Prague
The capital city of the Czech Republic is poetically considered as the heart of the European continent. Its history is deeply rooted in every building and you can feel the city’s cultural spirit in every step. Different architectural styles have been preserved throughout wars and years of the communist era, providing visitors with a valuable insight into past images of Prague. As visitors travel along the Vltava River they are taken on a historical rollercoaster – ranging from the Prague Castle, being the largest historical complex, to the Dancing House representing the city’s modern contemporary architecture on the opposite side of the river. However, Prague is not only a city of historical monuments but also a city for living, where culture is an integral part of all things. It is not surprising to find that it has been a source of inspiration for many famous Prague residents and personalities, such as Einstein, Kafka, Mozart and van Beethoven.
Today, many years on from the Velvet Revolution, Prague has established itself as the meeting point of the East and West. The city is now host to multiple scientific conferences and cultural events and is now well recognised in the top 10 event destinations worldwide. The same goes for movie makers who simply love coming to Prague to enhance the scene and backdrop of their movies. You may have seen Prague in motion pictures such as The Bourne Identity (2002), The Illusionist (2006), Casino Royale (2006), Mission: Impossible (1996) and Amadeus (1984).
Prague isn’t just a city, but an entity of some kind. –Sezin Koehler
For more information, visit www.praguewelcome.cz
5 things not to miss in Prague?
It's like stepping inside a fairy-tale picture book. The square seems especially huge because of the contrast with the narrow streets leading into it. But size alone is not what makes the square so impressive: this task is accomplished by the remarkable architecture enclosing the space. Highlights are the Old Town Hall, with the world's oldest working Astronomical Clock on its tower and the Týn and St. Nicholas Churches.
From its hilltop perch the Prague Castle looms over the city. It has been home to Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of both Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic since the first fortress was constructed here in the year 870. Prague Castle remains the seat of government for the Czech Republic and there is a noticeable military and security presence.
If you would like to try some typical Czech cuisine you should order some dumplings – Svíčková na smetaně served with dumplings, whipped cream and cranberries, Vepřo-knedlo-zelo (roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut) or sweet dessert dumplings with fruits.
More than just a bridge, it's a history lesson, a performance venue, a shopping centre and a place of supernatural phenomenon. From the earliest days of Prague this bridge across the Vltava River has been the focal point of the city. King Vladislaus II built the first bridge in 1170. In 1342, when the original structure was washed away in a flood, King Charles IV replaced it with the version that stands today.
Prague is the best city in Europe for beer lovers. This may sound outlandish at first as other European capitals certainly might offer a greater variety, with a few more kinds of beer available. However, in Prague good beer — and often amazingly good beer — is on just about every corner. It’s a culture that needs to be experienced to understand.
Prague Summary
