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The Czech Republic In Depth: A Distinguished Flag & Superb Sightseeing!

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The Czech Republic In Depth: A Distinguished Flag & Superb Sightseeing!

The Czech Republic has always been a fascinating country to visit or even just read about, so it’s no surprise that the intriguing Czech Republic has a flag with an intriguing history as well! The Czech Republic flag is a rectangular cloth that consists of two horizontal strips of equal size: the upper stripe is white, and the lower one is red, with an isosceles blue triangle at the flagstaff edge.

Before delving deep into the wonders the Czech Republic has to offer its visitors, let’s first examine the flag of the Czech Republic and its history.

Table of Contents

History of the Czech Republic Flag

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The Czech Republic flag was proclaimed on 17 December 1992 upon the break-up of Czechoslovakia. Over the centuries, variations of the flag with two red and white stripes began to appear. The order of colours was quite similar to today’s flag of the Czech Republic; the upper part of the flag was white, and the bottom part was red.

After WWI, the National Committee in Prague announced the formation of an independent Czechoslovak country. This was when the Czechoslovakia flag was also born, and it was used for the first time as a national symbol in 1918.

On that day, a white and red cloth identical to today’s flag of Poland was hoisted over the house of Tomáš Masaryk, the future president of Czechoslovakia. But that form didn’t last, and a committee was formed to draw a new national design.

The committee decided to add a third colour, blue, to the flag. Initially, the committee approved a design that featured the now famous blue triangle on the left side of the Czech Republic flag.

However, disputes continued, and eventually, it was decided to adopt the version with the top of the blue triangle reaching the middle of the flag. This momentous event occurred on 30 March 1920; however, in 1939, the flag was banned by the Nazis. It wasn’t until 1945 that the flag was used again, and that’s how the Czech Republic flag has survived to this day.

Meaning of the Colours and the Triangle on the Czech Republic Flag

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There are several versions that explain the meaning of the colours of the Czech Republic flag. The popular saying is that white is the colour of Bohemia, and it signifies purity, while the colour red represents the blood of the patriots who fought for the freedom of their land, and blue represents the cloudless sky.

Another version suggests that the white refers to the diplomatic and honest nature of the Czech Republic people. As for the red, it stands for the courage of the nation, and the blue refers to the Moravia state in other stories; it signifies vigilance, loyalty, and reality.

Top Sightseeing in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is one of the swiftest developing countries in Europe. Alongside modern technology and architecture, its history has always been rich and fascinating. Much of the Czech heritage was created centuries ago and continues to inspire and impress us today.

Within the relatively small territory of the Czech Republic, you can find dozens of beautiful castles and cathedrals, picturesque natural attractions, spa towns with healing springs and, of course, the tastiest beer in Eastern Europe.

When visiting the Czech Republic, it’s hard to remain indifferent to its sights, history, and lovely people.

Bohemian Paradise

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There is a reason for the word “paradise” here! In the Bohemian Paradise of the Czech Republic, you can’t help but feel like you are somewhere far away from the world. Flowing rivers, ponds, bizarrely-shaped cliffs, picturesque caves, forest valleys, endless fields, and abundant wildlife—it is all here.

The heart of the protected area is the town of Turnov. The Bohemian Paradise is well known not only for its natural beauty but also for its architectural monuments. One of the most famous is the ruined castle Troski, whose name means “ruins” in Czech.

The place is believed to be founded at the end of the 14th century, and its first owner was the Burgrave of the Bohemian Kingdom, Czeneka. As a result of many battles, the castle was almost completely destroyed by a fire as early as 1428.

It had been abandoned for a long time before artists and poets from all over Bohemia gathered here in search of inspiration in the 19th century. Today, thousands of tourists from all over the world come to admire the picturesque ruins, and the location of this Czech Republic nature reserve only adds to the overall beauty of the place.

Cesky Krumlov Castle Complex (Cesky Krumlov)

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Cesky Krumlov is claimed to be the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, right after Prague Castle. No one can give an exact date of construction, but most historians tend to date it to the middle of the 13th century. The nobleman Vitek II the Elder is regarded as the castle’s founder, which was only a part of his already vast holdings.

Subsequently, the owners changed frequently, and almost all of them contributed something different to the present appearance of the castle complex. Cesky Krumlov consists of several castles: the Small Castle, the Lower Castle, and the Upper Castle.

Each differs slightly, but in terms of architecture, the façades show distinctly Medieval, Baroque, and Renaissance elements. Cesky Krumlov is essentially a small town, which, apart from the castles, has warehouses, fountains, bridges, a mint, and even a theatre with a Baroque stage, as well as many props and costumes with centuries of history.

Tölč Museum City (southern Bohemia)

The town of Telč was the first one in the Czech Republic to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. There are several reasons for this recognition; however, the main ones are the well-preserved architectural ensemble and the town’s rich history. Telč was first mentioned in the 14th century when it was already a large settlement.

Gradually, the town grew, attracting more and more new inhabitants, especially merchants, whose shops filled the square near the castle. Here, beautiful houses with distinctive Baroque and Renaissance facades can be admired for a long time.

Prague Zoo (Prague)

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The first kings of the Czech Republic had their menagerie, and Rudolf II is considered the founder of Prague’s zoo. However, during the wars with the Swedes in the first half of the 17th century, it fell into decay, and for a long time, nobody wanted to restore it.

This was the case until 1921 when it was decided to build a full-fledged zoo in Prague. It opened only ten years later, introducing visitors to dozens of bizarre and unusual animals.

In the beginning, the zoo had an area of only 8 hectares, but today it has expanded to 60 hectares. The number of animals has also increased, and today there are hundreds of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

Red-listed animals can also be seen in Prague Zoo; however, visitors are mostly interested in giraffes, tigers, panthers, and monkeys. It is difficult to describe the diversity of fauna here fully, but it could be said that the zoo contains animals from almost every corner of the world.

The Krkonoše National Park

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The Krkonoše National Park is situated on the highest part of the Sudetes Mountains. The area of several thousand hectares is designated as a protected and particularly well-protected area. There are numerous hiking trails in the Krkonoše Mountains to help visitors explore the local nature.

There are more than 30 trails of varying difficulty levels. If you don’t feel like walking, you can use horses, a chairlift, or cycle all the way around. Ancient coniferous forests with unspoilt air, massive cliffs, and beautiful views await you on the trail.

We recommend Mumlava Waterfall, one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in the Czech Republic. During your visit to the Krkonoše Mountains, prepare yourself to rest your soul, breathe the cleanest air, and marvel at the power of nature.

Holašovice Historical Village (15km from Ceske Budejovice)

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To feel the atmosphere of a Czech Republic village of the 17-19 centuries, all you have to do is to go 15 kilometres from Ceske Budejovice, and you will find yourself in the village of Holašovice. The first settlements appeared here more than 700 years ago, and until the mid-19th century, the area belonged to the local monastery.

Holašovice is associated with tragic events: in the 16th century, an epidemic of bubonic plague wiped out almost the entire population, and only two people survived. Nevertheless, life returned to the area over time, and today the peaceful and tranquil village has about 150 inhabitants.

Next to the stone houses in Holašovice, there are authentic wooden houses and a picturesque pond in the middle of the local square. We wouldn’t advise coming here during the peak tourist season; otherwise, you risk missing out on the tranquillity and peacefulness for which the village has long been renowned.

National Museum (Prague)

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The early 19th century is considered a special time in the history of the Czech Republic; it is the time of the Czech National Revival. That was a time when the culture and history of Bohemia began to receive special attention. It was then, in 1818, that the National Museum was established in Prague.

The building was designed by Czech architect Josef Schulz, who had a hand in creating more than one architectural masterpiece in Bohemia. Inside, there are many exhibits from different periods of the Czech Republic’s history.

There are manuscripts, musical instruments, weapons, armour, coins, and many other artefacts. Of particular interest are the “manuscripts” of the first librarian of the museum, Václav Hanka: he is known as a talented forger who managed to convince people that the papers he found were older than they really were.

Choco-Story Chocolate Museum (Prague)

Historical museums are nice, but when you are in the Czech Republic, why not take it to the next level and treat yourself to a chocolate museum? The Choco-Story Chocolate Museum opened in Prague in 2008 and immediately became one of the main attractions of the Czech Republic.

Visitors can learn the process and intricacies of making chocolate using the unique Belgian recipe, though all the secrets won’t be revealed. You will, however, learn some new recipes and even have the opportunity to try your hand at making a special kind of chocolate at home. And yet, a museum is not a museum without history, and chocolate has a history of more than 2,500 years.

The tour itself doesn’t take long, but the tasting, we’re sure, will keep you entertained for a long time. If you really like it, there’s a shop right next door to the museum where you can buy chocolate for yourself, your friends, and all your relatives.

Prague Castle & the Cathedral of St. Vitus, Wenceslas, and Vojtěch (Prague)

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Prague Castle is the greatest castle in the Czech Republic and one of the icons of the country. Since its construction over 1,000 years ago, it has changed its appearance several times and gradually expanded.

From a settlement surrounded by an earthen rampart and stakes, Prague Castle gradually developed into a magnificent chateau dotted with Renaissance and Gothic architecture.

The chateau got its present appearance at the beginning of the 20th century when it became the president of the First Czechoslovak Republic’s main residence.

In the middle of Prague Castle is the main cathedral of the Czech Republic, named after St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas, and St. Vojtěch. It was established during the same time as the fortress and has also been rebuilt and changed in appearance several times.

The cathedral became particularly famous for its crypt, where most prominent Czech monarchs are buried. But the cathedral has more than enough to amaze you as its facades and interior are above reproach.

Konopiště Castle (Benešov)

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Another must-visit while visiting the Czech Republic is located right next to the town of Benešov, where you’ll find the towers of Konopiště Castle among the lush greenery. It was originally built as a fortress, which was besieged at various times with varying degrees of success.

With the development of arms control, Konopiště lost its former defensive capabilities, and so it became a luxury residence for various men of title. One such was Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, the one after whose assassination World War I broke out.

It was under Franz Ferdinand’s ownership that the castle was extensively rebuilt, and his collection was enriched with many works of art and hunting trophies. There are more than 4,000 antlers and hides from various animals in Konopiště, although the archduke himself killed more than 250,000 animals during his lifetime.

Karlštejn Castle (30 km from Prague)

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If Karlštejn Castle were to compete for the title of the most picturesque castle in Bohemia, it would win with ease. It was built in 1348 on the top of a 72-metre-high cliff, below which the Berounka River flows. The founder, Charles IV, invited renowned architects from all over Bohemia, including the notorious Mathieu of Arras and Josef Mocker, to work on the decoration of the castle.

He used to store the crown jewels and the most precious relics and stayed in Karlštejn mainly in summer when nature was at its best. The castle was besieged many times but was never defeated. From the 17th to the 19th century, Karlštejn was in decline until it was taken over by Emperor Franz I. He ordered a restoration of the castle. Under his orders, reconstruction work began, which largely determined the present-day appearance of the castle.

Wenceslas Square (Prague)

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Since its foundation, Wenceslas Square has been one of the centres of social life in Prague. It was the centre of celebrations, public meetings, and demonstrations. There was always lively trade on the square, and in 1348, Charles IV had a market built there called Konského. It received this name because horses were indeed actively traded there, and merchants offered a wide variety of goods such as textiles, grain, weapons, meat, and fish.

Wenceslas Square was also the place where Czech history was made: the bourgeois revolution of 1848-1849, writer Alois Jirásek’s reading of the Czechoslovak independence proclamation in 1918, the Prague Uprising in 1945, and the Prague Spring in 1968 when Soviet tanks crashed into the square.

Many years have passed since those tragic events, and today Wenceslas Square is a prestigious business centre and a concentration of architectural sights, fashionable boutiques, and restaurants.

Strahov Monastery (Prague)

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The history of the Strahov Monastery goes back to the middle of the 12th century when it was founded by the Czech prince Vladislav II. It was located right on the outskirts of Prague city, so the monastery was repeatedly attacked and destroyed.

However, the monastery was completely destroyed by a huge fire caused by one man in 1258 when the monk fell asleep after forgetting to put out a candle. The story of the Strahov Monastery might have ended at the end of the 18th century when Emperor Joseph II ordered the closure of monasteries that were not beneficial to society.

The monks were able to save the monastery by opening its library to all comers. In addition to it, within the walls of the monastery, there is a large collection of paintings, which even today can be appreciated at one of the many exhibitions.

Lednice Castle (50 km from Brno)

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From a small fortress to guard the bridge over the Dyje River, Lednice was converted into a gorgeous Neo-Gothic chateau. The greatest contribution to the development was made by the Lichtenstein family, to whom the castle and surrounding land belonged from 1332 to 1945.

The current appearance of the castle was acquired in the mid-19th century by Prince Aloys II, who visited England and was inspired by the local architecture and the Neo-Gothic style fashionable at the time.

Of great interest is the palm orangery from 1848, believed to be the oldest in Europe. The castle and the surrounding areas are so large that there are several sightseeing itineraries to choose from. However, each of them is equally interesting.

Charles Bridge (Prague)

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Charles Bridge is one of the most legendary bridges in the world and the most visited attraction in the Czech Republic. It was built in 1402 in order to connect Prague Castle and the Old Town.

However, long before the Charles Bridge construction, the two Prague districts were connected by the Judith Bridge, but it stopped being developed and was therefore replaced. It is believed that the foundation stone was laid by Charles IV on 9 July 1357 at 5:31 am.

This is no accident because, at that time, the magic of numbers was given great importance, and the bridge laid at that time was to stand for centuries. And so it happened because the Charles Bridge has been connecting the two banks for hundreds of years and has recently become a widespread tourist attraction.

On the 520-metre-long bridge, people are attracted by the excellent views of the city and the 30 unique sculptures on the sides.

Moravian Karst (Brno)

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One of the biggest karst massifs in Europe is located in the Czech Republic and is called Moravian. Its length is about 25 kilometres, along which, over millions of years, have formed more than a thousand caves of different shapes and sizes.

However, not all are available to the average tourist, and only five where access is not so difficult. When visiting the Moravian Karst, it is certainly worth taking a boat trip on the underground river Punkva to see the helictites, similar to stalactite formations but with the distinctive feature of growing parallel to the earth’s surface.

In the caves, there are many representatives of fauna, namely about 20 species of bats, with some unexplored.

Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle

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Once you are near Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle, it’s hard to believe you’re in the Czech Republic and not England. There is an explanation because in the 19 century, by order of Duchess Eleanor Schwarzenberg, the then owner, it was rebuilt in the manner of Windsor Castle—the residence of British monarchs.

Because of that, it is often called the “Czech Windsor”, and among architectural elements, there are indeed significant similarities.

However, Hluboka nad Vltavou existed in the 13th century and was a typical medieval castle designed primarily to defend the nearby settlements and was then called the Fraunberg. The current castle ensemble has 140 rooms, 11 towers, two courtyards, stables, a conservatory, and a park, also inspired by 19th-century English fashion.

Queen Anne’s Summer Palace (Prague)

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One of the first Renaissance buildings in Bohemia was the summer palace in the Royal Garden near Prague Castle. It was ordered as a gift by Emperor Ferdinand I for his wife, Anna Jagiellonka.

For the building of the palace, distinguished architects from Italy were invited, but it is impossible to attribute the authorship of the palace to just one person, as it took a long time to build, and the plans were constantly changing, as well as the architects.

The construction lasted 25 years, and in 1563 the palace appeared in all its glory, but the queen had long since passed away.

Later, it changed hands, and Emperor Rudolph II placed the Kunstkammer here. Nowadays, however, Queen Anne’s Palace hosts more pleasant exhibitions, in which you can often see paintings by eminent artists.

Ecological Trail and Observation Tower (Šumava National Park)

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There are quite a few eco-tourism areas in the Czech Republic, but the eco-trail in Šumava National Park is something special. The trail itself is not long and stretches only 372 metres, but you have to overcome it uphill.

However, physical exertion is more than compensated by viewing the beauty of the local mixed forest from a height. You should remember that the path does not run along the ground but over it; it is a path made of wooden beams and propped up by dozens of poles.

The final point on the trail is a 40-metre observation tower from which you can see all the nearby lakes, the picturesque surroundings of Šumava, and even the Alps. A walk along the trail is sure to appeal to adults and children alike.

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul (Brno)

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With the development of Brno, the culture, economy, and religious life of the city developed. One of the requirements of the time was the need for a cathedral that could accommodate a large number of parishioners.

That’s why in the 11th century, the construction of St. Peter and Paul’s Cathedral was launched, which was opened to the public only 200 years later. Such long construction was not uncommon for temples, as they were often built on donations of parishioners, which were barely enough.

Over the years, the appearance of the cathedral has not undergone special changes, thanks to which it was able to preserve the Baroque style with Gothic inclusions. Thus, it has remained almost in its original form except for the towers finished in 1905.

Bohemian Switzerland National Park

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In the Czech Republic, nature is so varied that it involuntarily evokes associations with other countries. The Czech part of the Elbe Mountains is called “Czech Switzerland” because of its obvious resemblance to the Alpine landscape.

Swiss painters Anton Graff and Adrian Zing were the first to call the local mountains by that name, as the local scenery reminded them of their homeland. For a long time, the territory of the park remained untouched by human activity, thanks to which centuries-old nature was preserved in its original form.

The lush green forests, valleys with rushing rivers, and intricately shaped cliffs have for years attracted travellers worldwide, looking for new experiences and contemplation of nature. The main attraction is Pravčický vrch (Pravčicka Gate), which looks like an entrance to another world, untouched and evergreen.

Karlovy Vary and its Thermal Springs

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Although the Czech Republic is landlocked and has no usual resorts, there are still many places that give you a chance to relax, both body and soul. One of them is a town called Karlovy Vary, with a population of about 50,000 people.

First of all, the resort is famous for its hot springs, which have truly healing properties. There are only 12 of them, but each has a specific chemical composition and different water temperature. Next to them built treatment facilities, which assist people with diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, diabetes, etc.

It is not possible not to note the benefits of springs and healing mud for the face and body. When you come to Karlovy Vary, you can be sure that you will leave with the feeling of being reborn.

St. Barbaras Cathedral (Kutna Hora)

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The most famous architectural monument in Kutná Hora is undoubtedly the 16th-century St. Barbara’s Cathedral. Remarkably, it was not built for the needs of the church but to show the influence and wealth of the local burghers. The result surpassed all expectations, and St. Barbara’s Cathedral is often compared with the one in Prague.

The construction lasted almost 200 years, so the architects and plans for the appearance of the temple and its interior decoration changed repeatedly. Funding depended directly on the work of the silver mines, which reached their peak in the 14-16th centuries.

By 1558, 170 years after the laying of the first stone, the construction was finished, although not all the plans were realised. The modern look of the cathedral was given at the beginning of the last century after a major reconstruction, which added many Gothic elements to the facade of the building.

SKODA Museum (Mladá Boleslav)

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Book dealer Vaclav Klement once bought such a bad German bicycle that he decided to start his own production of two-wheeled transport and to do it better than the Germans. So in 1895, the company Laurin & Klement, now known as Škoda, appeared.

But it was destined to become “Škoda” because of financial problems, which prompted Klement and his partner to merge with a large automobile concern founded by Emil Škoda.

The Škoda Museum is located in the town of Mlada Boleslav, where once, in the workshop Vaclav Klement and his partner developed their first bicycle. Here you will see how the cars were developed 100 years ago, learn more about the history of the company, and, of course, you will see both classic and the most modern Škoda cars.

Troja Palace (Prague)

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Relatively young Troja Palace was built in the late 17th century as a summer residence of the counts of Sternberk. The architect was Jean-Baptiste Mathene, who emigrated from France. He chose Baroque as the leading architectural style of that time.

Later, Troja Palace was repeatedly enlarged and decorated with innovative architectural solutions. For example, the mouldings for the stairs leading to the garden were made by the Hermann brothers from Dresden, and the interior decoration was done by several famous artists from the Netherlands and Italy.

The most famous detail of the interior is the plafond dedicated to the Habsburg dynasty. Nowadays, the Troja Palace in Prague is one of the best-preserved monuments of 17th-century architecture, and its visitors will enjoy the impressive collection of paintings and wine museum.

The Rock City of Adršpach

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Despite the name, there is no city in Adršpach, but when you visit this place, you realise that the name was not given to it for nothing. The fact is that high and rather thin rocks somewhat resemble houses located along the forest paths.

The number of trails in Adrspach is really overwhelming, so everyone can find something to interest them. You can spend a lot of time exploring Rock City because every nook and cranny is unique.

All these bizarre rocks have been created by the influence of thousands of years of water and wind, and because of their unusual appearance, they long ago served as a place of worship for residents.

Krusovice Brewery (Krusovice Village)

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All beer lovers have probably heard of the village of Krusovice, home to one of the oldest breweries in the Czech Republic. It is believed that it was founded in 1517 by an aristocrat Jiří Birka, who later sold the brewery and the surrounding areas to King Rudolf II.

It is not known how muc



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The Czech Republic In Depth: A Distinguished Flag & Superb Sightseeing!

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