The Czech Republic - Eastern Europe - page 265

Plzen's Claim to Fame Fun Fact

Founded in 1295 by Václav II, Plzen was and remains western Bohemia's
administrative center. King Václav's real gift to the town, however, wasn't
making it an administrative nerve center but granting it brewing rights. So
more than 200 microbreweries popped up, one in almost every street-cor-
ner basement. Realizing that the brews they were drinking had become
mostly inferior by the late 1830s, rebellious beer drinkers demanded qual-
ity, forcing the brewers to try harder. “Give us what we want in Plzen, good
and cheap beer!” became the battle cry. In 1842, the brewers combined
their expertise to produce a superior brew through what became known as
the Pilsner brewing method. If you don't believe it, look in your refrigera-
tor. Most likely, the best beer in there has written somewhere on its label
“Pilsner brewed.”

TOURING THE BEER SHRINES
Plze n ské Pivovary (Pilsner Brewery), at U Prazdroje 7, actually comprises several
breweries, pumping out brands like Pilsner Urquell and Gambrinus, the most widely
consumed beer in the Czech Republic. The 1-hour tour of the factory (which has
barely changed since its creation) includes a 15-minute film and visits to the fermen-
tation cellars and brewing rooms. The tour starts at 12:30 and 2pm daily. Tours cost
120K c ($5/£2); the price includes a dozen beer-oriented postcards and a tasting of
freshly brewed beer. (For details on other tours, call & 377-062-888 or log onto

www.prazdroj.cz.)
If you didn't get your fill of beer facts at the brewery, the Pivovarské muzeum
( Beer Museum; & 377-235-574; www.prazdroj.cz) is 1 block away on Veleslavínova
6. Inside this former 15th-century house, you'll learn everything there is to know
about beer but were afraid to ask. Admission is 60K c ($2.50/£1), and hours are daily
10am to 6pm (to 5pm Jan-Mar).
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Central As you look around the historically beautiful old town square, one
thing stands out: the Hotel Central. This rather sterile building is across from St.
Bartholomew's Church. The surly staff notwithstanding, the hotel is good and surpris-
ingly quiet despite its central location. Ask for one of the rooms facing east; they have
a nice view of the church as the sun rises.
Námêstí Republiky 33, 301 00 Plzen. & 377-226-757. Fax [phone]. www.central-hotel.cz. 77 units.
1,550Kc-2,390Kc ($64-$99/£31-£48) double. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; cafe; bar; exercise room; sauna;
solarium. In room:TV, minibar, safe.
WHERE TO DINE
Moderate
Pilsner Urquell Restaurant CZECH In the same building that houses the brew-
ery's management, this pub has remained true to those who supply it with beverages
by cooking hearty, basic Czech meals, though it is a little pricier than Na Spilce across