With twelve UNESCO World Heritage Sites, four awe-inspiring national parks, and literally thousands of castles, there is much to see in the Czech Republic beyond the beautiful city of Prague. Today, we’ve compiled a short list of five towns that definitely warrant the trip next time you visit the country.

1. Český Krumlov

This small town can be found in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, about a 3-hour train ride from Prague. Although it’s so close to the hustle and bustle of a large city, stepping into Český Krumlov is almost like taking a step back in time. The castle that towers above the town was built in the 13th century, and the castle along with the surrounding architecture have retained their medieval feel so well that the town has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This picturesque village has been carefully restored over the years and features several different styles of buildings, like Gothic and Baroque, making Český Krumlov definitely worth visiting if you ever find yourself nearby.

2. �ձ��č

Colorfully painted homes around the town square in �ձ��č.

Another town known for its beauty is �ձ��č. When the city was destroyed by a fire in the mid-1500s, it was rebuilt in the Italian Renaissance style, along with the small castle that’s now called a chateau. The town gets far fewer visitors than other destinations on this list and has only a small number of people who permanently live there. Rows of colorfully painted and intricately designed homes circle around the town square, three lakes dot the landscape, and a quiet park sprawls out behind the chateau. All of these elements contribute to �ձ��č’s serene, peaceful atmosphere, making it the perfect place to visit to take a break from the city.

3. Olomouc

Olomouc is a larger town with a population of about 100,000 people and is located in the Eastern part of the country. It was also built during the medieval period, and although it has been renovated more recently, it still retains some of its original Renaissance features. In the town square stands a monument called the Holy Trinity Column, built in the mid-1700s to celebrate the survival of a plague. The Column, which also has a small chapel located inside, is an astonishing depiction of Baroque architecture. An astrological clock similar to the one in Prague can also be found in Olomouc. This one, however, was redesigned in the Soviet realist-style after the clock was damaged in World War II, but it remains a jaw-dropping must-see.

4. Kutná Hora

For those who are searching for something a little more out of the ordinary and macabre, Kutná Hora is a necessary trip. Located only a short train ride from Prague, the town is home to the Sedlec Ossuary, also known as the Church of Bones, called such because the interior of the building is entirely decorated with bones. The church is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Czech Republic, but the town has plenty to offer for those uninterested in visiting a grisly place. Kutná Hora is also home to the Jesuit College, a Baroque building adorned with fabulous statues, which now serves as a gallery that features modern and contemporary art. The Czech Museum of Silver can also be found here as a result of the town’s long history in the mining of silver. In fact, at one time a third of all European silver came from this region. No matter what attracts your attention, Kutná Hora is worth the trip by itself.

5. Mariánské Lázně

View of hotels in the spa town of Mariánské Lázně.

If what you’re looking for is to get away from it all at the same place that attracted the likes of Emperor Franz Joseph I, Frédéric Chopin, and Franz Kafka, the spas at Mariánské Lázně are a destination. The 40 naturally occurring springs each have different chemical compositions, making them useful at helping treat a wide range of ailments. This town’s quiet, serene setting, beautiful colonnade, and singing fountain make it a must-visit location for anyone seeking relaxation.

Written by Erin Schachtner.

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