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Kosmonosy - Loreto
Loreto is undoubtedly the most beautiful architectural gem of the town of Kosmonosy. It wasbuilt over the years 1702 - 1708 as a copy of a first building of this type, located in the Italian town of Loretto, which was supposedly the copy of the environment where the Virgin Mary lived. The walls of Santa Casa are decorated with reliefs depicting the scenes from the life of Virgin Mary. In the alcoves, there are statues of saints and prophets. The inside is decorated with the copies of the original frescos from the Italian Loretto. In the eastern part, there is a baroque chapel of St. Martin with a crypt underneath. To the north, there is a four story belltower built in 1673. Guided tours are availabe on weekends.
Skoda Auto a.s. museum, Mlada Boleslav
The permanent exhibition on dispaly is divided into three parts. The section entitled "Hundred years of Skoda" sheds light on the history of car making in Mlada Boleslav from its very beginnings up to the latest models. The exposition called "The Engine gallery" presents the 60 year history of engine developments in the Mlada Boleslav factory. The newest exposition in the museum, called "Slavia" showcases cars - veterans waiting for rennovation. Some engines are also displayed in this section. Multimedia presentations are a common place throughout the whole museum. Multilingual guides are available at the museum in English, German, French, Russian and Italian languages). The whole museum offers access for the handicapped. Special presentation is prepared for very nearsighted or visually impaired visitors. Skoda Auto Museum is open daily between 9:00 - 17:00, except on 24. - 26. 12. and 1.1.
Chateau Michovo Hradiste
Chateau Mnichovo Hradiste has been under construction for a very long time and was finished only in the 18th century. Originally, the chateau sported a renaissance look. There is a complex of monastery buildings on the chateau grounds, include st. Anne's chapel. A tomb with the remains of an important general and statesman, Albrech Valdstejn is also at the chateau. Chateau exposition offers original interiors, oil paintings and contemporary decorations.
Sychrov chateau
From an architectural standpoint chateau Sychrov is one of the most important historical compositions. Its history stretches all the way back to the 15th century. The originally baroque chateau was first commissioned by the knight Lamotte from Frintropp.In 1820, the Rohan family purchased the estate from the Valdstejns. Prince Karel Alain G. Rohan commissioned the addition of another story and other buildings. The most profound changes were undertaken under Kamil Josef I. Rohan during the years 1847 - 1862 when the chateau was rennovated into the pseudogotic style of today. The guided tour consists of 42 interiors with rich wood-carvings by Petr Busek. The Rohan portrait gallery numbering 248 portraits is the largest collection of French portraits in central Europe. Interiors are decorated with large collections of ceramics, glass and tin. Adjacent to the chateau is a spectacular park in English style.
Bohemian Paradise
Bohemian Paradise lies less than 70 kilometers from Prague due north east. This romantic landscape couples various natural wonders together with abundant historical treasures such as chateaus and castles. In the fromer Cyechoslovakia, Bohemian Paradise was the first area proclaimed as a scenic preserve. The area's landscape varies considerably and is a host to many protected and endangered species. The thick woods together with the lake system are very important for the further preservation of rich biodiversity. The eruptive minerals which are part of the Bohemian Paradise's geological make up contain many sites where precious stones are still to be found. The people living here were alwaysknown for their skilled workmanship. The Bohemian Paradise is a land of good natured people, natural wonders, castles, chateaus, museums and traditional crafts.
The "Prachov" Rocks
To the northwest of the town Jicin, on the southern edge of the Bohemian Paradise there is a sandrock "town" known as the "Prachov" Rocks. Though located on a relatively small area, the site is important attraction for tourists and climbers. The "Prachov" Rocks are state natural preserve since 1933.
Kost Castle
Medieval castle Kost lies close to the heart of the Bohemian Paradise. It was built in the 14th century. Its literal name means ‚bone' in the Czech language. It was meant to denote that the castle had never fallen into the hands of a besieging army. The five story tower dominates the romantic valley surrounding the castle. 17th - 19th century weaponry is on display within castle grounds.
Trosky Castle
With its unique and characteristic panorama, the ruins of the Trosky castle are a dominant feature of the Bohemian Paradise. The original castle was built around 1380. There is a tower on each of the two whinstone mounds. The lower and thicker of the two is called the Old Hag, while the taller and thinner is called the Virgin for its inaccessibility. Due to the ruinous state of the castle, the tours are individual, without a guide. A newly rennovated tower on the Old Hag is accessible since May 2005. It offeers a wonderful view of the surrounding area. If the weather conditions are just right, you can see all the way to Prague.
Hunting lodge Humprecht
Another dominating feature of the Bohemian Paradise is the Humprecht hunting pleasure lodge. Humprecht is located not far away from the Kost castle, overlooking the town of Sobotka. Humprecht is an example of a building placed in the landscape as to create a natural unity. Interesting is the large hall with 16 meter ceilings and perfect acoustic characteristics. Wooden walkway around the tower offers the visitor almost a bird's eye view of the surroundings.
Chateau Hruba Skala
The romantic chateau Hruba Skala towers upon a sand rock dike in the heart of the Bohemian Paradise. The original castle built in the middle of the 14th century was an important military center due to its strategic location. The original castle burned down three times and in the middle of the 19th century wa srebuilt into a romantic chateau Hruba Skala. The chateau's tower offers the best viewing opportunities in the Bohemian Paradise.
Valdstejn Castle
Valdstejn castle is the oldest castle in the Bohemian Paradise. Built in 13th century by the Markvartic family whose descendant was none less than Albrecht Valdstejn himself.
Bezdez Castle
Originally built in the 13th century as a royal castle. In the past, the Bezdez castle played an important role in the kingdom's history. Becasue its location on a crest of a hill 604 meters above the sea level (some good three hundred meters above the surrounding landscape), the castle never underwent any major reconstruction or renovation. Its 35 meters tall towers offers a rare view of the surrounding countryside. In good weather, you can see the peaks of the Giant mountains to the northeast.
Macha lake
Macha lake, or "Machovo jezero" in teh Czech language is the largest north bohemian lake with the area of 284 hectares. It serves as a protection from floods. Fish are also grown here but its major attraction are its beaches together with various water sports. In the summer months, as many as 30,000 visitors come here every day. During the season, boats run across the lake.
