Timeless Castles, Ancient Churches, Charming Towns, and Majestic Trees

Sentences “once upon a time” and “beyond the seven mountains” could be the beginning of enchanting tales where the significance of the number three emerges prominently. However, thousands of years ago, the world was quite different, far removed from the charm of fairy tales. Expansive forests transitioned into cultivated fields and pastures, leading to the establishment of the first towns and villages that altered the landscape dramatically. This era also saw the construction of the first monasteries and even castles. The oldest currently operational monastery was established on January 14, 993, by Bishop Vojtěch of Prague and Czech Prince Boleslav II. Today, the Břevnov Monastery showcases a Baroque style, but you can still visit the Romanesque crypt from the 11th century.

The oldest cities

You can glimpse the ancestors of Czech cities on interactive guides for exploration, but historians agree that the settlement of what we now call the Czech lands dates back much earlier than many assume. It often took a long span from actually establishing a settlement to when it was first documented. Very few towns commemorate their founding anniversaries; typically, they celebrate the date of their initial written record or when they obtained town rights. Yet, inhabitants had been living and toiling in those areas long before any records were made. Not every town enjoyed the early mention like Žatec, noted in the Chronicle of Thietmar of Merseburg in 1004, or Brno, cited in The Chronicle of Cosmas. As you stroll through the historic centers of cities like Prague, Hradec Králové, Znojmo, Litoměřice, Bílina, Domažlice, Cheb, Chrudim, Český Dub, Břeclav, or Olomouc, keep this in mind: you are walking through areas where life flourished thousands of years ago!

The first castles

The oldest castle in the Czech lands is traditionally regarded as Přimda. Located on a rocky ridge above the town of the same name in the northern part of the Bohemian Forest, the ruin consists of a substantial prismatic Romanesque residential tower and remnants of a bastion from the late 15th century, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. According to the Kosmas Chronicle, Přimda was built in 1121 by a German knight, but it is said that Prince Vladislav I soon took over the castle, turning Přimda into an important border fortress primarily associated with Czech heritage. An even older historical note pertains to the Přemyslid castle in Olomouc; within its oldest section, the Zdík Palace, you can visit the Archdiocesan Museum.

Thousand-year-old churches

Rounded churches and simple temples, characterized by thick walls and towering structures blending Roman and Byzantine architectural styles, represent the oldest Romanesque churches and places of worship. Generally, the oldest intact church monument in the Czech Republic is recognized as the Rotunda of St. Peter and St. Paul located in Stary Plzenec. It was likely constructed in the latter half of the 10th century on the site of an ancient Slavic stronghold, elevated over the Úslava River.

There are also surviving remains of Romanesque church foundations discovered at the Slavic settlement near Mikulčice. Although only fragments of the town remain, it is known that the Mikulčice hillfort was one of the significant centers of power and spirituality during the Great Moravian Empire. Not far off in Slovakia, you can explore an intriguing historical site: simply cross the bridge over the Morava River, and you’ll find the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch, the sole monument remaining from the days of Great Moravia still standing today.

Where Czech history unfolded and other tips through the ages

As you embark on a quest to explore millennia of history, venture to the sites where Czech history unfolded. Even though things may not have aligned precisely with how the renowned chroniclers recorded events, it’s said that there’s a kernel of truth within every narrative—meaning at these significant sites of Czech history, traces of ancient times are often clearer to find. Some noteworthy locations include the iconic Mount Říp featuring the Rotunda of St. George, tied to the legend of the Czech progenitor, Vyšehrad in Prague with the Rotunda of St. Martin enveloped in stories about Krok and his daughters Kaza, Auntie, and Libuše, as well as Prague Castle housing the Basilica and Monastery of St. George. Tetín is linked to the life of St. Ludmila, while the fortress Budeč near Zákolany features the Rotunda of St. Peter and Paul, and Levý Hradec has the church of St. Clement, all of which resonate with narratives about the Přemyslid princes.

The Oldřich oak in Perec is believed to be approximately one thousand years old and is noted in Dalimil’s chronicle for its connection to the legendary encounter between Prince Oldřich and the maiden Božena, which supposedly took place in 1002.

Historic Religious Sites

• Břevnov Monastery

  • Founded on January 14, 993, it is the oldest active monastery in the Czech Republic.

  • Established by Bishop Vojtěch of Prague in collaboration with Boleslav II of Bohemia.

• St. George’s Monastery in Prague Castle

  • Houses the three-aisled Romanesque Basilica of St. George.

  • Recognized as the oldest surviving sacred structure in Prague.

• Rotunda of St. Peter and Paul

  • Located in Stary Plzenec, it stands as the oldest intact church monument in the Czech Republic.

Ancient Castles and Fortresses

• Přimda Castle

  • Commonly regarded as the oldest castle in the Czech lands.

  • Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding region.

  • Remains one of the oldest stone fortresses in the country.

Legendary and Historic Landmarks

• Mount Říp

  • A symbol of Czech national history and identity.

  • Linked with the fundamental legend regarding the arrival of our ancestors in the region.

• Legendary Towns and Chronicles

  • Žatec: First noted in the chronicle of Thietmar of Merseburg.

  • Brno: Mentioned for the first time in the Chronicle of Kosmas.