Option I the Great Synagogue

PILSEN TOURS

Option I – The Great Synagogue

Time: 20.8., 21.8., 22.8., 24.8., 25.8.
Price: €25 Transfer: by minibus
The minimum number of participants is 10 persons, max.35.

Jews have been living in Pilsen region since the 14thcentury. During the centuries there have been five Synagogues in Pilsen, only two of which have been preserved and exist today - The Old Synagogue, which islocated in the courtyard of the houses in Smetana´s Parks (originally there used to be aJewish school too, but now in its place you can find an unusual memorial to holocaust victims) and the Great Synagogue.

The Great Synagogue was built in Moorish-Romanesque style in 1893. It is the second biggest synagogue inEurope (and the fourth biggest in the world). It is evidence of the rich Jewish community in Pilsen, which was unfortunately almost all annihilated during the Nazi occupation in years 1939 – 1945. The historical building was renovated at the end of the 20thcentury and as well as for religious purposes, it also serves as aconcert and exhibition hall due to its excellent acoustics and aunique atmosphere.

Option II - PATTON MEMORIAL PILSEN

Time:20.8., 21.8., 22.8., 24.8., 25.8.
Price: € 25 Transfer: by minibus
The minimum number of participants is 10 persons, max. 35.

The museum Patton Memorial Pilsen includes more than a thousand exhibits from private collections. Theopening section of the museum presents the final air-raid campaigns in Western Bohemia and the bombing ofthe Škoda plants. Surrounded by the sound of sirens and authentic film sequences and photographs of that time, visitors are drawn into the atmosphere of the final combat operations of WWII. The exhibition documents theadvancement of the US Army in what was then Czechoslovakia, and the deployment of US soldiers until November 1945. Authentic photographs depict the moments of the war´s finaldays, the arrival of the US troops, moments of relaxation and friendly encounters with locals, as well as some ceremonial events – e.g. recordings froma troop inspection on 15 June 1945 attended by the president Dr. Edvard Beneš.

A significant part of the exhibition focuses on George S. Patton, the legendary commander of the 3rd US Army and his oldfriend general Ernest N. Harmon, who provided technical and material assistance for the recovery ofourcountry and who said goodbye to the Czech population together with US troops during the last inspection inNovember 1945. The museum also presents documents, newspapers and magazines from the period ofthetotalitarian regime in 1948 – 1989, symbolically placed in a barred cage. These documents provide astatement about the efforts of the communist regime to obscure facts about the liberation of Pilsen bytheUSArmy.

Option III - Tour of the City Centre

Time:20.8., 21.8., 22.8., 24.8., 25.8.
Price: € 25 Transfer: by minibus
The minimum number of participants is 10 persons, max. 35.

1. Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky)

The core of the historical centre is formed by alarge square, and with its dimensions of 139 × 193m itisoneofthelargest squares not only in the Czech Republic, but also in the whole of Europe. This is where theheart of the city beats. The square is anatural centre of cultural events, festivals and markets. In addition toSt.Bartholomew’s Cathedral, it is also dominated by aplague column from the 17th century and three modern gold fountains.

2. St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral (Katedrála sv. Bartoloměje)

The best way to discover Pilsen is the view from the highest point - the tower of St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral. In the middle of the Neo-Gothic altar, you can see the most valuable treasure in Pilsen – a134-cm-high statue of the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus, the so-called Madonna of Pilsen. On the back side of the church youwill find decorative Baroque bars adorned with the heads of cherubs. Each one has adifferent expression, butonly the most worn out one is said to bring luck.

3. Renaissance Town Hall (Renesanční radnice)

If you stand facing the portal to St. Bartholomew‘s, on your left you will see aRenaissance gem – the Pilsen Town Hall. It was built in 1558 according to the plans of the Italian architect Giovanni de Statia. The building isdecorated with sgraffiti depicting Czech rulers and the city’s coat of arms. Do not be afraid to pass through themázhauz, or foyer of the Town Hall. In the back room you will find amodel of the historic city center.

4.Plague Column (Morový sloup)

Looking between the Imperial house and the cathedral, you can see the plague column. Pilsen burghers erected itin1681 as an expression of gratitude for aless severe plague epidemic. The top of the column is decorated withaBaroque replica of the famous Madonna of Pilsen.

6. Diocese building (Budova biskupství)

The diocese building is located directly opposite the entrance to the cathedral. The house was rebuilt in 1710 by Baroque architect Jakub Auguston and is one of the most valuable Baroque structures in Pilsen.

7. House by the Red Heart (Dům UČerveného srdce)

This Neo-Renaissance building is easily identified by ared heart in the middle of the facade. The house, decorated with sgraffiti by Mikoláš Aleš, dates from 1894. The sgraffito scene recalls the famous tournament which was held in Pilsen in honor of Ferdinand II of Tyrol.

8. The Great Synagogue (Velká synagoga)

The Great Synagogue was built in 1892 in the Moorish-Romanesque style, and is not only the largest synagogue in the Czech Republic, but also the second largest in Europe after Budapest. Today, the unique acoustics of this one-of-a-kind structure contributes to the unforgettable experience of the frequent concerts that take place there.

9. Great Theatre (Velké divadlo)

In Smetanovy sady (park) you will see the J.K. Tyl Divadlo (theatre) – also called the Great Theater. Itwasbuilt in 1902 in the Neo-Renaissance style with Art Nouveau elements, and today is one of the two permanent venues of the theatre.

11. Burgher’s Hall (Měšťanská beseda)

In the early 20th century the imposing Burgher’s Hall decorated low-lying Kopeckého sady (park). Pilsen burghers built it to serve as aceneer of community and social life. The building has two social halls and restaurants built in the Renaissance style with Art Nouveau artistic decor. An integral part of it is abeautiful Art Nouveau café.

12. Franciscan monastery with the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Františkánský klášter skostelem Nanebevzetí Panny Marie)

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was founded in 1295, and along with the adjacent Franciscan monastery it is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The Chapel of St. Barbara is decorated with frescoes dating from around 1460. Inside the Franciscan Monastery is the Museum of religious art.

13. Meat Market (Masné krámy)

The former meat market building has stood in this place since 1392 and served as ameat market until the1950s. Today, in its unique space you can find works of art. That is because the market is now the exhibition hall of the West Bohemia Gallery.

18. Water tower (Vodárenská věž)

The oldest water monument in Pilsen is the four-sided late Gothic tower on the corner of Pražska ulice (street) and sady (park) 5.května. The tower was part of the city fortifications by the former Prague gate and once served to fill fountains on Republic Square.

Option IV – The Pilsen Historical Underground

Time:20.8., 21.8., 22.8., 24.8., 25.8.
Price: € 25 Transfer: by minibus
The minimum number of participants is 10 persons, max. 20.

Visit the Pilsen Historical Underground, which is an inseparable part of the history and present day ofthetown of Pilsen. We will take you through a labyrinth of passageways, cellars and wells built below Pilsen asearly as from the 14th Century. During the tour you will get to see life below the town and uncover the secrets ofauthentic finds and nooks and crannies that are hidden underground. You will find out how the underground originated, and see for yourself in how many different ways in was utilised. Thanks to the exhibits and displayed finds, you will be immersed in the history of the town and the everyday life of its citizens in the Middle Ages.

A labyrinth of passageways, cellars and wells spreads out below the whole historic core of the town of Pilsen, covering a total length of almost 19 km. The tour route is nearly 800m long and takes place at a depth of 9m to 12m below the surface. It is necessary for visitors to wear the safety helmets.

Option V – Pilsner Urquell brewery tour

Date: Only possible date is21.8.2017.

Price: € 25 Transfer: by minibus
The minimum number of participants is 10 persons, max. 35.

Did you know that Pilsner Urquell has inspired more than two-thirds of all of the world´s beer, which still today are labelled as “Pils”, “Pilsner” or “Pilsener”? Go on a tour of the Pilsner Urquell brewery, and get to know story of the legend born in 1842. Did you know, that the Pilsner Urquell tour is one of the world´s rated tourist attractions? It´s no wonder, because the tour is full of interesting facts which will impress even very demanding visitors. History lovers will be impressed by the model of the brewery from the 19th century, the brew house from the 1930s and the historical cellars, where Pilsner Urquell beer is still produced today using the tame traditional method as during the era of the first brewer. Are you mainly interested in how Pilsner Urquell beer is brewed? We will explain the unique method of brewing Pilsner Urquell beer, which is identical to the method introduced in 1842 by Josef Groll.

Fill out and send by mail to the addressoffice(at)congressprague.cz.

20 August 2017 Pilsen Tours

☐Option I – The Great Synagogue

☐Option II - PATTON MEMORIAL PILSEN

☐Option III - Tour of the City Centre