Plzeň, centre of West Bohemia

Pilsen is the cultural, industrial and beer – brewing centre of West Bohemia. It is a city with an impressive historical center, Jewish and technical monuments, situated at the confluence of four rivers. Take a tour through the fascinating interiors of the famous architect Adolf Loose, through the parks in the historic center or check out the world-famous brewery. And don't forget to taste the world-famous Pilsner Urquell lager beer with a proper head! Because visiting Pilsen and not having a pint of the local beer would be as if you have not been there.

Loos’s Interiors - Minimalist modernism at the beginning of the 20th century

Adolf Loos is considered the founder of the modern concept of architecture, and thus belongs to a narrow group of the most important pre-war modern architects. Loos mainly designed residential buildings, but among his realizations we can also find a department store, a bar, a café, a mountain hut and more. We can find them all over Europe, in addition to Vienna, also in Paris, Montreux, Semmering. In the Czech Republic, we find most of Loos's realizations in Pilsen, Prague and his native Brno. In Pilsen, Loos created up to thirteen mostly interior realizations. At present, you can visit two sightseeing routes in Pilsen, which will take you through three newly opened interiors by the world-famous architect Adolf Loose. Each of them is different, but they are definitely worth a visit, the Doctor Kraus' apartment, the Doctor Vogl's apartment and Brummel's House.

Hoppy Plzeň - When the intoxicating scent of malt is in the air

Plzeň and beer... One could hardly do without the other. The Pilsner beer is light, bottom fermented and brewed according to a recipe that was created in Plzeň. Its distinct hoppy flavour distinguishes it from other lagers. To have a pint of cooled “Pilsner on tap” is an experience you should not miss when visiting the Czech Republic. If you are or even if you are not a beer fan, you can have roasted duck with cabbage there. You should also visit one of the breweries where the air is filled with the scent of malt, and where you can see the fascinating technology of beer-brewing with your own eyes and where you can taste beer directly in the brewery cellars. The Brewery Museum has the smallest mug in the world, a brewing laboratory and the Gothic malt house, and you can visit the educational and entertaining exposition explaining the history of beer-brewing from ancient times to the present.

The Square of the Republic - A stroll through one of the largest European squares

There are many beautiful historical houses and pleasant cafés at the Square of the Republic, the main square in Plzeň. It is also a place where seasonal farmer’s markets take place, offering local vegetables, fruit and other goodies. The square is dominated by the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew – the Gothic temple, which is also home to the highest church steeple (102 meters) in the Czech Republic. The Plzeň city hall, built at the square in the 16th century in the Italian Renaissance style, is also an important cultural site. The atmosphere of the center is complemented by parks with garden restaurants and outdoor cafes.

Historical Underground and Synagogues - Mysterious corners above and under the ground

Put on a hard hat and crawl through the labyrinth of passages, cellars and wells that was built under the city as early as in the 14th century. The total length of passages exceeds seventeen kilometres, which makes it one of the largest historical underground systems in Central Europe. The sightseeing route measures 800 meters with a temperature of 6 ° C so we recommend taking a jacket with you. When you need to cool down on hot summer days, visit the beautiful synagogues too. The Great Synagogue is the largest in the Czech Republic and probably the second largest in Europe; it was built in the Romanesque – Moorish style at the end of the 19th century. The freshly reconstructed Old Synagogue is hidden inside the block by Smetanovy sady. Inside the synagogue, you can see a Hebrew clock with a reverse dial.

Techmania Science Centre - When learning is fun

Techmania is a science and entertainment centre where visitors of all ages can find something interesting. The interactive exhibits are not just simple toys: each one of them explains one of the mathematical or physical principles. Find out what happens in a vacuum, touch 20 thousand volts and learn that science is everything but boring! You can relax in the only 3D observatory in the Czech Republic. Techmania is fun for everyone: children, adults and seniors alike.

Tips for Trips around Plzeň

If you plan to spend more than one day in Pilsen, we have a few tips for you. In the vicinity of Pilsen is not only beautiful nature, but also other monuments. Baroque monastery Kladruby, Domažlice town with picturesque architecture, water castle Švihov or hunting lodge Kozel with a beautiful park.