Photo: Ondřej Tomšů, Radio Prague International
The west Bohemian city of Plzeň is without doubt synonymous with beer. It was here that the world’s first-ever Pilsner lager was brewed in 1842. But Plzeň, which has a population of around 170,000 people, has much more to offer than just the golden brew, for instance, the second largest synagogue in Europe or striking interiors designed by the world-renowned architect Adolf Loos.
The city of Plzeň, which lies on the confluence of the Mže and Radbuza rivers, was founded in 1295 by a decree issued by the Czech king Wenceslas II. Located on the intersection of important trade routes linking the Czech lands with Germany, it soon became a busy trade centre and by the 14th century, it was third largest town after Prague and Kutná Hora.
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