To get a fair look at any country you need to venture beyond its dominant city. Here in the Czech Republic there is a world of cultural richness outside of Prague.
Olomouc, the historical capital of this region, is the Czech Republic’s fifth-largest city which is home to many universities. Its wealth of cafes, clubs and student life gives you vibrant local culture. Standing in front of the Town Hall surrounded by the vast square and its fine noble and bourgeois residences, you can imagine the importance of Olomouc in centuries past. You can see the bell tower which is taller than the one in Prague.
Also a series of allegorical fountains decorate the old town. Most were inspired by classical mythology. In Olomouc you must try the city’s greatest attraction – its notoriously stinky cheese.
Konopishte – the lavish residence of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Its interior dates from about the 1900s.
Another site near Prague is Terezin – a town built long ago with state-of-the-art walls designed to keep out German enemies. This was the Nazis’ model Jewish town.
Next up, Moravsky Krumlov has only one real restaurant and shop. But there is one good reason to visit Moravsky Krumlov – discovering the Slavic Epic by the Czech Republic’s greatest painter – Alfons Mucha. His masterpiece is tucked away in the town’s decaying castle.
A short drive can take you to another popular stop – Trebon – with playful arcades artfully blending both Renaissance and Baroque building styles. Here you can go to Trebon’s famous peat spa. Soaking in black, smelly peat cures aching joints and spines.
Moving on is the region of Bohemia – this part is the closest to Germany and is much appreciated for its pastoral countryside. You can enjoy the river trip on the Vltava.
I hope you enjoy the highlights of the Czech Republic beyond its capital.
