Czech Republic: Overview
A small country in the heart of the Continent, the Czech Republic is a sort of miniature Europe. Almost every architectural style and type of landscape is found here; the two exceptions are the desert and the sea (although the sea was once attributed to the country by none other than Shakespeare).
The capital, Prague, has been given a number of loving epithets—"symphony in stone," "Golden Prague," "City of a Hundred Spires," Prague's unforgettable atmosphere lets you forget what century you're in; miraculously, it has survived wars and revolutions unscathed.
The city's architecture is a merry jumble of styles—square, gold-tipped Gothic towers (hence "Golden Prague") stand next to opulent baroque churches and airy Renaissance palaces, sinuous Art Nouveau facades sparkle in the sun while baroque stone statues watch over pedestrians strolling across the 14th-century Charles Bridge. Prague has always been a major cultural center with no fewer than three grand opera houses, countless concert halls, galleries and museums. Café-going is a way of life, as is beer drinking; trying at least a few native brands is a must for every visitor.
Beyond Prague lies a fairy-tale landscape of woods and meadows, castles perched atop hills, ancient towns and villages nestled in verdant valleys. West of Prague, you'll find elegant spa towns built around natural hot springs, once the playground of European aristocracy. The area south of Prague offers perhaps the most scenic landscape in the country, with rolling hills, blue lakes and a number of exquisitely preserved historic towns and castles. The fertile land in the southeast--South Moravia--makes good wine; it is also known for its vibrant folk culture and a love of traditions. The mountain ranges running the length of the borders offer fine hiking terrain, folk architecture, and natural beauty.
Ours is a country worth discovering, and rediscovering each time you visit.
Featured Destinations from Europe
Lycksele : Sweden
Lycksele is a Municipality in Västerbotten County, in northern Sweden. The municipality covers an area of 5638.8 km². Of the total population of 13058, 6457 are male, and 6601 are female. The population density of the community is 2 inhabitants per km². Lycksele is the oldest permanent sami settlement in the
Edam: Netherlands
Edam: Netherlands
W?gorzewo : Poland
W?gorzewo (former Polish name: W?gobork, German: Angerburg, Lithuanian: Ungura) is a popular touristic town in Warmia and Masuria voivodship, Poland, not far from border of Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast). Lake Mamry is close to the town. W?gorzewo was founded by the Teutonic Knights and became part of the Polish fief Ducal Prussia.
Knurów : Poland
Knurów is a town in south Poland with 44,200 inhabitants (1995). Situated in the Silesian Voivodship (since 1999), previously in Katowice Voivodship (1975-1998).
B?dzin : Poland
B?dzin (pronounced: [?b?nd?in]) is a town in south Poland with 59,936 inhabitants (31 Dec 1999). Area 37 km². Situated in the Silesian Voivodship (since 1999), previously in Katowice Voivodship (1975-1998). Until World War II, Bedzin had a vibrant Jewish community but in September, 1939 the German Army (Wehrmacht) overran this area, followed
Bremen: Germany
Bremen: Germany
Cheb : Czech Republic
Cheb (German: Eger) is a city of about 32,000 inhabitants in the Karlovy Vary Region of the Czech Republic. It is situated on the river Ohre, at the foot of one of the spurs of the Smrciny. History The district of Cheb was in 870 included in the new margraviate of East
Pie?any : Slovakia
Pie?any (German: Pistyan, Hungarian: Pöstyén) is a spa town in western Slovakia located on the Váh river. Geography Pie?any is located in western part of Slovakia, in the valley of the Váh river, at an altitude of 162 m. Povaskŭ Inovec mountains form the east boundary of this part of the Váh
Leonding : Austria
Leonding is a town situated to the southwest of Linz, Austria. It has a population of about 24,000 and an area of 24.05 km². It is very close to Linz and offers a beautiful view of the Alps and therefore attracts the upper social classes for living without providing much infrastructure
Wels : Austria
Wels (population of 56,478 as of 2001) is the second largest city of the state of Upper Austria, located in the north of Austria, upon the Traun River near Linz. It is not part of any district, but a Statutarstadt. It is also the seat of the administration of the
