FAST FACTS

Area: 30,442 square miles (about the size of South Carolina). Population: 10,319,000 (Prague, 1,213,000; Brno, 390,000). Language: Czech.

A small country in the heart of the Continent, the Czech Republic is a sort of miniature Europe. Almost every architectural style and type of landscape is found here; the two exceptions are the desert and the sea (although the sea was once attributed to the country by none other than Shakespeare).

The capital, Prague, has been given a number of loving epithets—"symphony in stone," "Golden Prague," "City of a Hundred Spires," Prague's unforgettable atmosphere lets you forget what century you're in; miraculously, it has survived wars and revolutions unscathed.

The city's architecture is a merry jumble of styles—square, gold-tipped Gothic towers (hence "Golden Prague") stand next to opulent baroque churches and airy Renaissance palaces, sinuous Art Nouveau facades sparkle in the sun while baroque stone statues watch over pedestrians strolling across the 14th-century Charles Bridge. Prague has always been a major cultural center with no fewer than three grand opera houses, countless concert halls, galleries and museums. Café-going is a way of life, as is beer drinking; trying at least a few native brands is a must for every visitor.

Beyond Prague lies a fairy-tale landscape of woods and meadows, castles perched atop hills, ancient towns and villages nestled in verdant valleys. West of Prague, you'll find elegant spa towns built around natural hot springs, once the playground of European aristocracy. The area south of Prague offers perhaps the most scenic landscape in the country, with rolling hills, blue lakes and a number of exquisitely preserved historic towns and castles. The fertile land in the southeast--South Moravia--makes good wine; it is also known for its vibrant folk culture and a love of traditions. The mountain ranges running the length of the borders offer fine hiking terrain, folk architecture, and natural beauty. 

Ours is a country worth discovering, and rediscovering each time you visit.