Historical heritage of the Czech Republic

 

 

 

 

COURSE PAPER

“Historical heritage of the Czech Republic”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The Czech Republic is one of the most popular countries for holidays. It seems that everyone is created in the Czech Republic for an unforgettable holiday: excellent natural conditions, a lot of architectural and historical monuments, many ancient temples, churches and castles. There are some of the oldest and best resorts of the world.

Tours in the Czech Republic is not only a health vacation, but also a wonderful opportunity to see many sights.

In recent times there has been increasing interest to history. Ancient Czech castles kept a long history of this country, they are full of secrets, mysteries and legends.

For a specialist in the tourist industry is very important to make tours to various destinations. It necessary makes all travel arrangements: selection of the means of transportation, food, accommodation, sightseeing, guide, shopping opportunities and so on.

The purpose of the course paper – to make a tour of the Czech Republic under the title "Historical Czech heritage".

The object of the work – the Czech Republic as a tourist center.

The subject of the course paper – old castles of the Czech Republic.

My work consists of an introduction, theoretical and practical parts, conclusion, bibliography, and appendix.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. TOURISM IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

 

1. Overview of tourism in the Czech Republic

 

The Czech Republic, and in particular the capital Prague, has become one of the major tourist destinations in Europe. Other highly-visited destinations include Karlštejn Castle, Kutná Hora, Český Krumlov, and Lednice.

The Czech Republic is extremely rich in historical sites, monuments, and well-preserved and wafting up to us to the rustle of the ages. So Plzen, Ceske Budejovice, Hradec Kralove, are centers of national parks, established in the 13th century and retained a large number of historical monuments. Prague, Kutna Hora, Cesky Krumlov, Telč and a set of locks Lednice-Valtice, Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk on Green Hill declared monuments of international importance (protected by UNESCO). One of the main attractions of the Czech Republic are its famous resorts throughout Europe, such as Karpovs Vary, Marianske Lazne, Lazne Frantiskovy and others attracted numerous mineral springs, beautiful nature, there is a rest such famous writers, composers and politicians like Schiller and Gogol, Beethoven and Bach, Marx, and Bismarck. The traditional area of ​​the Czech Tourist Authority is water. Already in the Middle Ages knew the medicinal properties of many of the local mineral and thermal springs. By the age-old traditions were added modern methods of  balneology and  balneotherapy, the introduction of scientific achievements of recent decades. Lovers of winter sports can spend a vacation in places that have become traditional ski centers: Giant, Bohemian Forest, Beskid, Jeseníky, Southern Bohemia, Eagle Mountains. The Czech Republic belongs to countries with a dense network of hiking trails and roads with route signs. Many ponds, rivers, reservoirs, swimming lures, sailing, windsurfing and water sports.

Prague attracts large amounts of foreign (mostly from Germany, Israel , Russia, Spain and United Kingdom) tourists because of low costs associated with nightlife. The large number of bars and clubs, located close together and often open late, serve as additional incentives for tourists from Europe.

The Czech countryside offers protected areas such as Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj), Bohemian Karst (Český kras) and Šumava National Park. The countryside features castles, caves and other landmarks. In Southern Bohemia, the Šumava Mountains contain many hiking and cross-country skiing possibilities. The nature reserve Rejvíz is a popular destination in the Jeseníky Mountains.

Skiing resorts are located from Northern East to Northern West Czech Republic. The most famous and popular resorts lies in the Krkonoše Mountains. Krkonoše includes the tourist centre of Harrachov.

 

1.2 Types of tourism

 

Sightseeing tourism

The Czech Republic offers some 130 historical monuments, each of which is unique. Some objects, such as Cesky Krumlov, Telc, Kromeriz, Litomyšl, etc., included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Czech Republic is among the ten most visited countries in the world.

There are 1500 castles and palaces in the Czech Republic. Of course, the most popular city among tourists is the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague. But there are pretty small towns with monuments, medieval castles, quiet and beautiful nature, villages, and, of course, good people with their unique customs and habits.

Health and Beauty Tourism

Healing mineral water made famous Czech Republic. A good level of service and relatively low prices have made available to health resorts, such as Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne, Frantiskovy Lazne, Jáchymov.

Karlovy Vary.

The largest and best known Czech spa. Located in West Bohemia, 130 km from Prague. It has its own airport. Karlovy Vary use for the treatment 13 mineral springs with temperatures ranging from 42 to 72 degrees, similar in chemical composition. Treatment includes a unique combination of drinking water treatment, baths, applications and other procedures. The resort specializes in treating diseases of the digestive tract, liver, pancreas, disorders of the endocrine glands, obesity, diseases of the joints and spine.

Marianske Lazne.

Located 48 km south-west of Karlovy Vary. This is the second largest health resort of the country. It is full of greenery, the whole city is like a huge park. Used for the treatment of cold water shallow, having an average and a high degree of mineralization and relatively high iron content. In the vicinity of the city - up to 100 sources. These waters used for drinking, bathing and inhalation. Also, use of therapeutic mud deposits, and a powerful source of natural carbon dioxide. The resort specializes in diseases of the kidney, urinary tract, respiratory system, disorders of musculoskeletal system, metabolism, thyroid disease, diseases of the nervous system, obesity.

Frantiskovy Lazne.

At 180 km from Prague is situated resort with an acid source (due to the high content of carbon dioxide) of mineral water. In the city are open 24 source. In addition, the treatment uses sulfur-iron source of dirt and dry carbon dioxide (for gas baths). The choice of a course given drinking, physical therapy, carbonic bath, carbonic gas packs, gas injections, mud baths, mud applications. The resort specializes in diseases of the cardiovascular system, digestive system, kidneys, diseases of musculoskeletal system, infertility.

Czech Republic is not washed by the seas, beach holidays are not very common. It is mainly represented by the rest on the incredibly beautiful lakes in the Czech Republic.

Mácha Lake provides an opportunity to rest on its sandy beaches and swim from May to September. The water temperature this time of year does not fall below 24 degrees. This is a relatively cheap option, but with a fairly good level of service. Lake is 70 km from Prague. In the vicinity there are many hotels, campgrounds, recreational camps for children. Tourists will find plenty of entertainment. This catamaran and biking, and a zoo, bars and cafes, discos – all open to visitors.

Ski Tourism

Recently, the Czech Republic have become increasingly popular ski resorts, which are quite numerous, very famous for constant weather conditions and are relatively cheap, although facilities are still "not up" to Western standards.

The most famous ski resorts in the Czech Republic - Resort Giant. It is located in the highest mountains of the Czech Republic - Giant Mountains (maximum altitude 1602 m).

In the Giant Mountains resort consists of several small towns, the largest of which – Spindleruv Mlyn. It is situated at an altitude of 715–1300 m There are 16 ski runs, 3 cableways, 7 lifts. Length of the route – from 250 to 3700 meters. One track has night lighting, it is possible to do almost any winter sports, restaurants, bars, discos and much more. The season from December to April.

Another, less well-known town Harrachov. It is located in the western part of the mountains on the border with Poland, in the valley of the river Mumlava. From the south the city borders the steep slope of Devil's mountain 1020 meters high from the north - from the slopes of the Silesian Ridge.

Despite the fact that Harrachov – a small ski resort, it will bring pleasure to both beginners and advanced skiers. Good conditions for families. Ski season - from December to April. Ski area – 650-1020 m, elevation – 370 m, number of lifts – 15. Total length of trails – 10 km, the number of tracks – 8, 6 of them are for beginners and one complex. There is a lighted track.

On the slopes of Devil's Mountain built five jumps, one of which is among the six highest jumps in the world. There are five ski schools, ski rentals and snowboard equipment.

 

 

 

 

1.3 Main tourist regions

 

Prague region

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. Political, economic and cultural center of the state. The residence of the president, government and parliament. It is centre of Higher and Professional Education.

Prague is world famous cultural center of Europe with a lot of theaters, museums, galleries and exhibition halls. Prague unusually rich in splendid buildings of all ages. The historic core of the city area entered in the List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

Central Czechia

Central Czechia is wide recreational area. This area used by residents of Prague for the weekend and holidays. In Central Bohemia, tourists can visit many historical and cultural centers, ancient residences and monuments.

There are two most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic – Karlstejn and Krshivoklát, which are the centers of two protected reserves in Central Bohemia: Czech Karst and Krshivoklátsko. Not far from Prague, tourists can visit the castles Konopishte, Dobrish, Czech Shternberk.

South Czechia

South Czechia is practically not disturbed by modern civilization area with many cultural and historical monuments. This vacation area offers to visitors a huge selection of tourism – from hiking and fishing, water sports to visit historical cities, castles, cathedrals and monasteries. Treasure of the South Bohemian region is Czech Krumlov, whose historical center recognized as part of the world cultural heritage by UNESCO. The most popular monuments of South Bohemia are rural architecture in the village Golyashovitse, the castle Gluboka nad Vltavou, Chervená Lgota Castle, Castle Svikov, monasteries Vyshí Brod and Zlata Koruna.

Shumava

Shumava Mountains and hills with wonderful nature creates ideal conditions for summer tourism and winter travel. In summer, tourists can discover the charm of the nature of primeval forests, silent valleys, mountain meadows, streams and rapid lakes, swamps and quarries. This is a land with many mountains. Shumava and its centers offer excellent conditions for winter sports. Well-equipped ski slopes and trails are located in such centers as Iron Ore, Shpichák, Zadov, Houranev, Nova Guta . The region also offers many historical monuments, folk architecture, picturesque villages and romantic ruins of former castles.

Pilsner Region

Pilsner is picturesque region of forests and hiking trails. Pilsner is woodland, filled with a network of rivers and ponds, with almost untouched nature, picturesque villages and castles. It is economic, cultural and social center of the entire western Bohemia.

Pilsen received worldwide name thanks to the production of famous brand of beer "Pilsner Urquell". The historic city center, founded in 1295, declared a reservation. The place manages the Gothic Cathedral of St. Bartholomew Kostelní with a tower 102,6 meters. The most famous forest in this region – Brdskie, located in the east. Krshivoklátsko – biosphere reservation of UNESCO.

The entire territory of the region well suited for leisure, family tourism and sports training. One of the most popular forms of recreation – fishing, hunting, rural tourism and horse riding, ecological tourism. Attractive conditions, wonderful nature and suitable terrain make this area especially attractive for local travelers and foreign tourists.

West Czech Resorts

West Czech Resorts is the most western tourist region in the border with Bavaria, has become famous primarily for its resorts. Its region with the largest number of mineral springs in the world. The local mineral springs are exceptional, and a variety of chemical composition, and the scale of the physiological and therapeutic effects.

The best known resorts are Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne and Frantiskovy Lazne.

The unique atmosphere of the resort parks, colonnades and architectural buildings leave the impression of a lifetime. Cheb is one of the oldest city in the Czech Republic, offers to visit the set of objects of cultural heritage with historical monuments and buildings of folk architecture. There are produced porcelain, tourists  can  taste  here the famous resort wafers.

At the resort Marianske Lazne and Karlovy Vary are located the most beautiful golf courses in Europe. You can also relax, doing water sports, fishing and swimming, cycling and hiking. Amazing nature will surround you in the reserve Slavkovský forest, on which is laid for the tourists a variety of ecological paths.

For winter sports enthusiasts will appreciate the excellent conditions in the mountainous center of the Ore Mountains, Boží Dar, Klínovec, and Potuchki Pernink. In a region centered 18-patching three golf courses, well worth a visit and architectural treasures of the region. In the City of Bečov nad warm exposed relikviary St. Moor, the most famous treasure is, after the coronation jewels of Prague Castle.

Eastern Bohemia

Polabe is a land of plains and warm climate with opportunities for swimming, water sports, hiking or cycling. Adrshpashsko-Teplice Rocks is the unique nature reserves, Eagle Mountain and the area Králický Sněžník attracted mostly lovers of mountain tourism and winter sports. Throughout the region is developing agri-tourism, mainly aimed at breeding horses. Guests can experience folk tradition, including handicrafts, also to visit many castles and cities, old military fortifications, local monuments of the Renaissance, baroque, secession and modernism. There is a wonderful opportunity to relax at the resort and to organize congresses, secular, cultural and sports events that have always attracted visitors.

South Moravia

Center of Moravia is Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic. There are monuments of UNESCO – Villa Tugendhat, Shpilberk Castle and many other interesting places. Literature fans interested in the Moravian Museum of Literature in Rajhrad.

Touristic region, located in the north, called the Moravian Karst. The most interesting sights are Mountain Punkva, the gap Macocha, Lysice Castle, a fortress Pernshtejn. In the Western Park Boskovice visitors can spend a day full of entertainment.

Slovak is the area that became famous thanks to folklore, wine and traditional handicrafts. There is the Museum of the villages of Southeast Moravia in Strážnice, castle Milotitse, the Slavic settlement in Mikulchice.

Valtice called the capital of wine, where is located in the residence of the Wine Salon of the Czech Republic. Mikulov attracts tourists its historical monuments and the beauty of nature

North Moravia and Silesia

The eastern part of the region is called Wallashsko. There is a unique style of wooden buildings (churches and folk architecture) and preserved traditions. Jeseníky and Ryhlebsky mountains with excellent conditions for recreation and mountaineering, summer and winter sports, the possibility of spa treatments, are attractive to tourists.

Center of the region is Ostrava, city with industrial sites. Among the most popular attractions is the Wallachian Museum in Rozhnov on Radgosht, place of pilgrimage Maria Opava and the youngest city of the Czech Republic Gavirzhov.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. ANCIENT CASTLES OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC

 

Cheský Krumlov Castle

Cheský Krumlov Castle is located in the city Cheský Krumlov. It dates back to 1240 when the first castle was built by the Witigonen family, the main branch of the powerful Rosenberg family.

By the 17th century the Rosenbergs had died out and the dominion of Krumau was given to Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg by Emperor Ferdinad II and Eggenberg was named Duke of Krumau. After the death of Hans Ulrich's son, Johann Anton I von Eggenberg, the castle was administrated for the period between 1649 and 1664 by his widow Anna Maria.

One of her two sons, Johann Christian I von Eggenberg, was responsible for the Baroque renovations and expansions to the castle including the castle theatre now called the Eggenberg Theatre. When the male line of the Eggenbergs died out in 1717 the castle and duchy passed into the possession of the Schwarzenbergs. The entire area was declared a national monument in 1989 and in 1992 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Kostnice Sedlec

The Kostnice Sedlec is a small Roman Catholic chapel, located beneath the Cemetery Church of All Saints in Sedlec, a suburb of Kutná Hora in the Czech Republic.

The ossuary is estimated to contain the skeletons of between 40,000 and 70,000 people, whose bones have in many cases been artistically arranged to form decorations and furnishings for the chapel. The ossuary is among the most visited tourist attractions of the Czech Republic, attracting over 200,000 visitors yearly.

Henry, the abbot of the Cistercian monastery in Sedlec, was sent to the Israel by King Otakar II of Bohemia in 1278. When he returned, he brought with him a small amount of earth he had removed from Golgotha and sprinkled it over the abbey cemetery. The word of this pious act soon spread and the cemetery in Sedlec became a desirable burial site throughout Central Europe. During the Black Death in the mid 14th century, and after the Hussite Wars in the early 15th century, many thousands were buried there and the cemetery had to be greatly enlarged.

Around 1400 a Gothic church was built in the center of the cemetery with a vaulted upper level and a lower chapel to be used as an ossuary for the mass graves unearthed during construction, or simply slated for demolition to make room for new burials. After 1511 the task of exhuming skeletons and stacking their bones in the chapel was, according to legend, given to a half-blind monk of the order.

Between 1703 and 1710 a new entrance was constructed to support the front wall, which was leaning outward, and the upper chapel was rebuilt. This work, in the Czech Baroque style, was designed by Jan Santini Aichel.

In 1870, František Rint, a woodcarver, was employed by the Schwarzenberg family to put the bone heaps into order. The macabre result of his effort speaks for itself. Four enormous bell-shaped mounds occupy the corners of the chapel. An enormous chandelier of bones, which contains at least one of every bone in the human body, hangs from the center of the nave with garlands of skulls draping the vault. Other works include piers and monstrances flanking the altar, a large Schwarzenberg coat-of-arms, and the signature of Rint, also executed in bone, on the wall near the entrance.

Karlshtejn Castle

Karlshtejn Castle is a large Gothic castle founded 1348 AD by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor-elect and King of Bohemia. The castle served as a place for safekeeping the Imperial Regalia as well as the Czech crown jewels, holy relics, and other royal treasures. Located about 30 km southwest of Prague above the village of the same name, it is one of the most famous and most frequently visited castles in the Czech Republic.

The castle was built upon a promontory from the south side of Kněží hora hill, divided from it by a narrow sag. The first gate, a square, two-storey tower with a tall hip roof, stood above a moat at the western slope of the promontory. It was connected with the rampart traverse by means of a small portal. The traverse was protected by battlement and divided by a covered bastion in the middle. The second gate led to the Burgrave House courtyard. Drawbridges closed both entrances. The Burgrave House formed the Karlštejn settlement, it was fortified with a two meters wide rampart, the Well Tower stood slightly lower. In the burgraviate's rampart a third gate was staved - the main entrance into the inner castle.

The core of the castle consisted of three parts placed on three levels-differentiated terraces; every level express different importance. On the lowest terrace there stood the Imperial Palace, above it there was the Marian Tower and the Big Tower stood the highest. The Palace is a single-tract building, about 12,5 m wide and 46 m long, closed in the east by a semi-cylinder tower, had – aside of the cellar dug in the rock – the ground floor and two walled floors; the third floor under the roof was built from half-timbered work. The ground space is open to the courtyard, the rest was occupied by a granary. Three rooms form the first floor; largest is the central room, the so-called Knight Hall. The emperor inhabited the second floor of the palace; the floor was divided into four rooms by self-supporting partitions. A spiral staircase connected it with the third floor in which – according to the record from the 16th century – there was a residence of the "empress with her female retinue". The layout and equipment of the second and third floor was approximately the same: bedrooms on the eastern side, then the stateroom, a hall and the rooms in the west.

The central area of the 60m high and separately fortified (4–6 m thick walls) Big Tower is the Chapel of the Holy Cross; it has no analogy in concept elsewhere in the world. In the safety of the chapel, behind four doors with nineteen locks to each key was guarded independently, the valuable documents of the state archive were kept along with the symbols of the state power – the Czech Crown Jewels.

The Well Tower, being the logistical centerpiece the castle could not function without, was the first part of the castle to be built. Miners were brought in from the mining town of Kutná Hora, however, water was not encountered even after the depth of the well was 70 meters, well below the level of the nearby Berounka river. An underground channel was therefore excavated to bring in water from a nearby stream, yielding a water column of 25 meters, sufficient to last for several months. The reservoir had to be manually refilled roughly twice a year by opening a floodgate. Considering the significant strategic weakness incurred to the castle by the lack of an independent water source, the existence of the underground channel was a state secret known only to the Emperor himself, and the burgrave. The only other persons aware of its existence were the miners, who were however allegedly massacred on their way from the castle after the construction, leaving no survivors.

Konopishte

Konopishte is a three storey castle, about 50 km southeast of Prague, outside the city of Beneshov. It has become famous as the last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir of the Austro-Hungarian throne, whose assassination in Sarajevo triggered World War I. The bullet that killed him, fired by Gavrilo Princip, is now an exhibit at the castle's museum.

The castle was apparently established in the 1280s by Prague Bishop Tobiaš as a Gothic fortification in the style of a French castle with a rectangular plan and round towers protruding from the corners, making the most effective defence possible.[1] Accounts show that the Benešévic family from nearby Benešov were the owners in 1318, and that in 1327 the castle passed into the hands of the Šternberks. In 1468 it was conquered by the troops of George of Poděbrady after a siege that lasted almost two years. In 1603 the estate was purchased by Dorota Hodějovská of Hodějov, who made Renaissance alterations to the old gothic fortification.[2] The Hodějovský family fortified their property because of their active participation in the anti-Habsburg rebellion in 1620. Albrecht von Waldstein acquired the castle and after him it was passed to Adam Michna of Vacínov. Michna gained notoriety through his repression of the serfs, who revolted against him and conquered Konopiště in 1627. The Swedes occupied and plundered Konopiště in 1648, and the Vrtba family then purchased the dilapidated structure.

After 1725 they had it transformed in a Baroque style château. The drawbridge was replaced by a stone bridge, and near the east tower a new entrance was inserted in the wall. The gate which embellished it was designed by František Maxmilián Kaňka and featured statues from the workshop of Matthias Bernard Braun. In 1746 the upper levels of four of the towers were destroyed and one tower was completely demolished. During repair of the interiors mythological and allegorical frescoes were painted on the ceilings of the great hall and marble fireplaces with carved decorations by Lazar Wildmann were created. Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria bought Konopiště in 1887, with his inheritance from the last reigning Duke of Modena and had it repaired between 1889 and 1894 by the architect Josef Mocker into a luxurious residence, suitable to the future Emperor; which he preferred to his official residence in Vienna. The extensive 225 ha English-style park, with terraces, a rose garden and statues, was established at the same time.

He invited William II, German Emperor to see his roses early in June, 1914; insofar as they discussed politics, they discussed Romania, but conspiracy theories about their planning an attack on Serbia or a division of the Austro-Hungarian Empire arose at the time and since. After the Archduke's assassination, later in the month, the memory of this visit may have moved the Emperor to give Austria more rein in dealing with Serbia than he had in the Bosnian crisis of 1909. Since 1921, the castle has been property of the Czechoslovak and later Czech state, one of 90 such in state ownership.

Castle Gluboka nad Vltavou

Castle Gluboka nad Vltavou is a building in Southern Bohemia, built in pseudo-Gothic style.

The castle was founded in the middle of the XIII century nobleman Cech from Budejovice high on a cliff 83 meters above the river Vltava River near the town Podgrabi and built in the Gothic style. His original name - lock Frauenberg. Later it was reconstructed several times, getting a Renaissance, the Baroque features. For the first 400 years of existence (XIII-XVII century) castle changed owners 26.

In the middle of XVII century (1660), the castle became the property of the Schwarzenberg family (also owned by Cesky Krumlov, and it's name associated with this modern look of the castle. In the XIX century the castle underwent major reconstruction in the Gothic style. As a model for the reconstruction of the castle served as Windsor Castle , the architect of the reconstruction project is the Viennese architect František Ber. idea of ​​"Bohemian Windsor," as informally referred to as the lock, belonged to one of the owners of the castle - the Duchess Eleonora Schwarzenberg. Schwarzenbergs owned the castle until 1945.

In 1947 the castle Hluboka nad Vltavou was nationalized and has since been a public museum.

Castle complex includes 140 rooms, 11 towers, two courtyards, glazed conservatory, stables. The castle walls both inside and outside decorated with hunting trophies of his former owners. In addition, in the rooms of the castle you can see the armor of the family Schwarzenberg. The castle is represented by furniture XVIII-XIX centuries, a collection of Dutch painting of XVI-XVII centuries, historical weapons, porcelain, earthenware and glass (since 1604) as well as antique tapestries. The interiors of the castle decorated in the style of the late period of the English Renaissance. The ceilings in the castle, doors, picture frames decorated with exquisite carvings.

Around the castle broken English garden area with rare species of trees and pond system.

Cheský Shternberk Castle

Cheský Shternberk Castle is a Czech castle of the mid 13th century, located within the village with the same name of the Central Bohemian Region in Czech Republic. It is an early Gothic castle which was constructed, named and still owned by members of the same family. Cheský Shternberk Castle is a residence that bears a long historical and architectural heritage and represents an attractive tourist destination open to the public. It is considered one of the best preserved Gothic Bohemian castles.

The castle was initially built in 1241 by Zdeslav of Divisov, later called Zdeslav Sternberg. The development of new firearms in the 14th century posed an unexpected threat to the defensibility of the castle. Its 13th century architects hadn't foreseen the danger of long-range firearms and its reinforcement became a necessity. During this period the Cheský Shternberk castle's fortifications were improved through the construction in the north of a three-story tower, which was connected to the castle by a rampart. In 1467 the castle was seized by the royal armies of George of Poděbrady Later, the ruined castle was regained by Šternberk's aristocracy, who, by the turn of the 16th century, had reconstructed the castle, renewed its defensive system and expanded it with the construction of a new cylindrical tower in the south and the Dungeon in the north. The castle managed to survive the looting of the rebels in 1627, during the Thirty Years' War. With the death of Jan Václav in 1712, the Holicý branch of the Sternberg family died out and its ownership passed to other families, who in 1751 built the lower palace next to the surrounding wall.

Cheský Shternberk Castle was originally built as a Gothic castle. Eventually it underwent several periods of reconstructions and further fortification and the Gothic architectural features were in parts concealed by the new reconstructions. Especially the interiors of the castle were realized under the Baroque and Rococo styles. In 1760, the master Carlo Brentano performed the elaborate stuccoing and renderings of the halls' interiors. The castle offers a rare collection of 545 copper engravings, depicting the entire history of the Thirty Years' War. Also, historical weapons and hunting trophies are exhibited within the castle’s halls.

Sychrov Castle

Sychrov Castle can be found near village Sychrov in the Liberec Region of the Czech Republic. It is unique example of Neo-Gothic castle from second half of 19th century. Large park surrounds the castle.

Since the 15th century, a fort existed in the place now occupied by Sychrov. During the years between 1690–93, a small baroque castle was constructed here. In 1820 the castle was bought by the family of Rohan, French aristocrats exiled by the French Revolution who decided to stay in the Austrian Empire. The 125-year-long ownership by the Rohans proved to be the most important in the castle's history. In 1945 the castle was nationalised because of the Beneš decrees. Since 1950, it has been open to the public to a small extent. Since the 1970s, however, large parts of the castle were open to the public. Since the beginning of the 1990s, an extensive reconstruction and restoration of the castle exteriors, interiors, and the park have been under way, the object of which is to make Sychrov look as close to its original form at the time of its biggest boom- i.e. its condition in the second half of the 19th century- as possible. In 1995 it came under the protection of the state as national cultural heritage.

The castle has a collection of around 250 portraits of the Rohans, related families, and French kings. It is the largest collection of French portrait paintings in Central Europe. Sychrov hosts unique glass paintings by Jan Zachariáš Quast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 PRACTICAL TOUR “HISTORICAL HERITAGE OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC”

 

1 day

21:00 – Arrival in Prague. Placement in the hotel “Atlantic”

2 day

08:00 – Breakfast in the hotel restaurant “Fiesta”

09:00 – 10:00 – Transfer to Karlstejn Castle

10:00 – 12:00 – Excursion “Karlstejn Castle”

12:00 – 13:00 – Transfer to Konopishte

13:00 – 15:00 – Excursion “Konopishte Castle”

15:00 – Dinner in the restaurant of Konopishte Castle

16:00 – 16:30 – Transfer to Nižbor

16:30 – 17:30 – Excursion on the factory of crystal production

17:30 – 18:30 – Visiting of the shop of crystal and glass products

18:30 – 19:30 – Transfer to Prague

20:00 – Supper in the hotel restaurant “Fiesta”

3 day

08:00 – Breakfast in the hotel restaurant “Fiesta”

09:00 – 10:00 – Transfer to Kutna Hora

10:00 – 14:00 – Excursion “Kutna Hora”: Cathedral of St. Barbara, city ​​excursion, free time for walking and buying souvenirs.

14:00 – Dinner in the restaurant “Dachicky”

15:00 – 16:30 – Kostnice

17:00 – 19:00 – Excursion “Shternberk Castle”

19:00 – 20:00 – Transfer to Prague

20:30 – Supper in the hotel restaurant “Fiesta”

4 day

08:00 – Breakfast in the hotel restaurant “Fiesta”

09:00 – 12:00 – Transfer to Chesky Krumlov Castle

12:00 – 14:00 – Excursion “Chesky Krumlov Castle”

14:30 – Dinner in the restaurant “Konvice” in Chesky Krumlov. Tasting of beer “Eggenberg”

16:00 – 18:00 – City excursion

18:00 – 20:00 – Free time

20:00 – Placement in the hotel “Dvorak”

20:30 – Supper in the hotel restaurant

5 day

09:00 – Breakfast in the hotel restaurant

10:00 – 11:00 – Transfer to Gluboka nad Vltavou

11:00 – 14:00 – Excursion “Castle Gluboka nad Vltavou”

14:00 – Dinner in the restaurant “Svejk”

15:00 – 16:00 – City excursion

17:00 – 21:00 – Transfer to Sychrov

21:00 – Placement in the hotel “Syhrov”

21:30 – Supper in the hotel restaurant

6 day

09:00 – Breakfast in the hotel restaurant

10:00 – 14:00 – Excursion “Sychrov Castle” (castle, chapel, English park)

14:00 – Dinner in the Palace restaurant “Bohemian Garnet Restaurant”

15:00 – 17:00 – Transfer to Prague

19:00 – Departure to Moscow

Total cost of the tour: 75000 rubles.

The cost includes visa, flights, excursions, russian-speaking tour guide, food and accomodation.

Hotel “Atlantic”

Address:

110 00 Prague 1

Tel: +420 224 811 084

Fax: +420 224 812 378

Email: [email protected]

Hotel Atlantic is situated directly in the heart of Prague. The Atlantic hotel features 62 spacious comfortable rooms, 3 of which have an access for disabled people. All rooms are fitted with shower, WC, satellite TV, direct-dial (IDD) telephone, WiFi Internet access free of charge and safety deposit box. Guests can select between nonsmoking and smoking rooms.

Hotel services:

• Free luggage deposit
• Telefax service at the reception desk
• Full hot buffet breakfast, included in the accommodation price, served daily between 7:00 and 10:00
• Parking
• Hotel transport service from/to the airport, railway stations and other destinations
• High-speed WiFi Internet connection free of charge throughout hotel premises and in all rooms
• Free PC with internet access in the hotel lobby
• Baby cot
• Currency exchange
• Laundry and ironing
• Secretarial and translation services
• Flight confirmation
• Excursions
• Tickets to opera, theatre and shows
• Conference hall for up to 100 persons and a meeting room for 10 persons
• Havana lobby bar with huge choice of quality Cuban cigars and pool table
• Fiesta restaurant with a wide choice of local and international dishes
• Rewards for frequent travelers

Restaurant “Konopishte”

Restaurant Konopishte is old lodge was completely renovated recently opened in early 2009. Hall restaurant follows the castle interiors and for Franz Ferdinand d'Este. It also includes an original oil painting – portrait of Franz Ferdinand, rich artistic decoration with expensive hunting trophies, more than 100 years old orchestrion fully functional and original polychrome statue of Saint Hubert. Great stylish interior complements the rich gastronomic offer consisting primarily of game specialties. High quality food for your recipe provided by a team of top culinary masters who represent Czech cuisine around the world.

Restaurant “Dachitsky”

Address:

Rakova 8, Kutná Hora

Telephone:

(+420) 327 512 248

(+420) 603 434 367

E-mail: [email protected]

Stylish Old Czech restaurant Dachitsky located in the center of Kutna Hora.

It offers traditional Czech, old Czech and international cuisine, original alchemical dishes. Meals can be served non-traditional way. Wide range of food supplements six types of beers and a unique wine of Kutna Hora.

Restaurant “Konvitse”

Address:

381 01 Czech Krumlov, Inner City, Czech Republic

380 711 611

Телефон: +420 380 711 611

Restaurant Konvitse is a small town restaurant, located among the main attractions of Chesky Krumlov. Summer terrace of the restaurant with the magnificent views of the castle. European and Czech traditional cuisine will please you as a huge variety. The restaurant offers different types of wines, imported from all over Europe.

Hotel “Dvorak”

Address

Radniční 101

38101 Český Krumlov

Telephone: +420 380 711 020

Fax: +420 380 711 024

E-mail: [email protected]

Hotel Dvorak is located in the historical centre of Chesky Krumlov and its rooms offer a unique view on the Vltava River and the magnificent castle panorama.

There are 22 luxurious rooms with 44 beds and 9 extra beds available at the hotel. Rooms have their own bathroom with baths or showers and WC. They are also equipped with satellite TV, telephone allowing direct calls, Wi-Fi internet connection, minibar and safety box.

Catering is provided at hotel restaurant with 40 seats available and there is lobby bar at the entrance hall with 20 seats for refreshments. In the summer season you can have a seat at our summer terrace at the Vltava riverside with 100 seats.

Hotel “Sychrov”

Castle Hotel “Sychrov” is located in northern Bohemia. This place is called "Czech Paradise", because this is incredibly beautiful!

The hotel offers 86 rooms. Each room has air conditioning, king-size bed, satellite TV, hair dryer, bathroom. The rooms have safes, mini-bar, telephone, balcony or terrace.

The important role play the hotel restaurant, which is considered the glory of the Czech Republic. Shef of the restaurant prepares delicious dishes of Czech cuisine, and restaurant offer a wide selection of wines. There is also a small cafe and bar.

The hotel has a gym, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, bowling, a spa center. In addition, the hotel has a playground for children.

 

 

 

CONCLUSION

Many kinds of tourism are developed in the Czech Republic, such as wellness, sightseeing and skiing tourism. Besides the main types of tourism, there are many routes for walking and hiking, as well as excellent roads for cycling.

Czech Republic is rich in its history. There are many medieval castles, which are the heritage of UNESCO. Many tourists from around the world are going to look at the amazing castles, palaces and churches in the Czech Republic.

In the course paper was performed the following tasks: 
1.  Characteristics of tourism in the Czech Republic 
2.  Types of tourism and tourist regions of Czech Republic 
3. The history and architecture of the famous Czech castles 
4. Made a tour to the Czech Republic 
5. The main means of transportation, catering, accommodation facilities, sightseeing opportunities.

Czech Republic has great tourism potential, each of its regions is full of attractive features for tourists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Muller, V. Complete English-Russian dictionary/ V. Muller. – M.: Citadel-trade, 2006. – 832 p.

2. Vikipedia// http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

3. Official tourist site of the Czech Republic// http://www.czechtourism.com/

4. Czech Republic//  http://www.czechtime.ru/

5. Guide to Czech Republic// http://czech-rurepublic-gb.ru/

6. Czech tourist regions// http://www.ilovecz.ru/

7. Holidays in the Czech Republic// http://czech-republic.ru/

8. The most interesting tourist destinations in the Czech Republic// http://www.vizitcz.com/

9. Czech Republic// http://www.cznet.ru/

10. Hotels of the Czech Republic// http://www.oteli-chehii.ru/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX A.

Castles of the Czech Republic

 

Picture A.1 – Karlshtejn Castle

 

Picture A.2 – Konopishte Castle

 

Picture A.3 – Shternberk Castle

 

Picture A.4 – Chesky Krumlov Castle

 

Picture A.5 – Castle Gluboka nad Vltavoy

 

Picture A.6 – Sychrov Castle

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX B

Hotels and restaurants of the tour

 

Picture B.1 – Hotel “Atlantic”

 

Picture B.2 – Hotel “Dvorak”

 

Picture B.3 – Restaurant “Dachitsky”