Chomutov is a city with medieval roots, lying at the foot of the Erzgebirge on the Czech-German border. In addition to the pretty Old Town, Zoopark Chomutov, the largest wildlife park in the Czech Republic, is its biggest attraction.
The city was founded in the 13th century and was an important craft and trade center at the intersection of routes from the Czech Republic to Germany. The historic buildings of the center come from the period of its greatest development at the end of the Middle Ages. The Gothic churches of St. Catherine and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Adjacent to the latter is the tower of the city of Chomutov, built in the first half of the 16th century, having neo-Gothic features after the last reconstruction of the 19th century.
The market in Chomutov is surrounded by picturesque tenement houses standing in Gothic basements. Many of them have later Baroque and Classicist facades. A baroque Plague Column stands in front of the church, commemorating the end of one epidemic that struck the city.
Chomutov underwent a rapid industrialization in the 19th century. Industrial plants and coal mines were built on the outskirts of the city. Mainly in connection with this process, the National Technical Museum was located in the city. The local branch collects exhibits related to rail transport. The city also has a Regional Museum in Chomutov and an open-air museum in the Stará Ves district, which is also the local center of folk handicrafts.
The attraction of Chomutov is Lake Kamencove, also called Alunowy, due to its location on the site of the former alum mine. On its shores there are campsites, camping sites, seasonal bars and recreational facilities. Right next to it is Zoopark Chomutov, where almost 200 animal species from around the world live on 112 ha. The zoo can be visited on foot or with special cars and cars that make you feel like you're on a safari.
