DMC Czech Republic - Maxin PRAGUE

Founded in the twelfth century, the town UNESCO enlisted town Kroměříž originally had the purpose of the trading settlement at the early-medieval trading routes crossroads. Beginnings were very rough though. Although the town had the protection of Bishops of Olomouc, who possessed the village, and that the status of the site was elevated to “town” in the thirteenth century, religious wars of the fourteenth century wounded the whole area very, very badly. The peak time of Middle Ages were then quite silent in Kroměříž, although the local castle was built on earlier foundations in the 17th century. Today the castle represents uniquely preserved Central European baroque aristocratic residence. The complex includes several gardens of English and Baroque style. Yet in 1848, the Constituent Assembly of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was transferred to the city. The development began in that time that led to city’s elevation to the highest level of art- and spiritual importance for the entire Czech kingdom. Lots of leisure time possibilities around the town add to a number of exhibitions, festivals and conferences, too. The gardens and chateau of Kroměříž were enlisted to UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in 1998.

Telč, called sometimes Venice of Moravia, is the natural, administrative, cultural and social centre of the Czech Moravian highland region. Telč (of which the historical heart of UNESCO enlisted) is situated at the south-west tip of Moravia, halfway between Prague and Vienna. At the beginning of the 19th century Telč played an important role in the entire south-west region of Moravia, which was still growing with the arrival of the railway in 1898. The extensive renaissance castle complex is the work of the architect´s B. Maggi of Arogno workshop and is considered the “pearl of the Moravian renaissance”. Within the protected area you can find the majestic late-roman tower of the St. Spirit tower, nearly fifty meters high and being the oldest architectural monument of the city. The castle then also has an interestingly landscaped garden and park. Inside the castle all visitors are interested in the grand interiors with their unique decoration, period furnishings and valuable collections.

It would truly be a hard put to place more charm in a smaller place, than south-bohemian UNESCO-enlisted village Holašovice. Though, this hamlet offers an elegant and convincing answer to the first task, which makes it one of the most beautiful villages in the Czech Republic. Extremely preserved baroque town square, together with surrounding green farms, made the enlistment sure for Holašovice. On the other hand, the history of the village well exceeds historical frame of Baroque – town celebrated eight hundred years of existence not a long time ago. Still, however it may look like, Holašovice is no open-air museum and most of the buildings are permanently inhabited, always keeping colorful traditions of South Bohemia. In case this all would not be enough for you, it’s possible to recommend the “Holašovice Stonehenge”, which offers not only the mystic of ancient Celtic ceremonial site, but as well stuns its visitors with views of Holašovice, as well as majestic chateaux Hluboká nad Vltavou located nearby.

Being considered one of the most important villas of the world, the Villa Tugendhat is UNESCO-enlisted heritage for several reasons. Though it was not primarily the tragic fate of original owners or later confiscation by Gestapo during the World War II, which led to this enlistment. The house actually formed some of the most progressive solutions of modern housing of the time. Being sensitively situated into a slope above the city of Brno, Moravian capital, this building offers not only a great view of the town, but represents inspiration to architects all around the world to this very day. Even some of the literary pieces connect to the place, such as Simon Mawer’s acclaimed novel, the Glass Room. One-storey building from the street view hides its three full-capacity stores and includes many remarkable architectonic elements, including tailor-made furniture.

Listed in UNESCO cultural heritage since 1992, the town of Cesky Krumlov explains its listing right at the very first sight. The core of the city, created within a little peninsula, which is surrounded by Czech longest river, Moldau, somehow stays isolated from any historical progress and invites to a small medieval world. Both the chateau in Cesky Krumlov, as well as the settlement around it, was mostly formed in renaissance and together they create a very rare ambience really distant to busy modern life surrounding this south bohemian gem. Visitors admire uniquely preserved baroque theatre and the chateau tower offers a great view of the whole area – don’t be afraid of bears in the castle moat, they are always there to welcome and amuse you.

As a Czech silver treasury, the town of Kutna Hora heavily supported the development of the Czech Kingdom in the Middle Ages. Its citizens managed to reach such a level of prosperity that this town could compete with Czech capital, Prague. The fact led to building one of our most beautiful cathedrals (devoted to St. Barbara, patron saint of miners). Nevertheless, the dome was only finished from the half of originally projected size, which still took five hundred years to accomplish. As well, mining of silver brought potential to grow and develop in many other areas. Because of this and in quite a similar way as Prague, Kutna Hora offers the best of the medieval architecture.

Prague, now part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, was formed by thousand years of continual development and construction of the most beautiful buildings of every historical epoch and architectonic style, which touched the town within millennium of its evolution. Adding the fact that town was never seriously damaged by the World War II, you can now discover the Czech Republic capital under names, such as “The Golden City” or “Stone Dream of Europe”. Explore mysteries of gothic monasteries, experience the best of world classical music in majestic gothic cathedrals, or relax in Prague’s renaissance gardens. You will soon discover that UNESCO protects one of the most beautiful cities of the world in Prague.

Prague is located in the heart of Europe and is reachable from all major European hubs within 2.5 hours. It has two direct flights from the U.S., 9 hrs from New York and 10 hrs from Atlanta. The Prague airport is located within 30 minutes by car from the city centre.

Over the past several years Prague has come a long way. The city has developed a high quality infrastructure for all segments of the tourism industry. As for conference and event planning, it offers a large variety of hotels, from modern design and cozy boutiques, to large business properties. The largest hotel in Prague comprises of over 791 rooms under one roof and a Congress hall with occupancy of up to 1,500 participants. The Prague Convention Center offers a hall for 2, 764 people and an additional 64 breakout rooms. Prague is a safe destination which in the past hosted such groups and events as the International Monetary Fund & World Bank Group (yr. 2000; 15,000 attendees) and the NATO Summit (yr. 2002; approx. 10,000 attendees).

Prague is a very compact city. All points of interest can be reached within a max. of 45 minutes. The historic city core belongs to the UNESCO world heritage and it is in a walking distance from one end to the other within 2 hours. The history of Prague was written by the hands of many famous architects and artists and so the city offers a countless variety of unique offsite venues either for meetings or for special event management. Famous spa towns, breathtaking castles & chateaux in the close vicinity of Prague are excellent for half-day or full-day trips.