Discover Czech Republic: Top 9 Fun Facts You Never Knew About This Jewel of Europe

1. Czechia's Naming Dilemma

Czech it out: This European gem once politely replied "I'd like to be called Czechia" when the world inquired about its split personality with Czechoslovakia back in the 1990s. However, Czechia must have some commitment issues, for it whipped out its full name the Czech Republic as soon as it gained independence in 1992. As of 2016, it's on a first-name basis with both Czech Republic and Czechia, but saves its full title for more formal occasions like government documents, embassy waltzes, and legal tête-à-têtes. It manages to tread the line between a mysterious European hideaway with its stunning architecture and landscapes, all the while being czechered with a not-so-secret identity crisis.
Source => nzherald.co.nz

2. Beer-Loving Champions

In a land where people are likely to exclaim "is the Pope Catholic?" instead of "do Czechs drink beer?", the country's love for its liquid gold knows no bounds: The Czech Republic holds the undisputed title of Beer Superpower, boasting a staggering annual per capita consumption of 140 liters per person in 2018, as reported by the Kirin Beer University.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

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3. Trdelník's Tasty Legacy

Once upon a sticky tale, there was a sweet treat that spun its way into the hearts, and stomachs, of tourists in a humble European nation: Trdelník is a delightful dough-based delight hailing from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, spiraling from historic Kingdom of Hungary's northern lands, gracing Prague cafes with its ice-cream-filled variants, and dedicating an entire society in Slovakian Skalica to the preservation of its open fire baking traditions.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

4. The Puppeteer's Spell

In a land before Netflix marathons, the Czechs pulled some serious strings to entertain the masses: One of their famed puppeteers, Matěj Kopecky, enthralled 19th-century audiences with theatrics using iconic marionettes, a craft passed down through families like the Maisners, Kopeckys, and Dubskys, and influenced by 17th-century English, Italian, and German traveling theater groups.
Source => unima.idu.cz

5. Czech Glassmaking Majesty

Who knew? The Czech Republic is the kingpin of the glass world, secretly stashing away its shimmering, delicate masterpieces, waiting to take the stage as the undeniable G.O.A.T: This dazzling country boasts a rich glassmaking legacy dating back to the 17th century, and has grown into a revered global export powerhouse, sending its prized hand-blown and cut glass, as well as pure crystal, to over 60 countries worldwide. No wonder it gleams so brightly on the map!
Source => visitczechrepublic.com

6. Prague's Overflowing Spires

Who needs a hundred-dollar bill when you can have a hundred spires, right? Prague's certainly giving Benjamin Franklin a run for his money: The Czech capital, often referred to as the "City of a Hundred Spires," boasts an impressive skyline dotted with drool-worthy spires, towers, and domes. With notable standout marvels such as Old Town Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Vyšehrad's Basilica of SS Peter and Paul, it's safe to say that this underestimation of the epic spire count only adds to the city's irresistible charm.
Source => delveintoeurope.com

7. Castles Galore!

If you're seeking a fairy-tale kingdom where you can waltz amid illustrious towers or gallop along with gallant knights, the Czech Republic's got you royally covered: Boasting a majestic collection of over 1500 castles and chateaux, this enchanting country is home to awe-inspiring architectural wonders like the UNESCO-protected gem, Český Krumlov, where medieval charm reigns supreme.
Source => educations.com

8. Bond's Czech Hotel Affair

In the Czech Republic, there's a hotel where you can quite literally "sleep with the fishes," or at least dine with them like a true secret agent: The Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary was the backdrop for the Hotel Splendide in the James Bond film "Casino Royale," featuring a parking lot encounter with some submerged henchmen and a martini-inspired dinner scene between Bond and Vesper.
Source => jamesbondlifestyle.com

9. Master of Time: Prague's Astronomical Clock

Get your clocks off, for this Horologe Extraordinaire is the Oldest and the Astrologi-coolest in the World: Prague's Astronomical Clock has been wowing time-tellers since 1410, featuring hourly moving sculptures known as "The Walk of the Apostles" and a zodiac-laden calendar dial, while masterfully displaying time, date, sun position, moon phase and astronomical cycles.
Source => afar.com