16 UNESCO Sites in Czech Republic
UNESCO has classified sixteen of the Czech Republic’s sites as world heritages. All of these sites are cultural and historical landmarks. Their selection is often motivated by their role as symbols of intellectual history or their importance to the greater good of humanity.
Here is the list of 16 UNESCO Heritage Sites in Czech Republic:
1. Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region
This Ore Mountain Mining Region is an industrial heritage landscape that is located near the border between Germany and the Czech state of North Bohemia. It has been a mining region since the early 1800s. The region covers parts of the border region between Saxony and North Bohemia.
It is considered a unique mining region that has a complex and cohesive mining landscape. It has been home to important mining events throughout its history and contains preserved technological ensembles and landscape features. UNESCO has declared this region an Important Cultural and Natural Heritage Site and has a long-term preservation plan for the area.
The mining landscapes in this area include significant mining-related monuments, water management systems, heaps, and mine towns. These landscapes are interconnected and provide a complete insight into the history and evolution of mining in this area. The landscapes also document different technologies in various periods of mining.
This rich heritage traces the history of the cross-border mining region and the dynamic development it has undergone. In the 16th century, the area saw the discovery of silver and tin deposits. By the middle of the 18th century, it became a world-famous cobalt producer.
In the 19th century, the area also produced anthracite and uranium. Today, anthracite and tungsten are being explored for their economic value.
2. Historic Centre of Český Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic, is renowned for its stunning landscape and architectural heritage. This beautiful town was the seat of powerful noble families that helped shape the political and cultural landscape of the area. From the late Middle Ages to the Renaissance, the town underwent many transformations.
You can experience the beauty of these times in the town’s museums and churches. Cesky Krumlov is served by a railway station on the Ceske Budejovice-Nove Udoli line, and has direct train services to Prague. You can also take bus services to Munich and Vienna.
In July, the town hosts an International Music Festival, featuring the best of international music. The town also hosts an Open Air Krumlov festival in the Brewery Garden. The historic center of Cesky Krumlov is comprised of two areas: the castle hill and the old town. The castle is a major feature of the town’s Historic Centre and contains Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements.
The construction of the town and castle began in the late 13th century at a ford on the Vltava river. This location was important for trade routes in the region. This small town in the south of Bohemia became the seat of the duchy of krumlov. The State Castle of esk Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the second-largest castle in the Czech Republic.
It has undergone several renovations and additions over the centuries. There are guided tours of the castle and its surroundings. The first tour of the castle will cover the Rosenberg rooms with original wall paintings. A second tour will showcase the Schwarzenberg 19th century suite, Music Salon, and Tapestry Hall.
3. Historic Centre of Prague
In the historic center of Prague, there are many buildings that date back centuries. For instance, the 14th century Josta Palace, the former residence of Zofie, the second wife of Vaclav IV, is still standing. The building’s basement contains Romanesque premises. The facade is decorated with ornamental stucco.
A metal figure of water stands opposite the entrance. Various historic buildings in Prague are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. They are a good example of historical urban development. Moreover, Prague’s historic centre is exceptionally valuable archaeological terrain, which helps preserve its authenticity.
Restoration works are carried out according to strict criteria, using historical materials and modern technologies. The South Moravian region was transformed into a striking cultural landscape. Baroque architecture was common around the town, while neo-Gothic castles dominated the surrounding countryside.
The region is also the largest artificial landscape in Europe. You can visit all these sites on a single day, including breakfast and private car transfer from the Prague Airport. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Holy Trinity Column, a single column that rises 35 metres.
This monument showcases the unique architecture of central Europe. It is decorated with fine religious sculptures and was designed by Ondrej Zahner, a famous Moravian artist.
4. The Gardens and Castle at Krom
The Gardens and Castle at Krom are part of a World Heritage Site in the Czech Republic. UNESCO listed them in 1998 because of their exceptional Baroque gardens. The castle was once the principal residence of the bishops of Olomouc. The gardens are particularly well-preserved.
The Gardens and Castle at Krom are protected by Act No. 20/1987 Coll. on State Heritage Preservation and have been designated national cultural heritage sites. This status entitles them to the highest level of legal protection. Moreover, the historic center of the town of Krom is designated as an urban heritage reservation by Decree No. 1589/78 VI/1 of the Ministry of Culture.
The gardens and the castle are protected within a buffer zone, defined in accordance with existing regulations. The Castle Garden, with an area of 58 ha, contains exotic trees and several architectural elements. The garden includes a semi-circular colonnade in the classical style, which was constructed in 1846. The building, named after the sculptures of Pompeii, also contains an impressive colonnade and projecting wings.
The gardens also feature three elegant bridges made of cast iron. The Gardens and Castle at Krom are located in the heart of the town centre. The garden is very well preserved. The Castle was once the residence of an influential ecclesiastic. It has four wings surrounding a central courtyard and contains valuable art collections. It is linked to the garden through rooms on the ground floor.
5. The Historic Centre of Tel
The Historic Centre of Tel is a beautiful, authentic town that has preserved its medieval origins and architecture. The Renaissance-style castle in the city centre dominates the townscape. The buildings in the historic centre have been carefully restored with the use of historic materials.
The town walls were originally built to provide strategic security. In addition to its historical architecture, Tel Aviv also offers a variety of contemporary art venues. The Tel Aviv Museum of Art features one of the most comprehensive collections in the country. It also includes diverse temporary exhibitions and displays on architecture, photography, and design.
The museum also has a sculpture garden and a performance hall. The White City of Tel Aviv is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the largest collections of buildings in the world designed by the Bauhaus movement. Many of the buildings were designed by German immigrants to Israel in the 1920s and 1930s. Today, Tel Aviv’s White City is undergoing restoration to reflect its early glory. The white city contains more than 4,000 buildings.
These were designed by European-trained architects based on an urban plan by Sir Patrick Geddes. The buildings in the historic center of Tel are known for their functional style and attention to climate, culture, and needs of its residents. As such, the city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.
6. The Jewish Quarter and St Procopius’ Basilica in Teb,
The Jewish Quarter and St Procopius’s Basilica in Teb, Czech Republic, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These sites are renowned for their artistic, religious, and historic significance. Those who visit the city should make time to see them. The basilica was built in the 13th century and originally served as part of a Benedictine monastery.
It was one of the earliest examples of Western architecture in Central Europe. The front facade features gothic arches and white plaster. Its interior features a stone structure with medieval Romanesque features. The Jewish Quarter is a labyrinth of narrow streets. Many houses are small and have been renovated in the 1990s.
Historically, the Jewish Quarter was home to 123 buildings, but only five were demolished when the area was created. Currently, the interiors of individual buildings are preserved in their original form, using historical materials. The Jewish Quarter and St Procopius’s Basilica in Teb are World Heritage Sites.
Both places were once thriving communities of Christians and Jews. You can see both on a short walking tour. The church is also situated near the Jewish ghetto. The Jewish Quarter of Trebic is located to the east of St Procopius’ Basilica.
Its historical significance is significant because it was home to a Jewish community until the Second World War when most of the Jews were killed. The remaining synagogues and cemetery are a testament to their culture.
7. The Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc, Czech Republic
The town of Olomouc is famous for its Holy Trinity Column, a monumental stone pillar surrounded by porticos that stands in the middle of the square. The towering building has a red tiled roof and astronomical clock. The column also features an impressive fountain.
The Holy Trinity Column is the pride of Olomouc, and has 18 stone sculptures in three levels. The structure of the Holy Trinity Column is very authentic, as no alterations have taken place since its construction. It commands respect from city residents and authorities alike.
The UNESCO monument status, however, demonstrates the importance of the building. The column also features a small chapel hidden within its bowels. Located 38 km from Kromeriz, Olomouc has many historical buildings of interest, including the Holy Trinity Column. This column was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000. There are also several nice pubs and restaurants.
Olomouc is a great place to enjoy the city’s nightlife. The Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Central Europe. Built in the eighteenth century, it has a rich history. It was originally constructed to thank God for the end of the plague. In the middle of the nineteenth century, a second plague swept Moravia and prompted Olomouc to build a new column.
8. Holaovice Historic Village
Holaovice is a picturesque small town located in the province of Bohemia about 15 km from Ceske Budejovice. It is a good example of a historical village and is registered as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Moreover, it is the most popular tourist destination in South Moravia.
The town’s history dates back to the mid-13th century, and it was involved in colonising movements in the South Bohemian border area. In the 16th century, a plague struck the village, wiping out almost all of its inhabitants. After the plague, German settlers moved in and took over.
The village suffered a further blow during the Second World War, when the Germans occupied the region. The village has a rich cultural heritage, ranging from medieval to modern architecture. Several of the 18th century vernacular buildings are of outstanding quality and are a prime example of central European rural settlements.
The village also features an 18th century chapel dedicated to St. John of Nepomuk, a forge, a small fish-pond, and numerous historic buildings. Holaovice has a great selection of hotels in different price ranges. There are many three-star hotels and a low-priced two-star hotel. A two-star hotel will cost you around 40 USD, while a three-star hotel will cost you up to 66 USD.
9. The Lednice Valtice Cultural Landscape in the Czech Republic
The Lednice Valtice Cultural Landscape is a complex cultural-natural landscape that covers a total area of 283.09 square kilometres in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic. It is made up of the towns of Lednice, Valtice, Hlohovec, and Beclav, as well as a rural area.
The landscape was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. It is notable for its unique blend of architectural styles, including neoclassical and classical styles. The site is an excellent example of how influential families shaped cultural landscapes during the Enlightenment and Romantic periods. This cultural landscape is located 55 kilometers south of Brno.
The towns of Lednice and Valtice are set out in the style of an English garden. They feature romantic buildings and a sixty-meter-high minaret. The Lednice castle is connected to the Valtice castle by an avenue that extends for seven kilometers. The Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape has a rich history.
The complex was developed during the reign of the House of Liechtenstein. The Lednice Castle was originally Baroque, but was rebuilt in the romantic Neo-Gothic style in 1846-1858. It was designed by Georg Wingelmuller, a Czech architect who was also responsible for the famous Palm House.
The Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape is situated in the southern part of the Czech Republic, close to the Austrian border. The town and castle complex are connected by a picturesque avenue named Bezrue. The surrounding area is covered with ponds and pines. The complex features numerous pavilions, which were once hunting lodges.
10. Kutn Hora Historical Town Centre With the Church of St Barbara
Kutn Hora’s Historical Town Centre is home to the Gothic Saint Barbara’s Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its double-arched flying buttresses and medieval frescoes are beautiful and impressive. It also features Neo-Gothic and Baroque artwork.
It is one of the most impressive monuments in Kutna Hora, and ranks among the best Gothic cathedrals in Central Europe. The silver mines that once spanned the town brought great wealth to Kutna Hora, and its buildings reflect that rich history. The town’s first mint was built here in the year 1300, and the city became the second most important city in Bohemia, after Prague.
It also became the site of a huge Cistercian monastery, founded by King Wenceslas II. The Church of St Barbara is one of the most popular attractions in Kutna Hora. The Gothic church was originally built in the 14th century, and is decorated with frescoes depicting the secular life of a medieval mining town.
The church is open to the public, and visitors are only charged a nominal entrance fee. The church is located near the town’s center, so it’s easy to find. Another interesting place in Kutn Hora is the Stone House, which dates back to the Hussite period.
It was last rebuilt around the turn of the 20th century. Its Gothic facade evokes images of death, but the interior is beautiful. Inside, you’ll find medieval furniture and stone fragments.
11. Litomyl Castle
The Litomyl Castle is one of the largest Renaissance castles in the Czech Republic. Located in the town center of Litomyl, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Although it has not been in use for hundreds of years, the castle is still a wonderful place to visit.
The National Heritage Institute is the agency in charge of preserving the castle and promoting its historical value. The city of Litomyl is also involved in the property’s conservation. It organizes various programs to acquire the necessary financial instruments to preserve the castle.
The Czech Republic’s Ministry of Culture also allocates funding for immovable cultural heritage. The castle was built in the 15th century on a site that was previously a medieval trading route between Moravia and Bohemia. Construction on the castle began in 1568 and was finished by the 1580s.
The castle was later owned by the Pernstejn family, who started living here in 1567. They ruled over the castle until 1646. Litomyl is a town located in eastern Bohemia, about 60 miles south of Prague. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has many attractions. Litomyl Castle is the town’s main attraction, with other areas such as the brewery and gardens worth exploring.
12. Pilgrimage Church of St John of the Nepomuk at Zelen Hora in the Czech Republic
The Pilgrimage Church of St John of the Nepomuk at Zelen Hora is a beautiful building that combines the majesty of a cathedral with the simplicity of a monastery. The architecture is simple but with a clever approach, with every element appearing important.
For example, the central altar features a large carving of five angels, three of which carry a sphere with five stars in it. This carving dominates the interior of the church. The Pilgrimage Church of St John of the Nepomuk at Zelen Hora is a truly unique work of art.
It was designed in the Baroque Gothic style by a brilliant Bohemian architect of Italian ancestry. In doing so, the architect defied the traditional architectural rules of the time, and the complex spatial forms of this unique building enchant even the modern eye.
The Pilgrimage Church of St John of the Nepomuk at Zelen Hora is located near the border of Bohemia and Moravia. It is the last work of Jan Santini Aichel and is notable for its fusion of Baroque and Gothic styles. It took almost half a century to complete. In 1727, the church suffered a major fire.
The Church of St John of the Nepomuk is a popular pilgrimage destination. It is located on Zelena Hora outside of the town center. A three-kilometre walk from the train station, the church is situated near a lake, a cemetery, and the castle.
13. Great Spa Towns of Europe
The Great Spa Towns of Europe are a transnational group of spa towns, each representing a unique urban typology and cultural phenomenon. These towns have been nominated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites and span seven countries.
For more information on these towns, check out the nomination document. Today, these towns are synonymous with wellness, and their name comes from the word thermal, which means heated underground water. People have been seeking the healing powers of natural springs for centuries.
Famous spa towns include the City of Bath in the UK, and Baden in Germany, which is known for its mineral springs. There are also other spa towns in the Czech Republic. While not as compact as Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne is an excellent place to take a break from a busy city. The town’s small size and quaint atmosphere allow you to enjoy the outdoors without crowds.
A visit to this town would not be complete without a trip to its famous spa. Located outside of the medieval walled town, this spa has an impressive array of springs along the Saale River. Its renaissance-style buildings harken back to the golden age of the town, when composers like Beethoven and Mozart were regular guests.
There are even some esoteric treatments that can enhance one’s health. Another spa town worth visiting is Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic, which is home to twelve main springs and hundreds of smaller ones. It has a colonnaded city centre, elegant shopping streets, and lookout towers. In addition to the historic baths, there are many other spa facilities and parks.
14. The Landscape For Breeding and Training of Ceremonial Carriage Horses in the Czech Republic
The Landscape for Breeding and Training of Ceremonal Carriage Horses in the Czech Republic is one of Europe’s most important horse-breeding institutions. This area was developed in the early 16th century when horses played crucial roles in agriculture and transportation. The original stud farm was founded by Maxmillian II of Habsburg in 1563.
It was a royal stud farm that specialized in breeding ceremonial carriage and gala carrossier type horses for the Imperial Court. Today, these historic farmsteads remain in use and represent the functional center of a unique landscape.
The landscape for breeding and training of ceremonial carriage horses is unique and includes forests, pastures, and fields. It was recently added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. UNESCO describes it as a “Landscape for Breeding and Training of Ceremonials.” In addition to its landscape, the farm has a church and a chateau.
The landscape was designed under a Baroque style. During the early 19th century, it was restyled under the Romantic landscape style. A walk through the landscape takes approximately 40 minutes each way. A UNESCO World Heritage Site is listed by UNESCO for its outstanding value.
15. Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians
The ancient and primeval beech forests of the Carpathians are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forests are a vital part of the ecosystem in the region and are rare forest habitats. The region has some of the largest beech specimens in the world.
The value of this property has been protected by the World Heritage Site since its creation in 1992. However, the logging of primeval beech forests is a continuing threat to their ecosystems. These forests are characterized by their ability to adapt to changes. As a result, UNESCO has classified them as World Heritage Sites.
The primeval beech forests of the Carpathians date back to the last Ice Age. These forests are located in difficult to access regions and are adapted to varied climatic and geographical conditions. These forests are renowned for their biodiversity and ecological balance and are rich in natural resources.
The ancient and primeval beech forests of the Carpathians are home to some of the world’s most beautiful beech trees. Some of these trees are more than 250 years old. This national park is part of the UNESCO site of Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians. The Carpathian Beech Forest contains 10 distinct areas.
The largest of these is Stuzica, covering the steep northern slopes of the plateau. It is dominated by European beech. This forest is rich in biodiversity and has undergone multiple changes in the past.
16. The Tugendhat Villa in Brno, Czech Republic
A stunning piece of modern architecture located in Brno, Czech Republic, is the Tugendhat Villa. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was designed by German architect Ludwig Mies. The villa is a unique, three-story structure that looks like a single-story building from the street. It was a favored site of the architect and is now open to visitors.
The Tugendhat Villa was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and was commissioned by the Tugendhat family. The family lived in the villa for eight years before fleeing Czechoslovakia after the Munich Agreement. The family then lived in Switzerland for many years.
They also spent a year in Venezuela during World War II. Unfortunately, the family never returned to the Brno villa. The Tugendhat Villa is a pioneering work of modern residential architecture. It is an outstanding example of the modern movement in architecture, with innovative concepts and spatial concepts.
Mies van der Rohe designed the furniture and designed it for specific locations in the building. While the restoration process is not yet complete, it is a step in the right direction. A look at the Tugendhat Villa will give you a better understanding of the modern world and how the architect designed it.
Another notable attraction is the Trebic Jewish Quarter, one of the best preserved Jewish ghettos in Europe. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great example of Jewish life in Europe and the Tugendhat Villa is a striking example of international style in modern European architecture.