The Czech Republic lies in the heart of Europe. It includes two historic provinces : Bohemia, centred around Prague ; and Moravia-Silesia, focusing on the industrial city of Brno. The country has natural border formed by mountain ranges.

Visitors to the Czech Republic are particularly drawn to its capital. "Golden Prague" boasts an incomparable architectural heritage, although the numerous historic towns outside Prague are also remarkably well preserved and merit a visit. These include Cesky Krumlov, with its majestic castle, Ceske Budejovice, renowned for its huge square and Olomouc, the second most popular tourist destination after Prague because of its impressive string of historic buildings.

The architectural and urban landscape has been greatly marked by the Baroque period. During this time, the Counter-Reformation (1630-1750) forcibly dragged Bohemia back into the Roman Catholic Church.

At the beginning of this century, an avant-garde movement gave rise to an architectural revival, producing distinguished Art Nouveau buildings.

The Czech lands were the richest and most industrialized part of the Old Austro Hungarian Empire, and the scenery still bears the hallmarks of this past, especially in the north of Bohemia and in the large city of Ostrava.

Major Tourist Cities/Areas Information:
	Prague