The Czech Republic may be smaller than its European neighbours, but don’t let that fool you. There’s a medieval adventure, a mighty castle and a much-loved pub around every corner.
Originally published October 2023
Here are 7 quirky things you probably don’t know about the Czech Republic.
1. Prague Castle is the largest castle in the world
Built in the 9th century, Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world, with famous sites including the Old Royal Palace, Saint George’s Basilica, the Golden Lane, the Royal Garden and the Saint Vitus Cathedral.
These famous halls have hosted kings, queens, presidents, emperors and more over their long history, which spans over a thousand years. The crown jewels, alongside many important national relics, are housed in these halls, some of which are open for public admission.
2. There’s a Wall of Lennon
The ever-changing wall of graffiti named after John Lennon can be found in the district of Mala Strana in Prague. It’s been dubbed in the past as the ‘crying wall’ and was used by protesters of the day to paint political messages.
Over the past several decades, people have used this wall to engrave, write and draw symbols of peace alongside lyrics from The Beatles’ many popular songs. Although the wall was often painted over, Lennon enthusiasts continued their messaging, eventually leading to the wall becoming an ongoing symbol of free speech.
Today, the wall continues to symbolise John Lennon’s philosophy of peace and anti-violence and attracts thousands of visitors every year. John Lennon is remembered here with a large mirror and portrait.
3. Prague has over 500 spires and many different styles of architecture
Nicknamed ‘the city of a hundred spires,’ Prague’s skyline is incredibly unique thanks to the 500-plus spires that dot its rooftops. However, not all are similar. This is because, like the rest of the country, many different architectural styles have been used throughout the ages here.
From Gothic and Baroque to Romanesque, Renaissance and Rococo to newer styles like Modernism and Deconstructivism, Prague has thankfully retained its many centuries of style.
Spend time wandering the streets, but don’t forget to look up every so often.
4. The Czechs consume the most beer in the world
If you thought your country was the world’s top beer drinker, the Czechs have you beat. Drinking approximately 160 litres annually per capita, the Czechs are the number one consumer of beer in the world – and have been for the last few centuries!
And you can bet they’ve mastered the art of the perfect pint with recordings showing beer being brewed here since 993 AD – and in a monastery of all places.
Walk into one of their many traditional pubs, known as a hospoda, for their most famous brew, a Pilsner. You may need to order a ‘pivo’ (beer in Czech), or you may not, with some traditional pubs serving beer to tables without the need to order. Also, some traditional pubs may also only serve one type of beer, so you may want to check if you’re after something specific!
5. The Czech Republic retains many relics of the Middle Ages.
No matter if you’re in the heart of its capital or out in the wide green valleys of the countryside, you’ll often come face to face with remnants from the Middle Ages.
Prague is the only major city in Europe that wasn’t extensively bombed in WWII. For this reason, you will find many of the buildings in the historic centre standing as originally built, some of which date back to the Middle Ages.
When visiting Cesky Krumlov, a southern Bohemian town, you may even feel transported back in time as you wander through the main square and up to the castle. Constructed in the 13th century, Cesky Krumlov has retained its medieval charm for over five centuries. With the imposing UNESCO Heritage Castle Complex, Baroque Theatre and Church of St. Vitus as its most visited sites, you’ll get a real feel for medieval life here.
6. Prague has a seriously impressive Astronomical clock
Prague’s astronomical clock, known as Prague Orloj, was installed in 1410, making it the oldest in the world. It’s an impressive instrument to behold. Located at the Old Town Hall Tower, this intricate and colourful clock has long been an attraction for European visitors.
The major reason for its popularity is the hourly 45-second sequence, which occurs at the beginning of a new hour. The show involves figures representing the 12 Apostles moving in and out of the windows before the new hour is rung. While you’re there, see if you can spot your star sign on the clock face.
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7. It’s both east and west
The Czech Republic is considered part of Eastern Europe, but Prague is more west than Vienna, which is in Central Europe.
Although that may sound confusing, it does make it easy to add on a trip through the Czech Republic or to make it part of a larger central Europe trip!
Check out our Czech Republic trips.
