Plzeň is the Czech Republic’s fourth largest city.  But as a former fort in the West Bohemian frontier, it has had had to remake itself several times over the centuries.  Today it stands as a bastion to one of the Czech Republic’s greatest industries.  In fact, it is home to the country’s biggest national treasure: BEER.

The right to brew beer was first given to the merchants of Plzen as far back as the 14th century, and since this time, the name of the city has become synonymous with the art of brewing beer.  While the brew has certainly changed over time, what the visitor finds today is the result of centuries of innovation.

The Czech Republic is the largest beer drinking country in the world, on average drinking 180 liters/person/year.  It is no wonder that Plzeň, and it’s world famous beer, Pilsner Urquell, has become a household name, not only in the Czech Republic, but in Europe and the rest of the world as well.  Today, the visitor can visit the Pilsner Brewery and see the process by which they make the beer and even delve into the finished product.  It is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Plzeň, however, is more than just beer.  The other main attraction of the city is the Škoda Engineering Works.  Founded in the middle of the 19th century, it was the forerunner of the great Škoda Automobile factory and it represented the height of Czech national achievement at a time when the country was in the beginnings of their national revival.

Today, the city is a treat for visitors, and only 2 hours from Prague by motorway.  In Plzeň you will become a native Czech and learn to live the good life.