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Extensive travel and tourism guide for Czech Republic, Europe

Czech Republic Tourist Information

St.Nicolas at Prague, Czech RepublicA 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.

What's New in Europe!

Events & Festivals

London events highlights: Japanese crafts, ‘Pop Art’ and gardening all feature in London’s cultural events calendar this summer and beyond.

Royal wedding dress at Buckingham Palace: A special exhibition at Buckingham Palace this summer will recreate the day in 1947 when Princess Elizabeth - now Queen Elizabeth II - married the Duke of Edinburgh in a glittering ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey.

Attractions

Shrewsbury recreates its summer season: Performances by Jools Holland, George Melly and Beverly Knight are among the 370 cultural and artistic events over 100 days at the 'Shrewsbury Summer Season' this year (May 19-Sept. 9).

Scotland’s oldest house marks 900 years: The longest continually inhabited house in Scotland is 900 years old. Once a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland (it hosted 27 monarchs over the years), the Stuarts of Traquair House supported Mary, Queen of Scots and the doomed Jacobite cause.

News

Ceramics Festival in The Potteries: Designers, studio potters, experts and collectors will be making their way to The Potteries this autumn for the Stoke-on-Trent Ceramics Festival 2007 (Oct.5-7).

Macdonald Hotels transforms Cheshire golf venue: Three championship golf courses and the largest indoor golf academy in Europe at The Portal Golf Club venue are to be part of the new four star Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa in Cheshire when it opens in July.


Czech Republic Facts

Area: 30,442 square miles (about the size of South Carolina).
Population: 10,319,000 (Prague, 1,213,000; Brno, 390,000).
Language: Czech.