Delve into a history full of royal splendor
Prague – the seat of kings and emperors
The history of the Czech lands started more than a thousand years ago, and for most of that time, Prague was not the seat of presidents but monarchs. When you say “Prague”, everyone recalls the iconic skyline of Prague Castle, the seat of Czech princes and kings, and St. Vitus Cathedral, where kings were crowned and buried. During the cathedral tour, you can still visit the crypt with the remains of Bohemian kings and queens. For centuries, Prague was the seat of emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, a powerful union of Central European states. Learn about imperial Prague at the permanent The Story of the Prague Castle exhibition on the Gothic floor of the Old Royal Palace, where you can see authentic Gothic and Renaissance clothing and the tableware that kings and emperors used.
Do you know Czech monarchs?
If not, visit Karlštejn Castle in Central Bohemia, set in the beautiful countryside chosen by one of the most important medieval Bohemian kings, Charles IV of Luxembourg, for his castle. The castle tour will take you back to the 14th century, and you can even get to heaven! How do you ask? Charles IV had the Chapel of the Holy Cross built at the castle to house the remains of saints. The Gothic artists styled the chapel to resemble the heavens, including the sun, stars, and moon. All the saints will watch over you here!
Check out the medieval dollar.
Some towns in the past received royal status. Kutná Hora in Central Bohemia held an exceptional position among such Bohemian towns. Its task was to fill the royal treasury with silver. Today, you can go on a tour of the authentic medieval silver mine in Kutná Hora! Did you know that the most famous currency in the world, the US dollar, is named after the silver thaler of Kutná Hora?
When the jewels sparkle
Every monarch deserves to have a recognizable insignia of their power – the crown jewels. The Czech crown jewels are from the 14th and 16th centuries. They are on display at Prague Castle only for short periods of time. However, you can see their exact replicas in Cheb in West Bohemia on the occasion of the 700th anniversary of the accession of the Cheb region to the Czech lands, taking place from September 4th -11th.
To a spa with a royal cachet
European royal families, from Russian tzars to English kings, used to visit the famous West Bohemian spas where the social elite was treated. You can go there today! The spas treat musculoskeletal disorders, heart problems, and diabetes using hydrotherapy, exercise, diet, and physical therapy. The local spas of Karlovy Vary, Františkovy Lázně, and Mariánské Lázně, which are even inscribed by UNESCO, will make you feel like kings and queens. Your health will thank you for the royal care.
