In October 2018 will be celebrated the 100th anniversary of Independence, throughout the Czech Republic. On that day, the Austro-Hungarian Empire disappeared and the Czechs gained independence after 400 years forming a country along with the Slovaks. It was Czechoslovakia. The Czech Tourism portal highlighted six historical points within these 100 years of history:

Prague: the jewels of Lord Plečnik

Prague Castle rises above Prague since the 9th century. After the foundation of Czechoslovakia, Prague Castle had to be rebuilt so it could play its new role as the residence of President Tomas Garrigue Masaryk. Under the coordination of the Slovenian architect Josip Plečnik, the adaptation was made not only on patio I and on the floor of the president, but the garden and the entrance hall for the Spanish Room, located next to Matías Gate, were also rebuilt. Another work of Plečnik in Prague is the Roman Catholic Church of the Most Holy Heart of Jesus in Vinohrady. The church has a large main tower, whose height is 42 meters. The giant circular clock will draw your attention to the moment. The diameter of the clock of almost 7.5 meters, is the largest clock in the Czech Republic.

Mladá Boleslav: From a bicycle factory to a world-renowned automobile manufacturer

The history of the largest Czech automotive company, Škoda Auto, dates back to December 1895 when two enthusiastic cyclists – mechanic Václav Laurin and bookseller Václav Klement – founded a small bicycle production company in Central Bohemia in the town of Mladá Boleslav. Ten years later, they started producing the first car model Voiturette A and thanks to it, the company came to lead the automotive industry. A hundred years later, in 1991, Škoda realized another important union – this time with the German giant Volkswagen. Today, the company Škoda Auto a.s. is the largest Czech producer of cars and their cars can be bought not only in Europe, but also in Asia, Africa, South America and Australia. The history of the brand, as well as its unique historical vehicles, can be known at the company’s museum, Škoda Auto Muzeum.

Hradec Králové

The city of Hradec Králové in eastern Bohemia is popular for its modern urbanization which, in only 30 years, has completely changed the look of this city. That’s why he carries the nickname “Hall of the Republic”. The great reconstruction of the city was initiated by Jan Kotěra, founder of the Museum of the Secession of Eastern Bohemia. The architect Josef Gočár continued his work. In 30 years, these gentlemen managed to create something totally unique in the Czech Republic and in Europe. The building was so ingenious that, up to now, it is able to withstand its increasing traffic and at the same time maintain tranquility and functionality in the city center.

Pilsen

Adolf Loos is considered the most important architect of Central Europe in the first third of the 20th century. In the late 20s and 30s, Loos frequented Pilsen; a city popular especially for its Pilsner Urquell brewery, and at that time it has made here the reconstruction of the house of Brummel and 13 interiors of apartments considered, according to the criteria of several professionals, one of the greatest jewels not only of Pilsen but of architecture of the 20th century. You can visit some of them in three guided tours to four apartments.

Brno: The metropolis of functionalism

The pearl of the functionalism is undoubtedly the Villa Tugendhat in Brno. It is a unique work of the German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. It is the only monument of modern architecture in the Czech Republic that is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The travertine, onyx and jacaranda coatings have precise details that give the work more meaning and functionality. Brno has another jewel of functionalism: the Villa Stiassni, with the plan in the form of letter “L”, built according to the project of Ernst Wiesner. In the village were several important people, among them also Fidel Castro.

Luhačovice: spa town

Luhačovice is a spa town located in Eastern Moravia. In this city there is a wonderful atmosphere which is accentuated by nature and an exceptional architecture in the surroundings which is the work of the excellent architect Dušan Jurkovič. The idea of ​​building spa houses in the style of popular secession has totally fallen in love. In just three years he managed to make twelve buildings here that, once and for all, influenced the character and uniqueness of Luhačovice. To this day, visitors from all over the world come to the spa to admire eight buildings that have been preserved.

To learn more: www.czechtourism.com

Photos: Press release