[Fact 1: The Indestructible Library]
The Klementinum library in Prague, Czech Republic, is not only one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, but also has never lost a single book in its over 400 years of existence. It houses over 20,000 books and has preserved them all through times of war and occupation.
[Fact 2: A Castle Lover's Paradise]
The Czech Republic holds the world record for most castles per square mile. There are over 2,000 castles, ruins, and castle keeps in the country, including the world's largest ancient castle, the Prague Castle, which dates back to the 9th century.
[Fact 3: The Birthplace of the Contact Lens]
Otto Wichterle, a Czech chemist, invented the first soft contact lenses in 1959. His pioneering work led to the development of the modern contact lenses we know and use today.
[Fact 4: Home to the Oldest University in Central Europe]
Founded in 1348, Charles University in Prague is the oldest university in Central Europe. It was established by Charles IV, who was a highly educated man for his time and dreamed to create a center of higher learning in his kingdom.
[Fact 5: The Beer Capital]
The Czech Republic is the birthplace of Pilsner and takes beer seriously. They have the highest beer consumption per capita in the world. On average, each person in the country drinks around 143 liters per year.
[Fact 6: Sweet Tradition of The Czech Easter Bread]
One of the Czech Republic’s unique traditions is the baking of Easter bread, known as Mazanec. This sweet bread is typically braided, studded with raisins, and topped with slivered almonds and a sprinkle of sugar.
[Fact 7: Unassuming Superlatives]
Did you know that the Czech Republic is the home to the world’s largest architectural sculpture? The Dancing House in Prague, a marvel of modern architecture, stands out distinctly amidst the classic Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance houses of the city.
[Fact 8: Mushroom Hunting - A National Pastime]
For Czech people, hunting for mushrooms in the woods is a treasured pastime. Czech forests are filled with edible mushrooms and hunting them is a way for families to spend time together in nature.
[Fact 9: A Surefire Sugar Rush]
The Czech Republic produces more than just delicious beer. It's also known for its sweets, specifically the Trdelník. This traditional, sweet pastry originates from Slovakia and is popular in Czech's street markets.
[Fact 10: A Prolific Writer's Haven]
The Czech Republic is the birthplace of Milan Kundera, one of the most globally recognized modern writers. His most famous novel, "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," is set in Prague during the Prague Spring period of Czechoslovak history.
[Fact 11: A Mosaic of Protected Land]
The Czech Republic has four national parks and 25 protected landscape areas – meaning that almost 15% of the country is under some form of protection.
[Fact 12: Archery is in Their Genes]
The Czech Republic has a fantastic archery history, dating back to the 9th century. The country has won several medals in the Olympics and World Championships in archery.
[Fact 13: Prague's Astrological Clock]
Prague’s Astronomical Clock that dates back to 1410, is the third oldest in the world and the only one still operating. The clock showcases a beautiful blend of the Gothic and Renaissance styles.
[Fact 14: The World’s Most Lovable Dog Breed]
The Czech Republic is home to the Cesky Terrier, the world's rarest dog breed. Despite their rarity, these dogs are known to be good-natured, sporting a silky blue-gray coat and a unique gait.
[Fact 15: A Country Surrounded by Mountains]
The Czech Republic is a geographically unique country as it is completely surrounded by mountains, these ranges not only provide stunning backdrops but also act as natural barriers.
[Fact 16: Bohemia - a Real Place]
Bohemia, often referenced in pop culture and literature, is a real region! Located in the Czech Republic, it’s the westernmost and largest area of the country, known for its rich history, unique culture, and stunning landscapes.
[Fact 17: Christmas Carp Tradition]
A unique Christmas tradition in the Czech Republic revolves around Carp. Families will keep live carp in their bathtubs for days leading up to Christmas before it becomes the centerpiece of their Christmas dinner.
[Fact 18: Rooted in Music]
The Czech Republic has deep roots in classical music, with famous composers like Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana hailing from here. The country hosts the Prague Spring International Music Festival every year, which draws in classic music fans from around the world.
[Fact 19: Striking Love Locks]
In Prague, you'll find a bridge, not as famous as Charles Bridge but equally romantic. It's Mánes Bridge, adorned with numerous love locks, following a tradition where couples clip a padlock onto the bridge and throw the key in the river as a symbol of their love.
[Fact 20: The Rolling Stones and the Castle’s Lighting]
In an unexpected twist of philanthropy, rock band the Rolling Stones loved Prague Castle so much during their visit in 1990 that they paid $32,000 to have it lit up at night. The band's lighting designer even helped with the plan!