The city of Pilsen – the birthplace of the world’s best beer | Czech Republic
The fascinating and beautiful Western Bohemian town of Pilsen (Plzeň) lies 90km to the West of the Czech capital city of Prague. Its biggest claim to fame is, of course, that it was the birthplace of Pilsner lager, and this is what most visitors associate the city with today.
Naturally, a visit to Pilsner will afford you plenty of opportunities to sample the world famous beer, but there is plenty more that this chic destination has to offer the discerning traveler.
Much of Pilsen was decimated during World War II, when the Nazis occupied the Bohemia region.
Pilsen was freed from the Nazi occupation and the city has since been extensively and faithfully renovated, so the city centre still displays plenty of stunning Baroque and Gothic architecture.
The skyline is dominated by the 102 metre spire of the city’s cathedral, St Bartholomew.
Go inside the cathedral and see the Pilsen Madonna, a famous sculpture by a local artist which has decorated the altar since the 15th century.
Park in the city center, Pilsen, The Czech Republic
Other sites of historical interest in Pilsen include the Plague Column, which stands in the city square and memorialises the great plague of 1680, and the old town hall.
Relating back to that famous, golden Pilsner beer, you may want to take a look at some of Pilsner’s magnificent underground network of cellars, where wine and food, as well as Pilsner were stored, before sampling some of the city’s most famous export for yourself.
The earliest record of beer being brewed in Pilsen dates back to the 14th century, so you are joining in a very old tradition!
Very nice information. A part of historic activity of this city….
Europe is one of the best place in the world for traveling thanks for such a nice information providing.
You’re right, you could travel throughout Europe for the whole life and you still cannot visit everything!
Pilsen is very fascinating and the land of world’s best beer too. Very nice post, thanks for sharing.
Pilsner is a very beautiful place and also the birth place of pilsner lager. Thanks for sharing.
When I went interrailing around Europe we went to Pilsen for the day. You can get there from Prague in less than two hours by train.
I would highly recommend that you go there on a day trip from Prague. It’s the original home of all ‘Pilsner’ beers.