Prague in a nutshell

What to see > Prague > Prague in a nutshell

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

Obecní dům
More photos

News kudyznudy.cz

2009-06-25 - Relaxed atmosphere at Czech Republic film festivals
Film Festivals One should think that only a genuine film fanatic is able to sit all day in a cinema when the summer weather is at its peak outside. Come to this year’s festival in Karlovy Vary and you will see there are thousands of avid viewers here who will forget about the outside world for a week. And anyone who will not be able to stay an entire day in a dusky movie theatre can go to see a play or musical performance or just have a rest in the park. Because the main motto of this film show is to take it easy…

2009-06-19 - Travelling back through time
Kutná Hora When visiting historic cities, castles and chateaux, do you wonder how was the life there at the time of their greatest glory? You can experience this personally at historic celebrations in the Czech Republic: try delicacies at a medieval fair, cheer on knights in their jousts, or amuse yourself by watching the performance of jugglers and musicians. The adventurous journey to the past begins!

2009-06-14 - The Czech Republic cheers for sports
Velká pardubická A competition can be had anywhere: at an athletics track, motorcycle circuit, racecourse, or even a village lake or on city streets. Whether it’s a world championship or a neighbourhood final, sporting events in the Czech Republic will not fail to entertain!