Pilsen is the third largest city in the Czech Republic and a European Capital Of Culture. It is situated south west of Prague and was founded during the reign of King Vaclav The Second at the end of the 13th century.

The city’s central square is dominated by St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral a monumental Gothic building of which construction began during the city’s early years of development and whose bell tower is the highest in the country.

In front of the Town Hall is a Plague Column topped by a gilded Baroque copy of the Pilsen Madonna which was donated by the citizens of Pilsen in 1681 when the plague came and went here with the minimum of fatalities.

The Franciscan Monastery is one of the oldest and most treasured buildings in the city. Again, its construction began during the formative years of the city and was originally designed for the Minorite Order. Later, the monastery became the property of the Franciscans. However, despite much rebuilding, the Gothic appearance of both church and monastery was preserved.

Pilsen is world famous for its Beer, its brewery having an historic and majestic entrance which has become the symbol of the city. The production methods used by the Pilsner brewery are now used around the world.

This, the "Beer Capital of Europe", has survived all the turmoil of the centuries, has become a place of pilgrimage for beer lovers, and has also deservedly achieved fame as a capital of European culture.