The district of Beroun is in the Southwest part of Central Bohemia near to Prague. Beroun is on the motorway and main line railway track linking Prague and Plzen. The region is a particularly beautiful one with varied landscape formed by the river Berounka and can boast of the prestigious Karlstejn golf course.
Not far from Prague, this is one of the most attractive districts for tourists. It is easily accessible by both road and rail, on the main route leading from Prague to Plzen. It is a district of rugged hills and deep forests. To the north it is hemmed in by the Krivoklat and Zbiroh highlands, to the south by the Brdy and Hreben ranges. The nature conservation areas of Krivoklat and
the Bohemian Karst stretch into the district. This is a region that can satisfy every visitor, whether they are interested in nature, historic monuments, hiking, cycling, fishing or even hunting.
Beroun is a regional town with a population of approximately 25,000. The town is located at the confluence of the Berounka and Litavka rivers, at the western end of the Cesky kras wildlife preserve, approximately 18 kilometers from Prague's south-western extremity.
Beroun was probably founded in the second half of the 13
th century by German colonists, on the road between Prague and Bavaria. In 1295, Vaclav II. established a royal town on the basis of this distinctive settlement. The town was laid out as an irregularly shaped rectangle surrounding a rectangular square, and at the beginning of the 14
th century, it was fortified. The historical center of the royal town of Beroun carries vestiges of its 700 year plus long history. Not only are its thirteen historical landmarks that are registered by the state protected and provided with
special architectural care, the entire historical center has been named an urban
historical landmark. The entire region has a rich history that is documented by many architectural sites that are among the most sought out by tourists in Bohemia. Karlstejn Castle, which has the greatest drawing power, is one of the very greatest specimens of Gothic architecture. This castle was established by Charles IV. in 1348 for the protection of the of the royal crown jewels, and its construction was directed by
Matyas of Arras. The Krivoklat castle, which was an important seat of Czech lords in the 11
th century, is no less attractive. It is an architectural pearl of late Gothic construction. Other examples of Gothic art can be seen in an exhibit in
the hall of knights and kings. The Tocnik castle, which can be seen from afar, was built by Vaclav IV. at the end of the 14
th century. It attracts tourists because of its sensitive reconstruction, which makes it possible to view a royal and burgrave palace, including original interiors, a black kitchen, stables, a forge, a moat occupied by bears, etc. Not far from Tocnik, the Zebrak castle draws interest through its enormous cylindrical tower. This castle was built at the end of the 13
th century, originally intended as a family seat for the house of Buzic, but it later became a royal castle. Ruins of medieval castles can also be found in Valdek, Tyrov, and a famous settlement for knights in Tetin. Other famous regional sights include a
Benedictine monastery in Svaty Jan pod Skalou, which was built in the middle of the 11
th century in the canyon of the stream Kacak beneath towering travertine cave-filled cliffs. In the western section of the Beroun region, we can see a reconstructed Baroque chateau in Horovice, and other Baroque chateaus can be found in Osov and Liten.
With regard to the many natural and historical points of interest in this relatively small area, this fascinating region can be chosen for orientational excursions. Depending on a client's specific wishes, the Beroun Municipal Information Center will provide guide services and ensure restaurant and lodging accomodations.
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