The Czech Republic In Depth: A Distinguished Flag & Superb Sightseeing!

The Czech Republic has always been a fascinating country to visit or even just read about, so it’s no surprise that it has a flag with an intriguing history as well! The Czech Republic flag is a rectangular cloth that consists of two horizontal strips of equal size: the upper stripe is white, and the lower one is red, with an isosceles blue triangle at the flagstaff edge.

Before delving deep into the wonders the Czech Republic has to offer its visitors, let’s first examine the flag of the Czech Republic and its history.

History of the Czech Republic Flag

The Czech Republic flag was proclaimed on 17 December 1992 upon the break-up of Czechoslovakia. Over the centuries, flag variations with two red and white stripes began to appear. The order of colours was quite similar to today’s flag of the Czech Republic; the upper part of the flag was white, and the bottom part was red.

After WWI, the National Committee in Prague announced the formation of an independent Czechoslovak country. This was when the Czechoslovakia flag was also born, and it was used for the first time as a national symbol in 1918.

On that day, a white and red cloth identical to today’s flag of Poland was hoisted over the house of Tomáš Masaryk, the future president of Czechoslovakia. But that form didn’t last, and a committee was formed to draw a new national design.

The committee decided to add a third colour, blue, to the flag. Initially, the committee approved a design that featured the now famous blue triangle on the left side of the Czech Republic flag.

However, disputes continued, and eventually, it was decided to adopt the version with the top of the blue triangle reaching the middle of the flag. This momentous event occurred on 30 March 1920; however, in 1939, the flag was banned by the Nazis. It wasn’t until 1945 that the flag was used again, and that’s how the Czech Republic flag has survived.

Meaning of the Colours and the Triangle on the Czech Republic Flag

Several versions explain the meaning of the colours of the Czech Republic flag. The famous saying is that white is the colour of Bohemia, and it signifies purity; red represents the blood of the patriots who fought for the freedom of their land, and blue represents the cloudless sky.

Another version suggests that the white refers to the diplomatic and honest nature of the Czech Republic people. The red stands for the nation’s courage, and the blue, in other stories, refers to the Moravia state; it signifies vigilance, loyalty, and reality.

Top Sightseeing in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is one of the swiftest developing countries in Europe. Its history has always been rich and fascinating alongside modern technology and architecture. Much of the Czech heritage was created centuries ago and continues to inspire and impress us today.

Within the relatively small territory of the Czech Republic, you can find dozens of beautiful castles and cathedrals, picturesque natural attractions, spa towns with healing springs and, of course, the tastiest beer in Eastern Europe.

When visiting the Czech Republic, it’s hard to remain indifferent to its sights, history, and lovely people.

Bohemian Paradise

There is a reason for the word “paradise” here! In the Bohemian Paradise of the Czech Republic, you can’t help but feel like you are somewhere far away from the world. There are flooding rivers, ponds, bizarrely-shaped cliffs, picturesque caves, forest valleys, endless fields, and abundant wildlife.

The town of Turnov is at the heart of the protected area. The Bohemian Paradise is well known not only for its natural beauty but also for its architectural monuments. One of the most famous is the ruined castle Troski, whose name means “ruins” in Czech.

The place is believed to have been founded at the end of the 14th century, and its first owner was the Burgrave of the Bohemian Kingdom, Czeneka. As a result of many battles, the castle was almost destroyed by a fire as early as 1428.

It had been abandoned long before artists and poets from Bohemia gathered here for inspiration in the 19th century. Today, thousands of tourists from all over the world come to admire the picturesque ruins, and the location of this Czech Republic nature reserve only adds to their beauty.

Cesky Krumlov Castle Complex (Cesky Krumlov)

Cesky Krumlov is claimed to be the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, right after Prague Castle. No one can give an exact date of construction, but most historians tend to date it to the middle of the 13th century. The nobleman Vitek II the Elder is regarded as the castle’s founder, which was only a part of his vast holdings.

Subsequently, the owners changed frequently, and almost all of them contributed something different to the present appearance of the castle complex. Cesky Krumlov comprises several castles: the Small Castle, the Lower Castle, and the Upper Castle.

Each differs slightly, but in terms of architecture, the façades show distinctly Medieval, Baroque, and Renaissance elements. Cesky Krumlov is essentially a small town, which, apart from the castles, has warehouses, fountains, bridges, a mint, and even a theatre with a Baroque stage, as well as many props and costumes with centuries of history.

Tölč Museum City (southern Bohemia)

The town of Telč was the first in the Czech Republic to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. There are several reasons for this recognition, but the main ones are the well-preserved architectural ensemble and the town’s rich history. Telč was first mentioned in the 14th century when it was already a large settlement.

Gradually, the town grew, attracting more and more new inhabitants, especially merchants, whose shops filled the square near the castle. Beautiful houses with distinctive Baroque and Renaissance facades can be admired for a long time here.

Prague Zoo (Prague)

The first kings of the Czech Republic had their menagerie, and Rudolf II is considered the founder of Prague’s zoo. However, during the wars with the Swedes in the first half of the 17th century, it fell into decay, and for a long time, nobody wanted to restore it.

This was the case until 1921 when a full-fledged zoo was decided to be built in Prague. It opened only ten years later, introducing visitors to dozens of bizarre and unusual animals.

Initially, the zoo had an area of only 8 hectares, but today, it has expanded to 60 hectares. The number of animals has also increased, and today there are hundreds of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

Red-listed animals can also be seen in Prague Zoo; however, visitors are primarily interested in giraffes, tigers, panthers, and monkeys. It is difficult to describe the diversity of fauna here entirely, but it could be said that the zoo contains animals from almost every corner of the world.

The Krkonoše National Park

The Krkonoše National Park is situated on the highest part of the Sudetes Mountains. Its several thousand hectares are designated as protected and particularly well-protected areas. Numerous hiking trails in the Krkonoše Mountains help visitors explore the local nature.

There are more than 30 trails of varying difficulty levels. If you don’t feel like walking, you can use horses, a chairlift, or cycle all the way around. Ancient coniferous forests with unspoilt air, massive cliffs, and beautiful views await you on the trail.

We recommend Mumlava Waterfall, one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in the Czech Republic. During your visit to the Krkonoše Mountains, prepare yourself to rest your soul, breathe the cleanest air, and marvel at the power of nature.

Holašovice Historical Village (15km from Ceske Budejovice)

To feel the atmosphere of a Czech Republic village in the 17th and 19th centuries, go 15 kilometres from Ceske Budejovice to the village of Holašovice. The first settlements appeared here more than 700 years ago, and until the mid-19th century, the area belonged to the local monastery.

Holašovice is associated with tragic events: in the 16th century, an epidemic of bubonic plague wiped out almost the entire population, and only two people survived. Nevertheless, life returned to the area over time, and today, the peaceful and tranquil village has about 150 inhabitants.

Next to the stone houses in Holašovice are authentic wooden houses and a picturesque pond in the middle of the local square. We wouldn’t advise coming here during the peak tourist season; otherwise, you risk missing out on the tranquillity and peacefulness for which the village has long been renowned.

National Museum (Prague)

The early 19th century is considered a particular time in the history of the Czech Republic; it is the time of the Czech National Revival. That was a time when the culture and history of Bohemia began to receive special attention. It was then, in 1818, that the National Museum was established in Prague.

The building was designed by Czech architect Josef Schulz, who had a hand in creating more than one architectural masterpiece in Bohemia. Inside are many exhibits from different periods of the Czech Republic’s history.

There are manuscripts, musical instruments, weapons, armour, coins, and many other artefacts. The “manuscripts” of the museum’s first librarian, Václav Hanka, are of particular interest. He is known as a talented forger who convinced people that the papers he found were older than they were.

Choco-Story Chocolate Museum (Prague)

Historical museums are excellent, but when in the Czech Republic, why not take it to the next level and treat yourself to a chocolate museum? The Choco-Story Chocolate Museum opened in Prague in 2008 and immediately became one of the main attractions of the Czech Republic.

Visitors can learn the process and intricacies of making chocolate using the unique Belgian recipe, though all the secrets won’t be revealed. You will, however, learn some new recipes and even have the opportunity to try your hand at making a special kind of chocolate at home. And yet, a museum is not without history, and chocolate has a history of more than 2,500 years.

The tour itself doesn’t take long, but the tasting, we’re sure, will keep you entertained for a long time. If you like it, there’s a shop next door to the museum where you can buy chocolate for yourself, your friends, and all your relatives.

Prague Castle & the Cathedral of St. Vitus, Wenceslas, and Vojtěch (Prague)

Prague Castle is the most extraordinary castle in the Czech Republic and one of the country’s icons. Since its construction over 1,000 years ago, its appearance has changed several times and gradually expanded.

From a settlement surrounded by an earthen rampart and stakes, Prague Castle gradually developed into a magnificent chateau dotted with Renaissance and Gothic architecture.

The chateau’s present appearance was achieved at the beginning of the 20th century when it became the president of the First Czechoslovak Republic’s primary residence.

In the middle of Prague Castle is the main cathedral of the Czech Republic, named after St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas, and St. Vojtěch. It was established during the same time as the fortress and has also been rebuilt and changed in appearance several times.

The cathedral became particularly famous for its crypt, where most prominent Czech monarchs are buried. But the cathedral has enough to amaze you as its facades and interior are above reproach.

Konopiště Castle (Benešov)

Another must-visit while visiting the Czech Republic is located right next to Benešov. Here, among the lush greenery, you’ll find the towers of Konopiště Castle. It was initially built as a fortress, besieged at various times with varying degrees of success.

With the development of arms control, Konopiště lost its former defensive capabilities, and so it became a luxury residence for various men of title. One such was Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, the one after whose assassination World War I broke out.

Under Franz Ferdinand’s ownership, the castle was extensively rebuilt, and his collection was enriched with many works of art and hunting trophies. More than 4,000 antlers and hides from various animals are in Konopiště, although the archduke killed over 250,000 animals during his lifetime.

Karlštejn Castle (30 km from Prague)

If Karlštejn Castle were to compete for the title of the most picturesque castle in Bohemia, it would win with ease. It was built in 1348 on the top of a 72-metre-high cliff, below which the Berounka River flows. The founder, Charles IV, invited renowned architects from Bohemia, including the notorious Mathieu of Arras and Josef Mocker, to work on the castle’s decoration.

He used to store the crown jewels and the most precious relics and stayed in Karlštejn mainly in summer when nature was at its best. The castle was besieged many times but was never defeated. From the 17th to the 19th century, Karlštejn declined until Emperor Franz I took it over. He ordered a restoration of the castle. Under his orders, reconstruction work began, which largely determined the present-day appearance of the castle.

Wenceslas Square (Prague)

Since its foundation, Wenceslas Square has been one of Prague’s social life centres. It was the centre of celebrations, public meetings, and demonstrations. There was always lively trade on the square, and in 1348, Charles IV built a market called Konského. It received this name because horses were actively traded there, and merchants offered various goods such as textiles, grain, weapons, meat, and fish.

Wenceslas Square was also the place where Czech history was made: the bourgeois revolution of 1848-1849, writer Alois Jirásek’s reading of the Czechoslovak independence proclamation in 1918, the Prague Uprising in 1945, and the Prague Spring in 1968 when Soviet tanks crashed into the square.

Many years have passed since those tragic events, and today, Wenceslas Square is a prestigious business centre with a concentration of architectural sights, fashionable boutiques, and restaurants.

Strahov Monastery (Prague)

The history of the Strahov Monastery goes back to the middle of the 12th century when it was founded by the Czech prince Vladislav II. It was located right on the outskirts of Prague city, so the monastery was repeatedly attacked and destroyed.

However, the monastery was destroyed by a massive fire caused by one man in 1258 when the monk fell asleep after forgetting to put out a candle. The story of the Strahov Monastery might have ended at the end of the 18th century when Emperor Joseph II ordered the closure of monasteries that were not beneficial to society.

The monks saved the monastery by opening its library to all comers. In addition, within the monastery’s walls is a large collection of paintings, which can still be appreciated today at one of the many exhibitions.

Lednice Castle (50 km from Brno)

From a small fortress to guard the bridge over the Dyje River, Lednice was converted into a gorgeous Neo-Gothic chateau. The Lichtenstein family contributed significantly to the development, to whom the castle and surrounding land belonged from 1332 to 1945.

The castle’s current appearance was acquired in the mid-19th century by Prince Aloys II, who visited England and was inspired by the local architecture and the Neo-Gothic style fashionable at the time.

Of great interest is the palm orangery from 1848, believed to be the oldest in Europe. The castle and the surrounding areas are so large that several sightseeing itineraries are available. However, each is equally interesting.

Charles Bridge (Prague)

Charles Bridge is one of the most legendary bridges in the world and the most visited attraction in the Czech Republic. It was built in 1402 to connect Prague Castle and the Old Town.

However, long before the construction of the Charles Bridge, the two Prague districts were connected by the Judith Bridge. However, it stopped being developed and was, therefore, replaced. It is believed that Charles IV laid the foundation stone on 9 July 1357 at 5:31 a.m.

This is no accident because, at that time, the magic of numbers was given great importance, and the bridge laid at that time was to stand for centuries. This happened because the Charles Bridge has been connecting the two banks for hundreds of years and has recently become a widespread tourist attraction.

On the 520-metre-long bridge, people are attracted by the excellent views of the city and the 30 unique sculptures on the sides.

Moravian Karst (Brno)

One of the most extensive karst massifs in Europe is located in the Czech Republic and is called Moravian. Its length is about 25 kilometres, along which, over millions of years, have formed over a thousand caves of different shapes and sizes.

However, not all are available to the average tourist, and only five where access is not so difficult. When visiting the Moravian Karst, it is worth taking a boat trip on the underground river Punkva to see the helictites, similar to stalactite formations but with the distinctive feature of growing parallel to the earth’s surface.

There are many representatives of fauna in the caves, namely about 20 species of bats, some of which are unexplored.

Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle

Once you are near Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle, it’s hard to believe you’re in the Czech Republic, not England. There is an explanation because in the 19th century, Duchess Eleanor Schwarzenberg, the then-owner, rebuilt it like Windsor Castle—the residence of British monarchs.

Because of that, it is often called the “Czech Windsor”, and there are significant similarities among architectural elements.

However, Hluboka nad Vltavou existed in the 13th century and was a typical medieval castle designed primarily to defend the nearby settlements. It was then called the Fraunberg. The current castle ensemble has 140 rooms, 11 towers, two courtyards, stables, a conservatory, and a park, also inspired by 19th-century English fashion.

Queen Anne’s Summer Palace (Prague)

One of the first Renaissance buildings in Bohemia was the Summer Palace in the Royal Garden near Prague Castle. Emperor Ferdinand I ordered it as a gift for his wife, Anna Jagiellonka.

Distinguished architects from Italy were invited to build the palace, but it is impossible to attribute its authorship to just one person. It took a long time to build, and the plans and architects constantly changed.

Construction lasted 25 years, and in 1563, the palace appeared in all its glory, but the queen had long since passed away.

Later, it changed hands, and Emperor Rudolph II placed the Kunstkammer here. Nowadays, however, Queen Anne’s Palace hosts more pleasant exhibitions, in which you can often see paintings by eminent artists.

Ecological Trail and Observation Tower (Šumava National Park)

There are many eco-tourism areas in the Czech Republic, but the eco-trail in Šumava National Park is remarkable. The trail is not long and only 372 metres, but you must overcome it uphill.

However, physical exertion is more than compensated by viewing the beauty of the local mixed forest from a height. You should remember that the path does not run along the ground but over it; it is made of wooden beams and propped up by dozens of poles.

The final point on the trail is a 40-metre observation tower from which you can see all the nearby lakes, the picturesque surroundings of Šumava, and even the Alps. A walk along the trail will appeal to adults and children alike.

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul (Brno)

With the development of Brno, the culture, economy, and religious life of the city developed. One requirement of the time was the need for a cathedral that could accommodate many parishioners.

That’s why, in the 11th century, the construction of St. Peter and Paul’s Cathedral was launched, which was opened to the public only 200 years later. Such long construction was not uncommon for temples, as they were often built on donations from parishioners, which were barely enough.

Over the years, the cathedral’s appearance has not undergone remarkable changes, thanks to which it was able to preserve the Baroque style with Gothic inclusions. Thus, it has remained almost in its original form except for the towers finished in 1905.

Bohemian Switzerland National Park

In the Czech Republic, nature is so varied that it involuntarily evokes associations with other countries. The Czech part of the Elbe Mountains is called “Czech Switzerland” because of its apparent resemblance to the Alpine landscape.

Swiss painters Anton Graff and Adrian Zing were the first to name the local mountains by that name, as the scenery reminded them of their homeland. For a long time, the park’s territory remained untouched by human activity, thanks to which centuries-old nature was preserved in its original form.

The lush green forests, valleys with rushing rivers, and intricately shaped cliffs have attracted travellers worldwide for years, looking for new experiences and contemplation of nature. The main attraction is Pravčický vrch (Pravčicka Gate), which looks like an entrance to another world, untouched and evergreen.

Karlovy Vary and its Thermal Springs

Although the Czech Republic is landlocked and has no usual resorts, many places still allow you to relax, both body and soul. One of them is a town called Karlovy Vary, with about 50,000 people.

First, the resort is famous for its hot springs, which have healing properties. There are only 12 of them, but each has a specific chemical composition and different water temperature. Next to them, treatment facilities were built to assist people with diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, diabetes, etc.

It is impossible not to note the benefits of springs and healing mud for the face and body. When you come to Karlovy Vary, you can be sure you will leave feeling reborn.

St. Barbara‘s Cathedral (Kutna Hora)

The most famous architectural monument in Kutná Hora is undoubtedly the 16th-century St. Barbara’s Cathedral. Remarkably, it was not built for the church’s needs but to show the influence and wealth of the local burghers. The result surpassed all expectations, and St. Barbara’s Cathedral is often compared with the one in Prague.

Construction lasted almost 200 years, so the architects and plans for the temple’s appearance and interior decoration changed repeatedly. Funding depended directly on the silver mines’ work, which peaked in the 14th and 16th centuries.

By 1558, 170 years after the laying of the first stone, the construction was finished, although not all the plans were realised. The cathedral’s modern look was given at the beginning of the last century after a major reconstruction, which added many Gothic elements to its facade.

SKODA Museum (Mladá Boleslav)

Book dealer Vaclav Klement once bought the wrong German bicycle, so he decided to start his production of two-wheeled transport and do it better than the Germans. So, in 1895, the company Laurin & Klement, now known as Škoda, appeared.

But it was destined to become “Škoda” because of financial problems, which prompted Klement and his partner to merge with a significant automobile concern founded by Emil Škoda.

The Škoda Museum is located in Mlada Boleslav, where once, in the workshop, Vaclav Klement and his partner developed their first bicycle. Here, you will see how the cars were developed 100 years ago, learn more about the company’s history, and see classic and the most modern Škoda cars.

Troja Palace (Prague)

Relatively young Troja Palace was built in the late 17th century as a summer residence of the counts of Sternberk. The architect was Jean-Baptiste Mathene, who emigrated from France. He chose Baroque as the leading architectural style of that time.

Later, Troja Palace was repeatedly enlarged and decorated with innovative architectural solutions. For example, the mouldings for the stairs leading to the garden were made by the Hermann brothers from Dresden, and several famous artists from the Netherlands and Italy did the interior decoration.

The most famous interior detail is the plafond dedicated to the Habsburg dynasty. Nowadays, the Troja Palace in Prague is one of the best-preserved monuments of 17th-century architecture, and its visitors will enjoy the impressive collection of paintings and wine museum.

The Rock City of Adršpach

Despite the name, there is no city in Adršpach, but when you visit this place, you realise that the name was not given to it for nothing. The fact is that high and relatively thin rocks somewhat resemble houses located along the forest paths.

The number of trails in Adrspach is overwhelming, so everyone can find something that interests them. You can spend much time exploring Rock City because every nook and cranny is unique.

These bizarre rocks were created by the influence of thousands of years of water and wind, and because of their unusual appearance, they long ago served as a place of worship for residents.

Krusovice Brewery (Krusovice Village)

All beer lovers have probably heard of the village of Krusovice, home to one of the oldest breweries in the Czech Republic. It is believed that it was founded in 1517 by an aristocrat, Jiří Birka, who later sold the brewery and the surrounding areas to King Rudolf II.

It is not known how much beer was produced back then, but today, the average annual volume of beer produced at Krusovice is 70,000,000 litres. The tour will reveal how beer was brewed 500 years ago and how it is made today.

The brewery’s history is extensive and exciting, and professional beer sommeliers will tell you in detail about all the subtleties and nuances of each type of beer. And let’s answer the silent question immediately: tasting is included in the tour.

The Sedlec Ossuary (Kutná Hora)

In Sedlec, near Kutná Hora, you will find one of the best places to visit in the Czech Republic: the unique 13th-century church known as the Sedlec Ossuary. The main interest here is not the exterior of the building—it is rather modest compared to the others on our list—but the church’s interior.

The uniqueness is that the skeletons of more than 40,000 people were used to decorate it. For example, the vast chandelier contains all 208 bones that can be found in a person.

“Where did these so many bones come from?” you may ask. The answer can be found by dipping into history. At the end of the 13th century, the abbot of the local monastery returned from the Holy Land, bringing with him soil from Calvary, the rock where Jesus was crucified.

This made the church in Sedlec incredibly popular for burial. When the cemetery ran out of room, the graves were excavated, and bones were used to decorate the interior. The sight is both eerie and fascinating, making you think about the transience of our existence. Seldec Ossuary is one of the most visited places in the Czech Republic.

Jewish Quarter & the Basilica of St. Procopius (Třebíč)

Founded in the 15th century, the Jewish Quarter in Třebíč was one of the largest Jewish communities for hundreds of kilometres. The place is notable for its somewhat unusual layout, which differs from the usual Czech one: no courtyards; instead, narrow dark passages between the houses, winding streets, and original architecture.

The Jewish Quarter is now primarily a historical monument, and its various institutions are no longer used for their intended purpose.

In addition to the Jewish Quarter, when visiting Třebíč, the Basilica of St. Procopius will catch your attention surely. It dates back to 1101, although little remains of that temple. The architect Kamil Hilbert gave it its modern look at the beginning of the last century. It would be more accurate to say that he returned the basilica to its former appearance, restoring the building after years of use for secular purposes.

Prague Astronomical Clock (Prague)

The Old Town Hall Tower in Prague is the oldest working clock in the world. The tower was first mentioned in 1402, which is generally accepted as the year of its foundation. The first clock, however, failed due to the lack of proper maintenance, so it had to be replaced by the one existing today.

In 1787, while the town hall was being rebuilt, the clock, standing for many years, was to be discarded as scrap metal. Professor Antonin Strnad managed to save this unique mechanism. Only part of the mechanism worked for a long time until the chimes were fully restored in 1948.

Many of the parts have been replaced, but 75% of the clock still has its original parts. That is why the chimes today are not much different from the chimes our ancestors heard 500 years ago.

Pilsen Brewery

Pilsen is the birthplace of the world-famous Czech beer, pilsner. The story of its emergence is very similar to that of Skoda. In 1838, citizens dissatisfied with the quality of beer brought barrels of hoppy drink to the Pilsen Town Hall. They poured their contents right in front of the entrance.

Due to the people’s dissatisfaction, the local authorities decided to build their brewery, which would be brewed according to strict Bavarian technology. They invited brewmaster Josef Groll from Bavaria, who created the now famous pilsner—a soft beer with a golden hue, thick foam, and a light hop aroma.

This beer quickly gained popularity among beer lovers all over Europe, and the brewery in Pilsen is now a popular tourist attraction. Here, you will learn the history and secrets of brewing beer and have a freshly brewed drink at the end of the tour. In Pilsen, you can also visit the catacombs of the city, the brewery museum, and beer SPA.

Týn Church (Prague)

Týn Church in Prague was erected from the end of the 14th century to the beginning of the 16th century as a spiritual centre of the Old Town. A distinctive feature of the church is the black spires of its towers, which are visible even from remote corners of the city. It’s worth mentioning that the towers have different widths: one was rebuilt later during the church’s restoration after the fire.

There is a thought-provoking legend connected with the Týn Church, or more precisely, with its head statue. In the bowl that was a part of the statue, storks nested and sometimes brought frogs as food to their nestlings. Once, a frog fell from the stork’s beak on the head of an important official and was ridiculed for it. He could not tolerate such humiliation, so he ordered the storks evicted and the bowl itself removed.

The Dancing House (Prague)

Former Czech President Václav Havel lived for a long time next door to a house that was damaged during the bombing of Prague. The ruins spoiled the city, and when they were removed in the 1960s, the question of what to build on the vacant site hung in the air for 30 years.

In the 1990s, Havel came up with an idea, which was realised in 1996 by architects Vlado Milunia and Frank Gerri. The two towers of the building, one straight and the other deformed, symbolise dancing people.

They are jokingly called “Ginger and Fred,” after the famous pair of American dancers. The Dancing House was created as an office centre, but since 2016, a four-star hotel has been located inside, which offers great views of Prague.

Church of St. John of Nepomuk (Žďár nad Sázavou)

The Church of St. John of Nepomuk’s history begins relatively recently, in 1720, on the Green Mountain near the town of Žďár nad Sázavou. The project was the original work of Czech architect Jan Santini, who had a hand in creating more than one church and monastery in the Czech Republic.

According to legend, the church is in the form of a five-pointed star, which appeared above St. John at the moment of his death. However, the wall around the church is of particular interest, which looks like a star twinkling in the sky.

These forms are due to Santini’s reverence for numbers and their meaning, and the meaning hidden by the architect in the shape of his buildings is still debated today. The church itself is active, and around the church is a cemetery, in which many revered clergypersons and famous Czechs are buried.

Bouzov Castle (Bouzov v.)

The castle’s first owner from the 14th century was landowner Bouzov, after whom the settlement was named. Later, it changed hands so often that, contrary to popular tradition, some owners did not manage to add anything to the castle’s appearance.

The castle was used as a prison during the Thirty Years’ War; in 1939, it served as one of the SS headquarters, and its premises were used to store confiscated valuables.

After the war, Bouzov became state property, and with the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, the Teutonic Order claimed possession of the castle but never got anywhere. Today, Bouzov is the main attraction in the vicinity, visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world every year.

The Czech Republic has so much to offer its visitors! Between its historical locations beaming with thousands of years of history within its walls and breathtaking landscapes that make you forget all about your troubles, the Czech Republic has something for everyone. If the country doesn’t have enough in its favour, it is also one of the cheapest travel destinations!