Plzeň

Plzeň's stately central square Náměstí Republiky, with architecture of many periods, is the backdrop for the Gothic cathedral Katedrála svatého Bartoloměje. 

Several times the city was a focal point of bitter war. During the Hussite conflict and the Thirty Years War, and again at the end of World War II, Plzeň was under siege. A museum of the city's underground hosts a fascinating tour of defensive architecture. The regional museum of western Bohemia prominently displays artefacts of weapons and armour of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. A museum of the US liberation of western Bohemia named for the controversial general George Patton. 

Plzeň's Franciscan monastery centres on the Assumption church Kostel Nanebevzetí Panny Marie, a Gothic church with additions and remodelling in most subsequent styles. Muzeum církevního umění plzeňské diecéze displays ecclesiastical art of the Plzeň diocese. Kostel svaté Anny is a Baroque remnant of the Dominican monastery and now an Orthodox church. 

The history and operations of Plzeň breweries are prominent visitor attractions. Pivotéka a Pivovarské museum is set up in a historical cellar and the Pilsner Urquell Visitor Center and Gambrinus brewery are popular.