On Friday, March 21, 2025, the Welcome Center organized a one-day excursion for CZU International academics, offering them the opportunity to explore both cutting-edge industry and the historical and cultural heritage of the Czech Republic.
The first stop of the program was a visit to the production facilities of Škoda Auto in Mladá Boleslav. Here, the academics witnessed the fascinating manufacturing process, where humans and robots work in perfect harmony to complete one vehicle every minute. The production line operates continuously in a three-shift system, with 1,000 employees working per shift. In total, Škoda Auto employs 27,000 people. The factory resembles a city within a city—it has its own power plant, fire department, medical care facilities, and even runs its own secondary school and academy to train future specialists and engineers.
During the excursion, participants had the chance to visit the pressing shop and assembly line, where they saw firsthand the precise process of car manufacturing, from the initial shaping of metal sheets to the final assembly of vehicles. A particularly interesting aspect of the assembly line was the color-coded T-shirts worn by workers, which indicate their specific roles and functions in the production process.
Following the technical tour, the group enjoyed lunch at the traditional Brandejská Tavern, where they tasted Czech cuisine and shared their impressions of the factory visit. The afternoon program was dedicated to the history and spiritual heritage of the Czech Republic, featuring a tour of Stará Boleslav, one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the country.
At the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the academics viewed the rare Palladium of the Czech Lands—a historic icon believed to protect the Czech nation. According to legend, Princess Ludmila gave this icon to her grandson, Prince Wenceslas, as a symbol of protection and faith. The Palladium has played an important role in Czech history and has been considered one of the key symbols of Czech statehood.
The group then visited the Basilica of St. Wenceslas and the Church of St. Clement, both closely linked to the early history of the Czech state and the legacy of St. Wenceslas. The Basilica of St. Wenceslas stands on the site where Prince Wenceslas was murdered by his brother Boleslav in 935. This tragic event led to his canonization and the establishment of the cult of St. Wenceslas as the patron saint of the Czech nation. For centuries, pilgrims and rulers have traveled to this site to honor one of the most significant Czech saints.
The excursion was not only educational but also inspiring experience, providing foreign academics with a deeper understanding of both the Czech Republic’s technological advancements and its rich historical traditions.
Author: Radka Kalousová