ATTRACTIONS PLZEN REGION

Sumava

Sumava is the Czech Republic's largest national park, covering 690 sq km. Originally designated a Protected Landscape Area in the 1960s, the area was promoted to its present status in 1991. However, while other parts of Europe have suffered from the pressures of people, transport and industry, a central reason for the preservation of the pristine beauty of Sumava lies not with conservationists but, ironically, with the Cold War.

The only example of virgin primeval forest left is at Boubin, which was first singled out for protection in the mid 19th century. The moorland and peat bogs of the plateau are the country's most important wetland sites. These, along with the vast tracts of undisturbed forests, have provided havens for various plant species, including many glacial relicts.

The bird life is also rich, with kingfishers, woodpeckers, peregrines, eagles and capercaillie amongst the rarer species. In contrast, the larger animals are largely absent, having been hunted to extinction in the last century. Only the deer have survived, although a small population of lynx has been reintroduced.

Chodsko

This area in West Bohemia historically consists of 11 villages, which had once been granted royal privileges from King John of Luxembourg to guard the border between Bohemia and Bavaria. Chodsko as an ethnographic area covers the Domazlice region. It is marked by folk costumes which, in comparison with other Czech lands, have succeeded in preserving their unique character.

Traditional characteristics of the region are partially evident in folk architecture, ceramics, the rich songs of the area (including the use of archaic forms of musical instruments, such as bag pipes), and in the Chodsko spoken dialect. The Chodsko Festival is held every August in Domazlice. 

Domazlice

This town is located in Western Bohemia, approximately 60 km from Plzen, and has a population of 11,500.

This westernmost royal town, which is famous for its long town square, houses with its picturesque arches and the 2 towers which dominate the skyline.
The oldest history of the city is related to its position as a customs village, which was established as early as the 10th century. 2 important routes between Bohemia and Regensburg passed through this country. Along these paths, Chod villages sprung up, whose citizens were entrusted with guarding the safety of travelers on the routes.

The original market village was raised to city status by Premysl Otakar II in the second half of the 13th century. The historical center of the city was comprised of 2 parallel streets, which were followed by town walls, a moat and fortifying mounds. The remains of the walls may still be seen near Branka. The tall, round watch tower served to guard the city.

In 1341, the town brewery was established, and it still makes several varieties of beer. The city became rich, and was the seat of country congresses. In the 16th century, it was generously reconstructed.

Domazlice today offers visitors precious historical architecture. The most important monuments of the city are: the Dean's Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary; the Lower Gate; the Augustinian monastery with the Church of Assumption of the Virgin Mary; the cemetery chapel of St. John of Nepomuk and the Baroque Chapel of St. Lawrence on Vesela Hora.

The attraction of the Domazlice district is maintained by the special costumes still worn by the people of the district, the natural beauty of the bordering forests, and the mountain zone of the Czech Woods, whose highest mountain is Cerchov. Tourists are also attracted by the festival of Chods, which is held every year in August. The festival days are based on the famous tradition of Lawrence's pilgrimage.

Horsovsky Tyn

This is a small town located along the Radbuz River, which arose in the 14th century near the early Gothic castle, which was later rebuilt into a Renaissance chateau. The chapel from the early Gothic period with impressive modern vitrails is preserved here. The natural landscape-park (40 ha) with the Gloriet, the Loretan chapel and the widow's wouse is also worth mentioning.

A series of ancient homes with Baroque shields and St. Peter and Pauline's Church are the dominate features of the lovely town square.

Formerly an episcopal castle was founded in the middle of the 13th century. The features of it are apparent only in interiors today; a Gothic chapel is the most valuable part. John Popel Lobkowitz, who was in favour with the king Ferdinand I and holding important powers in the country, obtained this manor in the year 1535.

In 1547 there was a big fire in the town and the castle was damaged too. John had the remains of the castle rebuilt after the Renaissance style. The chateau in this form has remained until today. William, the son and heir of John Popel, was given a death sentence for his participation in the uprising against the king in 1618 and his property was confiscated. The earl Maxmilian of Trauttmansdorff an imperial diplomat bought the manor behind slight amount in 1623. The chateau was in the possesion of this house until the year 1945, when the state became its owner.

For its enormous historical value, the whole complex was declared to be a National Cultural Monument in the year 1996. The chateau is one of the most accessible monuments in the Czech Republic today.

Klatovy

The town of Klatovy lies near to the south-western border of the Czech Republic with the Federal Republic of Germany just off the international road E 53. The town spreads over 81 km and with its 24,000 inhabitants it represents the largest settlement within the Klatovy region.

Tachov

This is a town to the west of a district, which bears the same name and is one of Bohemia's oldest centres of settlement. A booming period came over the place under Premysl Otakar II who had a new castle with a mighty round tower built of stone here. He also founded a town surrounded with walls near the castle. The castle and town have often been pawned with many noble families.
The Luxemburgs took fancy to the place. They gave Tachov the remarkable medieval fortifications, much of which has been preserved till date.

WW II and the post-war period invented many ways of making use of the chateau, military and civil, and the buildings got shabbier and shabbier until a warrant for demolition was issued in 1968. But the decision was withdrawn a year later and restoration work started. The fine mansion now houses the Magistrate and the School of Arts.

Another well-repaired sight is the baroque mill which has its wheel back and provides shelter for the Municipal Centre of Culture.
There are 2 monuments close to each other. The grave-mount along the road to Ctibor is reminiscent of the 232 victims of the Death Marches, which passed through the country during WW II. The Hussite Memorial on the Vysoka commemorates the 1427 battle of Tachov in which the crusaders were beaten by the Hussite army.

The Knight's Alley is a fine place for walks to the mineral spring east of the town. Though making only half-hearted attempts in the travel business, the town and country around are worth visiting, like the valley of Aglaino udoli and its heritage trail which passes the monastery, the ruins of church and riding-school at Svetce, and goes on to the dam of Lucina.