5 Towns to Visit in Czech
If you’re looking for rich history, fascinating culture, mesmerizing arts and a breathtaking countryside, look no further than the Czech Republic. From magnificent medieval castles to captivating stories of powerful families whose influence can still be felt there today, to a warm, welcoming culture of people who are fiercely proud of their heritage and eager to share it with visitors, you are certain to experience something unlike anything you ever have before in this beautiful country. If a trip to Czech is in your future, here are 5 towns to add to your itinerary.
Cesky Krumlov
Located in the South Bohemian Region, what the tiny town of Cesky Krumlov lacks in size, it more than makes up for in rich history and fantastic architecture. One of the most noteworthy examples of both is the infamous Cesky Krumlov Castle, which was constructed in 1240. Over the centuries, the castle has been renovated and expanded multiple times in differing architectural styles, including the popular and beautiful Baroque style. Similarly, the Cathedral of St. Vitus, which dominates the little town, provides a wonderful example of the Czech Gothic style. In fact, the entire area is considered to be an architectural jewel which was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1992 and remains one of the most fascinating places to visit in the country. Cultural activities that occur in Cesky Krumlov include the International Music Festival, the Old Music Festival, and the Five-Petalled Rose Festival.
Breclav
Breclav is a quaint town located in the South Moravian Region of Czech. It is bordered by Austria and the Dyje River, making it an absolutely lovely destination to visit, both for culture and scenery. Breclav boasts and incredibly fascinating history – there is even evidence of settlement there dating back as far as prehistoric times. In fact today there is an archeological site and an exhibition to visit. The Breclav Castle was built in the 11th century and has been rebuilt and renovated over the years in the architectural style of Renaissance. There are also a number of churches and other ancient buildings to explore and discover throughout the area.
Mikulov
Also located in the South Moravian Region, the town of Mikulov is particularly known for its exquisite wine production and its rich Jewish heritage, which dates back to the year 1421 but was all but eliminated by the time World War II took place. Today, the town remains a popular destination for wine lovers, specifically the Mikulov Wine Trail, which winds its way through the region for some 65 kilometers. Additionally, visitors to Mikulov can enjoy a number of noteworthy historic sites, including the old Jewish Quarter, the Dietrichstein sepulchre and a variety of old churches which feature differing architectural styles. For example, the Church of St. Václav was constructed in Romanesque style, while the Church of St. John boasts Baroque design, and the Eastern Christian Church of St. Nicolas features the neo-gothic style.
Telc
Established during the 13th century, the town of Telc served as a royal water front at the crossroads of the busy Bohemia, Moravia and Austria merchant routes. Today, this friendly little town features a magnificent Renaissance chateau and a spectacular town square. The town square combines an urban plaza with several historical Renaissance and Baroque style homes that have been remarkably well preserved. In 1992 the area was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Telc is an incredibly picturesque place to visit and has recently become a hot spot for art and cultural events including several annual musical festivals.
Trebon
Located in beautiful South Bohemia, Trebon is a popular tourist destination for a variety of reasons. It is a small spa town that features a well-preserved historic center and a number of ancient structures that are excellent examples of the architectural styles of the area. Trebon Castle, built in Renaissance style, is one of the biggest castle complexes in the Czech Republic and has been declared a National Cultural Monument. The Augustinian Monastery played an even more significant role in the town’s history, having been built in 1367 and has been hailed as an important center of art and education. The town’s many historic monuments and its surrounding waterways have made it a possible candidate for UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
Of all the countries that make up the continent of Europe, perhaps none offer as much cultural discovery and historical gems as that of the Czech Republic. These 5 towns feature the very best of what this incredible country has to offer, and should be added to the list of must-visit places for any Czech travel itinerary.