New York City, October 4, 2023] - Hops, beer, and a whole lot of cheer! The Czech Republic is thrilled to announce the UNESCO World Heritage Committee's delightful decision to include Zatec and the Landscape of the Saaz Hops in its prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for 2023. Announced on September 25, beer drinkers and savvy travelers now have a legacy destination for future cheers and celebrate pilgrimages.
It's time to Get Hoppin'!
“We Knew It, Now the World Knows” Michaela Claudino, the Director of CzechToursm in North America effused about the inclusion of one of the Czech Republic’s hidden gems. “A lot of attention gets focused on Prague, our other UNESCO site, which is well deserving, of course, but the Czech Republic has so much more to offer, and this prestigious award helps put a spotlight on the other wonders that await in Czechia for travelers looking for memorable and authentic European experiences.”
What's All the Fuss About? Well, it's simple – you can't have world-famous beers like Pilsner lager, Irish Guinness, or Belgian Stella Artois without Czech hops, and the heart of this hoppy world is none other than Žatec. With their distinct aromatic properties, Czech hops are the unsung heroes behind some of the world's most beloved brews.
The Saaz Sensation: At the heart of this brewing paradise lies the king of hops – Žatec semi-early redbine hop, also known as Saaz. This hop variety, known for its traditional, smooth, and aromatic qualities, gives beer its superb flavor and fragrance. The Žatec region's hop-growing tradition dates back to the Middle Ages, and over time, it has become a hop metropolis.
A Hoppin' Metropolis: Žatec is not your average town; it's a hop-growing metropolis. The town boasts a hop-growing legacy unlike any other in the world. Besides its historical center, hop stores, and old drying and packing plants, Žatec even lays claim to the title of having the "smallest hop garden in the world!" Near the village of Stekník, you'll discover a Rococo château with an Italian-style terraced garden, creating a unique blend of architecture amidst the hop fields.
Discover the Hippest Hop Culture: For hops and beer aficionados and savvy travelers, this is the green jewel in the Czech Republic's crown, here are some places to explore:
Brewing Museum in Žatec: Near the Žatec Brewery, this museum offers a journey through the history of breweries in this hop-growing region. Take a tour, including a tasting session, and savor the flavors that make Czech beer exceptional.
Newly Opened Pilsner Urquell Experience in Prague: Where else can you see, feel and hear how beer is made? This modern, high-tech immersive experience into the Pilsner Urquell process will leave you thirsty for more and lucky for you they’ve placed the beer taps at the end of the journey.
Hop Museum: It's the largest exhibition of its kind in the world, housed in preserved authentic historical hop industry buildings. Get ready to dive deep into the world of Žatec hops.
The Temple of Hops and Beer: Featuring the Hop Lighthouse viewing tower, Hop Astronomical Clock, and a hop maze, this is the place to uncover why Saaz hops thrive exclusively in the Žatec region.
Renaissance Malt House: Explore an exhibition and gallery dedicated to malting in this historical setting.
Let’s Get Hoppy in 2024!
Save the Date To celebrate this hoppy achievement, we invite you to join us in a nationwide 5 O'clock toast and cheers on February 29, 2024, Leap Year, with your favorite Czech Republic beer. Here are some to practice with until then.
Three Cheers for Czech Beer, Hopping into Leap Year!
Pilsner Urquell: The world's first pilsner since 1842, known for its golden color, balanced bitterness, and crisp taste.
Budweiser Budvar: Brewed in České Budějovice since 1895, famous for its soft and well-balanced flavor.
Staropramen: Founded in Prague in 1869, beloved for its refreshing taste, enjoyed both locally and worldwide.
Mark your calendars, and in the meantime let's raise our glasses to the Czech Republic's newest UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join the celebration, and share your toast on social media using the hashtag #CzechHeritageHops, #letsgethoppy
If you can’t travel to Pilsner or Zatec today, you can learn more about the beer, experiences and virtually explore at: www.visitczechia.com
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