Republic Square and St. Bartholomew

The heart of the city beats at Republic Square. It is one of the largest medieval squares in Central Europe. The open space measures an impressive 139 by 193 meters. Colorful historical houses line the perimeter of this vast area.

Gothic and Renaissance architecture dominates the surrounding buildings. You should admire the stunning sgraffito on the Town Hall facade. The square hosts vibrant farmers' markets and festivals throughout the year. It serves as the perfect starting point for your city tour.

The Cathedral of St. Bartholomew commands attention in the center. Its spire reaches 102 meters towards the sky. This makes it the tallest church tower in the Czech Republic. You can learn more about the structure in our St. Bartholomew Cathedral tower climb guide.

Active travelers should climb the 301 steps to the observation deck. The effort rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views. On clear days, you can see the Sumava mountains. The interior of the cathedral features beautiful stained glass windows.

Three modern gold fountains create a contrast in the square. They represent distinct symbols from the city's coat of arms. You will see a camel, a greyhound, and an angel. These controversial additions spark conversations among locals and tourists alike.

The square acts as a living room for the city. Locals gather here to relax on benches in summer. Winter transforms the space into a magical Christmas market. Check out other Republic Square Plzeň famous buildings nearby.

The Great Synagogue of Plzeň

The Great Synagogue is a monumental testament to Jewish history. It stands as the second-largest synagogue in all of Europe. Only the synagogue in Budapest surpasses its size. Its twin towers are visible from many points in the city.

The architecture blends Moorish and Romanesque styles uniquely. The facade features intricate details and striking colors. It was built in the late 19th century. The building survived the turbulent history of the 20th century.

Recent renovations have restored the interior to its former glory. Visitors can now admire the painted ceilings and gold decorations. The acoustics inside are phenomenal for musical performances. You can check visiting hours in our Great Synagogue Plzeň visiting info post.

The synagogue serves as a cultural and exhibition venue today. It hosts concerts and photographic displays regularly. A permanent exhibition details the history of local Jewish families. It is a moving and educational experience for all ages.

Pilsner Urquell Brewery Experience

No list of landmarks is complete without this industrial giant. This is the birthplace of the golden pilsner lager. The brewery opened its gates in 1842. It changed the world of beer forever.

Visitors enter through the iconic Jubilee Gate. The complex resembles a small city within a city. You will see the historic brewhouse with copper kettles. The tour explains the unique soft water and local hops used.

The highlight is exploring the historic brewery cellars. The temperature drops significantly in these underground tunnels. You will taste unfiltered, unpasteurized beer straight from oak barrels. Plan your trip with our Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour guide.

You can also dine at the massive beer hall on-site. The restaurant serves traditional Czech cuisine to pair with beer. We recommend booking your tickets in advance online. Visit the official Pilsner Urquell Brewery website for reservations.

Plzeň Historical Underground Network

A mysterious world lies beneath the bustling streets. The historical underground of Plzeň is extensive and fascinating. It consists of cellars, passageways, and wells. The network spans nearly 20 kilometers in total.

Digging began as early as the 14th century. Locals used these spaces for food storage and brewing validation. The tunnels also provided protection during times of war. This is one of the most complex underground systems in Central Europe.

Guided tours lead you through a section of the labyrinth. You will wear a hard hat for safety. The path winds past medieval artifacts and tools. Read a detailed Plzeň historical underground tour review before you go.

You will see a functional replica of a water wheel. The tour explains how ice was stored for brewing. The temperature remains cool around 6°C (43°F) year-round. Always bring a light jacket or sweater for this attraction.

Architecture of Adolf Loos

Plzeň protects a hidden treasure of modern architecture. Famous architect Adolf Loos designed several apartment interiors here. His work dates back to the early 1930s. He is known for the "Raumplan" or spatial plan concept.

The exteriors of these buildings often look ordinary. The magic lies entirely within the private living spaces. Loos used high-quality materials like marble and exotic wood. His designs focus on function and clean, geometric lines.

Guided tours are the only way to see these gems. Three specific tour routes cover different apartments. The Brummel House and Semler Residence are standouts. Discover current routes in our Adolf Loos interiors walking tour guide.

You must book these tours well in advance. They are small and intimate by necessity. Architecture students from around the world visit solely for this. It offers a stark contrast to the city's medieval sights.

Theatres, Museums, and Culture

The Great Theatre is a stunning cultural landmark. It was built in 1902 in Neo-Renaissance style. The building features artistic sculptures on its facade. It sits near the main square surrounded by parkland.

The interior is just as impressive as the exterior. Red velvet and gold leaf decorate the auditorium. The theatre hosts opera, ballet, and drama performances. Learn about the building's history in our Great Theatre Plzeň architecture guide.

Families should head to the Puppet Museum. Plzeň has a long tradition of puppetry. The museum displays hundreds of puppets from different eras. You can even try manipulating some puppets yourself.

For modern education, visit glorious science centers. The Techmania Science Center occupies a former Škoda factory hall. It features the first 3D Planetarium in the Czech Republic. Find schedules at the Techmania Science Center official site.

For more general events, check the Visit Plzeň tourism board. They list festivals and seasonal cultural programs. The city is vibrant throughout the entire year.