Its wilderness areas abound with beautiful lakes, canyons and rivers, as well as a wide variety of wildlife. Awaiting visitors are charming, rustic wine-growing regions, pristine forests and the unspoilt natural wonders of the Sumava Mountains. The Czech Republic is most famous for its capital city Prague, which is acclaimed as one of Europe’s richest cultural and historical centres boasting dozens of buildings of architectural magnificence. Prague’s old town (Stare Mesto) is centred on Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske Namasti) and is filled with lively markets, buskers and outdoor cafes. From Hradcany, the old town is reached by crossing the famous Charles Bridge over the Vltava River. The city’s Jewish Quarter is picturesque as well as historic and offers peaceful surroundings for a leisurely stroll. The town of Karlovy Vary is stately and Victorian in style, nestled in a wooded river valley. This is the oldest of the spas in Bohemia, boasting wonderful examples of Art Nouveau architecture and is especially popular with tourists who come for its hot springs which are reputed to have medicinal properties. This is one of the loveliest towns in Bohemia, having a centre that is reserved for pedestrian traffic only. Even though it’s a long walk up to the Cesky Krumlov Chateau, it’s worth the effort, not only because of the beauty of the building and its interior, but also for the panoramic views of the town. | 
