Pilsen (Plzeň)

PILSEN (Plzeň)

Plzeň (Pilsen) is the capital of West Bohemia, founded by the Czech king Wenceslas II. The eventful history

of the city can be seen during the sightseeing of many interesting buildings in the historical city centre, dominated by a slim tower of the Gothic St. Bartholomew Cathedral, which is, with the height of 102,26 m (335 feet) the highest church spire in Bohemia. A whole range of important buildings is evidence of the era of great boom in the city at the turn of last two centuries. Today Plzeň, with its 173 000 inhabitants a significant cultural, business and industrial centre, famous mostly due to the products of Plzeň's brewery (producer of world-known original Pilsner Urquel beer) and heavy machinery Škoda factory. The city is slowly becoming more attractive and wishes to be an international “entry gate” on the passage from West Europe.