Prague

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and the seat of the president. From the historical point of view Prague is a monumental record of thousands years lasting urban construction and it became a Memorial Urban Reservation for its historical, cultural, architectural and urban heart, which includes almost 2000 cultural sights. The city centre is an exposition of 900 years of architecture - roman, gothic, renaissance, baroque and the 19th century architecture, which is characteristic by a renewal of all the above-mentioned styles. Last but not least, we should mention secession and cubistic buildings, which belong among the best ones in Europe. It was due to the architectural variety of Prague and its unique atmosphere, that the city was included on the UNESO World Cultural Heritage list in 1992.

The possibilities of spending one's free time are also high on the ladder of Prague's attractions: music from classical through modern to rock; opera and ballet; avant-garde theatre; splendid museums and tens of art galleries. You will certainly enjoy a glass of world famous Czech beer in one of many cozy pubs, cellars and coffee shops spread around the entire historical centre after a marvellous sightseeing.

Founded: It is presumed according to archeological excavations and the first written records that Prague was founded in the year 880 by Prince Bořivoj of the House of Přemyslovci. The first stone building was the Virgin Mary Basilica. The other churches consecrated to St. George and St. Vitas were founded in the first half of the 10th century. From the 10th century Prague was not only the seat of the head of the country, princes and later kings, but it was also the seat of the highest Prague cleric, The Prague bishop. During the reign of King Charles IV, Prague and the entire Czech and Moravian Kingdom experienced an import rise. The king had the Prague Castle rebuilt in a gothic style, he had the Charles's Bridge built and last but not least he established important Charles's University.

The founders: Prince Bořivoj of the House of Přemyslovci

Number of inhabitants: cca 1 171 000

Official language: The official language is Czech. Majority of inhabitants have basic or advanced knowledge of English or German.

Elevation: average 235 m

Climate: The climate is mild. The air temperature in Prague reaches 9C. In the summer time the average temperature is some 19C and in winters the temperature oscillates around -0.9C.

Rivers: The river Vltava runs through the city in the length of 30 km, its biggest width is 330

Architectural sights: Prague, meaning its historical centre, can be divided into four parts: the Prague Castle, the Lesser Quarter, the Old Town and the New Town.

Important events: At the present Prague is the meeting point of many international, cultural, social and state events. Among the most important ones belong without a doubt the International Monetary Fun (IMF) (2000) or the NATO congress (2002), the peak of cultural events is the annual festival Prague Spring.

The Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is an interesting tourist destination for many tourists who return every year. Bohemia lies on the border between Western and Eastern Europe and that's why the country was strongly influenced by many cultures. Each of these influences marked the character of the country and helped to create a unique cultural heritage. The capital, Prague, which itself is an architectural museum, is without a doubt the jewel of the country. In a relatively small country there are also many other historical towns and castles such as Český Krumlov, Telč, Kutná Hora, Olomouc and many others.

Important events: The Czech Republic is currently the meeting point for many important international, cultural, social and state meetings. Among the most important ones without a doubt belong the International Monetary Fund (IMF) (2000) or the NATO Congress (2002). The peak of cultural events is the annual festival of classical music the Prague Spring, International Book Fair (May) and the Mozart Festival (September).