pork and one that the city wishes to All over the country, there are or duck with cabbage and, share with everyone. hundreds of regional brands of course, dumplings. And made in large as well as small something sweet to finish off Art on Every Corner family breweries. the meal? Delicious cakes and again dumplings, but this Several major theatres, the Czech beer is a geographical time filled with fruit… local philharmonic orchestra, indication protected by the galleries, cultural cafés, the European Union. And such an many music, theatre, and honour is not just handed out folklore festivals – all of – everyone brewing beer in this together with the living the Czech Republic does their artistic craft still seen in the best to maintain this prestige. streets. Budding artists show While beer from Plzeň is their skills, crossing many considered the true national genres – be it in the shade of treasure, there are excellent St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral and original golden brews or on the busy main street, in to be found in all regions of the parks or in underground Bohemia and Moravia. clubs. And should you tire

Gambrinus

10 Best of the Czech Republic 11 Litomyšl

Vachal House

In the rolling East Bohemian landscape full of sun is the small town of Litomyšl, which surrounds a castle inscribed on the UNESCO cultural heritage list. History has created a marvellous urban complex here, enchantingly harmonic and picturesque. Concert

The chateau is surrounded by a fascinating English-style be heard in the symphonies Did you know that in In the arcades of the park and a French garden. and operas, are reflected in addition to its great Renaissance houses on And there is music in the the colourful and passionate classical heritage, Czech Litomyšl’s square, warm air air. Bedřich Smetana, one of folklore, and resonate in music has also contributed shimmers lazily. Litomyšl is the most important Czech dreamy jazz melodies. some small pearls to the a white pearl in a Renaissance composers, was born here world? One of them is the necklace. The majestic in 1824, and the city, proud The treasure box of Czech famous Beer Barrel Polka complex of historical houses, of its native son, has hosted music has been filled by (Rosamunde), which during churches, and cloisters is the prestigious Smetana’s composers, many of whom the Second World War topped off with a lovely Litomyšl opera festival for six form an unforgettable part became a sort of anthem chateau, where the sun decades. of the world concert stage. for soldiers on both sides pours on the sgraffiti and www.litomysl.cz Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich of the front. It was written wind blows through the airy Smetana, and Leoš Janáček in 1927 by the composer loggias. Inside, there is a Every Czech Is a Musician are the three most famous and bandleader Jaromír charming courtyard, ones. But right behind them Vejvoda as Škoda lásky a Baroque theatre, opulent Czechs love music. The is a long list of other musical (Wasted Love) – his first halls, an exhibition of historic heritage of Czech music is geniuses – Bohuslav Martinů, song. pianos, a mysterious cellar, rich, beautiful and varied, just Josef Suk, Josef Mysliveček, as well as the chateau tower like the country’s landscape. Jan Václav Stamic, and Jan reaching towards the sky. Its charm and rawness can Dismas Zelenka, as well as Gustav Mahler, who was born and raised close to Jihlava, Chateau Theatre in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. Czech performers have also achieved worldwide renown – conductors Václav Talich, Václav Neumann, Karel Ančerl, Jiří Bělohlávek, and Libor Pešek; the brilliant opera singers Ema Destinnová, Magdalena Kožená, Dagmar Pecková, and Eva Urbanová; and the many Czech virtuosos of classical and jazz music… Music clearly has a home in the Czech Republic.

Litomyšl

12 Best of the Czech Republic 13 Lednice Chateau Brno Brno

The second largest city in the Czech Republic is located in the fertile lowlands of South Moravia. The Moravian capital has always played an important part in the life of the country, with each era leaving its architectural mark. Its most famed monument is not even one hundred years old. Vila Tugendhat, Židlický

Taste the Landscape Brno is an excellent starting point for exploring And all around are vineyards, the attractions of South wine cellars, and the unique Moravia. For example, Brno The Lednice-Valtice Moravian wine. The Znojmo, you can follow the trail of Landscape – Traces of Mikulov, Velké Pavlovice, and the Napoleonic Wars! In Brno is a city where you never History in the Land of Wine Slovácko regions are all places 1805 near Slavkov u Brna feel lost, because despite where, for example, on the (Austerlitz), the Battle of its size it is an intimate and In the very south of Moravia, vineyard cycling trails, the Three Emperors was friendly town. Its two main in a romantic landscape you can meet hospitable and fought, in which the French features are the Gothic castle where the carpet of forests friendly winemakers who army led by Napoleon of Špilberk and the neo- meets the golden expanses will be happy to share their defeated the army of allies Gothic St. Peter and Paul’s of fields, where all slopes pride: white wines with an Russia and Austria. A peace Cathedral – even though are lined with vineyards and interesting spectrum of scents monument is located the two buildings were built silvery lakes bloom with and spicy flavours combined near the village of Prace, 650 years apart. white lilies, there is a unique with the fullness of the fertile just outside Slavkov. Also complex of historic buildings Moravian soil, earthy red worth a visit is the Baroque Enchantment abounds as you beautifully set in natural wines, or fresh and light chateau in Slavkov where can see, next to each other, surroundings. rosés… the armistice was signed. opulent Baroque churches www.unesco-czech.cz www.zamek-slavkov.cz and modernist exhibition The majestic Baroque chateau grounds (Brno is the trade fair of Valtice is on one side and Admire the local beauty centre of the Czech Republic), the stately Lednice Chateau from the seat of a bicycle! plague monuments, fountains built in the Tudor Gothic style The comfortable Liechten- and palaces of the nobility, is on the other, surrounded by stein Trails lead you a monumental neo- a system of artificial lakes and through the entire Lednice- Renaissance theatre, and river canals. In between, there Valtice area and allow you many jewels of Functionalism. are Chinese gazebos, bridges, to visit all the important One of the most valuable of romantic summerhouses, sights – the romantic the Functionalist buildings, hunting lodges in the chateaux in Lednice and and one of the most Empire style, a colonnade Valtice, the mysterious fascinating villas in the world, with beautiful vistas, and Janův hrad (John’s Castle), is Tugendhat Villa. The even a minaret from which the Rendez-vous hunting lodge and countless UNESCO-protected villa was there is a splendid view of Battle of Austerlitz built in 1930 by the world- the countryside; this is the others. Discover the special renowned architect Ludwig Lednice-Valtice complex, part genius loci of this cultural Mies van der Rohe and is a of the UNESCO world cultural landscape. wonderful example of modern heritage. architecture. www.ticbrno.cz

14 Best of the Czech Republic 15 The Thousand-Year- Old Spiritual Centre of Moravia

Olomouc Church of St. Maurice You almost feel out of place The Haná region shines In the heart of Moravia, here if you don’t have a not only because of its in the centre of the most powdered Baroque wig. welcoming atmosphere Rather than saunter, you but also thanks to the fertile fields in the country will pass excitedly through wholesome natural regional the exquisitely and finely delicacies. The most in a region known as Haná, decorated halls of the famous local product is chateau, valuable library, Olomouc tvarůžky. This stands the proud and ancient and chateau gallery featuring delicious low-fat cheese the works of Titian, Cranach, with a strong aroma is city of Olomouc, one of the Veronese, and Breughel prepared in various ways by (incidentally, the second the local restaurants. And most important centres of most valuable collection in in the information centre in the Czech Republic). And the arcade of the Olomouc the Bohemian Kingdom let’s not forget the outdoors Town Hall there is even a and many fantastic gardens unique vending machine for as long as anyone can – the Podzámecká, a large selling this delicacy. English-style park, or Květná, www.tvaruzky.cz remember. The city maintains with perfectly symmetrical its dignity and spiritual and sophisticated flower Come to tour a collection patterns, garden beds and of some 135,000 art strength. It is a city full of shrubberies. It is a uniquely objects gathered in the preserved system of a French Archbishop’s Chateau in history, Baroque beauty, and garden with mazes, fountains, Kroměříž. The collections summerhouses and an (paintings, drawings, reverence for God. unusual eight-sided rotunda prints, coins and medals, where a Foucault’s pendulum a musical archive, measures the time. UNESCO furnishings and a library) all the impressive column is protecting this marvellous rank among the most commemorating the end city, and for good reason. valuable such collections in of a plague, protected by www.zamek-kromeriz.cz the world. Olomouc UNESCO, and the largest group of Baroque sculptures Visiting Olomouc is like in . And meeting a wise and respected one curiosity as well – the old man who has been down Workers’ Astronomical Clock many roads and whose from 1955. single word is worth a stack www.tourism.olomouc.eu of books. With each step, you are surprised by the large number of important and majestic monuments – imposing and picturesque churches, rich palaces of Kroměříž – The Heavenly the burghers, monumental Gardens of the Athens of monasteries. The awe- Haná inspiring Bishop’s Palace, one of the pinnacles of European In the fertile Moravian Haná Romanesque architecture, region close to Olomouc Gothic churches and the lies Kroměříž, a city in the Kroměříž cathedral, Renaissance middle of gardens. The noble palaces with richly decorated Archbishop’s Chateau built façades, but most importantly in the early Baroque style is the Olomouc Baroque. the centre of a fascinating Beautiful fountains, the labyrinth of perfectly kept Archbishop’s Palace, the gardens that maintain to Hradisko Monastery, known this day their historical park as the “Moravian Escorial”, architecture. the pilgrimage basilica on Olomouc the Holy Hill, and above

16 Best of the Czech Republic 17 Three Cities, Three Diamonds

Square in Telč Telč

Did you know that the Between Bohemia and town of Telč, thanks to its Moravia in the south of the attractive appearance, has been the backdrop for country, in the charming many Czech and foreign films? And many films landscape of small hills where, have been set in the local as the saying goes, the bread chateau! ends and the rock begins, lie three fascinating towns that UNESCO has taken under its wing.

crypt that is seven hundred years old, and the Jewish Telč – the Town of quarter with more than Inspiration a hundred and twenty houses, a town hall, a school and A town that was made for a rabbinate, synagogues and artists and dreamers, a town a large cemetery with some with a touch of Italy, fragile three thousand tombstones. and lovely. The handsome www.visittrebic.eu square with decorative façades of Gothic and Renaissance houses, delicate sgraffiti of the chateau St. Procopius Basilica, Třebíč reflected in the surfaces of town ponds, the perfect Ždár nad Sázavou – the City Telč coffers on the ceilings of of Santini’s Brilliance of a human skull, the interior Follow the trail of St. John chateau halls, the austere of a church, a horse stable, of Nepomuk, whose life beauty of the churches, sunny At some point in 1706, the an inn, a hospital, and the story played out in Prague. Třebíč gardens, and the hospitable abbot of the Žďár monastery monastery’s prelature. Visit the saint’s tomb in nature – even a bank clerk invited the young architect www.zdarns.cz the St. Vitus Cathedral at would start writing poetry Jan Santini to the town for Prague Castle and see the Žďár nad Sázavou here. the first time. Santini came Head off on a nature trail magical place from which www.telc.eu and started working in his that leads you through one his body was thrown off distinctive style, which of the most well-preserved the Charles Bridge into the brought him fame worldwide, ghettos in Europe, a prime Vltava River! the Baroque-Gothic. The example of resourcefulness pinnacle of his extraordinary in making the best use of inventiveness is the Church the limited space given Třebíč – the City of of St. at to its residents. Discover Tolerance Zelená Hora, a unique chapel the history of the Jewish that seems to have been settlement in Třebíč! Jews and Christians together, sent from another world. calm and peaceful neighbours A beauty of precise geometric of different faiths but the splendour and lightness that same fate. That is the history is impossible to describe. It of the town of Třebíč, as seems not like a church, but illustrated by its two jewels – the most delicate lacework. the Basilica of St. Procopius Santini’s brilliance can also be with a monumental rose seen in the town – the Plague Žďár nad Sázavou window and unique vaulted Cemetery built in the shape

18 Best of the Czech Republic 19 Nature

GERMANY

London Bohemian POLAND 2:00 h Switzerland Krkonoše LIBEREC Janské Lázně Bohemian Switzerland ÚSTÍ NAD LABEM Bohemian Paradise Adršpach-Teplice Rocks

The place marked as KARLOVY VARY It is almost impossible to Poděbrady HRADEC the source of the major KRÁLOVÉ believe how much beauty European river Elbe is Františkovy Lázně located in the meadow there is in this small country. called Labská louka in the PRAHA PARDUBICE Krkonoše Mountains. You Mariánské Lázně Kutná Hora Karlštejn Litomyšl The Czech landscape is can get there, for instance, Konopiště from the mountain range’s PLZEŇ surprisingly varied – and the largest resort, Špindlerův OSTRAVA Mlýn, following a path that Žďár nad leads through the magical Sázavou greatest proof of this is four OLOMOUC Elbe valley. The spot is JIHLAVA national parks, each different decorated with coats of Kroměříž arms of the cities through Podyjí Červená Holašovice Lhota and unique. which the Elbe flows. BRNO ZLÍN Hluboká Telč Třebíč n. Vlt. Šumava a land of majestic mountain Šumava Luhačovice meadows and waterfalls. ČESKÉ Šumava, a mountain range in Podyjí in southern Moravia GERMANY BUDĚJOVICE Podyjí Znojmo South Bohemia that can be is a canyon of the Dyje Český both charming and rough, is River with deep meanders, Krumlov Mikulov Lednice a landscape of silent forests, rock cliffs, and stone seas. AUSTRIA Valtice SLOVAKIA highlands, and blossoming Bohemian Switzerland in meadows and is, most the northwest is a romantic importantly, the kingdom of landscape of breathtaking water. Mysterious peat bogs, sandstone formations, tall wild rivers full of gigantic towers, and vaulted gates, and boulders, glacial lakes… a land of unique treasures of folk architecture. But On Mountain Ridges and there are more rock towns among Rocks in Bohemia – such as the beautiful Bohemian Paradise, Krkonoše, the highest Czech the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks, mountain range, in the the Kokořín region… The source of the Elbe (Labe) River north of the country, with the 1,603-metre Sněžka www.krkonose.eu Mountain, is home to www.isumava.cz numerous diverse and rare www.nppodyji.cz animals and plants living in www.ceskesvycarsko.cz a land shaped by glaciers,

Sněžka Mountain

Published by Česká centrála cestovního ruchu – CzechTourism, Prague 2014, Second edition Written by: Rostislav Křivánek and CzechTourism Translation: České překlady s.r.o., Gillian Purves Photo on the cover page: Prague, photo by Ladislav Renner Photographs: archives of CzechTourism, Libor Sváček, Ladislav Renner, Pavel Ouředník, Ivanka Čištínová, Milan Drahoňovský, Michal Vitásek, Jaroslav Mareš, Václav Sojka, David Marvan, David Židlický, Richard Klíčník, Dagmar Veselková, František Renza, Daniel Řeřicha, Lubor Mrázek, Michaela Wecker, Sdružení České dědictví UNESCO Design, print: Vydavatelství MCU, www.mcumedia.cz

www.czechtourism.com The official tourist presentation of the Czech Republic

ISBN: 878-80-87824-90-0

20 Best of the Czech Republic I would like [tsahn:daht na cher:veh:nay Hard to choch:tseh] pronounce, even harder to resist

The is well known for twisting tongues, but your linguistic eff orts will be richly rewarded with tempting Zander with red lentils Czech specialties that will tickle your taste buds. You can sample the most delicious dishes our country has to off er in restaurants with the Czech Specials designation. www.czechspecials.cz

CzT-CzechSpecials-candat-210x285-AJ.indd 1 21. 7. 2014 15:45:23