Czech Republic and Slovakia: what to visit besides Prague – 12/11/2023 – Tourism
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Czechoslovakia, located in Eastern Europe, was founded on October 28, 1918 after the fragmentation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the First World War. It was later divided into two countries: Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
These days, Slovakia offers an enchanting mix of history, majestic castles, and stunning nature. With beautiful mountainous landscapes, visitors can also enjoy the best of winter and spring. The Czech Republic is famous for its impressive architecture, along with its brewing tradition.
With rich histories and vibrant cultures, both countries attract tourists from all over the world who seek unique experiences on the European continent. Next, discover cities, in addition to the capitals Bratislava and Prague, that are worth visiting.
Slovakia
Banská Štiavnica
In the central region of Slovakia and close to Banská Bystrica, the sixth largest Slovak city, is the small Banská Štiavnica. The city is on the list of world heritage sites of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO. In the 18th century, it became the largest mining center for precious metals in the Habsburg monarchy. In the hills, inside an ancient extinct volcano, there is a baroque calvary with representations of different scenes from the life of Jesus. Entry is free and opening hours are from 9am to 5pm throughout the year. The tour starts at the tourist information center on Pod Kalváriou street. At the establishment, you can buy souvenirs, have refreshments at nearby restaurants or use the bathroom.
Bojnice
Also located in the central region of Slovakia, Bojnice has environments worthy of fairy tales. The city’s castle, with blue-green roofs, is one of the oldest and most important monuments in the country. Built in the 12th century, it has three floors. Visitors can visit the natural Travertine cave, which is 26 meters below the level of the fourth courtyard. The public must purchase tickets at the box office. The price varies according to the number and type of tours selected.
Košice
Košice was considered European capital of culture, together with Marseille-Provence, in France, in 2013. In the heart of the city, the grandeur of the church of Saint Elizabeth stands out, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe and the largest church in Slovakia , with capacity for 5,000 people. In October, the Biela Noc festival (in Portuguese, White Night) takes place – an international contemporary art project. During three days of exhibitions with national and foreign works, the public can find a magical atmosphere and the use of public spaces, such as the church of Santa Isabel, which has large projections on its external side. Much of the artistic circuit takes place free of charge. To visit certain galleries, tickets start at 10 euros (R$54) and can be purchased on site or on the website.
Poprad
Highlighting the view of the Tatras mountain range, Poprad is an unforgettable attraction for lovers of European spring and winter. The city serves as a gateway to nature trails and ski slopes, and a set of special tram-like trains connect the High Tatras resorts with each other and with Poprad. Tickets for one section are available from 2 euros (R$ 11).
Trenčín
Capital of the Trenčín district, the municipality has a castle, with Romanesque architecture, which bears the same name and was once occupied by Slovak noble families. It is possible to find visiting circuits that cost between 3 and 11 euros (R$ 16 to R$ 58). A famous Roman inscription is hidden behind the Elizabeth hotel in the city center. Visiting is free and just follow the signs to get to the first floor and find the writings on a rock, protected by glass.
Czech republic
Brno
The second largest city in the Czech Republic, Brno is close to Bratislava, the Slovak capital, and can be easily accessed by train, as the journey takes around two hours. The capital of the Moravian region is popular as a university town. Dominikanska Street is full of bars with good, cheap beers. St. Peter and Paul Cathedral and Špilberk Castle are the most famous tourist attractions. In the center’s main square, Náměstí Svobody, there is an astronomical clock, similar to a rifle bullet. Every day at 11am, a glass marble is released and spectators can catch it from one of the monument’s four openings and take it back as a souvenir.
Český Krumlov
Almost on the border with Austria and on the banks of the Vltava River, is Český Krumlov – considered a world heritage site, according to Unesco. The city was built around a medieval castle, from the 13th century, with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. Visiting the outdoor area, gardens and moat – where the castle’s pet bears live – is free. For those who want to get to know the interior, there are different types of guided tours offered in English, German or Czech, ranging from 70 to 280 euros (R$15 to R$61). Children up to 5 years old are free. Paid visits include access to the castle tower, which provides a 360° view of the region. In the historic center, the architecture remains intact due to the peaceful local evolution over several centuries. Walking through the narrow streets of Český Krumlov immerses the public in more than 600 years of history.
Karlovy Vary
Known for its thermal waters and spas, Karlovy Vary has hosted celebrities such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Kafka, Sigmund Freud and Napoleon Bonaparte, who stayed in the most luxurious hotel in the region: Grand Hotel Pupp – also the setting for the feature film “007 – Casino Royale”.
The most famous liqueur in the country, Becherovka, is made in the city and uses more than 20 herbs and thermal water from the region in its composition. The museum of Jan Becher, creator of the drink, is located in a historic building from 1867 that served as the Becherovka factory for more than 140 years. Each tour ends with a tasting of the products. Tickets cost from 250 Czech crowns (R$54) and can be purchased on the website.
Kutná Hora
Close to Prague, Kutná Hora is a classic day trip to the Czech capital. The city is also recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site and is famous for the Sedlec ossuary – decorated with more than 40 thousand skeletons of people who would have died between the 14th and 15th centuries, in the periods of the Black Death and Hussite Wars –, which is located in the basement of the Cathedral and All Saints Cemetery. To visit the ossuary and the cathedral, you need to purchase tickets ranging from 50 to 120 Czech crowns (R$11 to R$26). Visitors also have the option of purchasing a combo and also visiting the Cathedral of Santa Bárbara, patron saint of miners, which costs between 105 and 320 Czech crowns (R$23 to R$76). Tickets are only available at the city’s information center, as sales are no longer carried out online.
Plzeň
It is in the most brewing country in the world that Pilsner Urquell was founded, known as the best pilsner beer in the world. The official tourism institution in the Czech Republic, Czech Tourism, states that the Plzeňský Prazdrojé museum is the only museum in the world installed in the buildings of the original brewery, where the method, created by Josef Groll in 1842, is followed to this day. The successful formula was the basis of the Pilsner Urquell brand. During the visit, in English, German or Czech, the public can learn details about centuries-old production and techniques. The tour lasts 110 minutes and ends in the storage tunnels, which feature artisanal barrels. Visitors are invited to try the unpasteurized beer. Tickets are available on the Pilsner Urquell website and cost 380 Czech crowns (R$83).
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