Beroun

Beroun is a town in Central Bohemia, Czech Republic, situated on the banks of the Berounka River, roughly twenty kilometres south-west of Prague. Its historic centre retains remnants of medieval fortifications, including two well-preserved Gothic gate towers, the Prague Gate and the Pilsen Gate, reflecting the town's fortified past. The main square is lined with burgher houses featuring colourful façades typical of Bohemian architecture. Beroun serves as a convenient base for exploring the Bohemian Karst (Český kras), a protected landscape known for its limestone formations and caves, including the Koněprusy Caves. Its proximity to Karlštejn Castle, a fourteenth-century Gothic fortress built under Charles IV, makes it a popular stop for visitors exploring the area around Prague. The Berounka valley also offers opportunities for hiking and canoeing. Historically shaped by the lime and cement industries, the town combines modest urban heritage with easy access to renowned natural and cultural sites in the surrounding region, making it a practical stopover for travellers venturing beyond the Czech capital.