The homeland of the famous Pilsener beer is not only famous for its hoppy drink. An important industrial center of the Czech Republic has preserved a wonderful medieval flavor, and its streets intersecting only at right angles have long become its signature highlight.
The twin city of Yekaterinburg, declared a zone of protection of monuments, will not leave indifferent any connoisseur of ancient architectural attractions. And thanks to the various events that took place daily in 2015, Plzeň was proclaimed the cultural capital of Europe. Today we will talk about the most beautiful city of the Czech Republic, which is no less inferior in magnificence to Prague itself.
A city whose development plan resembles a chessboard
Located in Western Bohemia, Pilsen (Czech Republic) is located at the intersection of four rivers merging into one tributary of the Vltava - Berounka. The picturesque city that has preserved its historical features has not escaped modern architectural trends. Its main feature is the streets intersecting at right angles, due to which the industrial center of the country resembles a chessboard.
Highways make the cultural capital a major transportation hub and allow it to grow economically.
History tour
The date of foundation of the commercial center of Western Bohemia is considered to be 1295, although as early as the X century there was a small watchtower on this site. Gradually, the settlement, divided into several quarters, turned into one of the main shopping centers of the country. The prosperous Pilsen (Czech Republic), whose treasury was always full, was famous for its beer in the XIV century, when it received permission to make a fragrant drink.
Gradually, the city in which King Rudolph II of Germany had his residence expanded and turned into the cultural and social center of the state. He survived the plague epidemic, frequent fires, participated in military events.
During World War II, the city was severely damaged, and many historical monuments were destroyed.
Climate and weather
The climate in the city is temperate. In summer, the temperature can exceed 30 degrees, and in a snowless winter it drops below 10-15 gr. It should be noted that during the day warm weather can hold, which in the evening is replaced by cool and rainy.
The coldest month of the year is January, and you can talk about the arrival of summer already in the second half of May.
Náměstí Republiky
It is recommended to start a fascinating journey through a charming city from its historical part, which contains the largest square in Western Europe. Noisy fairs dedicated to various holidays were held on the market square. And now, by Christmas, wooden houses are being set up on Republic Square, selling various goodies, clothes, home decorations, and much more. And on New Year's Eve, all visitors who arrived in Pilsen (Czech Republic) are pleased with the live tree, exuding an amazing aroma. In the heart of the old city are the main historical monuments that appeared several centuries ago.
The most famous square in the Czech Republic, which is about 190 meters long, is surrounded by an ensemble of beautiful buildings, and the Mariana Column completes a harmonious composition. Here is the beautiful Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, which is the hallmark of the cultural center, designed by the Italian architect Town Hall, the residence of Rudolph II. Beautiful fountains are built in every corner of the square adorning the city of Pilsen (Czech Republic), and the erected plague pillar dedicated to the Virgin Mary recalls the terrible epidemic that took the lives of many citizens. Old houses, which are examples of Czech architecture, create a special atmosphere of the majestic city.
Brewery Museum
The hospitable Pilsen (Czech Republic), whose sights are associated with the ancient traditions of brewing, invites its guests to go on educational excursions.
Perhaps the main attraction center for all tourists is Pivovarské muzeum, located at Veleslavinova 6. Here you can fully experience the atmosphere of drinking establishments that welcomed visitors several centuries ago. And each guest is given a special coin that can be exchanged for a mug of foamy drink.
Excursion to the brewery
A tour called Pilsner Urquell is well-known among tourists who want to learn a lot about beer production. Within a hundred minutes, guests of the city get acquainted with the history of ancient craft, visit the cooking and bottling shops, and buy various souvenirs.
At the end of the tour, vacationers relax in the brasserie, where you can taste various sorts of hops.
Beer bath
One of the most unusual entertainment for adults is a beer bath, which has been working recently. This is the second institution of its kind in the whole of Western Europe, where in two hours you can relax with your body and soul. The bath complex provides its guests with bathtubs filled with branded freshly brewed beer, which can be tasted while swimming. And after the end of the session, guests go to the massage room or infrared sauna.
Plzeňské historické podzemí
Cozy Pilsen (Czech Republic) is famous for its mysterious dungeons built in the Middle Ages. This is a whole system of labyrinths in which its inhabitants hid in turbulent years. It is known that the total length of the catacombs piercing the historical part of the city exceeds 24 kilometers, but only 700 meters are accessible to visitors.
Interesting museums
The picturesque Pilsen (Czech Republic), the photo of which convey its amazing beauty, has not in vain secured the glory of the cultural center.
The Ghost Museum (Muzeum strasidel) is located in the very center of the city, and its theme is connected with Czech folk tales and legends. Wandering in dilapidated halls in which strange creatures appear is both scary and interesting at the same time. However, local monsters can scare young children, so a special route has been developed for them.
The Puppet Museum (Muzeum loutek) will immerse even adults into the atmosphere of childhood. More than 300 exhibits, one way or another connected with the history of the city, are collected within its walls, and the oldest will turn two hundred years old.
Rest in the Czech Republic
Pilsen, preserving the charm of the Middle Ages, is ideal for families. Bored children can be amused in the country's second largest zoo, connected to the interactive DinoPark, where representatives of the prehistoric period live. There is also a unique botanical garden on the territory, which everyone can visit.
The zoo has collected animals from various continents that feel great in natural conditions. And in the Dinopark, kids can climb small dinosaurs, touch them and hear the sounds that predators once made.
In October, the city is filled with tourists who came for the Pilsner Fest beer festival - the oldest in the Czech Republic. They not only try a foamy drink for free, but also take part in costumed performances held in the main square.
In summer, Pilsen is an ideal holiday destination for cyclists and water sports enthusiasts. Yachtsmen and everyone who wants to spend their holidays in the lap of nature gather at the purest Bolevets ponds.
Pilsen (Czech Republic): reviews
Tourists admire the local beer, which pours river in city bars and restaurants. By the way, only in this city you can try a unique local soup, prepared from a specialty drink.
Many note inexpensive hotels with excellent service, in which the cost of living is not affordable.
Shopping enthusiasts are glad that in many boutiques you can buy branded items much cheaper than in Prague.
A huge amount of entertainment and architectural monuments are the main reasons to come to the famous beer capital and fall in love with it forever. Tourists are not shy to admit that they left a piece of their soul here, and no one regrets traveling to a picturesque city saturated with a special atmosphere.