Where is Plzeň located in the Czech Republic?
Plzeň is a city located in in the Czech Republic. It is both an administrative and economic center, located approximately 100 kilometers south-west of Prague. It is situated on the banks of the Mže and Úhlava. The city is located in the traditional Bohemian region, the Western Bohemia, close to the Bavarian border.
Plzeň is the fourth biggest city in the Czech Republic with 170,000 people living there as of 2020. The city of Plzeň covers a total area of 48 square kilometers, and is divided into 13 city parts, each of which has its own particular significance. The city is also known as Pilsen in English.
The city and its area is known for its history and traditional production of beer and food. Plzeň holds a prominent place in Czech history and culture, as it was the birthplace of numerous Czech cultural figures such as art historian Karel Mácha, architect and urban planner František Kříž, poet Jaroslav Vrchlický, and for a short period even emperor Franz Joseph I.
Today Plzeň is an important center of education and research as well as industrial production and tourism. Plzeň also provides a wide range of services from banking to arts and entertainment.
Geographically, Plzeň is located at 49.747 longitude and 13.375 latitude. Plzeň is just 40 kilometers from the border to Germany, approximately 100 kilometers south-east from Prague and approximately 140 kilometers from Vienna. The closest airports to Plzeň are Karlovy Vary (KLV) and Prague (PRG), though Vienna (VIE) also lies within relatively close proximity.
The nearest train station to Plzeň is located on the border between the Czech Republic and Bavaria, called Cheb/Eger – which is just 6 kilometers away from the city center. Trains run directly to the Main Station in Prague. The city can also be reached by a bus, which runs almost non-stop through Plzeň.
Plzeň’s Historic Attractions
Plzeň is known for its collection of historic buildings, monuments, churches and cathedrals. The most famous of which is probably the beautiful Cathedral of St. Bartholomew. The Gothic cathedral has its main entrance on the main square of the city, with its main tower rising to an impressive 73 meters – making it one of the tallest building in all of the Czech Republic!
Just opposite the Cathedral, you can find the beautiful Town Hall – another attraction not to be missed – with its unusual mix Gothic and Renaissance Elements. Plzeň Town Square is also home to a number of other historical buildings such as Zizkovo namesti with the plague column, Ursuline church, Velka synagogue, Municipal museum or various other points of interest such as little known sculptures or interesting murals that adorn walls throughout the city.
If you’re looking for a picturesque stroll through narrow cobbled streets and alleyways that lead to historic buildings with chequered histories, then Plzeň is definitely for you! An attractive sightseeing tour of Plzeň will likely include a visit to some of its vintage pubs, world-famous brewery Pilsner Urquell or just relaxing while admiring its wide selection of architectural works.
Finally, if you are looking for more than sightseeing and are interested in learning more about the history of this beautiful Czech region, then a trip to the local museum at Rezidence Škroupa is a must visit – with its extensive collection of artworks dating back as far as 10th century!
Conclusion
Plzeň is an amazing Czech city that has a lot to offer to travelers and tourists alike – especially those who are interested in history, architecture and culture. With its varied collection of buildings and monuments, heritage sites and picturesque alleyways, Plzeň offers something for everyone – and should be visited at least once!
