The Czech Republic boasts some beautiful countryside with an incredible number of historic sites, relaxing spas and picturesque villages. Visitors are awaking to the fantastic array of attractions of offer here - perhaps the most significant of which are the 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There aren’t many places in the world where you can hire a car to discover so many culturally important UNESCO monuments! 1. The capital city of Prague has long been a favourite for city breaks, its historic heart and medieval architecture recognised by UNESCO in 1992. Walk along the historic Royal Way to discover some of the most recognised sites, including Prague Castle, the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge (built in the 14th century it claims to be the oldest stone bridge in Europe). Spend some time wandering the medieval streets for true sense of this city’s charm - there are plenty of hidden gems to enjoy including the Brevnov Monastery and the Jewish ghetto as well as baroque churches and ornate palaces. But this is a city that also looks forward and there are an impressive number of art galleries showcasing the best of Czech and European talent as well as theatres and concert halls to complete the cultural experience. 2. Cesky Krumlov is a picturesque town in the midst of unspoilt rolling countryside. Dominated by an imposing castle, narrow streets dart between gothic churches and medieval houses. But, as well as its unique architecture, the town has developed a strong reputation for its cultural events, including the International Music Festival, which run throughout the summer. 3. Holasovice is an idyllic village in South Bohemia where traditional brick built houses surround a pond on the village green. The neighbouring countryside has been cultivated for centuries, fed by a series of man-made lakes and interspersed by summer houses, baroque churches, peaceful monasteries and stunning chateaux. 4. Telc is a small and well-preserved medieval town, originally founded as a fort in the 13th century to protect the region’s trade routes. Around the town square are a number of renaissance and baroque style houses with decorated gables, reminiscent of Italy. Visitors also come for the many hiking trails in a region known as the “green heart” of the Czech Republic. 5. Some of the most important religious sites can be found around the medieval town of Trebic. Visitors are drawn to the narrow, winding streets of the Jewish ghetto with its decorated archways and old synagogues. The Jewish cemetery is also of note, being the largest in the country with tombs stretching from the renaissance period to the present day. The 13th century Basilica of St Procopius has survived a turbulent history including the Hungarian siege of 1468. Reconstructed again and again, visitors can still see the basilica in its full glory. 6. Built in 1929 by a prominent architect, the Villa Tugndhat in Brno is one of only a few modern structures protected by UNESCO. Both the house and gardens are open to the public, providing an interesting view of interwar design. 7. The Lednice-Valtice district is the largest man-made landscape in the country. Continually developed from the 17th to 20th centuries on what was the Liechtenstein Estate, this beautiful area has been nicknamed the “Garden of Europe”- 124 square miles of landscaped parkland, glistening lakes, baroque chateaux and neo-classical follies. 8. The town of Kromeriz was traditionally the summer residence of the region’s bishops and archbishops and their presence has indeed shaped the appearance and development of the area. Historical monuments of note include the Kvetna Gardens and the Archbishops’ Palace with its impressive art gallery and library. 9. Olomouc is an old university city with over 900 years of history to discover. The Trinity Column with its unique and large collection of baroque statues was recognised by UNESCO in 2000. 10. The renaissance architecture of Litomysl has been remarkably well-preserved, withstanding the test of time to offer visitors a beautiful backdrop to their stay. The original medieval castle was transformed in the 16th century into a magnificent chateau in a style reminiscent of an Italian palace. Other places of note include the long town square lined with townhouses and the 200 year old baroque theatre. 11. The Pilgrimage church of St John of Nepomuk near the town of Zdar nad Sazavou was built by the abbot of the local Cistercian monastery in the 18th century. The church’s unique star design is an early example of Czech Gothic Baroque architecture and was recognised by UNESCO in 1994 12. And, last on our list, but by no means least, is the historic city of Kutna Hora. Thanks to the nearby silver mines, Kutna Hora became the 2nd most important town in the country, rivalling Prague in terms of affluence and culture. As well as the historic quarter, other sites of interest include the Cathedral of St Barbora which took 500 years to build due to the fluctuating prosperity of the local mines. Dedicated to the patron saint of miners, the Cathedral is a fine example of late Gothic architecture. Make the most of your visit to the CzechRepublic and hire a car to explore the beautiful countryside and discover the 12 UNESCO sites for yourself. Get a quote for hiring a car in the Czech Republic | 
