Czech Republic

• Total area: 78.9 sq. km
• Population: 10.3 million.
• Official Language: Czech.
• Capital: Prague (1.2 million citizens).
• Currency: Czech koruna, euro.

Situated in central Europe the Czech Republic lies on the northern side of Austria, the south-eastern side of Germany and directly south of Poland. The Czech Republic is also bordered by the easterly country of Slovakia.

 The Czech Republic represents a crossing point between the various European cultures. The beauty and the variety of its natural landscapes and the wealth of its historical and cultural patrimony, make it a wonderful country for tourists.

 Main tourist attractions of Czech Republic

The historic city of Prague is the primary tourist attraction. Prague is a wonderful city, rich of bridges, cathedrals, towers, churches and castles. The most famous attraction of the capital is the Prague Castle dominating above the old city. It is the most visited Czech tourist attraction. Millions of tourists walk through the old city and the castle district (Hradčany), discover the many historical bridges (the Charles Bridge being the most famous one) and explore the hilly outskirts of the old Prague.

 However the Czech Republic is not represented only by its capital, there are smaller cities, with beautiful historical centers (Český Krumlov, Telč), wonderful castles (Karlštejn and Konopiště), historical baths (Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně), and interesting natural places (Český Ráj, Šumava and the Krkonoše mountains).

Český Krumlov is an old town in South Bohemia at the Vlatava River. The major tourist attractions of Bohemia Krumlov are its historical architecture and its large castle (Český Krumlov Castle). Together with the castle, the old town of Bohemian Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage (inscribed in 1992).

 The number of castles and chateaux in the Czech Republic is well over 2000. It is even estimated that the number of castles per square mile in this region is the highest of any country in the world. The turbulent history of the region, located at the crossroads of different cultures and empires, has resulted in a great need for protective measurements such as fortresses and castles.

Karlštejn Castle is a large Gothic castle founded in 1348 by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor-elect and King of Bohemia. The castle served as a place for safekeeping the Imperial Regalia as well as the Bohemian coronation jewels, holy relics and other royal treasures. Located about 30 km southwest of Prague above the village named Karlštejn, it is one of the most famous and most frequently visited castles in the Czech Republic. 

Konopiště is a four-winged three storey castle located about 50 km southeast of Prague, near the city of Benešov. The castle was apparently established in the 1280s by Prague Bishop Tobiaš as a Gothic fortification in the style of a French castle. It has become famous as the last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir of the Austro-Hungarian throne, whose assassination in Sarajevo triggered World War I. The bullet that killed him, fired by Gavrilo Princip, is now an exhibit at the castle’s museum.

 Thousands of people from all over the world visit the Czech Republic, walk the streets of Prague and admire the unique architecture. Others come for medical treatment in Karlovy Vary, or plunge into the medieval atmosphere of the numerous castles. Tourists also like to taste the famous Czech beer. Everyone who visited the Czech Republic at least once, find for sure something for himself what will make him come back to this incredible country again and again.