Czech towns and village treasures

The Czech Republic is crisscrossed by a network of picturesque towns and villages, each with its own unique character, atmosphere, and history. From grand historical centers such as Prague and Olomouc to peaceful villages scattered among hills and forests, every place offers something unique.

In the cities, you will find cathedrals, town halls, ancient squares, and cultural institutions, while Czech villages have often retained their traditional character, with half-timbered farmhouses, Baroque chapels, and picturesque village ponds. Some of them have even been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites or are classified as village conservation areas.

Whether you head to cities steeped in history or to the countryside for peace and authenticity, exploring Czech towns and villages will take you deep into the stories of this country.

1.Olomouc

Olomouc is a historic city in Moravia with a distinctive university atmosphere. It is home to the second oldest university in the Czech Republic – Palacký University – and with more than 25,000 students, it is one of the cities with the highest density of university students in Central Europe.

The city is dominated by the Holy Trinity Column, the tallest Baroque sculpture in the Czech Republic (35 meters), which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Olomouc also offers a wide range of historical buildings: the Gothic St. Wenceslas Cathedral, Olomouc Castle, the Přemyslid Palace, Baroque fountains, and even a socialist realist astronomical clock on the 15th-century town hall. Nearby is a famous pilgrimage site – the basilica on Svatý Kopeček, which was visited by Pope John Paul II.

Website: www.olomouc.eu

2.Ostrava

Ostrava, the third largest city in the Czech Republic, is located in the Moravian-Silesian Region near the borders with Poland and Slovakia. Formerly the industrial heart of the country, known for coal mining and metallurgy, today it is undergoing a cultural and architectural transformation.

One of the main attractions is the Dolní Vítkovice industrial complex, a former complex of blast furnaces and mines that has been converted into a unique cultural and educational space. In the city center, you will find the impressive New Town Hall with the highest town hall tower in the Czech Republic, historic buildings from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, and a rich offer of museums, galleries, and clubs. Ostrava is also home to the famous Colours of Ostrava music festival.

Website: www.ostrava.cz

3.Holašovice

Holašovice is a picturesque village in southern Bohemia that boasts exceptionally well-preserved folk architecture in the rural Baroque style. It is located near České Budějovice and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998.

The center of the village is a square surrounded by historic farmhouses with richly decorated gables from the 18th and 19th centuries. Not only is the architectural unity of the entire village unique, but Holašovice has also remained almost untouched by modern construction. Thanks to this, it has retained its authentic character and peaceful rural life. Traditional craft markets and folklore festivals are held here every year.

Website: www.holasovice.eu