About the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is one of Europe’s youngest nations, having only come into existence in 1993. It did, of course, exist as Czechoslovakia for centuries before that and is still rich in history and culture, with romantic, fairytale castles in abundance.

The Czech Republic is part of the former Czechoslovakia, which was part of the Soviet Bloc until the so called Velvet Revolution in 1989, when communism was overthrown in a peaceful uprising. The country split in two in 1993 in the Velvet Divorce, when the two sides were unable to agree on the new constitution.

The capital of the Czech Republic is Prague, a vibrant modern city that is incredibly popular with tourists and which sets the benchmark for the capitals of emerging nations. Prague is called the ‘city of a thousand spires’ due to its stunning medieval architecture and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nonetheless, this is no sleepy old city, as the vibrant nightlife of culture, casinos and jazz bars soon proves.

Prague may have a reputation as a stag party destination, but the crowds tend to concentrate around the sports bars and strip clubs of Wenceslas Square and these areas can easily be avoided. By contrast, the Old Town Square, with its famous Christmas markets, offers an altogether more traditional Prague experience.

Beyond the capital, there is a seemingly endless procession of picturesque towns and villages, each with its own charm and many with castles straight out of a classic Disney cartoon. Karlstjen Castle and the spectacular Vranov Castle, perched impossibly on a rocky hilltop are not to be missed.

As the birthplace of Pilsner lager and the world famous Budweiser, the Czech republic is famed for its beer, and the brewery towns of Plzen and Ceske Budejovice are both well worth a visit to taste continental beer at its best.

Although many of the leading medical tourism destinations are centred around the main cities, especially Prague itself, the laid back spa towns of Cesky Krumlov and Telc have much to offer for rest and recuperation following your procedure.