Against predictions the Czech Republic went out of the European championships last week. Rather than, as planned, to give a further 10 reasons on owning on airline, as promised, we have changed around the ABTN schedule to publicise ten reasons the Czech Republic tourist board has come up with on visiting castles and chateaux in that lovely country. It might cheer them all up somewhat and bring some business to a fine land. You will need to start at Prague and what finer historical city than to introduce to you a pleasant and hospitable nation.
Many castles and chateaux are all year attractions in the Czech Republic. However the majority of the 177 castles, castle ruins, chateaux and forts available to the public only throw open their gates every year at the beginning of April in order to welcome in countless Czech history and architecture lovers.
Reason for visiting the Czech Republic 1. ” Welcome to the time machine.
Every one of us at some time or other has dreamt of living in another age. Not many of us, however, would like to experience the down side of living in the past ” dying a hero in a jousting competition or being put on the rack as punishment for a crime. At castles in the Czech Republic you can experience history without taking any of the risks. You can witness jousting tournaments, period music and dancing and medieval fairs. Time travel in the Czech Republic is so simple!
The new and comprehensive exhibition at Prague Castle entitled The Story of Prague Castle gives visitors a chance to travel back in time from prehistoric times to the present. Prague Castle (our first photo) is the most popular historical sight in the country. It is on UNESCO`s list of world heritage sites, it is the Czech Republic”s number one attraction and it has even got into the Guinness Book of Records as the largest castle in the world. http://wwwpribeh-hradu.cz
Reason 2. ” Night time adventures
So you think there is no difference between a castle during the day and a castle at night? A night time tour will change your mind. Under the veil of darkness in centuries old places ancient legends come to life and the difference between reality and illusion becomes blurred. Every creek of a stair and every door slamming will stimulate your imagination. Guides in period costume will have you wondering whether you are in a dream and will lead you through a piece of history in a fascinating way.
The tourist board recommends Becov nad Teplou castle in West Bohemia, which houses the precious reliquary of St Maurus, the popular theatre performances which tale place throughout the summer until the weekend 3rd ” 5th September. They will be happening during the day and at night too. This year audiences will be able to see a whole new set of humorous plays which will be performed inside the castle.
Reason 3. ” Culture in a unique environment
So you can”t choose between historical sights or cultural events? Well, you don”t have to in the Czech Republic. Castles and chateaux entrust their premises to artists of all kinds, from actors and painters to musicians and sculptors. You can see one of the best known operas, Jakob”n, at the castle in Jindrichuv Hradec, listen to baroque and Renaissance music at the castle in N”chod or take it easy at the Okolo Trebon festival of folk, pop and rock music at the castle in Trebon.
The board recommends: Kesk” Krumlov is one of the most attractive towns in South Bohemia. Its historical centre is also on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. From 16 July ” 28 August the town will be holding the Kesk” Krumlov International Music Festival 2004 for the 12th time). The festival is popular with both the general public and among personalities and celebrities from the Czech Republic and abroad. http://www.ckrumlov.info/apps/cz/fehume.xsp http://www.okolotrebone.cz
Reason 4. ” On foot or by bike
The unbelievable beauty of the natural surroundings and the high number of good walking and cycling trails make at least one trip by bike or on foot an attractive proposition, so why not travel this way to a castle? Almost every one of the countless marked trails leads past or directly to one of them.
We recommend: Do you love to be afraid? Cycle to the medieval fort Loket near the famous spa town Carlsbad in West Bohemia, where a new and unique torture exhibition has recently been installed. In dimly lit corridors the instruments of torture from the 15th century have a terrifying effect. You can find other cycle tracks on http://www.czecot.cz
Reason 5. ” In vino veritas
Would you like to test for yourself what Holy Roman Emperor and Czech King Charles IV meant when he said about wine that at first it is bitter but then after a few swigs it begins to taste good? Well, this can easily be arranged as there is a very close relationship between castles and chateaux and wine in the Czech Republic. Just visit one of the castles during the wine harvest celebrations in Znojmo, Mikulov, Miln”k or many other towns in the country.
We recommend: The most famous Czech castle Karl”tejn a mere 25 km from Prague invites all wine lovers to its wine harvest celebration. On 25th and 26th September visitors will be able to meet Charles IV himself and his retinue, watch fencing competitions, buy souvenirs at the medieval fair and of course taste the excellent Karl”tejn wine. Then you will see whether you will agree with what Charles IV said about his wine. http://www.hradkarlstejn.cz
Reason 6. ” An inexpensive trip in any weather
A trip to any castle or chateaux in the Czech Republic guarantees an enjoyable and affordable time for the whole family. When you choose to come on holiday to this country you don”t need to wonder what the weather is going to be like. Castles and chateaux keep you out of the rain and out of the blazing sun. Whatever the weather, they will be there for you and the variety of activities on offer means you certainly won”t be bored.
The recommendation is one of the most romantic castles in the country Hlubok” nad Vltavou. A foreign language tour of the main building and the armoury will set you back E5, concessions E2.50.
Reason 7. ” A world of films
Perfect special effects, computer simulation and realistic backdrops in many films cannot be told apart from the real thing. So what attracts so many film crews to the Czech Republic? Above all it is the especially interesting and authentic surroundings in which they can film almost anything from historical epics to action films. Crews from all over the world very often head to Czech castles. Visitors then have the chance to see a film in the making and get an insight into the exciting world of filmmaking.
Should you wish to revisit the scene of the Czech American director Milo” Forman”s famous historical epic Amadeus then come to the stunning South Moravian baroque chateau in Krom”. You will also be able to see filmmakers in action weekends throughout July at ”vihov castle in the Klatovy region where a historical series about the life of children is being made. Czech castles and chateaux are also great places to hold conferences, congresses and all other kinds of similar corporate events.
Reason 8. ” A fairytale world
Nearly every castle in the Czech Republic has a story, legend or fairytale attached to it. More often than not guides relate these stories to visitors during tours and especially younger members of the party are fascinated by tales of headless knights, ghosts and phantoms.
We recommend: On Fridays and Saturdays from mid July-until the end of the first week in September at the castle in Jindrichuv Hradec in South Bohemia visitors will be able to meet the white lady. According to the colour of her gloves they will be able to tell what is going to happen in the near future. White gloves mean good things are afoot, black gloves mean bad days ahead.
Reason 9. ” Fairytale wedding days
The majority of fairytales end with a wedding and most marriages start with one. Your wedding could have a fairytale beginning should you decide to get married at a romantic castle or chateaux in the Czech Republic. Some of the most romantic and popular places where couples state their vows are castles in Hlubok” nad Vltavou, Cesk” Krumlov, Cerven” Lhota and Jindrichuv Hradec.
We recommend: In order to tie the knot at a Czech castle you will need: a valid passport, your birth certificate, a document proving you are not already married which must include your full name, date of birth, your permanent address, nationality and marital status (divorcees will need a document proving they are divorced, widows will need to produce their husband”s death certificate) and a document confirming they are in the Czech Republic legally issued by the immigration authorities (should not be more than 7 days old). A wedding ceremony at Hlubok” will set you back E127.
Reason 10. ” Romantic lodgings
It doesn”t seem right after a day spent at historical sites to return to a modern hotel, does it? But you don”t have to! In the Czech Republic there are more than 50 castles and chateaux which have been converted into hotels. Should you decide to spend the night there you will be able to enjoy both comfort and the historical atmosphere at the same time.
http://www.visitczechia.cz