The City of Beer: A Guide to the History and Legends of Pilsen

Pilsen gave rise to the legendary Pilsner Beer. The history of this West Bohemian treasure spans more than 900 years and, during the Industrial Revolution, the city was the Austrian Empire’s richest.

On this walking tour, you’ll get an eloquent introduction to the city’s glory, as well as its magnificent monuments.

The tour starts in front of the Brewery Museum. From there, you’ll explore the most interesting places of Pilsen’s historic core, once enclosed within the medieval town walls. You’ll go on to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the city parks and, finally, cross the river to end the tour in front of the famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery.

You’ll see the city’s oldest beer house and marvel at the town hall’s richly decorated facade. You’ll hear mysterious legends from Pilsen’s past, including lazy Thaddeus who made a deal with the devil to build Saint Bartholomew Church. I’ll also tell you how Pilsen made history in World War Two.

On this 60-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• Discover the origins of the famous Czech beer culture
• Learn why the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II chose Pilsen for his temporary seat
• Touch the Good Luck Angel and hear its legend
• Find out why the Saint Bartholomew church has the highest tower in Czechia
• Discover why the city’s coat of arms includes a greyhound and a camel
• Take in Pilsen’s major landmarks including the Great Synagogue (the second-largest synagogue in Europe), and the Museum of West Bohemia
• Hear how US troops led by General Patton liberated the city in 1945
• See where the first Czech book was printed
• Get to know the city’s famous past residents including Bedřich Smetana (the father of Czech classical music) and inventor František Křižík, who beat Thomas Edison at the International Exposition of Electricity in Paris
• Taste unfiltered Pilsner Urquell lager which hasn’t strayed far from its original 1842 recipe

At the end of this tour, you’ll have encountered the city’s artistic treasures, surprisingly dramatic history, and some of the extraordinary people who shaped it. You’ll also know that there’s a lot more to Pilsen than just its famous beer!