Prague in a nutshell

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The capital of the Czech Republic

The capital of the Czech Republic
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. It has an area of 496 km2 and is home to 1,200,000 people. The year 870, when Prague castle was established, is regarded as the beginning of the city’s existence. However, people inhabited the area in the early Stone Age. In 1918, at the end of World War I, Prague was declared the capital of a new country – the Czechoslovak Republic. In 1993 it became the capital of an independent Czech Republic.

The heart of Europe

The heart of Europe
Prague is situated in the heart of Europe – approximately 600km from the Baltic, 700km from the North Sea and 700km from the Adriatic.
Prague is not a huge distance from other central European cities. Vienna is 300km away, Bratislava 320km, Berlin 350km, Budapest 550km, Warsaw 630km and Copenhagen 750km.

UNESCO listed sites

UNESCO listed sites
Prague’s historical centre has an area of 866ha (Hradčany and Prague Castle, Malá Strana, the Old Town including Charles Bridge and Josefov, the New Town and Vyšehrad). Since 1992 it has been listed by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site.

The most important protected historical centre in the Czech Republic

The most important protected historical centre in the Czech Republic
Typical for Prague city centre are its winding lanes and buildings in every possible architectural style: Romanesque rotundas, Gothic cathedrals, Baroque and Renaissance palaces, art nouveau, neo-classical, cubist and functionalist houses and contemporary structures.

European city of culture 2000

European city of culture 2000
Prague is one of nine European cities to hold this prestigious title which it gained thanks to its numerous museums and galleries housing unique collections, tens of theatres and important concert halls which host performances by world famous artists.

A city on a river and nine hills

A city on a river and nine hills
Undulating topography gives Prague its inimitable beauty and its stunning panoramic views. Prague’s many hills provide some stunning vistas.
The River Vltava flows through Prague for 31km, and at its widest measures 330m. The Vltava has created some interesting places in Prague – islands and meanders, providing many idyllic scenes.

A city of love

A city of love
A walk through the gas-lit narrow streets, a kiss under a tree in blossom in a Baroque garden, a cruise on a historical steamship, night time at a castle or chateau, a ride on a steam train, a wedding in a chateau park – all of these are ingredients in the cocktail that is Prague. And it’s up to every visitor which ingredients to add.

Shopping and culinary delights

Shopping and culinary delights
Famous Czech glass, costume jewellery, celebrated Czech beer, natural cosmetics, culinary specialities, world-famous brand names – all these come with a guarantee of quality and at a very reasonable price.

Golden Prague

Golden Prague
This name was given to the city during the reign of Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, when the towers of Prague Castle were covered in gold. Another theory is that Prague was called ‘Golden’ during the reign of Rudolf II who employed alchemists to turn ordinary metals into gold.

Prague, a city of a hundred spires

Prague, a city of a hundred spires
The city’s huge number of towers led to the city being called ‘the city of a hundred spires’ several centuries ago. At present there are around 500 towers in the city.

Photo gallery

Starý židovský hřbitov
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News kudyznudy.cz

2009-10-27 - Czech Republic’s mountains: sport, recreation and endless relaxation
Skiing The Czech Republic’s mountains offer high-quality conditions for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and plenty of other activities. Another truly big attraction associated with winter sports is relaxation in the spas. Even families with children will be completely thrilled in the Czech Republic’s mountains.

2009-10-27 - Austerlitz: the grand battle re-enacted
Slavkov Anyone who enjoyed playing at soldiers as a kid, who loves history, or who just wants to see something special should certainly head for the South Moravian town of Slavkov u Brna at the end of November. Here, the re enactment of the famous Battle of the Three Emperors will take place. Nearly a thousand enthusiasts will do battle in period uniforms.

2009-10-13 - An Attractive New Year’s menu
New Year´s Eve Imaginative, amusing, splendid… and fun for everyone. With such words, one can describe the offer of New Year’s programmes in the metropolis as well as other places in the Czech Republic. Organisers have arranged events for families with children, young people, sportsmen and all those wanting to treat themselves to something special. Here is our New Year’s menu.