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<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Edition</strong><br />

<strong>2011</strong>/<strong>2012</strong><br />

WTM London - - FITUR Madrid<br />

BIT Milano - - ITB Berlin & & more<br />

www.ttg.cz TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE Czech Republic public <strong>Edition</strong> No Nove November vember 20 <strong>2011</strong><br />

02 Historic centre of Prague has been<br />

a monument reserve for 40 years already y<br />

05 Confidence in Partnership<br />

Czech Convention Bureau<br />

09 The Czech Republic as a destination<br />

for religious tourism<br />

12 Discover the promised land<br />

15 Experience Brno – Moravian capital<br />

17 Welcome to Pilsen<br />

and Pilsen region<br />

04 Prague’s Kampa is the second<br />

most beautiful city island in the world<br />

06 <strong>TTG</strong> Travel Awards <strong>2011</strong><br />

10 The most famous pilgrimage<br />

sites in the Czech Republic<br />

14 Information from<br />

Central and South Moravia<br />

16 Mahler, Dvořák,<br />

Janáček and more<br />

18-19 Visit South Bohemia


2<br />

November <strong>2011</strong><br />

NEWS<br />

www.ttg.cz TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE<br />

Contents<br />

CONVENTION<br />

BUREAU<br />

04PRAGUE<br />

06CZECH<br />

IN BRIEF<br />

A special map to help gay<br />

visitors navigate through<br />

Prague – Prague Information<br />

Service followed the example of<br />

many global metropolises and<br />

published a new map aimed at<br />

gay visitors of Prague. It will be<br />

available free of charge from all<br />

information centres and also in<br />

gay clubs and hotels. Apart from<br />

recommendations for daytime and<br />

nightime establishments for gay<br />

visitors and specialized saunas,<br />

it will also include information<br />

about major Prague monuments,<br />

contact details for information<br />

centres and important phone<br />

numbers such as for the police,<br />

hospitals or embassies.<br />

Prague Airport received<br />

a prestigious award for the<br />

fastest developing airport of<br />

the world – At its 67 th annual<br />

convention the International Air<br />

Travel Association (IATA) has<br />

awarded the Prague Airport,<br />

as the only one on the world,<br />

the Eagle Award mainly for its<br />

rapid development, customer<br />

satisfaction with its services,<br />

transparent and fair dealings<br />

with all carriers and its incentive<br />

policy. IATA has given this<br />

award to the Prague Airport in<br />

recognition of its technological<br />

development (introduction of<br />

self check-in kiosks, Wheeltug<br />

– Prague Airport is the first one<br />

in the world that supports the<br />

development of a new technology<br />

that enable aircrafts<br />

to use in-built electric motors<br />

during taxi between terminals<br />

and runways etc.) and also of<br />

its positive approach towards<br />

environmental issues. In the<br />

past the award went to aiports<br />

in Seoul, Geneva, Vancouver,<br />

Singapore or San Francisco.<br />

SPECIAL EDITION <strong>2011</strong>/<strong>2012</strong><br />

TRAVEL TRADE<br />

GAZETTE<br />

Czech Republic<br />

WHO WE ARE<br />

Anna Marie Zemplinerová<br />

general manager<br />

amara.zemplinerova@ttg.cz<br />

Marta Jedličková<br />

editor<br />

marta.jedlickova@ttg.cz<br />

Lenka Neužilová<br />

editor<br />

lenka.neuzilova@ttg.cz<br />

Naďa Rybárová<br />

deputy manager<br />

nada.rybarova@ttg.cz<br />

Vlaďka Bratršovská<br />

marketing<br />

vladka.bratrsovska@ttg.cz<br />

Luděk Neužil<br />

production<br />

OUR ADDRESS<br />

Šafaříkova 5, 120 00 Praha 2, Česká<br />

republika<br />

Phone: +420 224 252 562<br />

Fax: +420 224 252 567<br />

www.ttg.cz<br />

Published – November <strong>2011</strong><br />

Published by 1. Distribuční společnost<br />

s.r.o in licence of Travel Trade<br />

gazette UK (publication of CMP<br />

Information Ltd.).<br />

Travel Trade Gazette (<strong>TTG</strong>), registration<br />

number MK ČR E15541,<br />

is trade mark of CMP Information<br />

Limited.<br />

Historic centre of Prague has a surface<br />

area of 866 hectares and hence is one<br />

of the largest monument zones in the<br />

world. The unique and diverse nature<br />

of the Prague centre has been recognized<br />

by UNESCO in 1992 when it<br />

was added to its World Heritage Site<br />

list. The centre of Prague has been an<br />

urban monument reserve for more than<br />

40 years though. Prague monument<br />

reserve includes practically the whole<br />

centre of Prague with the Old Town,<br />

Josefov, Lesser Town, Hradčany area<br />

with the Prague Castle, New Town,<br />

Vyšehrad and parts of Vinohrady,<br />

Holešovice, Podolí and Smíchov. The<br />

reserve is surrounded by a protected<br />

zone of a total area of 8963 hectares.<br />

The monument reserve is exceptional<br />

by world standards in terms of its<br />

size, the number of monuments and<br />

the extent to which whole built-up<br />

areas, streets and squares have been<br />

preserved. There are more than 1300<br />

protected buildings, 28 of these are<br />

also national cultural monuments<br />

e.g. the Old Town Square with the<br />

Townhall and Týn church, Prague<br />

Castle or Charles Bridge.<br />

07HOTELS<br />

Historic centre of Prague has been<br />

a monument reserve for 40 years already<br />

PRAGUE IS SAFER THAN VIENNA<br />

In terms of the number<br />

of crimes per inhabitant,<br />

Prague is a safer tourist<br />

destination than Vienna,<br />

Paris or London. International<br />

ranking Global<br />

Peace Index put the Czech<br />

Republic ahead of many of<br />

its European counterparts.<br />

These are the findings presented<br />

in a report called<br />

Czech Republic – A Safe<br />

Destination that was issued<br />

by CzechTourism agency.<br />

In 2009 there were 682<br />

crimes per 10,000 inhabitants<br />

in Prague. In Vienna,<br />

Prague’s main competitor<br />

in the tourism field,<br />

there were 1032 crimes per<br />

10,000 inhabitants. Higher<br />

crime rates per population<br />

have also been recorded in<br />

capital cities such as Paris,<br />

London or Brussels. Czech-<br />

Tourism’s report also used<br />

reputable indicators such as<br />

the Global Peace Index or<br />

Tourism Competitiveness<br />

Index to assess safety of the<br />

CzechTourism agency conducts<br />

a visitor survey of<br />

various tourist sites each<br />

year. The latest data from<br />

2010 showed that the most<br />

popular place in the Czech<br />

Republic among tourists is<br />

the Prague Zoo. In 2010 it<br />

had 1.18 million visitors,<br />

followed by the Prague<br />

Castle with 1.12 million<br />

visitors and Aquapalace<br />

Prague visited by roughly<br />

805,000 people. CzechTourism’s<br />

survey also revealed<br />

Czech Republic as a tourist<br />

destination.<br />

“There are many myths<br />

surrounding the Czech<br />

Republic which often significantly<br />

impact its media<br />

portrayal abroad. An international<br />

comparison has shown<br />

that the Czech Republic<br />

safety level is very high,”<br />

said the General Manager<br />

of the CzechTourism agency<br />

Rostislav Vondruška. The<br />

most common myths about<br />

the Czech Republic say that<br />

it is a place where thefts and<br />

petty crime are abundant.<br />

“International comparison<br />

of police statistics from selected<br />

states clearly showed<br />

that the crime level in the<br />

Czech Republic is low and<br />

so is the risk of a terrorist<br />

attack, hygiene standards<br />

are very high and natural<br />

disasters fairly unlikely,”<br />

summarized the report<br />

findings Mojmír Mikula<br />

from the CzechTourism<br />

agency.<br />

that the number of visitors<br />

at castles and chateaux has<br />

decreased slightly while<br />

technical monuments have<br />

attracted more visitors. The<br />

agency used the number<br />

of sold tickets or data<br />

from various electronic<br />

counters as a basis for its<br />

fndings. “We have to use<br />

data that is comparable<br />

between various tourist<br />

sites and attractions. For<br />

instance the Prague Castle<br />

Administration uses other<br />

The report assessed the<br />

international position of the<br />

Czech Republic in terms of<br />

crime level, risk of terrorist<br />

attacks, road safety, hygiene<br />

standards, natural disaster<br />

risk and the level of tolerance<br />

towards national, religious,<br />

ethnic, and sexual orientation<br />

minorities. Source data<br />

was cross-checked with independent<br />

sources and the<br />

matter was discussed with<br />

some of the most respectable<br />

experts in the field. Official<br />

police statistics were used<br />

too and these for instance<br />

revealed that crime level in<br />

Belgium is three times higher<br />

than in the Czech Republic<br />

from long-term perspective.<br />

The Czech Republic<br />

has been ranked as the 5 th<br />

most peaceful country to<br />

live in out of 153 countries<br />

in the world for <strong>2011</strong> in the<br />

Global Peace Index that is<br />

annually published by the<br />

International Institute of<br />

Strategic Studies.<br />

THE MOST VISITED PLACES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC<br />

coefficients to calculate the<br />

number of other visitors<br />

who visit areas that are free<br />

of charge. We cannot use<br />

the same approach,” said<br />

the agency’s spokesperson<br />

Alice Dvořáková.<br />

According to the Vice-<br />

President of the Association<br />

of Czech Travel Agencies<br />

and Tour-operators Tomio<br />

Okamura the most popular<br />

destination is the Prague<br />

Castle when non-paying<br />

visitors are included. “The<br />

A PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR GOLDEN WELL HOTEL<br />

IN PRAGUE – Users of travel portal TripAdvisor have voted<br />

the Golden Well (U Zlaté studně) hotel in Prague as the<br />

best in the world. “Travellers’ Choice award is so prestigious<br />

award and we are thrilled to have won it again,” said<br />

hotel’s spokesperson Petra Daliborová. She highlighted<br />

the fact that the hotel is a small establishment in Prague’s<br />

Lesser Town quarter and is not a part of any hotel chain.<br />

The capacity is 19 rooms and the hotel is mainly used by<br />

individual clients for special occasions such weddings or<br />

engagements. Guests appreciate the location of the hotel as<br />

it is found right below the walls of the Prague Castle, and<br />

also the impeccable service full of creative touches. “We<br />

offer a pillow menu. Guests can choose from seven types<br />

of pillows and also choose how they want their bed to be<br />

made up. Our specialty is the ‘evening bed preparation’<br />

when our guests receive a selection of desserts from our<br />

chef Pavel Sapík,” The hotel already won the Travellers’<br />

Choice award for the best luxury hotel in the world last<br />

year and it also boasts with an amazing history. Famous<br />

astronomer Tycho de Brahe used to live in the same premises<br />

in the 16 th century as a guest of the imperial court.<br />

Inspiration by the era of Emperor Rudolph II is apparent<br />

as all rooms are decorated in Richelieu style. The visitors<br />

have also considered the quality of food in their ratings. The<br />

restaurant Golden Well Terrace has also ranked first among<br />

TripAdvisor ratings in the restaurant category for Prague.<br />

most visited place of the<br />

Czech Republic by far is<br />

the Prague Castle from a<br />

long-term perspective. Only<br />

last year it was visited by<br />

5.67 million people, 1.12<br />

of which purchased tickets<br />

for paid-entry only areas,”<br />

said Okamura. Compared to<br />

2009, the Jewish Museum<br />

in Prague ranked fourth<br />

among top five most visited<br />

attractions. National<br />

Museum came fifth. In<br />

the category of castles and<br />

chateaux Lednice chateau<br />

was the most successful<br />

after the Prague Castle<br />

with its 325,000 visitors.<br />

In the technical monument<br />

category, the most<br />

popular attraction was the<br />

Petřín tower in Prague.<br />

It was visited by 354,000<br />

people which is approx.<br />

30,000 more than in the<br />

previous year. In terms of<br />

attractions in nature, most<br />

people visited Punkva and<br />

Macocha caves.


TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE www.ttg.cz November <strong>2011</strong><br />

09INTERVIEW<br />

PILGRIMAGE SITES<br />

10-11THE<br />

THINGS YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS Bells of Prague exhibition<br />

SMETANA’S LITOMYŠL FESTIVAL<br />

After the Prague Spring, Smetana’s Litomyšl International<br />

Opera Festival is the oldest music festival<br />

and the largest open-air classical music festival in the<br />

Czech Republic. In <strong>2012</strong>, it will be held from 14 th June<br />

to 8 th July. www.festival.smetana-litomysl.com<br />

VELKÁ PARDUBICKÁ<br />

If you prefer horse racing, go to Pardubice on 14 th October<br />

<strong>2012</strong>. The town will host the 122 edition of<br />

Europe’s oldest and toughest horse race. The horses<br />

must overcome 31 obstacles, with the most famous being<br />

the Taxis Fence – one of the most difficult jumps<br />

in the world. www.pardubice-racecourse.cz<br />

NATO DAYS IN OSTRAVA<br />

For travelers with an interest in the military, we recommended<br />

visiting NATO Days in Ostrava on 15 th and<br />

16 th September <strong>2012</strong>. The Central Europe’s largest airmilitary-security<br />

show will present heavy military, police<br />

and rescue machinery, demonstrations of special forces<br />

training and an air show. www.jagello.org<br />

KARLOVY VARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL<br />

Every Year, Central and Eastern Europe’s most significant<br />

A-category international film festival attracts both stars<br />

of the silver screen and tens of thousands of enthusiastic<br />

fans to Karlovy Vary. In <strong>2012</strong>, it will be held from<br />

29 th June to 7 th July. www.kviff.com<br />

UNITED ISLANDS<br />

United Islands, Prague’s International Music Festival will<br />

be held as usual on the islands on the Vltava River and<br />

the adjacent waterfront in the historic centre of Prague<br />

from 21 st to 23 rd June <strong>2012</strong>. www.unitedislands.cz<br />

MAHLER JIHLAVA <strong>2012</strong><br />

In <strong>2012</strong>, from 18 th May to 7 th July, Jihlava will host its<br />

annual international music festival dedicated to this<br />

famous personality who was born in the nearby village<br />

of Kaliště in 1860. www.mahler.cz<br />

PRAGUE SPRING <strong>2012</strong><br />

Every year, the oldest Czech music festival brings 50<br />

concerts featuring more than a thousand artists whose<br />

performances are attended by some forty thousand<br />

visitors, which makes this festival one of the Czech<br />

Republic’s most significant cultural events. The 67 th<br />

year of the festival will take place from 12 th May<br />

to 3 rd June. www.festival.cz<br />

JANÁČEK’S HUKVALDY <strong>2012</strong><br />

Every year the tones of the Janáček‘s Hukvaldy International<br />

Music Festival echo around the wonderful setting<br />

of Hukvaldy. In <strong>2012</strong>, it will be held from 23 rd Juny to 22 nd<br />

July. www.janackovyhukvaldy.cz<br />

ZLATÁ TRETRA<br />

In <strong>2012</strong>, it will be held on 25 th May. This international<br />

athletics meeting in Ostrava is a true sporting spectacle.<br />

All the stars, including top Czech athletes, always gather<br />

in Ostrava at the top of their fitness. www.zlatatretra.cz<br />

ČESKÝ KRUMLOV INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL<br />

As far as length is concerned, there’s no bigger event<br />

in the Czech cultural calendar than this. The combination<br />

of attractive historical setting and concerts<br />

encompassing many genres from the 15 th century to<br />

the present day. In <strong>2012</strong>, it will be held from 20 th July<br />

to 25 th August. www.festivalkrumlov.cz<br />

GOLDEN SKI – Cross-Country Skiing World Cup<br />

Nové Město na Moravě is set to host the 74 th RWE<br />

Golden Ski from 11 th to 12 th February. Come and<br />

give your support to Czech and foreign athletes as<br />

they compete. www.zlatalyze.cz<br />

TOURFILM and TOURREGIONFILM<br />

Travelers with an interest in film can satisfy their desires<br />

at the 45 th international and 19 th national tourism film<br />

festivals that will be held from 4 th to 6 th October <strong>2012</strong> in<br />

Karlovy Vary. www.tourfilm.com<br />

BRNO – A CITY IN THE CENTRE OF EUROPE<br />

(Ignis Brunensis) – In late May and early June Brno (from<br />

25 th May to 10 th June) is brought to life by a festival of<br />

cultural and sporting events that take place beneath the<br />

castles of Špilberk and Veveří. The biggest attraction will<br />

be a huge fireworks display. A festival of fun beneath<br />

Špilberk and Veveří castles. www.ignisbrunensis.cz<br />

PRAGUE FOOD FESTIVAL <strong>2011</strong><br />

Come and enjoy a romantic nooks, the beauty of historical<br />

Prague and especially the best gastronomy! You can find the<br />

Prague Food Festival at the Prague Castle and the Royal<br />

Garden (Královská zahrada) or Ball Room (Míčovna) from<br />

25 th May to 27 th may <strong>2012</strong>. www.praguefoodfestival.cz<br />

The tower of St. Nicholas church<br />

in the Lesser Town in Prague<br />

is hosting a unique exhibition<br />

called Bells of Prague. The exhibition<br />

is located in the narrower<br />

tower of the church which used<br />

to be a local watchtower. Right<br />

by the entrance the visitors can<br />

find out more about the history<br />

of this tower.<br />

THE<br />

REGIONS<br />

PROMISED LAND The Czech Republic<br />

12-13DISCOVER<br />

14-19CZECH<br />

Is Not Just Prague<br />

3


4<br />

November <strong>2011</strong><br />

NEWS<br />

www.ttg.cz TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE<br />

Prague<br />

Prague’s Kampa is the second<br />

most beautiful city island in<br />

the world<br />

Prague’s most romantic spot – the Kampa island – has been<br />

voted the second most beautiful city island in the world.<br />

The first place goes to St. Louis island in Paris while the<br />

third went to Ada Ciganlija in Belgrade. The ranking was<br />

compiled by a prestigious traveller website VirtualTourist.<br />

This part of the city is so<br />

impressive that it almost<br />

looks unreal reckons the<br />

VirtualTourist portal. From<br />

the Kampa Island banks you<br />

have some stunning views on<br />

Prague monuments: from one<br />

side you can the Prague Castle<br />

with St. Vitus’ Cathedral<br />

and the Charles Bridge while<br />

from the other you can see<br />

the National Theatre.<br />

Kampa is actually a fake<br />

island on the river Vltava<br />

in the Lesser Town quarter<br />

as it is separated only by<br />

an artificial mill stream<br />

Čertovka. It is divided<br />

from the Smíchov quarter<br />

by Říční street. Originally<br />

it used to be a low, sandy<br />

isle with gardens, vineyards<br />

and mills. It has acquired<br />

its current shape and size<br />

Museum of Prague<br />

Legends and Ghosts<br />

The ancient city of Prague has always been sought<br />

by visitors who are attracted to places full<br />

of enigma, legends of treasures, mysteries and<br />

secrets.<br />

The Museum of Prague Legends and Ghosts<br />

also known as Mysteriae Pragensis represents a<br />

unique exhibition of the most famous and interesting<br />

ghosts and legends of historical Prague. It is<br />

located in the very centre of Prague in Mostecká<br />

street. The museum is split into two sectors.<br />

In the first part there is a giant tome – the Big<br />

Book of Stories and Legends which is opened by<br />

personified genius loci pragensis i.e. the Spirit<br />

of Prague. Pages from the book with original<br />

illustrations are hung around the whole room.<br />

On the ground-floor where the book of legends<br />

is located visitors can therefore learn more about<br />

the background stories behind the legends and<br />

ghosts.<br />

Underground cellar will lead the viewers straight<br />

into a city of ghosts with its narrow alleys, nooks<br />

and crannies of the old-time Prague. The most<br />

gripping part of the museum is the underground<br />

ghost alley where you will encounter the most<br />

famous Prague ghosts and spooks such as the<br />

headless Templar, Turk from Ungelt, hairy monster,<br />

imps from the Prague Castle, headless Laura,<br />

Iron Man, Grim Reaper from Jánský hill, sprites<br />

or infant from the Charles Bridge. There are also<br />

some well-known characters such as Faustus with<br />

Devil, devil from Vyšehrad or Golem. There are<br />

even some special scary events which will leave<br />

you truly frightened.<br />

Apart from the permanent exhibition, visitors<br />

can also explore the streets of Prague with a real<br />

ghost-hunting guide who will introduce them to<br />

other legends and maybe even real ghosts!<br />

after 1541 when rubble was<br />

deposited there after the<br />

fire of the Lesser Town<br />

and Hradčany. On Kampa<br />

island tourists admire the<br />

so-called Lennon’s wall<br />

where visitors from all<br />

around the world pay their<br />

respects to the murdered<br />

member of the Beatles<br />

John Lennon. There is<br />

also the shortest street in<br />

The National Gallery in<br />

Prague, the second oldest<br />

European institution of its<br />

kind after Louvre in Paris,<br />

has celebrated its 215 th<br />

anniversary by opening an<br />

exposition of ancient art<br />

in the Kinský Palace on<br />

the Old Town Square. You<br />

can walk through Egypt<br />

and Nubia along the Nile<br />

valley, through Ancient<br />

Greece and Rome, you can<br />

even visit the Middle East,<br />

China, Tibet or Japan! The<br />

arts of some of the most<br />

ancient cultures in the<br />

world have been missing so<br />

far in Prague’s permanent<br />

exhibitions and have been<br />

now showcased from 4 th<br />

February <strong>2011</strong> thanks to<br />

Prague – Jiřího Červeného<br />

street – which is mere 27<br />

metres long.<br />

Romantic ambience of<br />

the Kampa island has always<br />

attracted many famous<br />

joint efforts of the National<br />

Gallery in Prague,<br />

National Museum and<br />

experts from the Charles<br />

University.<br />

This new exposition<br />

brings together some great<br />

cultures of the Ancient<br />

World, i.e. from Europe,<br />

Africa and Asia that have<br />

been known to Europeans<br />

even before the discovery<br />

of the New World at the<br />

end of the 15 th century.<br />

An extensive collection of<br />

unique works of ancient<br />

artists, Egyptian tombs,<br />

Cuneiform script charts,<br />

amphoras, ceramics, glassware,<br />

bronze artefacts and<br />

small sculptures will take<br />

you much further in the<br />

Czech personalities including<br />

the Czech playwright,<br />

writer and actor Jan Werich,<br />

music composer Bohuslav<br />

Martinů, artists Jiří Trnka,<br />

poet Vladimír Holan or phi-<br />

history of mankind and will<br />

introduce you to seven thousand<br />

years of development<br />

of ancient cultures.<br />

Moving from Europe further<br />

East, there are 13 rooms<br />

on the first floor dedicated<br />

to Asian art. Right in the<br />

first room you can admire<br />

the highlights from National<br />

Gallery’s collections such<br />

as the ancient Chinese art.<br />

You will be able to see ritual<br />

disks and plaques from<br />

nephrite, bronze ceremonial<br />

containers, daggers,<br />

mirrors, bells or a series of<br />

Chinese tomb art ranging<br />

from simple figures from<br />

unglazed clay to large-scale,<br />

glazed sculptures of animals,<br />

ghosts and humans.<br />

lologist Josef Dobrovský who<br />

all lived there. At present<br />

time a museum of modern<br />

arts – Museum Kampa Jan<br />

and Meda Mládek’s Foundation<br />

– is located there.<br />

The National Gallery opened a new exposition<br />

The Golden Lane at the<br />

Prague Castle has been accessible<br />

again since 1 st June<br />

<strong>2011</strong> after some renovation<br />

works. The Golden Lane<br />

has been created after the<br />

construction of northern<br />

fortifications of the castle.<br />

The premises of the<br />

northern corridor behind<br />

the castle walls have been<br />

used for the construction of<br />

modest housing which are<br />

now the last remaining small<br />

residential structures of the<br />

Prague Castle. A legend says<br />

that the name was derived<br />

from gold that alchemists<br />

who lived there were trying<br />

to make. The truth is that<br />

alchemists never lived in<br />

the Golden Lane and the<br />

origins of its name are rather<br />

unflattering – allegedly it<br />

was based on the colour of<br />

urine and other excrements<br />

that used to soil the lane’s<br />

surface. This should come<br />

as no surprise since there<br />

were only two basic toilets<br />

for sixteen households.<br />

Castle staff and archers<br />

used to live there. The<br />

houses were inhabited until<br />

the Second World War<br />

but already since the First<br />

World War there has been<br />

a lot of attention paid to<br />

preserving the picturesque<br />

appearance of the alley when<br />

any renovations were done.<br />

Famous writer Franz Kafka<br />

used to live in the house no.<br />

22 in 1916–17. The current<br />

look of the Golden Lane has<br />

been partly influenced by<br />

the artist Jiří Trnka. It was<br />

his design based on which<br />

all the façades have been<br />

painted in different colours<br />

in the 1950’s as before they<br />

were all grey. All houses<br />

have now been renovated<br />

and some of them host<br />

permanent exhibitions that<br />

will present the everyday<br />

life in this part of the castle<br />

from he 17 th century until<br />

1953 when the last inhabitants<br />

moved out. You will<br />

discover the household of<br />

an amateur film historian<br />

with a projection screen<br />

showing films depicting<br />

the Prague Castle in the<br />

early days of cinematography,<br />

homes of those who<br />

In other rooms you can<br />

explore the rich tradition<br />

of Chinese sculpture or<br />

Buddhist art from the<br />

Tibetan area. Notice the<br />

extraordinary set of hanging<br />

pictures with mandala<br />

imagery. The South-East<br />

Asian decorative arts section<br />

mainly showcases the<br />

art of laquer and metal,<br />

porcelain and Japanese<br />

and Chinese bone china<br />

which has been imported<br />

to Europe since the 16 th<br />

century. The permanent<br />

exposition of ancient arts<br />

is accompanied by an exhibition<br />

of Korean art with<br />

artefacts on loan from the<br />

National Museum of Korea<br />

in Seoul.<br />

The Golden Lane with a brand new shine<br />

defended the castle during<br />

the reign of Rudolph II,<br />

house of a renowned Prague<br />

fortune-teller, exposition<br />

of a goldsmith’s workshop,<br />

a pub with a black kitchen,<br />

an exhibition about the<br />

past and life of the last<br />

inhabitants in the 1950’s<br />

or the dwelling of a healer<br />

with all her herbs.


TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE<br />

NEWS<br />

www.ttg.cz November <strong>2011</strong><br />

Czech Convention Bureau<br />

Confidence in Partnership<br />

Zdeněk Giormani<br />

Director of Czech Convention Bureau<br />

The Czech Republic has<br />

great potential in the congress<br />

tourism area, as it<br />

offers high-quality services<br />

and at the same time is<br />

counted among the safest<br />

destinations in the world.<br />

The CzechTourism agency<br />

endeavours to ensure that<br />

as many large-scale congress<br />

events take place<br />

in the Czech Republic<br />

as possible. As part of its<br />

support for congress and<br />

incentive tourism, therefore,<br />

in 2010 it established the<br />

separate department of the<br />

Czech Convention Bureau<br />

(CzCB).<br />

The CzCB’s main objective<br />

is unified promotion of<br />

the Czech Republic as an<br />

ideal congress and incentive<br />

destination on both<br />

Some of our complimentary services include:<br />

• provision of information and objective advice regarding the<br />

Czech Republic’s many possibilities as a meetings destination.<br />

• site inspections.<br />

• promotional materials.<br />

• RFP distribution and meetings with local service providers to<br />

help you find the right partners.<br />

• corporate social responsibility: think globally, make a difference<br />

locally – If you are looking to incorporate a group volunteer<br />

experience, contact us to learn about suitable non-profit organisations.<br />

• and much more.<br />

Organising any MICE event, whether a congress, conference,<br />

corporate meeting or incentive travel, requires<br />

careful planning and professional organisation. The<br />

Czech Convention Bureau and its partners are prepared<br />

to provide you outstanding assistance and support in<br />

planning your event in the Czech Republic.<br />

the domestic and foreign<br />

markets.<br />

Inasmuch as the Czech<br />

Convention Bureau encompasses<br />

the individual<br />

regional congress offices, it<br />

assists in fully utilising the<br />

full congress potential that<br />

the country offers.<br />

Its task is to effectively<br />

co-ordinate all marketing<br />

and business activities<br />

targeted towards foreign<br />

partners and potential<br />

clients with an interest in<br />

the Czech Republic in the<br />

MICE area. The department<br />

works on integrating the<br />

presentations of all Czech<br />

regions.<br />

The Czech Convention<br />

Bureau’s marketing mix<br />

includes free informational,<br />

advisory and consultancy<br />

services for parties interested<br />

in organising MICE events in<br />

the Czech Republic. As part<br />

of its marketing activities in<br />

the meetings industry, the<br />

Czech Convention Bureau<br />

takes part in professional<br />

trade fairs, arranges “fam”<br />

and press trips, and organises<br />

business workshops and roadshows.<br />

Business meetings<br />

are set up on a B2B basis.<br />

CzechTourism – Czech Convention Bureau<br />

Vinohradská 46, Prague 2,<br />

P.O. Box 32, 120 41<br />

Czech Republic<br />

Phone: +420 221 580 111; Fax: +420 221 580 463<br />

Email: czechconvention@czechtourism.com<br />

www.czechconvention.com<br />

At present, the following<br />

regional agencies are<br />

involved in the project:<br />

Carlsbad Convention Bureau – Karlovy Vary Region<br />

East Bohemia Convention Bureau, DSVČ – East Bohemia<br />

East Moravia Convention Bureau, CCR-VM – East Moravia<br />

Moravia Convention Bureau, CCR-JM – South Moravia<br />

North Bohemia Convention Bureau – Liberec Region<br />

North West Bohemia Convention Bureau, CCRL – Ústí<br />

nad Labem Region<br />

Pilsen Convention Bureau – Pilsen Region<br />

Prague Convention Bureau – City of Prague<br />

South Bohemia Convention Bureau, JCCR – South Bohemia<br />

The Moravian-Silesian Region has recently joined the CzCB.<br />

Czech Czech<br />

Republic<br />

A Stunningly<br />

A Stunningly<br />

Different<br />

Destination<br />

www.czechconvention.cz<br />

www.czechconvention<br />

Vinohradska Vinohradska 46, Prague 46, 2, 120 Prague 41, 2, Czech 120 Republic 41, Czech Republic Rep<br />

Phone: +420 Phone: 221 +420 580 111 221 580<br />

111<br />

CzCB_inzerce_PMG_297x210_press.indd CzCB_inzerce_PMG_297x210_press.indd 1 1 13.7.<strong>2011</strong> 14:24:27 13.7.<strong>2011</strong> 14:24:27<br />

5


November <strong>2011</strong> www.ttg.cz TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE<br />

6 NEWS<br />

<strong>TTG</strong> Travel Awards <strong>2011</strong><br />

<strong>TTG</strong> Travel Awards <strong>2011</strong> – Results<br />

Best Travel Agency<br />

in the Czech Republic<br />

1. Čedok<br />

2. ESO travel<br />

3. Adventura<br />

Best Touroperator for Europe<br />

1. Čedok<br />

2. Adventura<br />

3. FIRO-tour<br />

Best Touroperator for America<br />

1. ESO travel<br />

2. America Tours<br />

3. Adventura<br />

Best Touroperator for Asia<br />

1. ESO travel<br />

2. China Tours<br />

3. Siam Travel International<br />

Best Touroperator for Africa<br />

and the Middle East<br />

1. Adventura<br />

2. ESO travel<br />

3. Time Travel<br />

Best Bus Company<br />

1. Student Agency<br />

2. Eurolines – Touring Bohemia<br />

3. Asiana<br />

Best Airline<br />

1. Emirates<br />

2. Travel Service<br />

3. Turkish Airlines<br />

Best Hotel in the Czech Republic<br />

1. Hotel Hilton Prague<br />

2. Mandarin Oriental Prague<br />

3. Hotel U zlaté studně<br />

Best Incoming Agency<br />

1. Čedok<br />

2. Pragia<br />

3. Euroagentur Hotels & Travel<br />

Best Foreign Tourist Board Working<br />

in the Czech Republic<br />

1. Österreich Werbung<br />

2. Dominican Republic Tourism Board<br />

3. Chorvatské turistické sdružení<br />

Most Welcoming Region or Town<br />

in the Czech Republic<br />

1. Prague<br />

2. Český Krumlov<br />

3. Southern Moravia<br />

Best Travel Insurance Company<br />

1. Evropská cestovní pojišťovna<br />

2. Allianz pojišťovna<br />

3. Česká pojišťovna<br />

Best Travel Agency<br />

in Domestic Tourism<br />

1. Čedok<br />

2. ATIS<br />

3. CK Pressburg<br />

Most Favored Foreign Destination<br />

of 2010<br />

1. Turkey<br />

2. Thailand<br />

3. Greece<br />

Best Car Rental Company<br />

in the Czech Republic<br />

1. Hertz<br />

2. Avis<br />

3. Sixt<br />

Best IATA Agency<br />

in the Czech Republic<br />

1. Asiana<br />

2. Čedok<br />

3. Student Agency<br />

Most Favored Destination of 2010 –<br />

Public Vote<br />

Egypt<br />

Enjoy the innovative space of TOP HOTEL Praha<br />

and the ALBION HOTEL during your events!<br />

Discover new ways to present your products. Consider displaying your vehicles or technology<br />

in traditional indoor conference premises or unconventional outdoor areas – or both!<br />

On 9 hectares, TOP HOTEL Praha offers ideal conditions for making your event special.<br />

The congress centre of TOP HOTEL Praha has become a popular venue for many<br />

important congresses as well as social events – for instance, international medical<br />

congresses, official events during the Czech EU Presidency, international financial and<br />

logistic forums, TV broadcasting such as Miss Deaf World and Miss Princess of the<br />

World, and corporate events of various companies. Also the catering at the hotel is<br />

well known, even abroad. It has built up a sound reputation at places such as<br />

the Czech embassies in Berlin and Vienna. The excellent hotel cuisine has been<br />

awarded many times, in the most prestigious culinary contests worldwide.<br />

TOP HOTEL Praha, owned and operated by the joint – stock company TOP HOTELS<br />

GROUP, features one of the largest congress centre in the Czech Republic, with a total<br />

capacity of 5000 seats in 5 conference halls and 16 lounges. Guests will find there<br />

everything under one roof, whether they travel for business or leisure: accommodation<br />

in 810 four-star rooms, conference facilities, 5 restaurants, bars and summer terraces,<br />

a wellness centre, as well as Thai massage, a swimming pool, tennis courts and bowling<br />

lines, a casino, large parking space and a unique Japanese garden – an ideal place<br />

for hosting summer functions with barbecue. Whatever you need, the TOP HOTEL Praha<br />

has the right space to make any business meeting or event a success. It offers<br />

complete professional conference service. It will arrange all; - transfer, catering,<br />

technical equipment, flower arrangements, including accompanying programme<br />

for participants and their spouses.<br />

ALBION HOTEL, another four – star congress hotel in Prague, is a unique place where<br />

to enjoy a pleasant stay or hold conferences. It is located only a few minutes drive from<br />

the historical centre of Prague and the hotel was included in the catalogue Best<br />

of Realty 2007. It offers accommodation in 290 rooms, conference facilities<br />

for 600 delegates, two restaurants and lobby bar, a summer terrace or a beauty studio.<br />

TOP HOTELS GROUP has won many awards. Since 2002 it has been regularly<br />

awarded The Czech 100 Best Companies.<br />

TOP SERVICE FOR YOUR CONFERENCES<br />

TOP HOTEL Praha!<br />

TRADITION * EXPERIENCE * PROFESSIONALISM<br />

TOP HOTEL Praha, Blazimska 1781/4<br />

149 00 Prague 4, Czech Republic<br />

Tel.: +420 267 284 477, fax: +420 222 990 850<br />

e-mail: sales@tophotel.cz, www.tophotel.cz<br />

textova.indd 1 5.10.<strong>2011</strong> 20:58:05


TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE<br />

NEWS<br />

www.ttg.cz November <strong>2011</strong><br />

Boutique & Design Hotels in Prague<br />

All of you must have already heard about Prague’s charm, its narrow cobble-stone streets, magnificent palaces and gardens,<br />

as well as smaller buildings built in almost every architectural style imaginable. Prague’s boutique hotels, situated mainly<br />

in historic buildings with their own unique atmosphere, will not allow you to escape from the city’s famous magical<br />

aura, even at night. Here we are offering you a selection of these spectacular hotels, all of which breathe distant history.<br />

You may very well believe that each of them has something that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.<br />

HOTEL CLEMENT****<br />

Rezidence Lundborg<br />

is one of Prague’s most beautiful new hotels of the first class – charming<br />

and modern character in all of its own. All rooms are individually designed<br />

with wonderful composition of colors, stylish furnishing and finest fabrics<br />

creating a romantic and chic ambience throughout. The hotel is located<br />

in the historical heart of Prague and lies just a few steps away from the<br />

Vltava river and within walking distance of all metropolitan tourist sites.<br />

The hotel offers 76 luxurious<br />

rooms on 8 floors and<br />

1 room is specially designed<br />

for the disabled. All<br />

rooms are air-conditioned<br />

and equipped with direct<br />

phone line, satellite LCD<br />

TV, free Wi-Fi internet access,<br />

safe, minibar, coffee<br />

and tea making facilities<br />

and large bathrooms with<br />

bathtub or shower. On the<br />

ground floor of the hotel<br />

is located comfortable<br />

conference room, it can be<br />

booked for business meetings,<br />

trainings or conferences<br />

for up to 60 people.<br />

Car-parking is secured<br />

in hotel’s premises.<br />

Klimentska 30, 110 00 Prague 1<br />

Czech Republic<br />

Tel.: +420 222 314 350, Fax: +420 222 312 708<br />

E-mail: info@hotelclement.cz<br />

reservation@hotelclement.cz<br />

www.hotelclement.cz<br />

It is a small hotel adapted to futuristic needs in a very luxurious<br />

environment with mostly suites. During period 2000-<br />

2001 was almost 700 years old house carefully restored to<br />

beautiful rooms and stylish interior. Rezidence Lundborg is<br />

recommended both for business or leisure travellers seeking a<br />

fi rst class accommodation.<br />

Th e hotel is situated in the very historical heart of the Prague<br />

city, only few steps from Charles bridge, in area called Lesser<br />

town /Malá strana/.<br />

Rooms:<br />

• 13 suites and apartments in 6 categories<br />

• the smallest 30 sq. metres, the biggest 140 sq. metres<br />

• facilities: kitchen, spacious bathroom with Jacuzzi, bedroom<br />

and living room<br />

• equipped with free internet access computer, air-condition,<br />

mini-bar, direct dial phone, sat-TV, safe and hi-fi<br />

• most of them is off ering Charles bridge view<br />

• Imperial suite is very special - 140 sq. metres, 2 bedrooms, a<br />

king-size-bed (electric. adjust) + twin bed, bed-sofa, washer,<br />

tumble drier, dishwasher, open fi replace, 1 bathroom with<br />

WC and big Jacuzzi, 1 bathroom with WC and shower.<br />

Hotel services:<br />

IT/conference room with capacity 40 seats • Blue Lion bar<br />

• summer garden • 24/7 reception desk • massage studio •<br />

Judith bridge from 12th ll hotel adapted to futuristic needs in a er lux<br />

century<br />

Rezidence Lundborg<br />

U Lužického semináře 3, Malá Strana<br />

110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic<br />

tel.: +420 257 011 911<br />

fax: +420 257 011 966<br />

rezidence@lundborg.cz<br />

www.lundborg.cz<br />

HOTEL LEONARDO<br />

Elegant boutique hotel, located in the very heart of Prague, just a few steps<br />

from the Charles Bridge. Hotel has a unique location where the city’s cultural,<br />

historical and business centres meet and where everything can be reached on foot.<br />

• 4 star stylish hotel full of classical elegance<br />

• 82 spacious rooms with original Art Nouveau<br />

furniture<br />

• Luxury River View Suites with spectacular<br />

view of Prague Castle<br />

• Romanesque cellar with rich buffet<br />

breakfast<br />

• Cosy, open-air seating on a courtyard with Art<br />

Deco fountain<br />

• Intimate atmosphere with personal approach<br />

to our clients<br />

• Complimentary internet<br />

• Multifunctional meeting & events spaces<br />

for magical events<br />

• Romantic Platina Restaurant & Garden<br />

Karolíny Světlé 27, 110 00 Prague 1, Czech Republic<br />

Tel.: +420 239 009 239, Fax: +420 239 009 236<br />

E-mail: booking@hotelleonardo.cz, www.hotelleonardo.cz<br />

7


November <strong>2011</strong> www.ttg.cz TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE<br />

8 NEWS<br />

Fairs<br />

HOLIDAY WORLD<br />

The trade fair HOLIDAY WORLD is the most important presentation<br />

of travel agencies, domestic regions, national tourism offices and<br />

other services for the travel industry in the Middle Europe. For its<br />

21 st year, the event will offer not only presentations of many different<br />

countries, but also its traditional sub-section Region World<br />

<strong>2012</strong>, which reviews the presentations of regions in the Czech<br />

Republic. In addition to the interesting exhibits, the upcoming<br />

year of the fair plans also to feature an attractive accompanying<br />

programme, not only consisting of the travel film festival World<br />

Film but also a series of seminars, conferences and workshops<br />

on key topics in the tourism industry.<br />

Honoured d country t of f HHoliday lid WWorld<br />

21 th CENTRAL EUROPE'S PREMIER TOURISM INDUSTRY EVENT<br />

TOP GASTRO<br />

9. - 12. 2. <strong>2012</strong><br />

Prague Exhibition Grounds Holesovice<br />

www.holidayworld.cz<br />

GOLF SHOW<br />

THE NEW<br />

PARALLEL FAIR<br />

As well, it will continue with its tradition of holding<br />

two commercial days. The honoured country of<br />

HOLIDAY WORLD for the year <strong>2012</strong> became Dominican<br />

Republic. Despite of general economic<br />

troubles the organizers register approximately the<br />

same interest of the exhibitors to present their<br />

services in Prague. Everything of importance<br />

in travel can be found at the Prague Exhibition<br />

Grounds in Holešovice.<br />

GOLF SHOW<br />

The most important change in <strong>2012</strong> is the brand<br />

new arrangement of the golf part. The best travel<br />

fair in the Czech Republic HOLIDAY WORLD joins<br />

together with the best golf fair GOLF SHOW to<br />

create the unique meeting point and only place<br />

for all golf lovers in the Czech Republic. The fair<br />

GOLF SHOW in cooperation with professional<br />

partners from the Czech Golf Travel Association,<br />

the Czech Golf Federation, CzechTourism a Czech<br />

Golf Consulting will create a prestigious and representative<br />

forum for golf tourism in the Czech<br />

Republic with an international reach. The fair GOLF<br />

SHOW will present not only golf tourism but also<br />

the golf equipment.<br />

Represented countries<br />

Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech<br />

Republic, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Etiopie,<br />

Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary,<br />

India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan,<br />

Kenya, Korea, Malta, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands,<br />

Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal,<br />

Romania, Russia, Senegal, Slovakia, Slovenia,<br />

Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,<br />

Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Vietnam<br />

The figures in <strong>2011</strong><br />

Number of exhibitors 693<br />

Countries represented 47<br />

Represented foreign tourist boards 29<br />

Exhibition area brutto (sq. m.) 17 400<br />

Number of visitors 31 720<br />

Professionals 7215<br />

Media representatives 805


Foto: Luděk Neužil<br />

TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE<br />

NEWS<br />

www.ttg.cz November <strong>2011</strong><br />

Interview<br />

THE CZECH REPUBLIC<br />

as a destination for religious tourism<br />

We have spoken to Prague Archbishop and the Czech Primate, Mons. Dominik Duka about<br />

Czech and Moravian religious monuments that every foreign visitor should visit and more.<br />

? The Czech Republic is full<br />

of religious monuments<br />

yet not quite a religious<br />

tourism destination. Most<br />

foreign visitors tend to<br />

visit Prague only where<br />

they manage to see the<br />

St. Vitus Cathedral, the<br />

Jewish Cemetery, perhaps<br />

even the Infant Jesus of<br />

Prague. Which other places<br />

in the Czech Republic would<br />

you recommend to visitors<br />

and why?<br />

As for the Czech Republic<br />

being a typical religious<br />

CZECH NATIVITY SCENES<br />

The tradition of Nativity<br />

scenes in the Czech<br />

lands is rather old yet still<br />

very much alive. The first<br />

Nativity scenes appeared<br />

in Bohemia during the<br />

course of the 16 th century<br />

with the arrival of Jesuits.<br />

They used to be displayed<br />

in churches. It wasn’t<br />

until the end of 18 th century<br />

when they became a<br />

common sight in people’s<br />

homes. They used to be<br />

home-made in mountain<br />

foothill areas.<br />

Nativity scenes made by<br />

Czech craftsmen are often<br />

very different to others.<br />

Their signature feature is<br />

that they portray scenes<br />

from everyday life as well as<br />

figural depiction of Christ’s<br />

birth with the holy family<br />

and angels. Czech Nativity<br />

scenes tend to have<br />

musicians, shepheards,<br />

merchants, craftsmen or<br />

farmers bearing gifts for<br />

the little Messiah.<br />

There are two Czech<br />

Nativity scenes that have<br />

become well-known internationally<br />

– the so-called<br />

Probošt’s Nativity scene<br />

and Krýza’s Christmas crib.<br />

Probošt’s Nativity scene is<br />

more than a hundred years<br />

old, movable wooden Nativity<br />

scene whose authors,<br />

wood-carver Josef Probošt<br />

and his helpers Josef Ka-<br />

tourism destination, it is<br />

and it isn’t in many ways.<br />

On one hand it is such<br />

a destination yet officially it<br />

is acknowledged as regular,<br />

general tourism. Now in the<br />

times of an economic crisis<br />

the number of visitors has<br />

pucián and Josef Friml,<br />

worked for whole forty<br />

years. In 1967 it was showcased<br />

at the World Expo<br />

in Montreal. At present<br />

time it is found in the Museum<br />

of Nativity Scenes in<br />

Třebechovice pod Orebem<br />

(13 km east of the city of<br />

Hradec Králové)<br />

Krýza’s Christmas crib is<br />

the biggest folkish mechanical<br />

Nativity scene in the<br />

world, listed in the Guinness<br />

Book of Records since 1998.<br />

His maker Tomáš Krýza<br />

spent over sixty years to<br />

complete this masterpiece.<br />

This spectacular Nativity<br />

scene occupies a surface<br />

area of 60 metres squared.<br />

gone down but the Prague<br />

Castle for instance still gets<br />

20.000 visitors a day. Not<br />

everyone is a tourist though<br />

as many people walk through<br />

the castle area on their<br />

way to work. Still, roughly<br />

12.000 tickets are sold for<br />

It can be seen in a museum<br />

in the South Bohemian town<br />

of Jindřichův Hradec.<br />

The Royal Nativity scene,<br />

found in the Museum of Nativity<br />

Scenes in Karlštejn,<br />

below the famous Gothic<br />

castle of the same name<br />

(25 km east of Prague), is<br />

also very interesting. This<br />

museum hosts the largest<br />

collection of Nativity scenes<br />

in the Czech Republic.Its<br />

collections include rougly 50<br />

sets and you can even find<br />

some truly extraordinary<br />

ones that are made of bread,<br />

sugar or wax. There are some<br />

unique miniature Nativity<br />

scenes in a coconut, walnut<br />

or even hazelnut shell.<br />

entry into the Castle and the<br />

St.Vitus Cathedral is part<br />

of this circuit. By the way,<br />

more pilgrims come to see<br />

the Infant Jesus of Prague<br />

than the St. Vitus Cathedral.<br />

Outside of Prague,<br />

the most significant sites<br />

include Kutná Hora with its<br />

three architecturally remarkable<br />

cathedrals, Kolín – its<br />

cathedral is undergoing an<br />

extensive reconstruction at<br />

the moment though, then<br />

there are pilgrimage sites<br />

such as Stará Boleslav or<br />

the Holy Mountain near<br />

Příbram, in South Bohemia<br />

there are monasteries such<br />

as Zlatá Koruna or Vyšší<br />

Brod, in West Bohemia it<br />

is worth visiting Kladruby.<br />

In Moravia visitors should<br />

not miss Olomouc, Velehrad<br />

and Mikulov with its synagogue<br />

where Moravian Land<br />

Rabbi Rabi Löw used to be<br />

based. There are so many<br />

places to mention – even in<br />

Prague there are so many<br />

cathedrals and churches to<br />

visit beyond the St. Vitus<br />

Cathedral.<br />

?<br />

The interiors of the Archbishop’s<br />

Palace are definitely<br />

a beautiful and valuable<br />

heritage site. Some of<br />

the rooms open to public for<br />

corporate events, however,<br />

most visitors of Prague will<br />

never get to see them. Are<br />

you not considering opening<br />

all the rooms to public<br />

permanently, perhaps on<br />

selected days?<br />

The Archbishop’s Palace is<br />

not completely closed to<br />

public. There are no tourist<br />

groups flocking there,<br />

however, once a month we<br />

get pre-booked groups via<br />

foreign embassies or travel<br />

agents. It is necessary for<br />

us to come up with some<br />

kind of concept to open<br />

the premises to public, for<br />

instance we would be keen<br />

to fix days when people<br />

could visit the palace after<br />

a service. We wouldn’t want<br />

to get those 12.000 visitors<br />

a day that come to the<br />

Prague Castle though.<br />

? Czech people are generally<br />

considered as a<br />

nation of unbelievers. Do<br />

you agree with this?<br />

That’s somewhat of a stereotype.<br />

The situation has<br />

not changed much since the<br />

Middle Ages, one third of<br />

people is religious, another<br />

third is agnostic and the last<br />

third is atheist. Whenever<br />

the survival of the nation<br />

was at stake, religious feelings<br />

came to the forefront<br />

whether it was the period<br />

of German occupation,<br />

1948, 1968 or 1989. At the<br />

moment the interest in<br />

questions of religion is not<br />

extensive but it’s not too<br />

bad either. I have always<br />

been an optimist and it<br />

has paid off. As we used to<br />

say about the Communist<br />

regime – it will blow up one<br />

day – and then eventually<br />

it did, albeit after a long<br />

period of time.<br />

Thank you for the interview.<br />

Naďa Rybárová<br />

9<br />

Foto: CzechTourism


November <strong>2011</strong> www.ttg.cz TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE<br />

10 NEWS<br />

The most famous pi<br />

in the Czech Repub<br />

Religious tourism is becoming increasingly popular in the world and not only with religious tourists. Its<br />

main advantage is its resistance to economic fluctuations and it hence represents a reliable product.<br />

Czech landscape is scattered with churches, chapels, miraculous wells and trees with pictures of God.<br />

Pilgrimage tradition is deep rooted in Bohemia and Moravia and dates back to Medieval times. We could<br />

dig even deeper – the greatest expansion occured in the Baroque period. At present time pilgrimage sites do not<br />

necessarily represent holy sites where processions of pilgrims would go to be closer to God. For many people these<br />

days a small church on top a hill with a nice tree-lined path leading towards it can represent an interesting<br />

trip, a place to explore, an architectural jewel or a countryside landmark. Such place could be a large basilica or<br />

even just a simple, inconspicuous structure whose fame greatly exceeded that of bigger churches as it often hid<br />

important statues, paintings, miraculous objects, healing springs, stones with imprints of bodies of saints, etc.<br />

Whether you’re religious, a firm atheist or something in between, we definitely urge you to visit some of these<br />

locations. To everyone there are a great testimony of our nation’s culture. They are surrounded by mysteries and<br />

mysticism, legends and radiate special energy. People have been unexplicably drawn to these places since time<br />

immemorial and they preserved their atmosphere, aesthetic value and genius loci that continue to charm the visitors.<br />

Let yourself be enchanted by these places and perhaps you will make some great new discoveries in your life.<br />

–1–<br />

The Loreto – Prague<br />

For more than 300 years a very extraordinary<br />

site called the Loreto has been found in<br />

the Prague Castle premises, comprising of<br />

a cloister, Baroque church of the Lord’s<br />

Birth, Holy Hut and a tower with a clock<br />

and the world famous carillon. History of<br />

this pilgrimage site, the former church of<br />

the Lobkowicz family who founded the<br />

place, is somewhat complicated and it covers<br />

the period of peak Baroque in Prague<br />

but it also bears traces of the religious life<br />

of clergy in the Czech countries. Visitors<br />

will be amazed by the carillon with 27<br />

Loreto bells which play every hour to encourage<br />

people to pray. At the end of the<br />

17 th century when it was firstly installed<br />

it was a truly one-of-a-kind object in the<br />

Czech environment. It was donated to the<br />

Loreto by a rich merchant from the Lesser<br />

Town of Prague called Eberhard of Glauchov.<br />

The author of all 30 signed bells is a<br />

municipal bellfounder and cannon-maker<br />

Claudy Fremy of Amsterdam who made<br />

them in 1683–91. Consecrating of Loreto<br />

bells in 1695 before they were installed in<br />

the clock tower became a major celebration<br />

in Prague. Each bell had a patron who<br />

was a member of the aristocratic circles,<br />

the first bell’s patron was the emperor<br />

Leopold I himself.<br />

–2–<br />

Infant Jesus of Prague<br />

The most famous pilgrimage site in Prague<br />

and the best known Czech pilgrimage site<br />

abroad is the church of Our Lady Victorious.<br />

This early Baroque church is found<br />

on Karmelitská street in the Lesser Town.<br />

Pilgrims are mainly interested in the statue<br />

of Infant Jesus of Prague, internationally<br />

known as Bambini di Praga, which is found<br />

at the right-hand side altar in a silver<br />

cabinet and has been placed there since<br />

1628. The statue representing an infant<br />

is 47 centimetres high and made of wood,<br />

covered in moulded coloured wax. Baby<br />

Jesus is giving blessings with his righ hand<br />

while his left hand holds a globe with a<br />

cross on top – our whole world lies in<br />

his hands. Royal insignia symbolize the<br />

faith tha unites all Christians – belief in<br />

Christ’s divinity. The infant’s “wardrobe”<br />

consists of valuable embroidered and<br />

richly decorated coats of various colours.<br />

The most precious one has been handembroidered<br />

by the Austrian Empress<br />

Maria Theresa. The Renaissance wax statue<br />

originating from Spain has been donated<br />

by Princess Polyxena von Lobkowicz to<br />

the Carmelites.<br />

–3–<br />

Hejnice<br />

Pilgrim town Hejnice is found in Jizerské<br />

mountains. An extensive Baroque site is<br />

dominated by the cathedral of the Visitation<br />

of Our Lady. Its most precious artefact is<br />

a wooden Gothic statue of Black Madonna<br />

from 1380. Neighbouring Franciscan<br />

monastery is the seat of the International<br />

Centre for Spiritual Restoration.<br />

–4–<br />

Stará Boleslav<br />

The most important non-Marian pilgrimage<br />

site. The town became known because<br />

of a significant event for the Czech nation<br />

in the 9 th century – the murder of<br />

Prince Wenceslas by his brother Boleslav<br />

by the church entrance. The walls of the<br />

former shrine have been preserved in<br />

the church of St. Wenceslas, an image<br />

depicting the fratricide is found in the<br />

Vrábská chapel of the church. Prince<br />

Wenceslas was named a saint and became<br />

the main patron of the Czech nation,<br />

providing moral support during difficult<br />

times. St. Clement’s church with valuable<br />

Romanesque fresco ornaments is<br />

found there too while pilgrimage church<br />

of the Visitation of Our Lady displayes<br />

a golden Marian relief, also known as the<br />

palladium – a symbol of protection and<br />

patronage for the Czech country.<br />

–5–<br />

Holy Mountain (Svatá Hora) near Příbram<br />

Marian basilica on the Holy Mountain<br />

near Příbram is one of the main pilgrimage<br />

sites in the Czech Republic. The chapel<br />

on top of the Holy Mountain has been<br />

documented since the beginning of the 16 th<br />

century when it was a plain early Renaissance<br />

structure. Local statue of the Virgin<br />

Mary with Infant Jesus was made according<br />

to church tradition in mid-14 th century by<br />

Archbishop Arnošt of Pardubice. When it<br />

was transferred to the chapel on the Holy<br />

Mountain in the 16 th century, soon many<br />

processions started to flock there. In 1647<br />

the Holy Mountain became looked after by<br />

the Jesuits and they initiated a construction<br />

of a spectacular new cathedral. The<br />

structure has been designed as a Marian<br />

castle complete with a courtyard, entrance<br />

gate, cloisters with four main chapels and<br />

nine other altars, a small court with an<br />

elevated shrine dedicated to the Cult of<br />

the Virgin Mary. Inside there is a silver<br />

altar, a richly decorated sanctuary with<br />

a statue of the Virgin Mary placed above.<br />

The greatest tribute to the Virgin Mary of<br />

the Holy Mountain, the Queen of silver-


TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE www.ttg.cz November <strong>2011</strong><br />

lgrimage sites<br />

lic<br />

mining mountains, was her coronation<br />

in 1732. From Příbram there is a roofed<br />

stairacase leading to the Holy Mountain,<br />

460 metres long and builts in 1730. The<br />

great importance of the Holy Mountain<br />

has been further reinforced by the honorary<br />

papal title basilica minor.<br />

–6–<br />

Velehrad<br />

Velehrad in Moravia is a world famous<br />

pilgrimage site. It is an important spiritual<br />

centre, a place where many religious<br />

processions, assemblies and celebrations<br />

take place. It is closely linked to the tradition<br />

of Saints Cyril and Methodius; it<br />

was most likely here that the first Great<br />

Moravian archbishop St. Methodius had<br />

his seat. The pilgrimage site consists of<br />

a beautiful basilica of the Ascension of<br />

Our Lady and Saints Cyril and Methodius<br />

(built on Romanesque foundations) with<br />

neighbouring buildings of the former<br />

Cistercian monastery.<br />

In the basilica basement there is a lapidary,<br />

open to public. Velehrad basilica has<br />

been given the Golden Rose by Pope John<br />

Paul II in 1985 which is a very special gift<br />

that only a handful of Catholic churches<br />

in the world can boast with. On 22 nd April<br />

1990 Pope John Paul II visited this place.<br />

To commemorate this special occasion<br />

a giant cross with his sign has been placed<br />

in the courtyard in front of the basilica.<br />

Basilica with neighbouring buildings and<br />

areas has been named a national cultural<br />

monument in April 2008.<br />

–7–<br />

Holy Hill (Svatý Kopeček) near Olomouc<br />

Monumental cathedral of the Visitation<br />

of the Virgin Mary on the Holy Hill near<br />

Olomouc is one of the main landmarks of<br />

the region. The pilgrimage site consists<br />

of churches, cloisters with chapels, residential<br />

and administrative buildings and<br />

it is a highly-valued example of Baroque<br />

architecture from the turn of the 17 th<br />

/18 th century. The cathedral has a winter<br />

chapel and holy stairs to remind of the<br />

28 stairs in Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem<br />

which were climbed by Jesus Christ before<br />

his condemnation. In 1995 Holy Hill<br />

has been graced by the visit of Pope John<br />

Paul II. In the same year the cathedral of<br />

the Visitation of the Virgin Mary has has<br />

been named a basilica minor.<br />

–8–<br />

Žďár nad Sázavou<br />

Green Mountain<br />

(Zelená hora)<br />

A pilgrimage church has been built on top<br />

of Zelená hora in 1720 by an abbot from<br />

local monastery in Žďár nad Sázavou in<br />

honour of the Czech martyr and saint<br />

John of Nepomuk. According to a legend<br />

a crown with five stars appeared above his<br />

dead body and therefore the architect Jan<br />

Blažej Santini opted for the symbolism of<br />

a five-pointed star in this structure built in<br />

Baroque Gothic style. The ground plan is<br />

star-shaped, the church has five entrances,<br />

there are five stars and five angels on the<br />

main altar. Top of the church is adorned<br />

by a simple yet impressive dome with<br />

lunettes. The large number of sculptures<br />

inside the church of St. John of Nepomuk<br />

is by Řehoř Theny who was the student<br />

of famous Baroque sculptor Matyáš Bernard<br />

Braun. The cloister surrounding the<br />

building of the church and neighbouring<br />

cemetery has the shape of a ten-pointed<br />

star. Thanks to its unique character the<br />

church of St. John of Nepomuk at Zelená<br />

hora, near the town of Žďár nad Sázavou,<br />

has been listed among the UNESCO<br />

World Heritage Sites in 1994. There is<br />

a stone bridge from 1761 located closely<br />

to the monastery and it is decorated with<br />

Baroque statues of Czech saints.<br />

–9–<br />

Klokoty near Tábor<br />

Pilgrimage site of Klokoty is found on<br />

the edge of the city of Tábor. Current<br />

appearance of these premises has been<br />

developing since 1679. The spectacular<br />

structure of the church of the Assumption<br />

of the Virgin Mary reminds of a chateau<br />

thanks to its domes. Four octagonal chapels<br />

and one alcove chapel of St. John of<br />

Nepomuk lie adjacent to the church. The<br />

interior is richly decorated with stucco<br />

and fresco paintings. At the main altar,<br />

there is a painting of the Virgin Mary of<br />

Klokoty inside a gilded frame. Nearby<br />

there is a Baroque chapel with Stations<br />

of the Cross made out of stone.<br />

–10–<br />

Saint Hostýn<br />

Saint Hostýn is the highest located Marian<br />

pilgrimage site in Moravia, visible from<br />

afar as it sits in otherwise flat and fertile<br />

land of Haná region. For three centuries<br />

it has been the destinations of thousands<br />

of pilgrims from near and far as they find<br />

solace to their sorrows and needs. Saint<br />

Hostýn is one of the most important pilgrimage<br />

sites dedicated to the Cult of the<br />

Virgin Mary in Moravia. Apart from the<br />

basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin<br />

Mary, there are many other interesting<br />

monuments including stunning Stations<br />

of the Cross by architect Jurkovič, older<br />

Classicism style Stations of the Cross,<br />

Sarkandr chapel, water chapel or a museum<br />

mapping the history of Saint Hostýn.<br />

The year <strong>2012</strong> will see the 100 th anniversary<br />

since the coronation of the Virgin<br />

Mary of Saint Hostýn.<br />

–11–<br />

Římov<br />

The focal point of the sacred reverance<br />

is a Baroque statue of the Virgin Mary of<br />

Římov from 1679. From the eastern wing<br />

of the cloister you can enter the Baroque<br />

church built between 1672 and 1697 on<br />

a central, circular floor plan. The most<br />

significant features include the main altar<br />

from 1878–1879, original stone baptistry<br />

from 1672 and a pulpit from mid-18 th century.<br />

In the middle of the courtyard there<br />

is a Loretto chapel founded in 1648, with<br />

simple decorations, imitating the original<br />

shrine in Italian Loretto.<br />

After visiting the pilgrimage site in<br />

the centre of the town, you can also follow<br />

a six-kilometre walking path around<br />

Římov and its unique 25 Stations of the<br />

Cross. Their locations follow the traditional<br />

set-up of the Stations of the Cross<br />

in Jerusalem.<br />

–12–<br />

Kladruby<br />

The most significant pilgrimage site in<br />

Kladruby is the former Benedictine monastery<br />

which was founded in 1108. In the<br />

first half of the 18 th century the whole<br />

building was re-built and the church of<br />

the Assumption of the Virgin Mary has<br />

been spectacularly reconstructed based<br />

on a design by J. B. Santini. He blended<br />

Gothic and Baroque features in an original<br />

way and hence created a style known as the<br />

Baroque Gothic whose main representative<br />

he became. Church furnishings are mostly<br />

original based on Santini’s designs and the<br />

most beautiful feature is the main altar,<br />

emulating Gothic cathedral architecture.<br />

Gothic statue of the so-called Virgin Mary<br />

of Kladruby from early 15 th century is also<br />

valuable.<br />

11<br />

Prepared by Vlaďka Bratršovská, photos CzechTourism


12<br />

Photos: CzechTourism<br />

November <strong>2011</strong><br />

NEWS<br />

www.ttg.cz TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE<br />

DISCOVER THE PROM<br />

Would you like experience a special moment? Imaging you’re in a movie next to Hollywood stars.<br />

Visit places in the Czech Republic where the famous Bond movie Casino Royale was filmed or<br />

Mission: Impossible with Tom Cruise. If you like all things scary then explore Prague in the footsteps<br />

of horror movies such as Hannibal Rising, The Omen or Blade II. Many of notoriously<br />

well-known films have surprisingly recognizable backdrop: the Czech Republic. In some film the<br />

Czech capital substitues more famous and expensive locations such as Paris or London. Sometimes<br />

the filmmakers pick an interesting place and bring it to life with computer animation. There<br />

is an increasing number of movies that showcase Prague and other Czech cities the way they are,<br />

letting their old-time charm and mystery speak for themselves.<br />

Action movies take the lead<br />

Casino Royale depicting dangerous adventures<br />

of James Bond was filmed in 2006<br />

in the most famous Czech spa town of<br />

Karlovy Vary. Agent 007 encountered his<br />

enemies and allies at Mlýnská collonade,<br />

in the Imperial Spa and in Grand Hotel<br />

Pupp. He then untangled the conspiracy<br />

threads in Prague, specifically in the<br />

Strahov Monastery, National Museum, at<br />

the Prague Airport, in Podbaba quarter,<br />

at Vítkov Memorial and also by Danube<br />

House building on Rohanský island and<br />

the Main Railway Station. The agent with<br />

licence to kill also appeared in Planá near<br />

Mariánské Lázně, at Loket castle and also<br />

in the town Loket on the main square. The<br />

actor Daniel Craig actually stayed in the<br />

room no. 7 in Goethe hotel there. Similarly<br />

action-packed was also the movie where<br />

Sean Connery played adventurer Allan<br />

Quartermain. The League of Extraordinary<br />

Gentlemen was set near Rudolfinum, Strahov<br />

Monastery and at Olšany Cemetery.<br />

Karlovy Vary Connery also decided to have the movie<br />

premiere in Prague in 2003 as charitable<br />

event to help areas affected by the floods of 2002. Bad Company movie brings us to<br />

the company of another superstar – this time Anthony Hopkins as a retired CIA agent<br />

Gaylord Oakes. This film from 2002 shows Prague and its Prague Castle including<br />

the castle guards. The plot takes us to Hradčany square, Thunovská and Nerudova<br />

streets, Charles Bridge, Střelecký Island, Novotného lávka and the National Theatre.<br />

When talking about movies with agents, it would be impossible not to mention the<br />

most famous of them all: Mission: Impossible with Tom Cruise. The first one in<br />

a series of action blockbusters was filmed in 1996 in the Czech Republic, mainly in<br />

Prague. Cruise’s footsteps would take us to the National Museum, Charles Bridge,<br />

Kampa, Old Town Square, Železná street and Evropa Hotel and the Municipal House.<br />

Charles Bridge – Prague<br />

Rudolfinum – Prague<br />

Hotel Adria – Prague Kroměříž Žatec<br />

Horrors are doing well too<br />

The mystery-infused atmosphere of Prague seems perfect for shooting of horror<br />

movies. In the story of Hannibal Lecter’s birth we walk through the capital city with<br />

little Hannibal, experiencing places that would predetermine his cannibalistic future.<br />

Actor Gaspard Ulliel went to Holešovice quarter, Rudolfinum, Adria Palace, Pařížská,<br />

Loretánská and U Obecního Dvora streets. Hannibal Rising was made in 2007. The<br />

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian movie was also made in the Czech Republic<br />

in 2007, directed by Andrew Adamson who is known for films such as Shrek (2001)<br />

or Batman Forever (1995). In Prague Prince Caspian played by Ben Barnes visited<br />

Rudolfinum or the Museum of Decorative Arts.<br />

The crew of horror movie The Omen (2006) has been to many places in Prague. The<br />

cast including Liev Schreiber, Mia Farrow and David Thewlis filmed in the following<br />

locations: Štefanik’s observatory, Strahov Monastery, Charles Bridge, Střelecký Island,<br />

National Theatre, National Museum, Hvězda summer residence, Trója chateau, Prague<br />

Exhibition Grounds, Danube House on Rohanský Island, Vinohrady hospital, Náměstí<br />

Míru, Congress Centre at Vyšehrad and at Kampa. Apart from exteriors suitable for<br />

the scariest of movies, the Czech Republic also offers fairytale-like spots which can<br />

also give a viewer goose-bumps though. The Grimm Brothers movie was filmed by<br />

Terry Gilliam in 2005 in the Czech Republic and he chose Prague, Křivoklát and<br />

Kutná Hora as locations. Mysterious atmosphere can also be savoured in a film by<br />

Guillermo del Toro who decided to shoot frightening scenes on the Charles Bridge<br />

in Prague. His Blade II brought together Wesley Snipes and Kris Kristofferson who<br />

both stepped on this amazing landmark.<br />

Mystery horror From Hell about Britain’s most infamous killer Jack the Ripper used<br />

Prague as a backdrop in 2001. Johnny Depp as the police inspector Fred Abberline<br />

uncovered clues at Strahov, near the National Museum and in Apolinářská street.<br />

More information about films shot in the Czech Republic can be found on the following websites: www.kudyznudy.cz and www.filmcommission.cz.


TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE www.ttg.cz November <strong>2011</strong><br />

ISED LAND<br />

National Theatre – Prague<br />

Star Festival Guest – BERTRAND PICCARD<br />

Bertrand Piccard looks forward to visiting the Czech Republic<br />

again. Currently one of the most outstanding travellers and<br />

explorers in the world, Dr Piccard has always aimed high: in<br />

1999 together with Brian Jones he became the first person<br />

ever to circumnavigate the world non-stop in a balloon,<br />

covering a record 45 633 km in just 19 days, 21 hours and<br />

47 minutes. Dr Piccard’s latest project is Solar Impulse.<br />

With his partner André Borschberg he plans to fly around<br />

the world without any fuel, only propelled by the solar energy. The revolutionary airplane<br />

is the first solar airplane able to fly day and night purely on solar energy and it has already<br />

successfully accomplished a 26-hour non-stop flight. This ambitious project demonstrates<br />

the enormous potential of new technologies for saving energy and applying renewable<br />

forms of energy. Bertrand Piccard comes from a famous family of remarkable explorers: his<br />

grandfather, August Piccard, was the first man ever to enter the stratosphere and to see the<br />

curvature of the earth with his own eyes. He also invented the Bathyscaphe, a submarine for<br />

extreme depths. Bertrand Piccard’s father, Jacques, achieved world fame with his unique<br />

descent to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point of the ocean floor.<br />

Bertrand Piccard is known for his charismatic personality and is a talented speaker. His appearance<br />

at Tourfilm will be accompanied by video clips of his extraordinary achievements.<br />

FOLLOWING THE HIMALAYAN SPIRIT AT TOURFILM<br />

Friday program was dedi- see Himalayan dancers and climber and skier David Saturday morning in front<br />

cated to the Himalayas – a sitar player in action. Fojtík and a great fan of of the Thermal hotel was<br />

there was a photography Speakers included Klára the Himalayas Ladislav dedicated to families and<br />

exhibition and the interior Poláčková, the first Czech Jirásko. Musician Martin children for whom we have<br />

was decorated with furni- woman to climb Mount Kratochvíl said hello di- prepared a number of great<br />

ture and artefacts from the Everest, a legend among rectly from the Himalayas activities. In the afternoon<br />

Himalayas, visitors could Czech mountain climbers and two of his films about we continued with talks<br />

enjoy a Tibetan tea room, Josef Rakoncaj, actress the mountain range were with various travellers in-<br />

visit a Buddhist temple, Jana Paulová, passionate screened.<br />

cluding the veteran Miloslav<br />

Let’s not forget historical movies<br />

Hvezda – Prague Kutná Hora<br />

The Czech Republic is perfect for filming more than just horror stories. Period drama<br />

Oliver Twist based on Charles Dickens’ masterpiece was filmed in the country in<br />

2002 by Roman Polanski. Most filming was done in Barrandov film studios and near<br />

Beroun and Žatec. We should not forget the historical epic Amadeus of Czech-born<br />

director Miloš Forman who’s well-known to literally the whole wide world. The Oscarwinning<br />

movie was made in 1984 and takes us to the premises of South Moravian<br />

Baroque chateau Kroměříž as well as to the Dominican church of St. Giles in Husova<br />

street, Hradčanské and Maltézské squares and Nerudova street.<br />

CHILDREN’S DAY AT THE THERMAL HOTEL<br />

Stingl who spoke about<br />

the Magical Year <strong>2012</strong>.<br />

Actor Tomáš Hanák talked<br />

about his travels around<br />

the world and there was a<br />

panel discussion about the<br />

TV show Toulavá kamera<br />

with its presenters Iveta<br />

Toušlová and Josef Maršál.<br />

Travellers from Karlovy Vary<br />

Dana Smržová and Stanislav<br />

Hořínek presented the<br />

exotic Galapagos islands.<br />

Saturday program was finished<br />

off by a concert of<br />

Lokomotiva band featuring<br />

presenter and singer Petr<br />

Vondráček.<br />

THE NEXT FESTIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 4 TH TO 6 TH OCTOBER <strong>2012</strong> IN KARLOVY VARY.<br />

Křivoklát<br />

13<br />

Photo: © Solar Impulse / Hector Martin


14<br />

Pages 14–19 prepared by Marta Jedličková<br />

November <strong>2011</strong> TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE<br />

DESTINATION – CZECH REPUBLIC<br />

Family tourism<br />

Information from Central Moravia<br />

The first six-seater chairlift<br />

in Moravia in the<br />

newly built resort Kouty<br />

nad Desnou has been<br />

serving tourists from the<br />

end of April. The upper<br />

station of the chairlift is<br />

a good starting point for<br />

a walking or cycling trip<br />

to hydroelectric power<br />

plant Dlouhé Stráně found<br />

1350m above the sea level<br />

and considered one of<br />

the seven wonders of the<br />

Czech Republic. Alongside<br />

the upper part of the<br />

reservoir there is a brand<br />

new, 2.5 km long in-line<br />

In the footsteps of personalities<br />

Hukvaldy is found in northern<br />

Moravia, in Frýdek-<br />

Místek region. The name<br />

of this rather small town is<br />

well-known not only in the<br />

Czech Republic but also<br />

abroad. The reasons behind<br />

this are its famous native<br />

Leoš Janáček and also its<br />

castle. The first mention of<br />

the Hukvaldy castle dates<br />

Pick a trip from our selection<br />

- select your walk or cycling trip<br />

- download the route onto your GPS<br />

- get the latest updates<br />

- book your accommodation<br />

...all at www.jizni-morava.cz<br />

or www.cyklo-jizni-morava.cz<br />

skating track. This place is<br />

also a great starting point<br />

for many other interesting<br />

walking and cycling<br />

trails along the ridges of<br />

Jeseníky mountain. You<br />

can also find a special bike<br />

park with tracks of varying<br />

difficulty, some suitable<br />

even for less experienced<br />

riders and children. The<br />

park also features a permanent<br />

exhibition made of<br />

wood called Kouty Forest<br />

with fairy tale characters<br />

and traditional crafts.<br />

Another great attraction<br />

is a bobsleigh track<br />

back to the 14 th century. The<br />

castle was mostly owned by<br />

the bishops of Olomouc but<br />

at one point it was also the<br />

property of the Hungarian<br />

king Sigismund as well<br />

as of the Czech king Jiří<br />

of Poděbrady. Bishops of<br />

Olomouc owned the castle<br />

until 1948 when it became<br />

property of the state. The<br />

castle has slowly turned<br />

into ruins though. This was<br />

allegedly aided by a great<br />

fire in the 18 th century. The<br />

best preserved part is St.<br />

Andrew’s chapel from 17 th<br />

century and it was the only<br />

one that was maintained<br />

and renovated throughout<br />

the 19 th century. Its great<br />

acoustics make it a good<br />

concert venue. Below the<br />

castle lies a game park where<br />

moufflons and fallow deer<br />

live. Baroque bastions offer<br />

with hundred metres of<br />

vertical drop in Petříkov,<br />

Adrenaline Park in Česká<br />

ves, mountain mini-karts<br />

in Ramzová, Acrobat Park<br />

in Štíty or a mountain<br />

climbing area in Rabštejn.<br />

A pleasant distraction<br />

during your stay in Central<br />

Moravia, particularly for<br />

children, would be a visit<br />

to the zoological garden<br />

at Svatý Kopeček with a<br />

unique pavilion for rare<br />

Manchurian leopards.<br />

Active holidays aside,<br />

visitors can spend time<br />

lovely views into the countryside<br />

that allegedly even<br />

Leoš Janáček enjoyed. His<br />

name is also linked to the<br />

International Music Festival<br />

Janáček’s Hukvaldy which<br />

takes place regularly and<br />

always features Janáček’s<br />

Philharmonic Orchestra<br />

from Ostrava. You can learn<br />

more about Janáček in his<br />

memorial located in the<br />

town of Hukvaldy and also<br />

in his native house where<br />

the information centre is<br />

currently based.<br />

Hukvaldy castle attracts<br />

visitors with a number of<br />

events and activities. These<br />

include knightly tournaments<br />

and jousts, fire shows,<br />

reconstructions of Medieval<br />

castle battles, reenactment<br />

of old legends, convention<br />

of spooks, ghosts and other<br />

scary creatures, and guided<br />

in several newly opened<br />

museums. The city of<br />

Olomouc boasts with a<br />

brand new tourist attraction<br />

– people can visit for<br />

the first time ever the<br />

Archbishop’s Palace with<br />

unique representative<br />

halls. Nearby Šternberk<br />

offers visitors the Exhibition<br />

of Time with one-ofa-kind<br />

collection of timemeasuring<br />

instruments.<br />

Romantic souls will enjoy<br />

the Museum of Historical<br />

Carriages in Čechy pod<br />

Kosířem.<br />

Hukvaldy full of music and gastronomy<br />

WINE IN SOUTH MORAVIA<br />

To visit South Moravia and<br />

not sample its local wines<br />

would almost be a sin.<br />

Top destinations of local<br />

wine tourism include the<br />

following.<br />

The spectacular and extensive<br />

chateau grounds in<br />

Valtice are also the seat of<br />

the National Wine Centre,<br />

a non-for-profit organization.<br />

The chateau cellars<br />

host the Wine Salon of the<br />

Czech Republic which is<br />

the most prestigious wine<br />

competition in the country.<br />

A public degustation of the<br />

best one hundred wines<br />

takes place in the cellars<br />

of the state chateau which<br />

used to be a residence of the<br />

Lichtenstein family.<br />

Templar cellars in<br />

Čejkovice are almost 800<br />

years old. You can learn<br />

more about the history of<br />

the Order of Templars and<br />

also about the wine growing<br />

tradition. Both the wines<br />

and vineyards are worth<br />

discovering. You can follow<br />

a sightseeing trail that is<br />

3km long and can include<br />

stops in wine cellars.<br />

The original wine cellars<br />

of Plže are known to be the<br />

Moravia-Silesian Region<br />

tours where you can meet<br />

characters linked to the castle.<br />

Foodies may be tempted<br />

by game feasts with a barbecue<br />

and should also take<br />

note of a newly established<br />

tradition. In October <strong>2011</strong><br />

the first ever food festival<br />

took place at the castle, offering<br />

local culinary delights<br />

and featuring a cooking<br />

competition and a food show<br />

in the presence of local and<br />

foreign food experts. After<br />

the competition the best<br />

recipes are offered in restaurants<br />

of Moravian-Silesian<br />

region. These include Wallachian<br />

‘kyselice’ soup made<br />

of cabbage, potatoes, juicy<br />

sausage and cream, stuffed<br />

roast goose or Wallachian<br />

‘frgál’ cakes made of giant,<br />

thin pastry with a layer of<br />

apple, pear or cream cheese<br />

filling.<br />

most beautiful wine cellar<br />

grounds in Moravia. It was<br />

named a heritage site of folk<br />

architecture.<br />

Louky monastery in<br />

Znojmo used to be a Premonstratensian<br />

monastery<br />

founded in 1190. These<br />

days it is part of the Znovín<br />

Znojmo company premises.<br />

Visitors can follow a guided<br />

tour through the monastery<br />

www.south-moravia.cz<br />

Tourist information centre<br />

of the Jewish community<br />

in Brno – Židenice was<br />

opened in January <strong>2011</strong><br />

and is located by the Jewish<br />

Cemetery. In cooperation<br />

with tourist information<br />

cente of the city of Brno<br />

it provides information on<br />

monuments and historical<br />

sites not only in Brno but in<br />

the whole South Moravian<br />

region. The cemetery in<br />

Brno – Židenice is one of<br />

the best maintained ones<br />

in Europe. It was established<br />

in 1852 and there<br />

are 9000 modern graves in<br />

40 sectors. A number of<br />

well-known personalities<br />

is buried there, including<br />

the famous actor Hugo<br />

Haas. The Neo-Romanesque<br />

ceremonial hall has fragments<br />

of Medieval Jewish<br />

tombstones embedded in<br />

it. A Holocaust victims memorial<br />

from 1950 is found<br />

behind the hall. There are<br />

more Jewish monuments<br />

dotted around the whole<br />

city of Brno and they are<br />

including the Romanesque<br />

crypts, richly decorated<br />

halls with stucco embellishments<br />

and cellars and<br />

also try some of the wines.<br />

A number of tourist and<br />

cycling trails go through<br />

the town of Znojmo.<br />

During your wine journeys<br />

you should not skip<br />

Mikulov - it has a majestic<br />

chateau and cellars with<br />

Welcome to<br />

South Moravia<br />

English, German, Spanish, Italian, Polish and Russian versions available<br />

JEWISH BRNO<br />

often featured as parts of<br />

heritage trails. In Augustine<br />

monastery on Mendel’s<br />

Square, named after the<br />

father of genetics and abbot<br />

Johann Gregor Mendel,<br />

there is a spectacular canvas<br />

of Jerusalem from the<br />

Mount of Olives by Brno<br />

native Ludwig Blum.<br />

BRNO SURROUNDINGS<br />

Boskovice, 40 km from<br />

Brno – Jewish Quarter,<br />

a heritage trail running<br />

through the Jewish Quarter<br />

since 1999, Baroque synagogue,<br />

Jewish cemetery<br />

Holešov, 80 km from Brno<br />

– one of the most important<br />

centres of Jewish culture<br />

and education in Moravia;<br />

New synagogue burnt down<br />

by the Nazis, Old synagogue<br />

now serves as a museum;<br />

Jewish cemetery dates back<br />

to mid-16 th century.<br />

Ivančice, 30 km southwest<br />

of Brno; Jewish quarter,<br />

synagogue built in late<br />

classicism style, a cemetery<br />

with 1000 tombstones.<br />

MIKULOV GOURMET FESTIVAL is a four-day<br />

celebration of Moravian cuisine accompanied by<br />

fantastic Moravian wines in renowned restaurant of<br />

magical winemaking town of Mikulov. Masterchefs,<br />

members of the national team of the Association of<br />

Chefs and Pastry Chefs, will prepare modern versions<br />

of traditional Moravian dishes and combine<br />

them with typical Moravian wine variaties. Their<br />

competition menus willreveal the real flavours of<br />

South Moravia that is full of sunshine, bonhomie and<br />

unforgettable experiences set in the unique scenery<br />

of the historical winemaking town of Mikulov.<br />

Winemaker Ing. Petr Marcinčák<br />

Wine tourism<br />

the biggest historical cask<br />

in Europe and also offers<br />

a great wine-themed<br />

educational trail that runs<br />

through wine-making villages<br />

in the magical lands<br />

of Pálava. The trail also<br />

goes through the village of<br />

Horní Věstonice where the<br />

famous Venus of Věstonice<br />

was found and Habán cellars<br />

are located.


TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE November <strong>2011</strong><br />

Urban tourism<br />

Experience Brno – Moravian capital<br />

Brno is the capital of Moravia and a starting point for explorations of<br />

natural and cultural attractions of South Moravia. It boasts with many<br />

important historical monuments that are a testament to its rich past.<br />

www.brno.cz<br />

Looking at the skyline of the city of<br />

Brno you will immediately notice the<br />

cathedral of St. Peter and Paul also<br />

known as Petrov. A few cities in the<br />

world could count prison as their<br />

main feature. It is the case in Brno<br />

though: royal castle Špilberk used<br />

to be known as the ‘prison of na-<br />

Great experiences in Brno<br />

and South Moravia<br />

WEEKEND TIPS IN THE CITY OF BRNO<br />

FRIDAY<br />

A walk around the historical city centre<br />

www.ticbrno.cz, www.brno.cz<br />

A traditional Moravian cuisine meal<br />

www.ochutnejtemoravu.cz<br />

SATURDAY<br />

A guided tour of the royal castle of Špilberk, towering<br />

on a hill above the city<br />

www.spilberk.cz<br />

A visit to the underground kingdom – Labyrinth below<br />

Zelný trh and the Mint-master’s cellar<br />

www.ticbrno.cz<br />

Culture and music in Brno – a taste of Brno’s<br />

local scene<br />

www.bkc.cz, www.brno.cz<br />

SUNDAY<br />

A boat trip on Brno dam to Veveří castle<br />

www.dpmb.cz, www.veveri.cz<br />

A visit to Jurkovič’s villa<br />

www.moravska-galerie.cz<br />

tions’ in the 18 th century as Austrian<br />

convicts, Italian villains and many<br />

others were jailed there. Nowadays<br />

Špilberk castle offers its visitors a<br />

number of permanent exhibitions as<br />

well as a tour of the casemates. In<br />

the summer the courtyard belongs<br />

to Shakespeare plays and music<br />

festivals.<br />

Also, the second castle Veveří, towering<br />

above the Brno dam, is a popular<br />

tourist attraction.<br />

A real gem of modern architecture is<br />

the world famous Tugendhat villa in<br />

Brno - designed by German architect<br />

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and<br />

listed among UNESCO World Heritage<br />

Sites (under reconstruction untul<br />

late <strong>2011</strong>, check updates on www.<br />

tugendhat.eu). It is worth visiting also<br />

an Art Nouveau masterpiece by architect<br />

Jurkovič - the so-called Jurkovič’s<br />

Villa, a great example of modernist<br />

architecture.<br />

Underground kingdom in the historical<br />

city centre has recently been<br />

opened to the public. These musterious<br />

and unusual places underline the<br />

long and not so well-known history<br />

of the city and are a unique way to<br />

discover what’s below the streets and<br />

squares.<br />

Underground kingdom<br />

in Brno now open!<br />

Unique cellars of the Labyrinth below Zelný trh (Cabbage<br />

Market) and underground premises of the<br />

former Medieval house known as the Mint-master’s<br />

cellar within the New Townhall are have been renovated,<br />

turned into expositions and now are becoming<br />

a main tourist attraction.<br />

Labyrinth below Zelný trh<br />

Accessible, almost 1 km long, sightseeing trail goes<br />

up below the historical square. You will have to overcome<br />

212 steps, 6-8 metres below the surface of the<br />

square. Apart from interesting expositions, visitors<br />

can also get to know a few known historical characters<br />

who used to occupy these premises.<br />

Mint-master’s cellar at Dominikánské square<br />

Mint-master’s cellar is a name given to the historical<br />

cellars within the New Townhall premises on Dominikánské<br />

square, originally probably found below<br />

the house of mint-master Bruno. An expositon open<br />

to the public presents the almost forgotten craft of<br />

mintage in Brno and Moravia region.<br />

www.ticbrno.cz<br />

Jurkovič’s Art Nouveau marvel<br />

opening after a reconstruction<br />

There are many architecturally remarkable villas and<br />

family houses in Brno, however, few of these are still<br />

open to the public. Apart from the world-famous Tugendhat<br />

villa, the other exception is Jurkovič’s villa in<br />

Žabovřesky. The Art Nouveau marvel from 1906 is a<br />

prime example of modernist architecture inspired by<br />

British and Viennese design with folk art elements.<br />

www.moravska-galerie.cz<br />

MORAVIA CONVENTION BUREAU<br />

Thanks to its convenient<br />

location in<br />

the middle of Europe<br />

and a wide selection<br />

of accommodation<br />

facilities, South<br />

Moravia and the city<br />

of Brno are much<br />

sought after MICE<br />

destination. It ticks all the boxes – safety,<br />

easy accessibility, wide range of attractive<br />

venues and tourist attractions.<br />

Moravia Convention Bureau<br />

offers assistance to local and international<br />

organizations when planning their congresses,<br />

conferences and incentive events<br />

in South Moravia and in the city of Brno.<br />

More information at<br />

www.moraviaconvention.cz<br />

15<br />

Magistrát města Brna (foto: V. Mádr, J. Berger, Moravian Gallery archive, BKC archive)


16<br />

November <strong>2011</strong> TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE<br />

DESTINATION – CZECH REPUBLIC<br />

In the footsteps of personalities<br />

The importance of Jihlava<br />

to Czech history has often<br />

exceeded the limits of<br />

Czech borders and is reflected<br />

in the value of its<br />

urban heritage with 213<br />

protected monuments and<br />

sites. It may be useful to<br />

remember the origins of the<br />

city as we enter the Tourist<br />

Information Centre in the<br />

premises of the townhall.<br />

At the beginning there<br />

was a Slavic village, then<br />

the development of silver<br />

One of the most popular<br />

Czech music composers<br />

abroad Leoš Janáček (1854-<br />

1928), the author of operas<br />

Káťa Kabanová and the<br />

Makropulos Case, a number<br />

of symphonic poems, insturmental<br />

and chamber<br />

music pieces, was visiting<br />

his favourite spa town of<br />

Luhačovice in south-east<br />

Moravia for more than 40<br />

years. He even composed<br />

some of his works there<br />

and experienced some of<br />

his love stories. Luhačovice<br />

has not forgotten him.<br />

Since 1992 this biggest spa<br />

town in Moravia hosts the<br />

music festival Janáček and<br />

Luhačovice, held under the<br />

auspices of the wife of the<br />

Czech president Mrs. Livia<br />

Klausová. It is organized<br />

The most eastern region<br />

of the Czech Republic,<br />

neighbouring with Slovakia,<br />

is a land of diverse natural<br />

beauty and of some rich<br />

pickings. Protected natural<br />

area of Beskydy mountains is<br />

one of the most distinct ones<br />

in the country, biospheric<br />

reserve White Carpathian<br />

mountains with rare orchids<br />

is a one-of-a-kind place with<br />

preserved nature, vineyards<br />

of Slovácko region are very<br />

picturesque but also full of<br />

really tasty wine, so nice to<br />

Contact:<br />

East-Moravian<br />

Tourist Authority<br />

J. A. Bati 5520<br />

Zlin, Czech Republic<br />

kongresy@vychodni-morava.cz<br />

Phone: +420 577 043 900<br />

MAHLER’S JIHLAVA<br />

mining during the 13 th century<br />

made Jihlava the most<br />

powerful town in Bohemian<br />

kingdom. And even later<br />

when the mining has subsided,<br />

the town would not<br />

let its good reputation to<br />

be taken away. From 14 th to<br />

18 th century Jihlava became<br />

famous home and abroad for<br />

its cloth weaving production.<br />

Still, the town wasn’t<br />

spared of some big disasters<br />

- fires and the Thirty Year<br />

War led to rebuilding of<br />

the town in Renaissance,<br />

Baroque and Classicism<br />

styles, respectively. Medieval<br />

walls have been partly<br />

preserved though. One<br />

Medieval gate out of five is<br />

left - the Madonna Gate. A<br />

branch of the information<br />

centre is also located there<br />

and apart from historical<br />

expositions, one can also<br />

be enjoyed in wine cellars<br />

in the company of cheerful<br />

winemakers, and finally<br />

the tranquil, flat landscape<br />

of Haná region with the<br />

Morava river all create the<br />

essence of this part of the<br />

Czech Republic. Lately, East<br />

Moravia has becoming a<br />

popular destination for those<br />

seeking relaxation and wellness.<br />

Apart from well-know<br />

spa town Luhačovice, there<br />

is also Velké Karlovice that<br />

ticks those boxes. Family<br />

trips often lead to Zoo in<br />

Zlín. Zlín is the capital of<br />

the region and is linked to<br />

enjoy some fine views from<br />

there. Great views can also<br />

be seen from one of the<br />

two towers of St. James’<br />

church. Tourists can also<br />

explore what’s below the<br />

town’s surface. A labyrinth<br />

of underground corridors<br />

of a total length of 25 km<br />

is linked to many myths<br />

and mysteries. Jihlava’s<br />

most remarkable churches<br />

include the church of Feast<br />

of the Cross, currently<br />

under reconstruction that<br />

should bring it back to its<br />

original form.<br />

In <strong>2011</strong> one of the concerts<br />

from Mahler’s Music<br />

Festival took place there.<br />

Gustav Mahler’s house is<br />

a modest building near<br />

the main square and has<br />

a commemorative plaque<br />

by Milan Knobloch on it.<br />

The latest reconstruction<br />

Tomáš Baťa, founder of the<br />

shoe-making industry, but<br />

also to the world famous<br />

architect Eva Jiřičná who<br />

designed the local Congress<br />

and University Centre.<br />

The region is much<br />

sought after also among<br />

the cyclists who often head<br />

off to the valley of Vsetínská<br />

Bečva. It is possible to<br />

travel with a bike on a boat<br />

through Baťa’s canal. The<br />

fitter ones among us can<br />

test their fitness level at the<br />

Drásal bike marathon trail.<br />

Those who like sightseeing<br />

should not miss the town<br />

took place in 2008-09. In<br />

a relatively small space,<br />

a modern, interactive museum<br />

was established. It<br />

will let you experience<br />

Jihlava as Mahler, a native<br />

of nearby Kaliště, would<br />

have have known it when he<br />

lived there with his parents.<br />

The exposition presents<br />

Mahler family environment,<br />

a coexistence of there cultures<br />

- Czech, German and<br />

Jewish - in Jihlava, musical<br />

legacy of conductor and<br />

composer Mahler and also<br />

his legendary wife Alma.<br />

You can listen to samples<br />

of Mahler’s symphonies<br />

and test your knowledge of<br />

musical instruments. The<br />

groundfloor also hosts an<br />

exhibition of artists Thea<br />

Weltner who was also born<br />

in Jihlava and was connected<br />

to Mahler.<br />

JANÁČEK’S LUHAČOVICE WITH A FESTIVAL<br />

A GLIMPSE AT EAST MORAVIA<br />

Congress tourism<br />

by joint stock company<br />

Lazne Luhačovice. The<br />

20 th jubilee edition in July<br />

<strong>2011</strong> showcased Janáček’s<br />

Glagolitic Mass that he<br />

composed there in 1926<br />

with 130 performers. A<br />

number of great guests<br />

and artists regularly visit<br />

this festival. In <strong>2011</strong> the<br />

star guest of the festival<br />

was the first lady of Czech<br />

opera scene and soloists of<br />

the National Theatre in<br />

Prague Eva Urbanová. Pianist<br />

Martin Kasík and cellist<br />

Jiří Bárta were highlights of<br />

the festival too.<br />

Picturesque spa town<br />

of Luhačovice with natural<br />

spring water, sports<br />

facilities, wellness and<br />

spa resort but also natural<br />

baths is an ideal place for<br />

a relaxing holiday as well<br />

as a great starting point for<br />

exploring eastern part of<br />

the Czech Republic. Enjoy<br />

Luhačovice’s vivacity,<br />

interesting food, unusual<br />

folklore and folk music<br />

that often inspired Janacek.<br />

Luhačovice is decorated<br />

by Art Nouveau buildings<br />

by famous architect<br />

Dušan Jurkovič. Recently<br />

the reconstruction of the<br />

Augustinian house where<br />

Janáček also used to stay<br />

and compose his works,<br />

has been completed. It was<br />

converted into a luxury<br />

hotel that reminds of the<br />

composer at every step.<br />

To celebrate the jubilee<br />

year of the music festival,<br />

the hotel has prepared<br />

an inspirational menu<br />

Augustinian house<br />

called Symphony, Libretto,<br />

Janáček.<br />

of Kroměříž with its chateau<br />

and beautiful gardens<br />

(Flower Garden and Garden<br />

Below the Chateau) which<br />

are listed among UNESCO<br />

heritage sites. Buchlov<br />

castle, Buchlovice chateau,<br />

ancient Slavic settlement<br />

ruins, Great Moravia memorial<br />

in Staré Město, paintings<br />

by local artist Jožka<br />

Uprka, depicting so well<br />

the faces of local people<br />

and local folklore (a big<br />

retrospective of his work<br />

capturing the broad range<br />

of subjects in his paintings<br />

is taking place in autumn<br />

EAST MORAVIA – THE BEAUTY OF DIVERSITY<br />

Tourist region East Moravia is a suitable location for organizing congresses, conferences and accompanying events in<br />

an environment that is well known for its hospitality, unique gastronomy, strong bonds to the nature and respect for folk<br />

customs and traditions, many of which are famous all around the world.<br />

Ideally located in Central Europe, in the very eastern corner of the Czech Republic bordering with Slovakia, with a wide<br />

selection of accommodation facilities and a great range of restaurants, this destination meets the highest standards for<br />

organizing various MICE events.<br />

MICE OFFER CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.EASTMORAVIA.COM<br />

Interesting tips and recommendations can be found at: www.viamorava.com, www.bernsteinstrasse.com,<br />

www.vychodni-morava.cz/en<br />

COME AND ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF DIVERSITY!<br />

ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK<br />

human and a musician<br />

Interactive exhibition in the Czech<br />

Museum of Music in Prague<br />

In <strong>2011</strong> the whole world<br />

celebrated 170 th anniversary<br />

of birth of the most famous<br />

Czech music composer<br />

Antonín Dvořák. National<br />

Museum’s branch the Czech<br />

Museum of Music is hosting<br />

a retrospective exhibition to<br />

mark the occasion from 8 th<br />

June <strong>2011</strong> to 29 th February<br />

<strong>2012</strong>.<br />

The exhibition tells the<br />

life story of Antonín Dvořák<br />

without overwhelming visitors<br />

with too much information.<br />

Telling extracts<br />

from his correspondence or<br />

various statements revealing<br />

his personal views and<br />

weaknesses and never seen<br />

before family photographs<br />

create greater interest in his<br />

music and his journey that<br />

took him to international<br />

fame. Thanks to the exhibition,<br />

Dvořák steps down<br />

from the pedestal and we<br />

can connect with him at<br />

human level. Organizers of<br />

the exhibition who tend to<br />

be young wanted to come<br />

up with an exhibition that<br />

will appeal to the younger<br />

audiences while still satisfying<br />

others interested<br />

in Dvořák . They have not<br />

gone down the superficial<br />

route, instead they tried<br />

<strong>2011</strong> in Prague) - these are<br />

all just a brief example of<br />

the attractions that East<br />

to create certain thought<br />

outline that weaves together<br />

several different storylines.<br />

Original scores and recordings<br />

of Dvořák’s most<br />

famous pieces are naturally<br />

not missing. The exhibition<br />

boasts with a world original<br />

and that is the autograph<br />

of 9 th symphony From the<br />

New World.<br />

“Visitors can find many<br />

Dvořák-related, never seen<br />

before originals in one place,”<br />

commented Michal Lukeš,<br />

General Director of the<br />

National Museum. Exhibition<br />

curator and author Eva<br />

Velická adds: “Dvořák’s music<br />

is splendid and also Dvořák<br />

himself was a very inspiring<br />

personality. The exhibition<br />

basically tells a simple story<br />

of a poor boy who conquered<br />

the whole world.”<br />

National Museum -<br />

Czech Museum Of Music<br />

looks after the biggest collection<br />

of Dvořák-related<br />

artefacts and memorabilia<br />

in the world that counts<br />

around 8000 items but<br />

rarely leaves the vaults. The<br />

exhibition also showcases<br />

photograpgs, documents<br />

and objects from other<br />

institutions.<br />

Family tourism<br />

Moravia has to offer. Check<br />

out the website for more<br />

information.<br />

Chateau Napajedla<br />

Functionalist city of Zlín


TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE November <strong>2011</strong><br />

DESTINATION – CZECH REPUBLIC<br />

Urban tourism<br />

Pilsen gets ready for 2015<br />

Pilsen – the European Capital of Culture of 2015<br />

does not rest on laurels and is busy executing its<br />

investment projects as per its bid application. Apart<br />

from planned large-scale projects such as the<br />

construction of a new theatre, it is trying to transform<br />

the look of the city and create spaces which<br />

would become new meeting points and cultural<br />

and leisure venues for the inhabitants and visitors<br />

alike. One of such projects is the development of<br />

a leisure and sports park in the city centre worth<br />

115 million CZK.<br />

Leisure and Sports Park called Relax Centre<br />

Štruncovy sady will be built by <strong>2012</strong> and located<br />

close to the historical centre of Pilsen on the confluence<br />

of Radbuza and Mže rivers.<br />

“The confluence of these two rivers still does not<br />

fulfil its urban-defining and aesthetic function as this<br />

type of location would normally do in European city<br />

centres,” adds the spokesperson of Pilsen city hall<br />

Zdenka Kubalová.<br />

The architects intend to have the current concrete<br />

fence removed, repair the surface of pathways,<br />

some of which are to be used for cycling and in-line<br />

skating. There will also be a brand new climbing<br />

wall, children’s playground and a small square<br />

with a fountain. There will be a freestyle sports<br />

centre built on the confluence of the rivers that<br />

would require alteration of the river banks and also<br />

the refreshments stand will be located there. The<br />

park and the grounds of the nearby Pilsner Urquell<br />

Brewery will be connected by a new footbridge over<br />

the Radbuza river which will make the walk to the<br />

brewery much more pleasant.<br />

According to the city hall, the main purpose<br />

of this project is to make the public spaces more<br />

attractive and to widen the selection of sports and<br />

leisure infrastructure for the public. Štruncovy<br />

sady (Štrunc’s orchards) is a triangular green area<br />

between the historical city centre and the brewery<br />

premises. They are delineated by Tyršova street and<br />

the Mže and Radbuza rivers which meet to form the<br />

Berounka river.<br />

The project is part of the bid application that<br />

secured Pilsen’s title of the European Capital of<br />

Culture for the year 2015. The park will therefore<br />

also feature an outdoor gallery, exhibition stands<br />

and an open-air theatre.<br />

Family and Event tourism<br />

We are looking forward<br />

to meet you<br />

VISIT PILSEN, the city of beer and culture<br />

The capital of western Bohemia is known all<br />

around the world for its unique beer Pilsner<br />

Urquell. More and more tourists flock there<br />

not only to discover the beer-making tradition<br />

but also to explore the monuments and enjoy<br />

cultural or sports events. Thanks to its diverse<br />

cultural life and interesting arts and culture<br />

projects, Pilsen was<br />

awarded the title of<br />

European Capital<br />

of Culture 2015 and<br />

joined the ranks of<br />

real cultural gems<br />

of cities.<br />

Sightseeing and monuments<br />

Pilsen has been named<br />

the European Capital of<br />

Culture for 2015 and is<br />

thoroughly preparing for<br />

this special occasion. Visitors<br />

will be able to explore<br />

the city and its rich cultural<br />

selection and also venture<br />

into the surrounding Pilsen<br />

region. Culture vultures<br />

will surely seek the cultural<br />

monuments but they<br />

should not skip the beautiful<br />

nature whether it’s the<br />

mountain ranges of Šumava<br />

and Český les, bordering<br />

with Bavaria, or the hilly<br />

landscape of the interior<br />

parts with plentiful woods,<br />

water surfaces and deep<br />

river valleys. Historical<br />

towns and numerous traces<br />

of folk architecture add<br />

to the charm. And what<br />

about the monuments then?<br />

There are so many, let’s<br />

have a look at some.<br />

The biggest ruins in<br />

Bohemia are that of castle<br />

Rabí and have been declared<br />

a national heritage site.<br />

The remains of the walls<br />

and buildings are almost<br />

3 kilometers long in total.<br />

The rotunda of St. Peter and<br />

Paul above Starý Plzenec<br />

from mid-10 th century is<br />

very different, offering nice<br />

view at the city of Pilsen.<br />

The most valued monu-<br />

Picturesque historical centre with a Gothic cathedral<br />

of St. Bartholomew, Renaissance townhall and richly<br />

decorated burgher houses<br />

Great Synagogue, the third biggest in the world<br />

Brewery museum, the only one in the world to be located<br />

in an original Medieval brewery house<br />

Pilsen dungeon – a sightseeing trail through a maze of<br />

underground corridors, cellars and wells<br />

Guided tour of the Pilsner Urquell brewery with tasting<br />

of unfiltered beer<br />

Municipal orchards which were established in the 19 th<br />

century in place of demolished city walls and nowadays<br />

are the most beautiful promenade parks in Pilsen<br />

The land surrounding the European capital of culture<br />

Rabí<br />

PLACES NOT TO BE MISSED<br />

EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED<br />

FESTIVALS AND OPEN-AIR EVENTS<br />

Smetana’s Days (multicultural festival, January – February)<br />

– Liberation Festival (May) – Historical Weekend<br />

(June) – International Folklore Festival CIOFF (June) –<br />

Skupa’s Pilsen (biennale of pupper theatre, June <strong>2012</strong>),<br />

On the Street festival (music festival, July) – Theatre<br />

Summer under Pilsen skies (open-air theatre festival,<br />

July) – Pilsner Fest (Pilsen’s beer festival, August) –<br />

international festival Theatre (September) – Biennale<br />

of Drawings (November <strong>2012</strong>) – Pilsen’s Advent (December)<br />

CLUBBING IN PILSEN<br />

Enjoy an ice-cold glass of Pilsner Urquell in one of the<br />

many beer gardens<br />

DAY TRIPS FROM PILSEN<br />

The most popular destinations include Prague, Karlovy<br />

Vary, Mariánské Lázně, Šumava mountains, all less than<br />

100 km away from Pilsen.<br />

INFORMATION CENTRE OF THE CITY OF PILSEN<br />

nám. Republiky 41, 301 16 Pilsen<br />

tel.: +420 378 035 330, fax: +420 378 035 332<br />

e-mail: info@pilsen.cz, www.plzen.eu; www.pilsen.eu<br />

ments in the region were<br />

built by famous architects<br />

J. B. A. Santini who rebuilt<br />

the church of Kladruby<br />

monastery in his signature<br />

Gothicized Baroque style<br />

while the convent building<br />

is by Kilián Ignác Dienzenhofer.<br />

These two amazing<br />

architects also took part in<br />

the reconstruction of the<br />

first Cistercian monastery<br />

founded in 1144 in Plasy -<br />

its spectacular look is from<br />

the Baroque period. It is<br />

rather remarkable that the<br />

monastery building stood<br />

on 5100 oak stilts which<br />

supported its weight on the<br />

swampland. The monastery<br />

was closed by the emperor<br />

Joseph II and it became<br />

the residence of Chancellor<br />

Metternich who was also<br />

buried there in a family<br />

tomb.<br />

Classicism-style hunting<br />

lodge Kozel built at the<br />

end of the 18 th century is<br />

rather charming, with its 40<br />

hectares of natural-looking<br />

landscaped park whose details<br />

remind of Shoenbrunn<br />

in Vienna. Weddings take<br />

place in the local chapel.<br />

Nebílovy chateau is<br />

known as the flower chateau<br />

thanks to its decorations<br />

full of flower motifs. The<br />

painting of Dance Hall by<br />

Antonín Tuvora is one of a<br />

kind. A comprehensive restoration<br />

of wall and ceiling<br />

painting is to be completed<br />

in <strong>2012</strong>.<br />

Manětín<br />

Admirers of Baroque<br />

period will be impressed by<br />

chateau Manětín and also<br />

the nearby village of the<br />

same name with its collection<br />

of 30 Baroque statues<br />

and sculptural group of the<br />

Holy Trinity. Pilsen region<br />

has also lots of monuments<br />

reminding of the Jewish<br />

inhabitants, for example<br />

the Baroque synagogue<br />

and cemetery in Kasejovice<br />

or Museum of Dr. Simon<br />

Adler in Dobrá Voda near<br />

Hartmanice.<br />

WELCOME TO PILSEN REGION<br />

Interesting information about historical monuments, places of natural beauty,<br />

cultural and sports events, conference facilities, gastronomy and other happenings<br />

including an invitation to the traditional annual October event:<br />

International Tourism Expo of the Pilsen Region ITEP, the thirds biggest tourism exhibition in the<br />

Czech Republic, can all be found on the following website in Czech and other languages (German,<br />

English, Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, Dutch, Russian) www.turisturaj.cz<br />

17<br />

Photo: Jiří Koptík, Václav Podestát


18<br />

November <strong>2011</strong> TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE<br />

DESTINATION – CZECH REPUBLIC<br />

Monuments and Active leisure time Family tourism<br />

Family rourism<br />

Unusual malthouse in Písek<br />

Cultural space Malthouse<br />

(a non-for-profit organization)<br />

in the South Bohemian<br />

town of Písek is a<br />

popular destination among<br />

parents with children. You<br />

will find 7 areas inside<br />

the building – 7 separate<br />

galleries that offer something<br />

for everyone. Two<br />

Malthouse galleries host<br />

two permanent multimedia<br />

expositions for children.<br />

One presents a selection of<br />

the best Czech illustrators,<br />

known for their children’s<br />

Not far away from the Lipnice<br />

castle you will find a<br />

small house that belonged<br />

to the famous writer Jaroslav<br />

Hašek. His biggest<br />

work with the character of<br />

good soldier Švejk became<br />

very popular also internationally.<br />

The writer didn’t<br />

make much use of his dream<br />

house as he tended to write<br />

his books in the pub U<br />

české koruny (At the Czech<br />

Crown). Jaroslav Hašek memorial<br />

can be found in the<br />

house and is maintained by<br />

his grandson Richard and<br />

great-grandson Martin. It<br />

depicts well the character<br />

of the writer and also the<br />

period he lived in. His life<br />

occupations ranged from a<br />

bank clerk, to a traveller and<br />

a tramp, Bohemian soul of<br />

Prague cabarets and pubs,<br />

book illustrations all around<br />

the world - Adolf Born,<br />

Josef Lada, Josef Čapek,<br />

Ondřej Sekora, etc. The<br />

second exposition brings<br />

to life the fairy tale world<br />

of a popular artist and a<br />

native of Písek Radek Pilař<br />

and the beloved characters<br />

Rumcajs, Manka and<br />

Cipísek from his works.<br />

Children can not only look<br />

at the illustrations, they<br />

can listen to the fairy tales,<br />

watch cartoons or do some<br />

drawing and colouring.<br />

Explore history and follow good<br />

soldier Švejk in Lipnice nad Sázavou<br />

As an initiative of the National<br />

Heritage Institute<br />

in České Budějovice, the<br />

year <strong>2011</strong> was named the<br />

Rožmberk Year to mark<br />

400 years since the death<br />

of the last member of the<br />

Rožmberk family. This<br />

initiative was well received<br />

among many municipalities<br />

and was supported by the<br />

South Bohemian region,<br />

anarchist, member of the<br />

Czechoslovak legion and<br />

the Red Army or member<br />

of the Červená sedma (Red<br />

Seven) cabaret; he was also<br />

a productive writer who<br />

would never stop writing<br />

his books. Apart from his<br />

well-known novel, he also<br />

wrote many short stories<br />

inspired by contemporary<br />

social life and human fate.<br />

He died on 3 rd January 1923<br />

just under the age of 40, he<br />

is buried in Lipnice. The<br />

family guesthouse U české<br />

koruny also reminds of this<br />

great writer. The period<br />

restaurant is decorated with<br />

photos and objects from<br />

his era. The modern-built<br />

facility next to the guesthouse<br />

offers comfortable<br />

accommodation and can be<br />

used for events too.<br />

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ROŽMBERK FAMILY<br />

Family rourism<br />

Kratochvíle<br />

South Bohemian Tourist<br />

Authority and other institutions.<br />

Why the Rožmberk family?<br />

The importance of<br />

this aristocratic family<br />

is comparable to that of<br />

Přemyslide and Luxembourg<br />

families. The family had<br />

a significant influence on<br />

the developments in the<br />

Bohemian kingdom as its<br />

VISIT PÍSEK<br />

We cordially invite<br />

you to this<br />

South Bohemian<br />

town founded in<br />

the 13 th century<br />

by Czech kings on the<br />

river Otava. Its gold-bearing<br />

sand lent the town the<br />

name (písek means sand in<br />

Czech). This historical site,<br />

sometimes also called the<br />

gateway to South Bohemia,<br />

offers everything that would<br />

please visitors in any season<br />

and in any weather. Go for<br />

a romantic walk in the narrow<br />

streets of the old town.<br />

Climb up the municipal<br />

tower and admire Písek and<br />

its surroundings from the<br />

top. Find intellectual pursuits<br />

in the local museums<br />

– regional Prácheň museum<br />

and museum of lighting in<br />

the oldest – and still running<br />

– public water powerplant<br />

in the Czech Republic. The<br />

cultural life is very diverse<br />

and includes exhibitions<br />

in the Malthouse, evening<br />

concerts on the small stages<br />

and in pubs in town, and<br />

festivals that take place<br />

throughout the year.<br />

Visitors seeking an active<br />

lifestyle can enjoy well<br />

maintained cycling paths<br />

and tens of kilometres of<br />

marked walking paths.<br />

Písek neighbours with an<br />

extensive wooded area<br />

called Písek hills and to<br />

take a swim at a river lido<br />

‘U Václava’ after an all-day<br />

trip is a rare treat. Go for a<br />

horse ride in the provincial<br />

stud farm, play a game of<br />

minigolf at the Municipal<br />

Island, lend a boat and go<br />

on a romantic boat trip.<br />

And if you run out of options,<br />

you can always travel<br />

further afield. So many<br />

great places are a stone’s<br />

throw away from Písek.<br />

Magnificent chateaux Orlík<br />

and Hluboká, Gothic castle<br />

Zvíkov or a fort in Kestřany<br />

– you can also find a golf<br />

course there.<br />

Travels through the Písek<br />

region can be planned<br />

using extensive information<br />

resources available at<br />

www.pisek.eu - you can find<br />

detailed catalogues of accommodation,<br />

gastronomic,<br />

cultural and sports facilities,<br />

places of interest, events<br />

calendar, photo galleries<br />

and virtual tours, maps with<br />

journey planning features,<br />

recommendations for hikers,<br />

cyclicts, mountain climbers<br />

or canoeists, themed trails -<br />

we particularly recommend<br />

a fun trip in the footsteps of<br />

good soldier Švejk - main<br />

character of the well-known<br />

literary masterpiece by<br />

Jaroslav Hašek. The portal<br />

also features a catalogue of<br />

investment opportunities<br />

in tourism.<br />

Visit and experience Písek, there are thousands of flavours to be discovered.<br />

www.pisek.eu<br />

members were influential<br />

politicians, merchants or<br />

diplomats. They have transformed<br />

the look of South<br />

Bohemian countryside as<br />

they have skilfully blended<br />

a number of religious and<br />

secular building into the<br />

landscape. Let’s have a look<br />

at some of these places.<br />

The town of Prachatice<br />

was administered by the<br />

Rožmberk family from 1501<br />

until 1601. The Renaissance<br />

look of Prachatice,<br />

the charm of its famous<br />

historical buildings with<br />

sgraffito decorations and<br />

other monuments will never<br />

cease to amaze. The town<br />

has been voted the Historical<br />

Town of 2002 for its<br />

historical centre care.<br />

Restoration of Kratochvíle<br />

chateau was completed<br />

in June <strong>2011</strong>. The chateau<br />

has been built for Wilhelm<br />

of Rožmberk based on the<br />

examples of Italian villas.<br />

Renovation works took six<br />

years i.e. as long as the<br />

original construction of<br />

the building. The restoration<br />

has been admired by<br />

many European experts. The<br />

chateau with its garden of<br />

regular geometric shapes<br />

and a moat with water is a<br />

real tribute to Renaissance<br />

style and it can easily take<br />

us back in time to that<br />

historical period. If you<br />

have an opportunity to see<br />

a performance of Teatrum<br />

Mundi ensemble at the<br />

chateau, then don’t hesitate<br />

for a minute. This ensemble<br />

presents new forms of<br />

sharing artistic experiences<br />

while respecting the unique<br />

nature of the given venue<br />

and its history.<br />

One of the reasons to<br />

visit Regional Museum in<br />

Český Krumlov is the ceramic<br />

model of the historical<br />

town centre from 1800<br />

which is on display and is<br />

actually helpful in terms<br />

of getting one’s bearings<br />

right. This year the museum<br />

has prepared a showcase<br />

of period fashion from the<br />

Rožmberk courts. Big news<br />

of this year was the opening<br />

of Castle Museum in the<br />

oldest parts of the Český<br />

Krumlov residence known<br />

as Hrádek (little castle)<br />

on the second chateau<br />

courtyard. The museum has<br />

been stylized as a historical<br />

museum exposition from the<br />

19 th century and presents<br />

previously unseen artefacts<br />

from the well-stocked<br />

depositories. The Hall of<br />

the Masters of the Rose is<br />

dedicated to the Rožmberk<br />

family and features the<br />

famous painting ‘Division<br />

of Roses’. Other rooms<br />

have exhibitions focusing<br />

on once Krumlov’s ruling<br />

families of Eggenberg and<br />

Schwarzenberg, the office<br />

and residence of the highest<br />

administrative officer from<br />

the 19 th century have been<br />

re-created, there is also a<br />

treasury of religious art,<br />

armoury and a mint.<br />

Třeboň. The Rožmberk<br />

family bought Třeboň manor<br />

in the 14 th century and in the<br />

16 th century it became the<br />

most profitable dominion<br />

thanks to the pond fishing<br />

industry. Renaissance<br />

conversion of the castle has<br />

been started off by Wilhelm<br />

of Rožmberk and completed<br />

by Petr Vok. He moved there<br />

in 1602, mostly to pursue<br />

his collecting passion. He<br />

died in 1611. A number of<br />

halls are opened to public<br />

at the chateau these days.<br />

Visit South Bohemia<br />

www.jiznicechy.cz<br />

This website available in English and German will tell you more about the pictureque region of South Bohemia that<br />

neighbours with Germany and Austria. It unveils its nature sites, historical monuments including UNESCO heritage<br />

sites, and the most popular and interesting tourist attractions while also listing upcoming events, packages and special<br />

offers as well as tips for active holidays in the region. It advises on accommodation, eating out and other services.<br />

Don’t forget to visit one of the Czech Republic’s most sought-after regions.


TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE November <strong>2011</strong><br />

DESTINATION – CZECH REPUBLIC<br />

Urban tourism<br />

Tábor has lots of new things to offer visitors<br />

South Bohemian city of Tábor is often linked to<br />

the reformist religious movement of Hussites, led<br />

by Jan Žižka at the beginning of the 15 th century.<br />

This is documented by one of the most sought after<br />

monuments - Hussite museum with underground<br />

tunnels. The city offers other attractions too, read<br />

on to find out what’s new in Tábor...<br />

Our new website www.taborcz.eu is available in<br />

three languages. Under the ‘Tourist’ section visitors<br />

can find everything they may need when planning there<br />

holiday all neatly laid out: monuments, trip recommendations,<br />

cultural events, adrenaline adventures,<br />

accommodation, gastronomy, parking information and<br />

other useful things.<br />

A new adventure game based on geocaching is now<br />

available – Drakes in Tábor. Players will have to answer<br />

several questions correctly in order to obtain GPS coordinates<br />

to be input in their devices and then followed using<br />

the provided directions. This will lead them to a place<br />

TÁBOR AND ITS SURROUNDINGS<br />

The land of woods, ponds,<br />

meadows and rivers, the quintessential<br />

Czech landscape,<br />

ideal for both walking and<br />

cycling, represents the much<br />

needed countryside escape<br />

after a visit to the city.<br />

If you are interested in<br />

folk traditions and architecture,<br />

then head off to<br />

Soběslav region. If you are<br />

tempted by Lužnice river,<br />

then stop by in the town<br />

of Bechyně, founded by<br />

king John of Luxembourg<br />

Family tourism<br />

Are you familiar with Pardubice<br />

region? We bring you a few<br />

recommendations for must-see<br />

places in the region.<br />

Pardubice Region Tourism office will<br />

be keen to supply you with maps and<br />

other print materials about this city which<br />

is also the capital of Pardubice region.<br />

You can hire an audioguide and use it for<br />

sightseeing in the urban heritage zone<br />

that represents the historical centre of<br />

the city: the Pernštýn square with a town<br />

hall in Neo-Renaissance style, the House<br />

“U Jonáše” and other picturesque lanes<br />

leading to the Pardubice chateau. The<br />

chateau is an exceptionally significant<br />

monument for the late Gothic period<br />

and early Renaissance. The guided<br />

tour can at the the main landmark of<br />

Pardubice which is the Green gate,<br />

offering a beautiful view on the whole<br />

Pardubice region.<br />

in 1323. These days the<br />

town is know for its spa<br />

that uses naturally occuring<br />

peat for treatments and<br />

also ceramics manufacture.<br />

Its castle that was converted<br />

into a Renaissance<br />

chateau is linked to Petr<br />

Vok from a famous historical<br />

artistocratic family of<br />

Rožmberks. The left bank<br />

of river Lužnice offers walking<br />

paths and cycling lanes<br />

leading from Bechyně. Ruins<br />

of Gothic castle Dobronice<br />

near Bechyně are found<br />

on a romantic rock rising<br />

above the river. Ruins of the<br />

Choustník castle from the<br />

13 th century on top of the<br />

Choustník hill (680 m) even<br />

have a viewing tower. The<br />

village of Chýnov, 10 km<br />

east of Tábor, has been mentioned<br />

already in 941AD in<br />

the oldest Czech chronicle<br />

written by Kosmas. Chýnov<br />

cave was discovered in 1863<br />

and was the first cave to be<br />

made accessible for tourists<br />

in the Czech Republic. A<br />

well-preserved Empire style<br />

After your visit of Pardubice, head off<br />

to nearby Kunětická hora castle which<br />

has some fine views and also a wide<br />

selection of events taking place at the<br />

castle and below. Not just children will<br />

appreciate the Gingerbread cottage, an<br />

educational trail, Western rodeo, horse<br />

rides, ride in carriages and other attractions.<br />

In Kunětice you can visit the Jan<br />

Kašpar Aviation museum and admire a<br />

replica of a marvel known as Bleriot XI<br />

in which flew from Pardubice to Chuchle<br />

in Prague 100 years ago.<br />

You can also travel to the Lázně<br />

Bohdaneč. This pretty town is known for<br />

its spa resorts but also for its buildings<br />

by an important architect of the first<br />

where they can find a correct answer to the next question.<br />

Once all questions are answered, they can pick up a small<br />

prize in the Information Centre. Ten GPS devices can be<br />

hired in the Information Centre against a deposit.<br />

Currently only available in Czech, there is now a<br />

guide for mobile phones ready for use. Visitors can look<br />

up places of interest and use an interactive map to find<br />

their way around a maze of alleys. The guide can be<br />

downloaded for free via Bluetooth. Foreign language<br />

versions should be released throughout <strong>2012</strong>.<br />

In Tábor we do not forget about cultural events<br />

either. Christmas time can be enjoyed in a nicely decorated<br />

and lit<br />

up city, with a<br />

number of programs<br />

for adults<br />

and children.<br />

Žižka’s Square<br />

will turn into a<br />

giant Old Bohemia<br />

Christmas<br />

Fair, craftsmen<br />

will showcase<br />

traditional Christmas customs and grown-ups and littles<br />

ones alike will enjoy the live Nativity scene. Throughout<br />

December you can enjoy concerts, Christmas fairy tales<br />

for children and music evenings.<br />

chain bridge across the river<br />

Lužnice between villages<br />

of Stádlec and Dobřejice<br />

is a technical monument<br />

from the first half of the<br />

19 th century. Červená Lhota<br />

chateau was originally built<br />

as a castle, later converted<br />

into a Renaissance chateau<br />

and is found on a little<br />

island in the middle of a<br />

pond and can be accessed<br />

through a stone bridge. It<br />

is one of the most popular<br />

chateaux in the Czech<br />

Republic.<br />

half of the 20 th century Josef Gočár and<br />

the renowned beauty of its square and<br />

townhall. Bohdaneč area also boasts<br />

with many ponds since the times of<br />

Wilém of Pernštejn.<br />

Your other trips can lead to nearby<br />

Chateau Choltice with a rich programme<br />

or to the National stud farm Kladruby<br />

nad Labem.<br />

All these places are connected by a<br />

network of cycling paths.<br />

Simply put – Pardubice region is so<br />

close…<br />

Pardubice Region Tourism<br />

Regional Information Centre<br />

nám. Republiky 1<br />

530 02 Pardubice<br />

tel.: +420 775 068 390<br />

fax: +420 466 768 396<br />

e-mail: region@pardubice.cz<br />

www.pardubicko.info<br />

www.visitpardubice.com<br />

We cordially invite you to the 21 st year of Tábor<br />

Meetings Festival event from 14 th to 16 th September<br />

<strong>2012</strong>. This international<br />

festival will see Tábor<br />

turn into a Medieval<br />

town again. There will<br />

be a night-time parade<br />

in costumes and with<br />

torches, led by Jan Žižka<br />

and his entourage, historical<br />

markets, music<br />

performances of all genres, street theatre, kids area,<br />

knightly tournament or a spectacular fireworks display.<br />

Are you interested in the city? Do you want to learn<br />

more? That’s what we’re here for! Visit our Information<br />

Centre and we will help you to find your way<br />

around Tábor.<br />

Information Centre of the city of Tábor<br />

Žižka Square 2, 390 01 Tábor<br />

tel.: +420 381 486 230-4, fax: +420 381 486 239<br />

infocentrum@mutabor.cz, www.taborcz.eu<br />

Opening times<br />

May–September Mon–Fri 8.30 a.m. - 7 p.m.<br />

Sat–Sun 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.<br />

October–April Mon–Fri 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.<br />

Religious tourism<br />

Liberec Region<br />

Pilgrimage route Via Sacra<br />

Famous town of Velehrad with its annual national pilgrimage and<br />

a tradition linked to saints Cyril and Methodius, saint Hostýn<br />

that will celebrate 100 th anniversary next year commemorating<br />

the coronation of protective Virgin Mary, Baroque site Svatý<br />

Kopeček near Olomouc, and the Holy Mountain near Příbram<br />

close to Prague all belong to the most famous pilgrimage sites<br />

in the Czech Republic. Pilgrimage route Via Sacra in the northern<br />

part of the Czech Republic, leading through our neighbours’<br />

territories, should not be missed either.<br />

If you follow the Via Sacra route, you will cover the three lands<br />

of Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. The so-called Holy<br />

Route runs through Upper Lusatia, Lower Silesia and northern<br />

Bohemia and follows old trade and pilgrimage routes. You will<br />

come across unique religious monuments and real architectural<br />

gems. When following this route and its 16 stops, you will learn<br />

about more than thousand years of Medieval cultural traditions<br />

and religiosity. You will be able to visit St. Peter’s cathedral<br />

with a treasury in Bautzen, church of Holy Spirit Reconciliation<br />

in Jawor, church of Divine Grace of the Holy Cross in Jelení<br />

Hora, Johannine residence of St.Zdislava in Český Dub or St.<br />

Lawrence’s and St. Zdislava’s basilica in Jablonné v Podještědí.<br />

You should not skip a visit to the Virgin Mary Visitation church<br />

in Hejnice which is also a well-known pilgrimage site. A small<br />

wooden chapel used to stand in its place in 14 th century already.<br />

The most valuable object in this church also dates back to that<br />

period – it is a wooden Gothic statue of Black Madonna from 1380.<br />

The town of Hejnice is celebrating its 800 th anniversary in <strong>2011</strong>.<br />

Velká Pardubická – East Bohemian city of Pardubice<br />

is synonymous for the oldest and toughest steeple-chase<br />

run in continental Europe known as Velká pardubická. In<br />

October 2001 it went into its 121 st year. At the beginning<br />

there was the fashionable hunting sport that quickly spread<br />

from England to Bohemia. The first hunting sessions tool<br />

place in 1841. The character of the landscape reminded<br />

of a large English park. Soon, horseracing started to accompany<br />

hunting, so a very challenging racecourse was<br />

built in 1856 with the aim to make it very different from<br />

others. The first Velká pardubická steeplechase was run on<br />

5 th November 1874. There were 14 horses and jockeys then.<br />

The only horse to win four times in Velká pardubická, now<br />

sponsored byČeské pojišťovna, is chestnut horse Železník.<br />

The most successful jockey of all times is seven-times<br />

winner Josef Váňa and the only woman to win the race<br />

was Lata Brandisová in 1937. This horse racing event is<br />

not the only one to take place in Pardubice. Pardubice are<br />

also the city of tennis as the national tennis championship<br />

takes place there but also the host of the international<br />

festival of chess, bridge and games as well as of Golden<br />

Helmet - a motorbike race. Visitor attractions also include<br />

an old Bohemian fair, Pernštýn night or a city festival<br />

with fireworks display. Fairy-tale kingdom – an event for<br />

children taking place in the chateau – is also very popular.<br />

19


20<br />

November <strong>2011</strong> www.ttg.cz TRAVEL TRADE GAZETTE<br />

An undreamed of relaxation in a beer bath in a traditional<br />

wooden tub. An elixir of healing mineral springs for your taste buds.<br />

A promenade along a colonnade fi lled with sunshine. The warm<br />

power of peat packs. A touch of fresh mountain air.<br />

Recharge your batteries with the Czech Republic!<br />

www.czechtourism.com<br />

www.tipsfortrips.cz

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