Castles, treasures and Michelin stars
Czechia is steeped in history that captivates visitors from all over the world. Step off the main routes and you’ll find yourself in places that evoke ancient legends and romantic tales of chateaux.
The highest density of castles and chateaux
The Czech Republic is truly unique for its remarkable concentration of castles and chateaux. Within a relatively small area lie more than 2,000 historic buildings — from mighty medieval fortresses and elegant aristocratic residences to picturesque ruins. Each has its own story and often rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
A particular delight is a visit to Nový Svět and the charming hidden lanes behind Prague Castle. It’s hard to believe you are still in Prague: almost no crowds, just rows of romantic little houses — and at the end of one lane you will even find a timbered cottage, now the hotel U Raka, the only one of its kind in the Czech capital. Nový Svět is often considered the “most golden” corner of Prague; its residents once sought to offset the area’s modesty with house names evoking gold. Here you will encounter the House of the Golden Lamb, the Golden Stork, the Golden Grape, the Golden Sun, and the Golden Foot, where in 1600 Tycho Brahe lived for a time.
Tip: One of the newly restored gems worth seeking out is the Orangery in Dobříš. This refined jewel of Baroque architecture forms part of the château’s French garden.
In the footsteps of Titian, and a golden treasure
Czechia is also a land of art, with extraordinary works tucked away far from the main cultural centers. In the château gallery in Kroměříž, for instance, you will find Titian’s masterpiece Apollo and Marsyas, one of the country’s most valuable Renaissance paintings. While you’re in this romantic Moravian town, be sure to explore its splendid château gardens.
Next, head to Kuks, a Baroque estate in the Elbe River valley, and wander along the sculptural alley created by Matthias Braun. Each statue tells its own story, and their exquisite detail draws you into the dramatic emotional world of the Baroque. If you enjoy great tales and mysteries, don’t miss Bečov nad Teplou in western Bohemia. The château there houses a true treasure, the Reliquary of St Maurus, one of the most precious artifacts in Czechia.
Traditional cuisine and Michelin dining in Czechia
When it comes to enjoying fine food, Czechia offers culinary treasures in abundance. You can savor traditional dishes such as kulajda soup, svíčková na smetaně, roast duck, or Moravian sweet pastries filled with quark, poppy seed, or plum jam. You can also try local specialties such as utopenci (pickled sausages), or delightfully pungent aged Olomouc tvarůžky.
Gourmets can venture not only into cozy pubs and cafés, but also to one of Czechia’s Michelin-starred restaurants, a perfect finishing touch to a journey of discovery through the country’s hidden and enchanting beauty.
