Plzen city, also known as Pilsen city, is the capital of the West Bohemian region and one of the most bustling Czech Republic cities. Spread over an area of 138 square kilometers, the city of Plzen houses a population of 165,000.
Just 9 km north – west of the old city of Plzen, the city of Nova Plzen or New Plzen was founded in 1925 by the Czech King Wenceslas II on the concourse of the Radbuza and Mze rivers. Plzen stands at the juncture of Regensburg, Nurnberg, and Sachsen, the three important trade routes, thus flourishing as an important commercial hub. The city is also internationally famous for Plzener Brewery and the heavy machinery factory of Skoda Works. The city also houses the Medical Faculty of the Charles University and the University of West Bohemia.
The Plzen city center is historically significant. The Gothic spire of the St. Bartholomew Cathedral is the highest church spire in the Bohemian region rising majestically to a height of 10,226 meter or 335 feet. The Square of the Republic or Namesti Republiky dating back to the medieval period, the Town Hall, French fountains at the turn of numerous streets and fascinating statues are some of the points of interest in the main city of Plzen. Cultural celebrations like ‘Smetana’s Days’, gastronomical show ‘EX Plzen’, ‘International Folklore festival’, ‘Jazz on the Street’, radio play festival ‘Prix Bohemia’, the film festival ‘Finale’, keeps the city always in a festive mood.