By Victor Block

More than two-thirds of Americans who visit the Czech Republic confine their stay to Prague, its majestic capital — and with good reason. "The city of 100 spires" not only challenges the likes of Paris in its beauty, it also boasts a history that stretches back over a millennium, along with one of the most vibrant cultural settings in all of Europe.

Yet during a recent visit, my wife and I learned that those who fail to explore the countless treasures that abound throughout the rest of the country miss a lot. For starters, the varied landscape is strewn with shimmering lakes and crisscrossed by sparkling rivers. Rolling fields and orchards lead to forested highlands that are overlooked by mountain ranges that virtually surround the small nation.

Even with these magnificent examples of Mother Nature's handiworks, the Czech Republic's greatest assets are man-made. Hilltop castles, ornate cathedrals and imperial palaces dot the landscape and decorate cities and towns. Adding to the appeal for visitors is the ease of being immersed among these varied riches in a compact country that is about the size of Maine.

We explored the major attractions of Prague (Praha) for three days and could have spent much longer. That splendid city overwhelms visitors with its architecture, then envelopes them in an aura of living history.

The entire city center is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the fact that its buildings survived World War II remarkably intact, unlike many throughout Europe, adds to its appeal. The 13th Century Old Town consists of a labyrinth of winding alleys and picturesque squares, as does the not-quite-so-old "New Town," which dates back to 1348. Only a few buildings from that time survive today, including magnificent Gothic and Baroque churches.

The sprawling Prague Castle, one of the largest in the world, overlooks the city from a steep hill. It was the seat of power for a parade of kings and emperors and today is the official residence of the president of the Czech Republic. Another must-see is the Charles Bridge, which has spanned the Vltava River since the 14th century. A line of statues that were placed along the balustrade in the 17th and early 18th centuries depicts saints who were venerated at that time.

Despite the attractions and appeals of Prague, visitors who fail to explore the charming and diverse towns scattered throughout the Czech Republic miss out on a lot. Many towns have a charming central square surrounded by narrow winding streets and church steeples reaching toward the sky. In addition, each has its own unique charms.

With a population of about 15,000 people, Cesky Krumlov is a pocket-size Prague and right behind the capital city in the number of people who visit. The historic core of the town is nestled in a horseshoe bend of the same Vltava River that flows through Prague.

Like Prague, it has earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List, in part because of its spectacular castle, second only to the Prague Castle complex in size. Construction of the town and castle began in the late 13th century. The imposing compound was owned by several royal families, and architectural features were added over several centuries. The surrounding neighborhoods fan out in a web of narrow lanes lined by restaurants and cafes that cater to sightseers.

The central square of tiny Telc could have been lifted from the pages of a Hans Christian Andersen story. The fairytale setting is lined by the decorative facades of arcade-fronted Renaissance townhouses painted a variety of pastel hues and set off by ornate gables and intricate designs and decorations.

Visitors to the Czech Republic seeking to explore its Jewish heritage often head for Trebic, about 100 miles from Prague. Among many vestiges of the Jewish aspect of the country's history, that small city stands out.

The presence of Jewish people in present-day Trebic was first documented in 1338, but it wasn't until the early 18th century that a ghetto was established. Today it's one of the best-preserved ghettos in Europe and the only Jewish monument outside Israel included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. The neighborhood encompasses 123 historic buildings, including two synagogues, a rabbi's house, hospital and two schools.

"Taking the waters" at mineral-spring spas has been an inherent part of life over the centuries for people living in the present-day Czech Republic. Today close to two dozen spa towns attract visitors in search of healing various ailments or simply enjoying a relaxing experience. Among the most famous spas are Marianske Lazne, which is surrounded by nearly 100 natural springs, and Luhacovice Spa, which has been providing healing and hedonism for nearly 350 years.

It's hard to beat the excitement and enjoyment of taking in the major attractions of Prague, as well as strolling through its hidden backstreets and off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods. Visiting other history-rich towns throughout the Czech Republic that share similarities, yet which also have their own unique stories to tell, adds much to a visit to that enticing nation.

WHEN YOU GO

For more information about visiting the Czech Republic, visit www.czechtourism.com.

Prague's famous Astronomical Clock intrigues visitors with its figures than move when the clock strikes the hour. Photo courtesy of Victor Block.

.The Charles Bridge over the Vltava River in Prague was named for King Charles IV, who began its construction in 1357. Photo courtesy of Victor Block.

St. Vitus Cathedral is the centerpiece of Prague Castle. Photo courtesy of Victor Block.

Victor Block is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.