Domažlice
One of the district towns in the Pilsen Region is Domažlice, located on the Zubřina stream and an elongated floor plan. They are about 14 km away from the German border, have about 11,000 inhabitants and are currently one of the most popular tourist destinations in western Bohemia. The surrounding Czech forest is untouched by industry, the landscape is extremely picturesque and the city itself has a number of monuments and a rich history.
Information for visitors
Interesting facts Domažlice
History of the town
At the end of the 10th century, a settlement stood on the site of today's Domažlice, situated on an important trade route. City rights were granted to the settlement only by Přemysl Otakar II. and in 1231 walls were built around the city, mainly to defend it from Bavaria. In the 13th century there was a burgrave's castle and during the 1960s Domažlice was promoted to a royal town.
During the Hussite wars, the city was anti-Catholic and during the 15th and 16th centuries its owners often changed. In the 17th century, Domažlice joined the estate uprising, which continued after the Battle of Bílá Hora with the Chod uprising. As both uprisings were defeated, the importance of the city and the region gradually began to decline.
The rise again did not occur until the 19th century, when Domažlice became an important market town. The walls were demolished and the city gradually grew. Perhaps because the Czech population predominated in Domažlice, it remained part of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia during the Second World War, which was not very typical for border towns.
Sights and interesting places
Domažlice is a very charming town with a rich history. Right in the middle of the square is the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary with elements of the Gothic style. From the late Gothic period, the walls around the town were improved and a circular voice was built on the square, which still dominates Domažlice. Of the original fortifications, only the Lower Gate has been preserved to this day.
During the 1960s, a castle was built near the southwestern part of the fortifications, which is now the seat of the Chodsko Museum. On the northwest side of Domažlice Square we find an Augustinian monastery. The square is made up of burgher houses with picturesque arcades.
A great tip for a trip with children in Domažlice is a model railway show and a beautiful view of the city and its surroundings is offered by the lookout tower in Čerchov near Domažlice.
Author: Andrea Štyndlova