Treasures await off the main tourist track
Are you tired of tourist jams and overcrowded landmarks? Czechia has much to offer beyond beautiful Prague. Embark on a journey in search of sunshine, art, and peace — perhaps even all the way to Titian.
Where the finest flour was milled
Begin in Pardubice, which is easily accessible by train. The industrial complex of the Automatic Mills designed by architect Josef Gočár combines the history of a place where flour was milled continuously for centuries with a modern gallery.
If you seek tranquility and inspiration, Lázně Luhačovice Spa will enchant you not only with Dušan Jurkovič’s architecture and healing springs but also with the award-winning Sun Spa.
The Baroque, frescoes, and Titian in Moravia
In the east of Czechia, one treasure is the university town of Olomouc, also easily reached by train. Here you can wander through winding historical alleyways, visit the grand Art Nouveau Primavesi Villa, relax in one of the cozy cafés, or admire one of the most beautiful fountains in the country. Don’t miss the ceremonial fresco hall with its rich Neo-Renaissance decoration, open to the public in the Komenium building in July and August.
If you stay in the east of Czechia, be sure to visit Kroměříž as well. The local chateau, with its Flower Garden and Château Garden, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Picture Gallery, you can admire one of the most valuable artworks on display in Czechia: the painting Apollo and Marsyas by the Italian Renaissance master Titian.
…and where else to go?
Head to Tábor for a taste of medieval atmosphere, or to Znojmo to explore a unique system of underground corridors and cellars stretching almost 27 kilometers and extending over four levels. Litomyšl may draw you in through the legacy of world-famous composer Bedřich Smetana, while in Příbor you can visit the birthplace of Sigmund Freud.
In Karlovy Vary, don’t miss a tour of the Imperial Spa with its impressive concert hall, nicknamed the “Red Crab”. In Třeboň, the most renowned fishpond region in Czechia, indulge in local fish specialties.
In search of spiritual energy and art
Head to Příbram, about an hour from Prague. Towering above what was once an important mining town is the Marian pilgrimage site Svatá Hora, which can be reached on foot from the town center via an impressive covered staircase with 365 steps and a length of 400 meters.
The unfinished Gothic church in Panenský Týnec has an exceptional atmosphere. Its strong positive energy draws healers, artists and others keen to feel its special presence.
Two more tips to consider:
- the former turbine hall of the power plant in Trutnov, which has been transformed into the EPO1 Center for Contemporary Art.
- When you’re in Prague, head to Vyšehrad for breathtaking views or to the Břevnov Monastery and its Baroque interiors, gardens, and brewery. Industrial architecture fans will enjoy the Prague Market Hall, and if you long for peace and quiet, you’ll find it in the Botanical Garden in Albertov.
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Automatic Mills, Pardubice
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Luhačovice Sun Baths
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Villa Primavesi, Olomouc
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Kroměříž Flower Garden
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City’s New Concert Hall, Karlovy Vary
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Třeboň, South Bohemia
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Břevnov Monastery, Prague
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