Czech Republic - overview
The Czech Republic is located in central
Europe, and is bordered by Slovakia on the
east, Austria on the south, Germany in the
west, and Poland in the north. The Czech
Republic consists of the historical regions
of Bohemia, Moravia, and Czech Silesia. The
Czech Republic has a charming, undulating
landscape with mountains and upland plains,
forests and smaller ranges of hills, mineral
formations and sandstone cliffs. The glacial
Cerne and Cerovo lakes are amongst the most
beautiful parts of the Sumava National Park,
in which there are to be found wild, woodland
streams with crystal clear water, tranquil
valleys, and expansive forests containing
unique flora and fauna. Moravia in the north
features wooded highlands, in the south fertile
lowlands and the wine growing regions. The
mineral-based land is fascinating due to
its naturally created secret caves. The Czech
Republic is also noted for its extraordinary
number of mineral and thermal springs.
The capital Prague, largest city of the Czech
Republic, and former capital of Czechoslovakia,
is located on both banks of the Vltava River.
Visitors are drawn to the 'fairy tale' characteristics
of Prague, but this is only part of its lively
blend of styles. Prague is unquestionably
a city best explored on foot, the entire
central area has been designated a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. The city centre is like
an enormous open-air museum with an interesting
mix of architectural innovation including
Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic, Romanesque,
Cubist and Art Nouveau styles. Creating the
distinctive Prague skyline stands Prague
Castle and St Vitus Cathedral. Within Prague's
complex of historical districts - the Lesser
Quarter and the Old Town lie the city's major
historical attractions linked together by
the famous Charles' Bridge. This historical
centre of the city is made up of Hradcany
(the Castle District) and Mala Strana (the
Small Quarter) west of the river, Stare Mesto
(the Old Town) and Vaclavske namesti (Wenceslas
Square) to the east.
Brno is the second largest city of the Czech
Republic and the chief city of Moravia. Brno's
landmarks include the cathedral, the old
and new town halls, and several fine Gothic
and baroque churches. One of the Czech Republic's
largest cities is Plzen, a significant cultural,
business and industrial centre, famous for
it’s beer, Pilsner, and also the heavy machinery
factories of Skoda. |
