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Czech RepublicThe Inside StoryAn impressive twelve UNESCO sites sets the CzechRepublic apart from its European neighbours. A rich culturalheritage prevails in Bohemia and Moravia, the two ancientlands which now make up the modern Czech Republic. Itscountryside provides the ideal location for active holidayssuch as cycling or skiing, or for more relaxing pursuits headto one of the many spas on offer.Prague is a city best explored on foot; take in the manymuseums and galleries, admire the well-preservedarchitecture of the Old Town and walk across CharlesBridge to the imposing Hradcany Castle and St VitusCathedral, where classical concerts are often heardbooming from its atmospheric chambers.There’s more to the Czech Republic than just Praguehowever. Make sure to also visit Ceský Krumlov, amagnificent old city of crooked alleys and cobbled streets,where a visit to the 13th-century Gothic castle providesbreathtaking views.Storyto tell -AndreaGodfreyWhy I love theCzech RepublicI enjoy visiting Prague’sMuseum of Communismto get a taste of what itwas like to live under 40years of communist rule.Scenes from daily life,school and the factorydepict how persuasiveCommunismwas, with aninterrogationroom createdfor citizens whodared raise theirheads abovethe parapet.1085Vratislav II becomesfirst Czech king, startingPremyslid dynasty1414Religious and socialreformer Jan Hus formsa movement later namedafter him1939Nazi invasion of Czechlands, which becomea German protectorate1946CzechoslovakCommunist Party (CPCz)leader Klement Gottwaldbecomes prime minister1316Golden Age of Czechhistory begins underreign of King Charles IV1918Republic of Czechoslovakiaproclaimed; Tomas Masarykelected president1945Soviet troopsenter Prague1960Czechoslovakia becomesCzechoslovak SocialistRepublic under newconstitution