Plzeň (Pilsen) in west Bohemia is known as an industrial and beer-brewing town. Transport vehicles and industrial machines are today manufactured in the former Škoda Works (now Škoda Transportation), while famous beers Prazdroj and Gambrinus are brewed on the opposite side of the regional metropolis. Pale lager fermented at low temperatures called worldwide Pilsner or Pils by the name of the town in German – Pilsen, originated here. Plzeň is also a significant centre of culture and education housing numerous cultural facilities and theatres, as well as the Bishopric of the Pilsen Diocese. There are various secondary and high schools including for example West-Bohemian University and the Medical Faculty of the Charles University.

The current historical city centre features a regular grid of streets with a rectangular square of the Republic in the middle, topped with St. Bartholomew cathedral which began to be built in 1290.

The foundation of the town New Pilsen at the confluence of four rivers (Radbuza, Mže, Úhlava and Úslava) was initiated by Czech King Wenceslas II in 1295. From the beginning, it was a significant trade centre at the crossing of roads to Nurnberg and Regensburg. In the 14th century it spread over 20 hectares, had 290 houses and a population of 3,000 which made it the third largest town in Bohemia after Prague and Kutná Hora. Italian architects left a significant mark in the town in the 16th century. In 1599–1600 Plzeň was a temporary seat of the Roman Emperor and Czech king Rudolf II. During the uprising of the Czech Estates, Plzeň was  besieged and captured by Mansfeld’s armies. The end of the 17th century in Plzeň is connected with Barocco and names of builder Jakub Auguston and sculptor Kristian Widman.  In 1989, the  historical city centre (the groundplan of which is to a large extent identical with the original Gothic town) was proclaimed a urban conservation area.

The name of Pilsen ducat is 40 Pilsen angels. On the reverse side there is the emblem of the town, while the obverse side features the popular little angel from St. Bartholomew cathedral on the square of the Republic.