CZECH REPUBLIC - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 92

City Dialing Code: 377
Tourist Information Office: nam. Republiky 41, 301 00 Plzeň
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
www.pilsen.eu
E-mail: [e-mail]
Hours: April-September: 0900-1900 daily; October-March: 0900-1800 daily
Notes: Tourist Office is on the north side of the Main Square, across from St.
Bartholomew's Cathedral. Exit the train station and turn right onto Sirková, then left
onto Pražská, and follow this to the main square. There is also a Tourist Office in
the rail station, with slightly shorter hours.
The city of Pilsen is best known as having been the birthplace of the modern Pils-
ner style of beer, and the home of the Pilsner Urquell brewery. Officially established
in 1295, Pilsen has historically been a scene of great conflict, besieged and cap-
tured repeatedly in the 17th century. Additionally, until most ethnic Germans were
expelled post-World War II, the city was very much a mixed community, with a
significant percentage of German-speakers in the area. Primarily a manufacturing
center when the country was under Soviet domination, after a period of turmoil and
uncertainty, the city has attracted Western investment, and is again a manufactur-
ing center for many goods, including trains, electronics, and heating and cooling
equipment.
St. Bartholomew's Cathedral dominates the central square of Pilsen. The
cathedral, finished in the 16th century, is the third tallest building in the Czech Re-
public, with its main spire rising to over 330 feet. The inside of the cathedral is filled
with sacred art from the 17th century to the present, including a Madonna dated
from 1390 that still sits next to the altar. The cathedral is open to the public when
services are not being conducted. Just east of the main square on Pražská, look
for U Salzmannů, one of the oldest beer restaurants in the country, which serves
traditional Czech cuisine. On the north side of the main square is Town Hall, a
Renaissance building that is generally considered one of the most beautiful city
halls in the Czech Republic.
Be sure to visit the Great Synagogue, the second largest synagogue in Europe
(and third largest in the world). Originally started in 1888, the building fell in dis-
repair under the Nazis, and then while the region was under communist rule.
Reopened in 1988 after a massive restoration, it is primarily used as a concert and
exhibition hall, although a small portion still fulfills its role as a place of worship.
The building is a striking mix of styles, including Russian, Romantic, and Oriental
design elements.