The West Bohemian region known as Zapadocesky is situated in the west
of the Czech Republic and is on the border with Germany. Its land is rich,
fertile and filled with therapeutic springs. The spas in Karlovy Vary and
Marianske Lazne have been famous for centuries and were frequented by emperors
and intellectuals. Surrounded by mountains on its external boundaries and
contains a series of hilly ranges. The only lowland areas are found in the
valleys of the Berounka River and its several tributaries.
The capital of the region is the city of Plzen, a prosperous trading centre
since medieval times. The city is famous for it beer industry as it was the
original home of Pilsner that has been produced here for the last 700 years. The
Brewery Museum is appropriately housed in a former medieval pub inside one of
the oldest houses in the town dating back to 1570 with displays including
fascinating artefacts relating to the art of brewing, medieval taps and even a
large collection of coasters.