Page:Guide to the Bohemian section and to the Kingdom of Bohemia - 1906.djvu/244

210 to the present day all the ancient characteristics of the guardians of the borderland; manners, customs and dress as in the olden time—it is known that they performed their patriotic duty as early as the year 973. In Domažlice stands monument-like, the interesting castle of the Chods (Khod=Walker).

The decanal church with its high tower and the town museum rich in Exhibits of articles of peculiar interest as they are of the far-past heathen times, and were found in the neighbourhood, are worthy of the attention of visitors.

Taking up our quarters at the „Hotel Černý kůň“ we can arrange for a nice excursion from Domažlice to the mountain Čerchov (1037 m) which we can ascend, survey the country and enjoy a rest with the hospitalities of hotel located there, „Pasovský’s hut“ There is also a watch tower to be seen here,—a very proper place for such a structure.

It was near to Domažlice that the Crusaders from all parts of Europe were summoned to assemble and crush the Hussite heretics. They were commanded by the dukes of Saxony and Bavaria and the Elector of Brandenburg, for them the battle was disastrous, for in the presence of the papal legate, cardinal Julius Cesarini, they were defeated and put to flight.

It will interest visitors from Gt. Britain to know, that about six miles to the North of Domažlice near to the village of Roudná, there is a gold mine worked by an English company.

From Domažlice we return to Prague. The country between Domažlice and Plzeň, is somewhat flat, but there is the charm of novelty imparted to the scene by the picturesque native costumes of the people, of course this is most marked on festive occasions and market-days at Plzeň and throughout the district. The hotel Waldek is a most comfortable house and conveniently situated.

Plzeň (Pilsen) is a very important industrial town of 67,500 inhabitants—the metropolis of the West of Bohemia. It was founded by Wenceslaus II., about 1290, the decanal church of St. Bartholomew is of the same date, while the statue of the Holy Virgin is of the 14th century. The Franciscan monastery has a gothic chapel of St. Bar-