Highlights
The heritage of Czechia is very diverse and especially rich and diverse is man-made heritage – from archaeological landmarks to the achievements of modern architecture. The most amazing wonders of Czechia are:
- Historical cities and towns. Czechia has one of the most beautiful historical cities in the world – Prague, but there are many more great towns – the beautiful Český Krumlov, exotic Znojmo with its underground part and the Renaissance gems – Slavonice and Telč.
- Castles. The largest castle complex in the world is Prague Castle, but here are other very impressive castles – the unique Karlštejn, fairy-tale Hluboká Castle and others.
- Churches. The most impressive churches in Czechia are very diverse: the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral belongs to the most impressive Gothic churches worldwide but the eerie Sedlec Ossuary – one of the creepiest worldwide.
In the country are found also very interesting and diverse rock formations – "forests" of tall sandstone needles, oversized stone "pillows" and very deep holes.
Map with the described wonders
If you see this after your page is loaded completely, leafletJS files are missing.
Top 25 wonders of Czechia
Geological wonders
Pravčická brána
Ústí nad Labem
The largest natural sandstone arch in Europe, 26.5 m wide and 16 m high, only 3 m thick.
Hranice Abyss
Olomouc
The deepest known underwater cave in the world. The total known depth of this cave is 473.5 m, known depth of the cave lake – 404 m. It is expected that it is much deeper – up to 1200 m deep.
Architecture wonders
Prague Old Town
Prague
Prague provides one of the most impressive medieval cityscapes in the world. The city has a huge number of outstanding architectural monuments in beautiful settings. The historical center is large and consists of several parts, including Staré Město (Prague Old Town), Nové Město (Prague New Town), Malá Strana and Hradčany as well as Josefov – the historical Jewish ghetto.
Sedlec Ossuary
Central Bohemia
Small chapel with worldwide fame because it contains the bones of some 40 – 70 thousand people. Many bones have been used to decorate the interior of the chapel.
Karlštejn
Central Bohemia
A beautiful, very impressive castle that was built in Gothic style in 1348 – 1365. Residence of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. The tallest fortification tower is the unique 60 m tall Bog Tower with up to 7.5 m thick walls.
Telč
Vysočina
A historical city of outstanding beauty, with a very impressive main square and multiple buildings in Renaissance and Baroque styles. Founded in the 13th century. Many houses are painted in the sgraffito style.
St. Vitus Cathedral
Prague
An outstanding example of Gothic architecture. The enormous church is 124 m long, with a 96.5 m high main tower. Here are buried many Holy Roman Emperors and Bohemian kings. The design of this church left an impact on the design of numerous other great European churches.
Hluboká Castle
South Bohemia
Gothic castle from the 13th century, rebuilt several times with the last rebuilding in the 19th century in Neo-Gothic style.
Prague Castle
Prague
The largest castle in the world, 570 m long and 130 m wide. Development of this giant structure started around 870 AD and it includes numerous structures in diverse architectural styles. One part of it – the Old Royal Palace – contains Vladislav Hall – a spacious Gothic room, an important ceremonial hall.
Český Krumlov
South Bohemia
This town has a beautiful historical center with the enormous Český Krumlov Castle in its center.
Znojmo Catacombs
South Moravia
Network of some 25 km long passageways built for defensive purposes in the 14th – 15th centuries. The whole city could evacuate in case of need and survive underground for a longer time.
Charles Bridge
Prague
One of the best-known medieval bridges in Europe, built in 1357 – 1402 over the Vltava, a once important element of trade routes in this part of Europe. The bridge is 621 m long, built in Gothic style with three beautiful watchtowers. The bridge is adorned with some 30 sculptures.
Strahov Monastery
Prague
Large historical monastery, founded in 1143. This Premonstratensian abbey contains several rooms with ornate interiors and art values such as the Theological Hall and the Philosophical Hall.
St. Barbara’s Church in Kutná Hora
Central Bohemia
Gorgeous cathedral in Gothic and Baroque styles, cosntructed in 1388 – 1905.
Slavonice
South Bohemia
Well preserved medieval city with a unique concentration of Renaissance-style buildings, many painted in the sgraffito technique. Most of these buildings were built in the 14th – 16th centuries.
Church of Our Lady before Týn
Prague
Beautiful church in Gothic style, with two 80 m tall towers. Church was constructed in the 14th century.
Osek Monastery
Ústí nad Labem
Medieval monastery with buildings in Gothic and Baroque style, founded in 1196. Church and monastery premises are adorned with beautiful frescoes.
Letohrádek Hvězda
Prague
Unusual villa from the times of the Renaissance, built in 1555 – 1558. In the plan, villa has a shape of a six-pointed star.
Křivoklát Castle
Central Bohemia
An impressive castle, built in the Gothic style in the 13th century.
Pernštejn Castle
South Moravia
An impressive, well-preserved medieval castle, built around 1270 – 1285 in Gothic style and rebuilt in Renaissance style in the 16th century.
St. Procopius Basilica in Třebíč
Vysočina
Church in the late Romanesque – early Gothic style, built in 1240 – 1260. It is a nearly unique example uniting both these architectural styles in a single, harmonious structure.
Litomyšl Palace
Pardubice
Outstanding palace in Renaissance style, built in 1568 – 1581. This is an early example of an arcade castle in Central Europe, borrowed from the Italian examples.
Old New Synagogue
Prague
The oldest active synagogue in Europe, constructed in 1270 as one of the first Gothic-style buildings in the city. Linked to legends about Golem.
Zvíkov Castle
South Bohemia
Early Gothic castle in an impressive natural setting, in the confluence of Vltava and Otava rivers. Built in the first half of the 13th century. Castle has a fine Gothic cloister.
Třebíč Jewish Quarter
Vysočina
One of the best preserved Jewish ghettos worldwide with more than a hundred historical buildings.
Recommended books
National Geographic Traveler: Prague and the Czech Republic, 2nd Edition
In response to the modern vacationer’s interest in more meaningful journeys, we have relaunched the acclaimed National Geographic Traveler guidebook series to embrace experiential travel—with emphasis on soft adventure and hands-on involvement in local life and culture. This guide to beautiful Prague and the Czech Republic is chock full of attractive new features to make your trip uniquely memorable: Insider tips from National Geographic and local experts reveal favorite little-known sites and events.
Rick Steves Prague & The Czech Republic
Inside Rick Steves Prague & the Czech Republic you’ll find:
– Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more exploring Prague and the Czech Republic;
– Rick’s strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites;
– Top sights and hidden gems, from the city’s stunning Old Town Square and Prague Castle to charming neighborhood bars and restaurants;
– How to connect with local culture: Take a dip in freshwater peat spas, explore the medieval villages of Bohemia, or enjoy a wine-cellar serenade with friendly vintners.