Back to the Neolithic area, archaeologists have found out human settlements in the country. Germanic tribes of Marcomanni and Quadi settled in most parts of the Czech country in 3rd century B.C., an advent of the Celtic migrations. Moreover, other tribes had also moved in to the country. The Slavic people were also one of the many tribes settled on to the lands of the Czech Republic. But then, they had not settled much in one place for they had travelled from Bohemia, Moravia, and to Austria.

Around 5th century A.D., the Czechs founded the Bohemian Kingdom and the Premyslide dynasty. The dynasty then ruled Bohemia and Moravia from the 10th to 16th century. Furthermore, the kingdom of Bohemia had greatly manifested regional power during the Middle Ages and it was regarded as a part of the Holy Roman Empire. Prague, the capital of the state, was established by one of the Bohemian Kings, Charles IV, a Holy Roman Emperor. Prague was then the center of Latin scholarship and imperial capital of the country.

As several kings ruled the country, King Přemysl Otakar II and Charles IV had really made their leadership and contributed a great significance to the country’s developments. Czech had encountered “Dark Age” and other famine. The Czech Republic was once a unitary state of Czechoslovakia, but was later on split into two, through the Velvet Revolution, producing independent states of Czech Republic and Slovakia having economic reforms and privatisations. The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union and NATO.

Czech Republic cities

Dotted across the Czech countryside are dozens of towns and villages full of history, charm, beauty, and little insights into what all of Europe might have been pre-war time. Check out our guide to the top 10 most beautiful towns to visit.

Kroměříž

Kroměříž is one of the most charming historical towns in the country. Founded in 1260, most of the buildings you’ll find are from the 17th century, when the city was rebuilt after being damaged in the Thirty Years’ War. The Palace and Flower Garden there have been added onto the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and if you go during the summer, the brilliant colors of the flower garden are mesmerizing. At any point you can enjoy the gorgeous main square and the Černý Orel (Black Eagle) Brewery that calls Kroměříž home.

Olomouc

Originally settled by the Romans, Olomouc has since enjoyed a rich history, including a brief time when it was the capital of Moravia. Now, it’s a quiet but lively student city with a number of beautiful monuments and historical curiosities scattered around it. The Holy Trinity Column in the main square is another of the Czech Republic’s UNESCO sites, and the square also boasts an astrological clock to rival Prague’s famed Orloj. This one, however, won’t give you any sense of what the city’s medieval inhabitants wanted the keep track of; it was rebuilt by the Soviets, so instead of saints, you’ll find proletarians.

Kutná Hora

Starting as a monastery in the 12th century, Kutná Hora would eventually grow to become a major site for silver mining, and therefore, one of the richest cities in Europe in the 13th to 16th centuries. The mines eventually fell into ruin, dragging the city along with them. However, it has a number of unique sites to visit, which eventually got it listed on the UNESCO list. The Church of St Barbara is a stunning example of late gothic architecture, and the Sedlec Ossuary, lovingly yet creepily known as “the bone church”, are certainly worth the 45 minute trip from Prague.