Pilsen (Plzeň), Czech Republic

View of Pilsen from St Bartholomew Cathedral
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:View_from_St._Bartolomeo_cathedral.JPG
Author: Евгений Благодарный
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Pilsen (Czech: Plzeň) is a city in western Bohemia, on the western part of the Czech Republic. Covering 137 sq km (53 sq mi), it has a population of 173,000 people (2011 estimate), making it the fourth most populous city in the country. The city lies on the confluence of four rivers namely the Radbuza, Mže, Úslava and Úhlava. The city is perhaps best known for producing the Pilsener beer.

Pilsen is around 310 m (1,017 ft) above sea level. It experiences a temperate Oceanic climate. The warmest months are July and August, when the average high temperature rises to 22°C (72°F). Coldest month are January and February, when the average low temperature drops to -3°C (27°F).

The history of Pilsen dates back to the 10th century, when a castle was built there. The original settlement is today Old Pilsen or Starý Plzenec. The present town dates to 1295, some 10 km from the original site.

Pilsen Brewery
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fermentadores-Pilsen-01.JPG
Author: Tamorlan
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Pilsen experienced rapid industrialization in the 19th century. In 1869, Emil Škoda founded the Škoda Works, a heavy industry and engineering company what manufactured everything from trams to armaments. Following the Communist takeover of Czechoslovakia, there was a period of discontent by employees of Škoda Works, but this was brutally suppressed.

Today Pilsen is a center of academic, business and cultural life in western Czech Republic. It is also a major contributor to the country's GDP. Tourists to Pilsen should start with its historic core, located on the left bank of the river Radbuza. The historic area is laid out in a grid pattern bordered by a green belt that was once the old city wall.

St Bartholomew Cathedral, Pilsen
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Katedrala_svateho_Bartolomeje_II.jpg
Author: Petr Sládek
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Visiting Pilsen

You can take a train or a bus to Pilsen from Prague. The journey takes an hour and 40 minutes by train, and an hour by bus.

Places of Interest in Pilsen

Brewing Museum (Pivovarské muzeum)
Museum that showcases the history of brewing in Pilsen. It occupies an old malt house.
Cathedral of St Bartholomew
Magnificent cathedral at the center of the Pilsen market square. Its spire, rising to 102 m (335 ft) is the tallest in Bohemia.
Cisařský dům
This is the imposing building next to the town hall. It was built in 1606 and today houses the tourist information office.
Franciscan Monastery and Church of the Assumption
The monastery is one of the oldest buildings in Pilsen. It includes the Chapel of St Barbara built in the 13th century. The chapel has frescoes added in 1460s.
Great Synagogue
This is the third biggest Jewish sacred building in the world. Designed in the Moorish-Romanesque style, it was built in the 1890s. Severely damaged during the Second World War, it was only reopened in 1998 after careful restoration.
Pilsen Market Square (Náměstí Republiky)
This is one of the biggest market squares in the Czech Republic. It measures 139 m x 193 m (456 ft x 633 ft). At the center is the Church of St Bartholomew. Surrounding the square are some of the most charming houses in the city.
Prazdroj Brewery
This is where visitors can sample Pilsner beer and explore the 10-km (6-mi) cellars.
Town Hall (Stará radnice)
Designed in the Renaissance style by Italian architect Giovanni de Statio, this is one of the most beautiful buildings in Bohemia.
Tyl Theatre
City theater named after Czech playwright Josef Kajetan Tyl, it was built in the Classical style in 1902.
West Bohemian Museum (Západočeské muzeum)
This huge museum, built in the Neo-Baroque style, has interior done up in the Art Nouveau style. Among the artifacts include glass and porcelain works.

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