The Area of Plzeň

The centre of the slightly wavy woody landscape is the town of Plzeň, the economic, cultural and social metropolis of Western Bohemia. Plzeň gained world reputation, first of all, thanks to the production of Pilsner Urquell beer. Attention deserves the historic centre with the cathedral of St. Bartholomew, the historic underground, the synagogue, zoological garden with unique dino-park and numerous museums and galleries. The popular aims in the surroundings of Plzeň include the rotunda of St. Peter in Starý Plzenec, the castle Radyně, the monastery in Plasy, the castles Kozel, Manětín, Nebílovy and Zbiroh, the water hammer-mill in Dobřív or remarkable sets of Jewish monuments in Spálené Poříčí and Kasejovice. Excellent conditions for sports and recreation are provided by the water reservoir Hracholusky and the valley of the rivers Berounka and Střela.