Greetings, friends! I want to tell you how suddenly Sweden burst into my life. I was spinning in the cycle of things, trying to do everything in time. Sometimes my eyes caught a wonderful picture of the multi-colored facades and slender spiers of Stockholm from a magazine that, for some unknown reason, lay in my kitchen. And I had no idea that a trip to Sweden, as a gift of fate, was already waiting for me in the near future. Just a few months later, I photographed the same fabulous picture in person:

I was on a business program at the time and the idea to visit Stockholm on the weekend was born spontaneously. Ferries run regularly from Helsinki to the capital of Sweden. One night on the Baltic Sea and you are in Stockholm. It is unforgivable to miss such an opportunity. Traveling by ferry is a separate interesting story for a fan of tourism. But now I want to pay attention only to Sweden.

Islands of the Stockholm archipelago

Our Viking-line ferry approached the coast of Sweden in the morning, when the sun had already risen and radiantly illuminated the water surface and every island we passed by. I went up on deck and was taken aback by the surrounding beauty. Just look at this idyll:

The Stockholm archipelago consists of 24 thousand islands! And although we saw only a small part of the archipelago from the ship, there were many of them in sight. Our ferry tacked between decent-sized inhabited islands and between very tiny pieces of land where a single house could stand.

I was struck by how close the houses were to the shore, as if the Baltic was not naughty at all, and living at the very edge of the water did not pose any threat. Although, maybe it is.

I also liked how the Swedes treat nature with care. Look at this house, part of which is supported on stilts, and the landscape is preserved in its natural form.

Introduction to Stockholm

Stockholm includes 14 islands in its area. They are washed by channels that connect Lake Mälaren with the Baltic Sea. Here's one for you! I didn’t even think that that huge water area, which is located, as it were, inside Stockholm, is freshwater lake and not by the sea. The view from the promenade covers only part of this lake:

Most of all, I, like most tourists who found themselves in the capital of Sweden for the first time, were interested in three islands that are located in the center of Lake Mälaren. Stadsholmen, Riddarholmen and Helgeandsholmen look like a knot on the map of Stockholm, linking all of its territory together both geographically and historically. Stockholm has developed on these three islands since the 13th century.

Gamla Stan

The entire Stadsholmen occupies. The narrow streets of the old city meander between brightly colored houses, unexpectedly leading to small squares.

It's cozy and smells delicious of fresh baked goods. Transport on such streets does not go, but there are crowds of tourists.

On the same island is the royal palace. This is a working residence, however, part of it is provided to visitors for inspection. A tour of the royal chambers takes 3 hours. The democratic approach of the royal family to the availability of offices and halls of the palace is pleasantly surprising. The same confidential freedom is observed in the behavior of the guard.

It reminds me of something… Probably: “Relax! Everything is calm in the Kingdom of Sweden))

Knight's Island

They call it Riddarholmen. On this island is the main and oldest church in Stockholm.

Landmark of the XIII century is directly related to the royal family. All the kings who ruled Sweden until the middle of the 20th century are buried in the church.

Near the temple complex on the island, Wrangel's castle has been preserved, rounding which you can exit to the spacious embankment of Lake Mälaren. The views from here are wonderful both on the opposite bank and on the town hall, where celebrations are held on the occasion of the Nobel Prize.

Island of the Holy Spirit

Another tiny island adjoins the two that I have already presented, next to the royal palace. Everyone calls it the island of the Holy Spirit, forgetting about the official name Helgeandsholmen. The island is bulk, formed on the basis of a small natural one. Now it has an almost perfect ellipsoidal shape. Half of the island is occupied by the majestic parliament building. The Riksdag is the Swedish name for a meeting place for public figures.

But, do not think that all the delights of Stockholm end there! Being on the embankment near the Royal Palace, you will pay attention to the following island - Djurgården. It is called museum island because there are really many museums there. The most popular are the large territory of the museum under open sky Skansen, a huge pavilion with the masts of the Vasa ship sticking out above it and Junibakken, where the characters from the works of Astrid Lindgren live. And the journey around the island begins with a masterpiece of the northern architectural style - the museum nordiska. I'm not interested ethnographical museum, but a magnificent building with black domes decorated with gilding.

Dear friends! With all my desire, I will not fit all my impressions of Stockholm in one story, so I will write about it separately. My trip to Sweden passed in one breath, striking with the beauty of Stockholm.

And there was another reason to be surprised during this visit to Sweden, in such a, one might say, global sense. It so happened that in the very center of the Swedish kingdom, on one of the streets of medieval Stockholm, we were served in a cafe by a Bulgarian who spoke Russian very well. This made me so happy. On some physical level, I felt how the borders between the countries of Europe and all over the world are blurring. We live in a time when it does not matter at all what country you are from, and what nationality. Around you are the same people, friendly and open to communication. However, I have been convinced of this more than once, but trip to Sweden opened my eyes to this integration to the fullest. Friends, travel! Communicate, speak any language. Let it be an explosive mixture of native, foreign vocabulary and gestures - they will still understand you. As you will understand everything that you need.

Your euro guide Tatiana

Princes, kings, emperors, famous magicians and beautiful ladies are real characters in the history of Prague. Even the origin of Prague is shrouded in legends. It is considered more or less reliable that at the end of the 9th century. built by a prince from the Slavic tribe of Czechs and the Přemyslid family. Until 1306, when King Wenceslas III was assassinated, this dynasty ruled Bohemia.
Wenceslas' sister, Princess Eliska, had to flee Prague Castle in disguise in order to marry John of Luxembourg in 1310, who in 1311 became the Czech king. Jan received the nickname "foreign king" in the Czech Republic, because in the 20 years of his reign he spent hardly a year in the country. But the rest of Europe knew this hero-knight, who took part in many tournaments and battles. Already blind, Jan died at the Battle of Crecy (1346), ordering his squires to put themselves on a horse, put a spear in their hand and send them towards the enemy army. Although the heroic way of life of the king glorified the Czech Republic a lot, the country almost went bankrupt under him.
But Jan became the father of the most beloved and famous Czech king Charles, named at birth Wenceslas (1316-1378). Charles began to rule the Czech Republic from 1341, when his father became completely blind, and was elevated to the throne in 1347 as Charles I.
In 1355, already under the name of Charles IV, the Czech king was crowned in Rome as Holy Roman Emperor. Then Charles made Prague the capital of the empire. This monarch clearly cared more about the Czech kingdom than about the empire. Italian craftsmen arrived in Prague and literally transformed the city. It was under Charles IV that rapid construction began - the stone Prague Castle, Cathedral St. Vitus, Charles Bridge - the legacy of this "golden age". At the same time, the Prague University was opened - the first in Central Europe.
A new "golden age" for Prague is associated with Emperor Rudolf II of Habsburg (1522-1612), who in 1583 transferred the residence of the court from Vienna to Prague. This emperor, who was fond of astronomy and the occult sciences, made Prague one of the cultural centers of Europe, inviting famous artists, architects and scientists to his court. At the same time, the term "Rudolphin art" arose, which is considered the forerunner of the Baroque.
In the XX century. Prague had to endure the fascist occupation from May 15, 1939 until May 9, 1945, when the Red Army liberated the city, which had rebelled against the Nazis on May 5. Prague becomes the capital of socialist Czechoslovakia.
From January 5 to August 20, 1968, events took place in Prague, called the Prague Spring. The country's leadership, headed by Alexander Dubcek, announced the creation of "socialism with a human face" and advocated the democratization of public life. The Prague Spring ended with the introduction of the troops of the Warsaw Pact countries into the country. Then 72 people died.
The "Velvet Revolution", which overthrew the communist regime in the fall of 1989, did without human casualties. After the division of the country into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Prague becomes the capital from January 1, 1993 Czech Republic.

Capital of the Czech Republic

The Vltava River flows through the capital of the Czech Republic - Prague. Its length within the city is about 30 km, reaching a width of 300 m in its widest part. The cities that today have become part of Prague developed for centuries on both banks of the Vltava.
In Prague, each architectural style acquires a unique local flavor.

The architectural pearl of Europe, Prague surprises with an abundance of buildings in the Gothic style. In fact, much of Prague's Gothic style, laid down or built in the 14th century, has since undergone significant changes. But apparently, it seemed to the architects that the Gothic style suited the city very well, and therefore, modifying this style, it was preserved and even multiplied.
It remains only to marvel at the talent and perseverance of the Czech masters who built one of the main attractions of Prague and the Czech Republic, St. Vitus Cathedral. This amazing building (124 m in height!) was created for almost 600 years - from 1344 to 1929. created by the famous Czech artist Alfons Mucha. Today, in the cathedral, which was returned to the Catholic Church in 2006, the main services of the country are held, many rulers of the Czech Republic are buried here and crown jewels are kept. And if you climb 300 stone steps, then with observation deck Cathedral, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Prague from Hradcany Square.
Golden Lane in Prague Castle with two-story houses built into the arches of the former fortress wall, as if it came unchanged from the Middle Ages. One of the legends about its name is that alchemists lived here, who were supposed to discover a recipe for making gold.
Through Prague, gracefully curving, flows the Vltava. The river runs exactly in the middle of the city. On its right bank are located, Nove Mesto, Vysehrad, Josefov, on the left - Prague Castle, Hradcany and Mala Strana. These once independent cities formally merged since 1784
Until 1842, the Charles Bridge was the only bridge that connected the banks of the Vltava. The construction of this magnificent Gothic structure was started in 1357, on July 9, at 5:31 am. Such incomprehensible accuracy of the information that has come down to us after six centuries is explained by the fact that this date was adopted on the advice of astrologers. The bridge, 515 meters long and 10 meters wide, was built in 100 years, and this construction is shrouded in legends. However, almost all historical buildings in Prague have their own legends.
At the end of the XVII - beginning of the XVIII century. the bridge is decorated with statues of Catholic saints. True, most of the sculptures are now kept in the Lapidarium of the National Museum, and there are copies of them on the bridge. The bronze sculpture of St. John of Nepomuk, standing next to the place where the saint was thrown into the water, is the most popular among tourists. According to legend, John of Nepomuk (1350-1393) died because he refused to give the king the secret of his wife's confession.
Eclecticism has become a feature of the architectural appearance of Prague - a combination of features of different styles in one building. So, in Gothic cathedrals, the features of baroque and rococo are guessed, and even Prague managed to introduce modern lines into strict cubism. To seriously get acquainted even with the main sights of Prague, you need to stay here for a long time. No wonder 5 central historical districts of the city were included by UNESCO in the number of world heritage sites. cultural heritage entirely, as an architectural and historical reserve (1993).

general information

Capital of the Czech Republic, until January 1, 1993 - the capital of Czechoslovakia (Czechoslovak Socialist Republic).

Administrative-territorial division: the administrative center of the Central Bohemian Region and its two districts - Prague-East and Prague-West (not part of either the region or the districts); divided into 22 administrative districts.
Language: Czech (state), Slovak, German, Russian and English are also common.

Religion: according to the 2001 census, 67% of the inhabitants are atheists, 8% are undecided. Of the believers, about 70% are Catholics.

Currency unit: Czech crown.

International Airport: Ruzyna.

Numbers

Area: 496 km2.

Population: 1,222,000 (2008).
Population density: 2463.7 people / km 2.

Economy

GDP per capita in Prague twice the average for the Czech Republic. It produces 21% of the national GDP. 60% of the city's total income comes from the tourism business.

Also developed: metallurgy, mechanical engineering, automotive industry; printing, chemical, textile, clothing and food industries.

Climate and weather

temperate continental: mild winters and most often sunny summers.

Average temperatures: in January: -1.7ºС, in July: + 18.3ºС.

Attractions

■ Prague Castle: St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane;
■ Mala Strana Historic District: Small sharp tower, Liechtenstein Palace, St. Nicholas Church;
■ The Charles Bridge;
■ Stare Mesto: Church of the Virgin Mary in front of Tyn, Charles University, Old Town Hall;
■ Josefov: Jewish town hall, synagogues, Old Jewish cemetery;
■ Vysehrad Fortress;
■ National Museum;
■ National Gallery in Prague.

Curious facts

■ In 1518, the first attempt was made to unite the cities on the Vltava - Stare Mesto and Nove Mesto were united. This attempt was supported by the royal decree of Louis II (Jagiellonian) in 1523. However, the unity then lasted only 10 years. Only the Austrian emperor Joseph II in 1784 managed to finally turn the former independent cities into quarters of a single Prague.
■ In 1526, in a battle with the troops of the Turkish Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the Czech and Hungarian king Louis Jagiellonian was killed. After that, the Czech throne went to the Habsburg dynasty.
■ The most famous Czech composers and founders of the national Czech musical classics - Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884) and Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) lived and worked in the 19th century. They talked a lot, despite the difference in age, and it is believed that the work of the elder (Smetana) had a great influence on the music of the younger.
■ Creator of the most unusual literary works on German in the 20th century ("Process", "Castle", "America") - Franz Kafka - was born in Prague (1883), where he was buried in 1924 at the New Jewish Cemetery. In 2003, a monument to Franz Kafka appeared in Prague next to the Spanish Synagogue. This surrealistic work by the Czech sculptor Jaroslav Rona quickly gained popularity among citizens and visitors to the city.
■ There is a well-known legend that it was in Prague that Rabbi Lev Ben Bezalel created and revived the clay giant Golem. In fact, Ben Bezalel was indeed the chief rabbi of Prague during the reign of the alchemist emperor Rudolf II, but the rabbi's contemporaries did not write anything about the Golem.

The Czech Republic is a country of contrasts. It has both Slavic originality, and medieval stiffness, and light modernity. Even the most demanding tourist will have something to see. You can go here with your family to relax in nature or actively spend time at any ski resort, you can go with friends and see all the sights, visit medieval castles and plunge into the life of a fashionable European capital, you can improve your health at one of the medical resorts.
The Czech Republic successfully blended into the old capitalist Europe. But in comparison with Europe, everything is cheaper here, and tourists are greeted with special Slavic friendliness. On the one hand, you feel like a guest, and at the same time just like at home. The heart of the Czech Republic is the city of Prague. It is rightfully one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Strict Gothic and exquisite Baroque, Classicism and Renaissance are perfectly combined here.
Another treasure of the Czech Republic is its wonderful resorts. The cleanest mountain air, salubrious climate, excellent clinics, excellent service, entertainment - everything you need for recovery and good rest is here.
It is best to go to the Czech Republic in late spring (May) and early summer (June). However, September is also quite colorful here. Significantly lower prices in April and October, however, during this period there is a high probability of getting into rainy and cool weather. On the ski resorts rest in the midst of winter - in January, February.

Geography

The Czech Republic is located in the very center of Europe and borders on Germany, Poland, Austria and Slovakia. The territory of the republic is almost 79,000 square meters and unites historical areas Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia. The capital is Prague, the largest city in the country. Majority settlements small. Of the major ones, we will single out the cities of Brno, Pilsen, Ceske Budejovice, Olomouc, Hradec Kralove and Ostrava.

The mosaic nature of the geological structure determined the diversity of minerals in the Czech Republic. Even in the Middle Ages, silver mines were widely known here. There are deposits of coal and iron ore. Of great importance are deposits of glass sands, which are used in the manufacture of the famous Czech glass and crystal. Thanks to the sources of healing mineral waters, a system of worldwide famous resorts.
The landscape of the country is dominated by highlands and medium-high mountains - the Czech Massif, bordered by the Šumava ridges, the Czech Forest, the Krkonoše and the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. The largest river is the Vltava, 440 km long. The Czech Republic is located on the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, which is the watershed between the Elbe and the Danube. Elba - she is also Laba - flows through the territory of the Czech Republic, other large rivers are Morava, Odra - she is also Oder - Ohře, Strela and Berunka. Of great importance in the country's economy is the Polabskaya Plain with fertile chernozem and burozem soils. The landscapes of the Czech Republic are amazing in their beauty and diversity. Wide valleys with a dense network of rivers and lakes are replaced by dense forests, hills and mountain ranges, keeping the age-old freshness and coolness of stalactite caves. This is where the healing springs the most popular European spas - Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne and Frantiskovy Lazne - make up the "golden triangle of Czech health."

Time

The country has a single time, behind Moscow by 2 hours.

Climate

The climate of the Czech Republic is temperate. In winter, only light frosts are possible. There is too little snow to turn into slush on the streets of the city, but there is plenty of it in the mountains for winter sports. Summer is quite warm.
The coldest month is January. The average minimum temperature at this time drops to -3...-5 degrees, the average maximum is slightly positive (0...+2). The warmest month is July. The average minimum temperature at this time is +13...+15 degrees, the maximum reaches +24...+26 degrees. The least precipitation falls between November and March (23 to 24 mm per month). The number of days with precipitation during this period is 10-11. The rainiest time of the year is May-August, in which the monthly amount of precipitation is 60-80 mm, and they fall during half the days of the month. January-February is the best time to visit the ski resorts of the country.

Language

The official language is Czech. Very few people speak German, English and Russian.

Religion

The leading place in the Czech Republic among religions is occupied by Catholicism, adherents of which are 39.2% of the population. There are Protestants - 5% and supporters of the Czech Reformed Church, which separated from the Vatican in 1920. The Czech Republic is the most atheistic state in Europe. According to a survey by the world's largest sociological service "Gallup International", 55% of the Czech population do not identify themselves with any Church. The Czech Republic ranks 2nd in the world and 1st in Europe in terms of the proportion of atheists out of 60 countries where the survey was conducted.

Population

Ethnic composition: Czechs 81.2%, Moravians 13.2%, Slovaks 3.1%, Poles 0.6%, Germans 0.5%, Silesians 0.4%, Roma 0.3%, Hungarians 0.2% , other ethnic groups 0.5%. Czechs make up a significant majority of the population, but Moravians have recently declared their cultural and linguistic uniqueness and not belonging to the Czech nation.
Average life expectancy in the late 1990s was 70.4 for men and 77.3 for women. The population density is 130.6 people/km2. Urban population - 65.3%. in the Czech Republic low prices for food and clothing. Confidence in the future instills a rapidly developing market economy, a clear course for reform and a strong flow of Western investment. At the same time, the Czech Republic is distinguished by the lowest unemployment in Europe (3% in Prague, 18% in St. Petersburg), the high quality of free medical care and education, the stability of the national currency and low, compared to other European countries, prices for commercial real estate.

Electricity

In the Czech Republic, the mains voltage is 220V throughout the country. European type sockets, adapter required. If necessary, you can buy it at any store or supermarket.

Emergency Phones

112 - emergencies
155 - ambulance
158 - police
156 - city police
150 - fire department

Connection

Pay phones are everywhere - some work with phone cards, others accept coins. For this case, a change of 2 and 5 crowns is useful. Phone cards, depending on the number of calls, cost from 80 to 150 kroons. They are bought in tobacco and newsstands. To call to Russia, dial the Russian code - 007, the area code and the subscriber's number. Hearing is very good. International phone codes: Prague - 2, Brno - 5, Karlovy Vary - 17, Most - 35, Olomouc - 68, Ostrava - 69, Pardubice - 40, Pilsen - 19, Usti nad Labem - 47, Ceske Budějovice - 38, Visoka -Mesto - 468, Haviřov - 69, Zlin - 67, Kladno - 312, Nymburk - 325, Cesky Krumlov - 337, Cesky Brod - 203.
GSM 900/1800 standards. Roaming is available from major Russian operators. mobile connection in the Czech Republic is not the cheapest. Nevertheless, by connecting to almost any of the operators, you can call both to Russia and the Czech Republic for several orders of magnitude cheaper than using roaming. The most advantageous are the Eurotel Praha packages. The cost of a minute of conversation with the house will cost $ 0.70-1.20, depending on the time of the call (from 20.00 to 8.00, tariffs are 25-30% cheaper).
GPRS-roaming is provided by several companies at once, both to MTS subscribers and to Beeline and Megafon-North-West users. Cesky Telecom offers Wi-Fi. The cost of an hour on the Internet will cost $ 1-3, depending on the location of the Internet cafe. The farther from the tourist center, the cheaper the Internet will be.

Currency exchange

The national Czech currency is the Czech crown (koruna). Paper banknotes of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 crowns are used in circulation. Also metal coins in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 crown. You can exchange any freely convertible currency for Czech crowns and vice versa, as well as sell or buy traveler's checks at banks or exchange offices, which have appeared in recent years in places most visited by foreign tourists, as well as at the airport, railway stations, and the main post office , in large hotels. In the central part of the city and in the lobbies of metro stations there are exchange machines that issue Czech crowns. Do not rush to change money at the airport or train station - here the Czech crown exchange rate is always worse than in the city. Try to avoid common names like Check Point - in such networks, the Czech crown is usually worse. It is more profitable to change money at points where Arabs work, here the rate is more profitable.

Visa

Citizens of Russia to enter the territory of the Czech Republic require a visa. The Czech Republic is a member of the Schengen Agreement. Persons with valid Schengen visas in their passports can freely enter the country by any means of transport.
Short-term tourist Schengen visa to the Czech Republic. This type of visa to the Czech Republic is intended for those persons whose purpose of visit is tourism, recreation, treatment, visiting friends, relatives or a short-term business trip for up to 15 days.
Long-term visitor Schengen visa to the Czech Republic. Entry visa to the Czech Republic at the private invitation of relatives, friends, colleagues or acquaintances. To obtain such a visa to the Czech Republic, you will need almost the same set of documents as for a tourist visa to the Czech Republic, but instead of confirming a hotel reservation, an invitation from a private person is provided.
Long-term Schengen business visa to the Czech Republic. It is issued to those persons whose purpose of visit is education, business, work or family connection with foreigners living in the Czech Republic for at least 15 months.
Transit visa to the Czech Republic- this visa is issued to persons whose purpose of travel is transit through the territory of the Czech Republic to third countries that are not members of the Schengen Agreement.

Customs regulations

Import and export of foreign currency is not limited. Any amount exceeding $5,000 must be declared. When crossing the Czech border, you may be asked to show cash: you need to have about 30 US dollars per person per day with you. Any goods can be exported from the Czech Republic without restrictions and an export license. But if you are exporting antiques and art, you will have to present a certificate confirming the legality of their acquisition. Unused Czech currency can be converted into the original currency upon departure by presenting the receipt of the original exchange.
Without the permission of the country's bank, the import of gold in bullion, in the form of plates or coins is prohibited. The import of illegally published printed materials is prohibited. When exported, weapons, antiquities and art, items made of gold and precious metals are subject to mandatory customs control.
Customs control: duty-free importation of cigarettes is allowed - 200 pieces, spirits - 1 liter, wine - 2 liters, coffee - 500 g, tea - 40 g, new things, perfumes and food - within the limits of personal needs. Food products must be labeled with an expiration date. Tobacco products can only be imported by persons over 16 years of age, alcoholic products - over 18 years of age. Gifts worth a total of 3,000 kroons are imported duty-free (export of gifts and souvenirs is not limited to any amount).

Holidays and non-working days

Official holidays in the Czech Republic:
1st of January - New Year
January 6 - Epiphany (Baptism of the Lord, Day of the Three Magi Kings, Epiphany)
End of January - beginning of February - Masopust (in our opinion Shrovetide)
February 14 - Valentine's Day (Valentine's Day)
March-April - Catholic Easter
May 1 - Labor Day
May 8 - Day of Liberation from Fascism
July 5 - Day of the Slavic Apostles Cyril and Methodius
July 6 - honoring Jan Hus
September 28 - Czech Statehood Day
October 28 - Day of the proclamation of independent Czechoslovakia
November 17 - Day of struggle for freedom and democracy in the Czech Republic
December 4 - Saint Barbara's Day
December 6 - Catholic Day of St. Nicholas
December 13 - Saint Lucy's Day
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 25 - Christmas
December 26 - St. Stephen's Day
December 4 is the feast of St. Barbara, one of the saints who helps people in their earthly affairs. On this day, it is customary to cut barborka branches from cherry trees and put them in the water. On December 6, the Czech Republic celebrates St. Nicholas, or in Czech Mikulas, who is considered the patron saint of sailors and the protector of children. The most magnificent and beautiful celebrations are, of course, timed to coincide with the main European holiday - Christmas. It is preceded by a three- or four-week period of fasting called Adevent. Easter in the Czech Republic is called the second Christmas, and it is celebrated no less magnificently and beautifully than the main Christian holiday. Easter celebrations begin on the last days of Lent. The holiday is preceded by three holy days: Green Thursday, Good Friday and White Saturday. The Feast of the Five Petal Rose is a bright, colorful, noisy medieval carnival that takes place over three days. The streets are full of beautiful ladies, gallant knights, joyfully laughing landsknechts, medieval fairs, knightly battles, historical games are held everywhere, and dishes cooked according to old recipes are served in pubs and restaurants.

Transport

Prague Ruzyne Airport is located 20 km from the city centre. In addition, there is an airport in the following cities: Ostrava, Brno, Karlovy Vary and Zlin. Almost all major international airlines have their offices in Prague. The territory of the Czech Republic is covered with a dense and extensive network of automobile and railways, along which many express trains cross the country. Several firms provide bus service with major cities Europe.
The Czech Republic has a fairly dense network of CD railways. Trains to most destinations run once an hour or more often. The slowest regional trains are called Osobni (O) and stop at all stops. fast trains referred to as Rychlik (R) and Express (Ex). The fastest trains are InterCity (IC) and EuroCity (EC), for a trip they take a surcharge of 30 or 60 crowns. Seat reservation is optional. The schedule can be viewed in the universal timetable of trains and buses. The fastest and most popular public transport- tram. Trams run daily strictly according to the schedule from 4:30 to 24:00, with intervals of 5-10 minutes.

Tips

In hotels and restaurants, it is supposed to leave about 5-10% over the bill. Tipping should be given to service staff, hairdressers and taxi drivers. It is a common Czech practice to round up your bill from, for example, 54 Kc to 60 Kc. In Prague, however, again leaning towards Western style, so the tip should be between 10% and 15%. Usually, you should tell the waiter or waitress how much you are tipping so they don't round up your amount. If your waiter is busy, it is customary to leave a tip on the table after paying by check.

The shops

Literally 10 years ago, Prague won the right to be called the European shopping center. Some of the most prestigious and expensive shops in Prague are located on Parisian Street and Wenceslas Square. Parisian leads from the church of St. Nicholas to the Old Town Square. Here you will find boutiques "Christian Dior", "Valentino", "Pierre Cardin", "Bugatti". There is a good Alpine pro store on Pshikop - for those who prefer sports style - good things, but prices are cheaper than famous manufacturers, which, however, in Prague are also cheaper than in Russian megacities.
On weekdays, shops are usually open from 09.00 to 18.00, on Saturdays - until 13.00. Grocery stores are usually open from 06.00. More and more shops are open on Sundays. In some shops and hotels, you can pay with international credit cards Visa, etc.
However, special attention should be paid to the goods of modern industrial production in the Czech Republic - these are: Bohemian crystal, porcelain and glass, leather goods, silver and gold jewelry with Czech garnets, bijouterie. Art lovers can make interesting purchases in Czech galleries and antique shops.

National cuisine

Czech cuisine is Slavic and somewhat reminiscent of other Slavic cuisines. Unless the dishes of Czech cuisine are more fatty, salty, high-calorie, but at the same time surprisingly tasty. In a word, if you want to keep weight or even worse lose weight, Czech cuisine is not for you. Czech cuisine for those who are not inclined to be overweight or who want a few kilograms to their weight. The basis of Czech cuisine is flour, fatty or sweet. And all this is filled with an incredible amount of the best Czech beer in the world...
Despite the many new cafes and the passion of the Czechs for everything new, in their native cuisine, as before, dumplings are in the lead - boiled balls or circles - slices of unleavened or sour or salty dough, mostly as an addition to roast pork or marinated beef. There are many variations: potato or wheat dumplings, dumplings with lard or fruit. Fruit dumplings are made from yeast dough and stuffed with cherries, apples or plums.
All Czech restaurants, cafes and gentlemen (a Czech pub) have one feature: traditionally the portions are very large. Authentic Czech cuisine starts with offal soup or goulash soup and ends with a hearty sweet dish, such as burgers, pancakes with jam or fruit. Usually, the soup of Czech cuisine - "polevka" - resembles thick jelly or liquid mashed potatoes in consistency. In this soup, you can find a couple of meats or potatoes, meatballs or bird giblets.
In soups of Czech cuisine, the required dense consistency is achieved due to the fact that flour, semolina and mashed vegetables are added to these soups during cooking, butter and egg yolks are also added to Czech soups. As the main dishes of Czech cuisine, they are quite suitable: fried pork with stewed cabbage, fried carp or trout, goose or duck with obligatory dumplings. Czech cuisine is famous for its sauces and gravies, but it lacks fresh vegetables. Czech goulash can be beef, pork, rabbit, assorted, Slovak, hunting, Segedin, liver, rural, and so on and so forth. Most often, beef goulash is served in gentlemen and restaurants. For beef goulash, take pieces of meat from different parts, add crushed cumin or garlic, pepper and stew over low heat. When the meat becomes soft, the resulting sauce is seasoned with flour, tomato paste and boiled. Goulash is eaten naturally with dumplings: dumplings are needed in order to dip an unusually fragrant hot sauce.

Attractions

Prague- one of the most beautiful cities in the world. At the beginning of the 19th century, Bernardo Volzano counted 103 towers in Prague and thus the city acquired the name "City of a Hundred Towers". There are currently over 500 of them! The ancient core of Prague is well preserved and constitutes a unique protected area. architectural ensemble. The center and the historical part of the city are Hradcany (Prague Kremlin complex) on the left bank of the Vltava River, colorful Mala Strana, and on the right bank - romantic and mysterious Old city(Stare Mesto) and New town(Nove Mesto), which is the commercial heart of Prague. Stare Mesto, founded in the 10th century. and originally walled with thirteen towers, of which only the Powder Tower has survived, is a real open-air museum. Its main objects are located on the Old Town Square - the real "heart of Prague", and on the narrow cobbled streets running in all directions from it. Prague Castle (Hradcany) is the third chronologically Prague district, stretching along the top of a hill on the high left bank of the Vltava. Here is the majestic Prague (formerly Royal) Castle - the most big fortress Czech Republic, the historical, political and cultural center of Prague and the whole country, founded in the 9th century. One of the most favorite places of Hradchany among tourists is the Strahov Monastery.
The Charles Bridge is rightfully considered a masterpiece of medieval architecture and is one of the main goals of pilgrimage for tourists. This is one of the eighteen bridges that, like pearl necklaces, connect the banks of the Vltava. Charles Bridge - stone, with 16 arches, leaning on the bank ledges of the banks of the Vltava. Like many other buildings in Prague, Charles Bridge had a predecessor - the stone Judith Bridge, which was demolished by a severe flood in 1342. Mala Strana is a real gem of the Baroque. There are few places where you can find such a variety of forms within one architectural style as in this area of ​​Prague. The magnificent facades of churches, decorated with the figures of saints, amaze with the drama of expression and gestures testifying to the sincerity of their faith, the proudly magnificent palaces of the aristocracy with beautiful gardens and the magnificent residences of the wealthy nobles who settled in Prague in the inglorious times for the Czech Republic, following the defeat in the Battle of Belaya Woe. The Jewish City, surrounded by the buildings of the Old City, is one of the Prague quarters. The first Jewish settlements, of which today there is no trace, were formed in the 10th century. on Malaya Strana and near Vyshegrad.
Area Mala Strana was built in the XVII-XVIII centuries. under the walls of the Prague Castle around the rectangular Lesser Town Square with the wonderful Church of St. Mikulas (1755) towering above it - one of the main places of worship in Prague, overlooking the Old Town Square. Visegrad (Visegrad) attracts with its Visegrad Fortress (XVII century), the beautiful Romanesque rotunda of St. Martin and the cemetery of Slavia next to the church of St. Peter and Paul with double towers. Many prominent people of the country are buried here, including composers Smetana and Dvorak. From the walls of the fortress offers an excellent view of the valley of the Vltava River. Loreta is another one tourist mecca"of the capital. On Loretan Square there is a Capuchin monastery, on the territory of which Loreta itself is located - a pilgrimage site designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Baptista de Orsi. Troy is a remote, but one of the most prestigious and green areas of Prague, with a palace and a zoo. Trojan Castle (1685) - magnificent palace with a well-groomed park (the length of the paths is more than 12 km.!) In the early baroque style, it was recently reopened after many years of restoration work. The castle houses a permanent collection of Czech art from the 19th century. Krivoklat (40 km from Prague) is one of the most interesting Gothic castles in Central Europe. It is located in the picturesque valley of the Berounka River, in the best hunting grounds in the Czech Republic. The exceptionally beautiful area surrounding the castle is protected by UNESCO as a natural reserve. It is the oldest and best preserved of the hunting castles of the Czech kings.
Kutna Hora(66 km east of Prague) in the XIV was the second largest city in Bohemia after Prague - the rise of the city was due to silver deposits. In the 16th century, its significance in financial world fell, because silver mining stopped in 1726. Since then, the city has not changed much, retaining the charm of antiquity and becoming one of the best tourist centers in the country. The historic center is compact enough to get around on foot. In the old town, on Namesti, on the left is the Gothic Church of Our Lady, and on Palachkovo Namesti- a bizarre square, which was created on the site of the Gothic town hall destroyed by fire in 1770. Pilsen is the capital of western Bohemia. In the city center there is a Gothic cathedral with the highest church tower in the Czech Republic (103 m). The extensive complex of Renaissance monuments of the city is complemented by numerous museums and galleries. But the city gained particular fame thanks to the plant that produces the world-famous and exceptional quality beer "Prazdroi". There are a huge number of interesting places in Brno, one of which is the central and largest square of the city - Freedom Square, formerly called the Lower Market, St. John's Church (St. John's Church) with painted ceilings, beautiful altarpieces and an old organ, Dominican Square , Vegetable Market Square, Capuchin Square, St. Peter and Paul Cathedral with a clock that strikes noon at 11 o'clock.

Resorts

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. One of most beautiful cities not only in the Czech Republic, but also in Europe.
Prague miraculously combines architectural styles from the early Middle Ages to the present. Amazing monuments of architecture and a wonderful location above the Vltava River have left an imprint on Prague with a unique charm and atmosphere that all its visitors admire so much.
Karlovy Vary- a famous resort, a center of tourism, located in a picturesque valley along which the Vltava River flows. The city was founded by Emperor Charles IV in 1350 and has its own international Airport. Every year the resort is visited by about 85,000 guests from 70 countries.
Marianske Lazne are the second largest spa and recreation area in the Czech Republic. This city, which is a picturesque garden, is located on the southern edge of the Nightingale Forest. Almost all houses and sanatoriums were built in the style of the Italian Renaissance. The resort is surrounded by forests with numerous hiking trails leading to many interesting places and monuments.
Frantiskovy Lazne- the first mention of local mineral waters belong to the 12th century. In 1572, the first chemical analysis of the sources was made, another 50 years passed, and the name of the so-called "Cheb kiselka" sounded everywhere.
Yachymov- at the beginning of the 16th century, the richest deposits of silver ore were discovered here. Jachymov instantly became famous and received the title of a royal city with the right to mint the famous Jachymov thalers, the first freely convertible European currency. By the way, the American dollar is named after the local thalers. For a long time Jachymov was the second most important city in the Czech Republic.
Famous ski resorts: Krkonoše, Harrachov, Jablonec nad Jizerou, Rokytnice nad Jizerou, Spindlerov Mlyn, Pec pod Snežkou, Hruby Jesenik, etc.

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic

Prague is considered one of the best preserved medieval cities, with a lot of architectural monuments, such as St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, Powder Tower, royal palace ensembles. Beer is another attractive feature of Prague, for which millions of people from all over the world come to the city. The unique historical center attracts photographers and cameramen, where films and series are shot; numerous fairs and festivals; romantic walks around the city, which is impossible to get around in one week. Each journey, even along a familiar route, is ready to give new and unforgettable sensations, the joy of an unexpectedly discovered cafe or pub. All tourists who once visited Prague always return to it.

Geography

Prague stretches on two banks of the Vltava River, and initially consisted of several separate cities that had their own architectural features, fortifications, town halls and administrative bodies. After unification into one city, Prague left the historical division into 10 districts. In administrative terms, there are 22 districts, but they only matter for the police and government - in terms of tourism, this does not matter, since all administrative units are located close to the center. Prague is located on five hills (according to other sources, nine), between which the Vltava and several tributaries flow. Within the city there are islands, as well as the oldest forest park in Europe. Prague is a unique metropolis in that within the city there are fields, orchards, farms, vineyards and a large number of green areas. The time zone differs from the prime meridian in summer UTC+2 and in winter UTC+1. The time difference with Moscow is two hours less in winter, and 3 hours less in summer.

Climate

The weather in Prague in each season is special, allowing travelers to enjoy the trip and excursions. Experienced Tourists they don’t single out a specific season when it’s best to go to the Czech capital, because in such an amazing city it’s always a pleasure to be, walk, drink beer. Summer in Prague lasts from late May to late August and is not marked by critical temperatures. The thermometer rarely rises above +22°C, and basically the average daily temperature is at +17°C. Evenings can get a little chilly, so a light sweater is a good idea. Spring starts in March and has a stable rise in temperature with rare frosts at the very beginning of the season. In spring, numerous gardens, parks and squares bloom in Prague. Mountain protection provides low rainfall and wind. Autumn is a magical time when the whole city is colored in all shades of yellow and red, brown and terracotta. The season lasts until mid-December and is characterized by a gradual decrease in temperature to -1-2°C. Snowfalls are often observed in December. Winter - the time of Christmas and New Year holidays - the temperature is almost always between +2°С and -5°С. In January and February, there is sometimes snow and light winds from the mountains. Since Prague is located on the banks of the Vltava River, it influences the weather - sometimes in any season there are fogs, cool winds and small thunderstorms. Otherwise, the climate of Prague is remarkably stable and uniform.

Story

The 6th century is considered the time of the first mention of Slavic settlements on the site of Prague. At the same time, several independent settlements were formed on both banks of the Vltava River. In the 10th century, Prague became the capital of the Czech state, and the intensive development of the Old Town began, a cathedral was built, market Square, fortifications. Most of the buildings were made of stone, thanks to the nearby quarries. Prague at one time was chosen by the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire as the capital, which led to its active development. The city constantly competed for the title of European center with London and Paris, even with Rome. Each monarch contributed to the development of the city, erecting various architectural objects- monasteries, temples, fortresses, administrative buildings. Until 1918, when the Habsburg Empire collapsed, Prague had the status of the second main city, after Vienna, where dowager emperors and heirs to the throne lived. Convenient geographical position served as a constant development of the city as a transport and industrial hub, which has always housed many manufactories and factories. It was the Austrian emperors who united the city into one center of the land of Bohemia and Moravia, ending the long-term hostility between the settlements. First World War practically did not affect Prague, since the invaders were quite reverent about historical heritage. During World War II, the city was occupied by fascist troops, who did not destroy the architecture, and preserved the Jewish quarter as a monument for future generations. During the liberation by the Soviet troops, the city also did not suffer, retaining its unique architecture and originality.

In the 20th century, Prague was the capital of the Soviet Czechoslovakia, and since 1991 - the Czech Republic. For all the time of its existence in Prague, education, culture and art have constantly developed. The famous Charles University was founded in 1347, and then all the kings and emperors founded new educational establishments, of which there are several dozen in the city today. Prague has become a pioneer in avant-garde art and experimental architecture - the Dancing House has become an example of how new design fits seamlessly into old quarters. Modern Prague is a symbiosis of European globalization and the preservation of original culture. It is tourism that is the main source of income for Prague, and more than 20% of the population is employed in the service sector. Despite the constant influx of millions of tourists, Prague is constantly restoring and restoring its heritage, preserving monuments, creating a new history.

Sights of Prague

• The symbol of the city is the Golden Street (Golden Street), which is a row of small houses that are part of former wall fortresses. The street is named so precisely because in the past there were workshops for the manufacture of jewelry and gold products.
• It is worth paying attention to the Basilica of St. George - one of the main attractions of Prague. It was built in the 10th century by Boleslav I. The basilica is an architectural ensemble built in the Romanesque style.

• You can not pass by the City Library, which is located in Klementia - a monastery with a mirrored chapel. The monastery was founded in the 30s of the 13th century next to the church of St. Clement. The chapel was built already in the 16th century and is now used for various performances and concerts.
• The Bethlehem Chapel, built in the 14th century, is popular among the guests of the city. Jan Hus preached here, who was later burned at the stake by the followers of the Inquisition.
• Another attraction of Prague is the Anezsky Monastery, which was erected in the first half of the 13th century by King Wenceslas I. The King's sister Anezka founded the Order of the Clares in the city. Now Anezka is a saint. Currently, the monastery houses paintings representing the painting of the 19th century.
• And, of course, how not to mention the National Museum. The building, towering over Wratslav Square, was built at the end of the 19th century. Previously, on the site of the museum there were Horse Gates. In front of the entrance to the National Museum there is a fountain, next to which there are statues - images of various parts and two big rivers countries. Even in front of the museum building there is a monument to the patron of the Czech Republic - Vaclav. Inside the museum, tourists can admire the statues and paintings made on national and patriotic themes.

Events and festivals

Such a great and historical city has acquired various traditions and holidays, in honor of which Praguers constantly organize festivals and carnivals - the most significant of them are celebrated for several days or weeks. Religious and state holidays are always covered with an amazing flair of fairs, general treats, and fun. In addition, concerts and festivals dedicated to music, theater, cinema, and art in general are constantly held in Prague. The schedule is constantly changing, and the assortment is very high, since every performer or artist considers it his duty to arrange an extravaganza in historical city Prague. Making an exact schedule of all the events and festivals in Prague is almost impossible, since at any time of the year you can get to one or another celebration:

• December and January are almost two-month festivals in honor of Christmas and New Year. At this time, from December 1, fairs, markets, treats, carnivals, processions and festivals are held throughout the city. christmas time one of the most beloved by Praguers and guests of the city, when you can taste traditional food and pastries;
• February - Maslenitsa and the Prague Carnival are also the favorite events of the inhabitants of Prague, when mass festivities take place in parks, squares, on the embankment and frozen islands;
• April - Easter - one of the most revered religious holidays. In Prague, in numerous temples and cathedrals, festive prayers are served, and then the city is in euphoria all weekend. Traditional fairs, treats and tables placed right on the squares;
• May 16 - the start of the largest and oldest beer festival in the world. For two and a half weeks on the streets, in the pubs and bars of Prague, you can taste all Czech beers, as well as from neighboring countries. All breweries, without exception, take part in the festival, whether it is the giant Velkopopovitsky Kozel or a monastery brewery with a limited production of foamy drink;
• May and June - traditional Prague marathon and half marathon for professionals and amateurs;
• summer is the time for various music festivals of various types and directions;
• July 1-2 - celebration of the City Day in Prague;
• autumn - traditional festivals and fairs dedicated to winemakers and young wines made. There are also tinctures, fruit liqueurs, authentic cuisine, and a lot of festivities.

Restaurants and cafes

The tourist center of Eastern Europe attracts not only with history and architecture, but also with original cuisine - dishes that are both refined, satisfying and original. Naturally, in Prague you can visit restaurants and cafes with national cuisines from many countries of the world, but it is best to try Czech dishes, portions of which even in restaurants allow you to eat normally and taste them. The main food of many tourists is beer, but besides it, there are many interesting and tasty things in the Czech capital. Must-try things to do in Prague:

• meat dishes - traditional goulash, ribs in honey, lamb with lemon, duck, sausages. The most popular is the “boar knee”, made from a pork knuckle baked according to a special recipe;
• stewed cabbage is a side dish that Praguers use with all dishes except sweets. There is a variety of cabbage in every catering establishment - with raisins, vegetables, nuts and other additives;
• soups - there are also many varieties with mushrooms, garlic, served in dried bread, plain and mashed;
• dumplings - a traditional snack for beer and soups - now available in versions with cottage cheese, salt, spices and other additives;
• strudel - the Czech version of the famous German dessert;
• pies and trdelniki are traditional sweet dishes that can have a variety of fillings from seasonal berries and fruits, cheese, cottage cheese.

Tipping in cafes and restaurants is at the discretion of customers, but can be included in the bill in the amount of 10% of the cost of the dishes. Many traditional dishes are served right on the streets, in tourist centers, squares, parks.

shopping

Prague is always popular among tourists as a place where you can buy everything, but affordable price without overpaying - and seasonal discounts reaching -70-80% attract hundreds of thousands of shoppers to the Czech capital. The place of concentration of elite branded boutiques is Parizhskaya Street, as well as central shopping centers"Moves", "Palladium", "Kotva". Here you can buy the latest collections of clothes, shoes and accessories of all world brands, as well as original, and sometimes conceptual, items of Czech designers - for example, Pietro Filipi, Botas, Tonak. But the most memorable will be the purchases of traditional Prague souvenirs, for which the city with a long history is famous all over the world:

• beer - lots of beer. Thousands of tourists come to Prague every year for this product alone. There are several hundred breweries in the city, some of which are local in nature and have centuries of family history, while others are known all over the world. There is an opinion that if you drink one sort of beer every day in Prague, you will not try all the existing ones in a year;
• becherovka - the famous Czech tincture, which is valued all over the world;
• traditional costumes with authentic ornaments and fine finishes. Recently, even casual and haute couture clothes use national motifs and authentic ways of creating fabrics;
• pastries - payments, trdelniki, vanochki - simple and tasty desserts with a variety of fillings;
• Souvenirs with the famous Czech mole from the cartoon are a real symbol of Prague. Mole Krtek is printed on T-shirts, caps, cups, posters and other things;
• Bohemian glass and porcelain - original, richly decorated. The shops present both dishes and sets, as well as author's figurines and figurines. The most common ornament is floral, animal, and the so-called "cibulak";
• cosmetics based on beer - the Czechs even take care of their health, not forgetting the traditional foamy drink;
• jewelry made of garnet and vltavin (moldavite) - the latter is mined only on the banks of the Vltava and is valued quite highly. Even the Queen of England has a diadem with Vltavins. It is worth noting that the prices for jewelry are more than democratic;
• standard souvenirs - figurines, magnets, figurines depicting famous personalities or iconic places Prague.

How to get to Prague?

Travel to Prague from Moscow or any other major Russian city not so difficult, given that the Czech Republic is located in Central Europe. The main means of delivery, of course, is aviation. Aircraft of most airlines operate flights to Prague from Moscow, Kazan, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg. In the Czech capital, there is a large airport named after Vaclav Havel, as well as small Ruzyne and Vodochody, which are recognized as one of the best in the central and Eastern Europe. The second option to get to Prague is by train. True, this choice will require spending more than a day in the car, but the trains arrive at the most beautiful Main Train Station located in the heart of the city. From Moscow, the train departs from the Belorussky railway station. A very popular form of travel is by bus. One of the largest Prague bus stations - "Florens" - is located next to the metro and tram stations of the same name, allowing you to quickly get to your hotel or hostel. Bus international communication is established with all major cities in Europe. You can also get to Prague by car - the quality of the roads is very good, and the Czech capital itself is located at the intersection of major highways of national and pan-European significance. When traveling by car, you need to remember about the parking restrictions in the center of Prague, as well as the numerous traffic jams in the city itself.

Transport

Prague can certainly be called an ideal city with an excellent public transport system, presented in all its diversity. Most land transport routes are designed in such a way as to cross the Czech capital from one end to the other, stopping at central regions. In Prague, there is a single passenger ticket for all types of regular public transport - the cost depends on the validity period, from 30 minutes to several days. travel document composted once and then presented for control when moving from one mode of transport to another. A very convenient Praha Card, which provides favorable conditions for moving around the city, which is not very big in size. The following types of public transport operate in Prague:

• subway - consists of three branches and connects the most significant objects of the center with the suburbs. From almost any residential area of ​​​​Prague to the center can be reached in 15-20 minutes;
• tram - almost traditional view land transport with very branched routes, most of which are trans-urban. There are several night routes in Prague, so there will be no problems with a trip to the hotel;
• bus - not so popular, and serves mainly as an additional means of transportation, delivering passengers to key tram and metro interchange nodes;
• river tram - in fact, this is a crossing over the Vltava River, which connects the two parts of the city. There is even a dedicated ferry for cyclists;
• funicular - operates from May to August and lifts passengers to Petrin Hill;
• Taxi is also a fairly common method of transportation. It is best to call a car from a hotel, restaurant, or mobile phone. Taxi drivers caught on the street are guaranteed to inflate prices and take you in a roundabout way;
• renting a car is a profitable and inexpensive pleasure, as in Prague there is where to travel between districts, and sometimes visit numerous picturesque suburbs. The only point is that there is no ring road in the Czech capital and the entire car transit flow goes through the streets and avenues, therefore, on weekdays, traffic is quite difficult and there are often traffic jams.

A distinctive feature of Prague, which our tourists like so much, is the clarity in the movement of public transport. He travels on time, at specified intervals, and all the information is on the scoreboards, which are located near the stops - planning trips is very simple, even with a limited supply of time.

Accommodation

Since Prague is very attractive in terms of tourism, there are several hundred hotels and inns of different stars in the city, with an excellent level of service. At least two hotels annually receive the highest scores in some prestigious hotel award. For example, Riverside Hotel and Hotel la Palais. Also popular are the Hilton, Radisson, Holiday Inn, Four Seasons. Many hotels are located in buildings of historical value, where they have been located for several centuries. Service in the entire area is always top notch, no matter if it is a 5 or 3 star hotel. Prague is intensively developing in the field of affordable housing for students or ordinary travelers - hostels, apartments and apart-hotels in Prague are innumerable, and they are located throughout the city. Even a small place to stay in residential area deserves attention, as they are located near metro and tram stations - and it takes only 15-20 minutes to go to the center from anywhere in Prague. The service of renting apartments for the duration of the trip is well developed - decent finishes and furnishings, all necessary equipment, affordable price, and many more advantages of living in rented apartments. Prices in supermarkets are quite loyal and there will be no problems with self-cooking.

Connection

The Czech capital has always been unique city where amazing things come together. For example, this is the last of the world's cities where pneumatic mail operates, and also the first in which mobile distribution points for free Wi-Fi were created. In Prague, you can meet people dressed in bright T-shirts with inscriptions - these will be mobile Internet distribution points. In Prague, you can connect to the World Wide Web for free at most public transport stops, the number of which is constantly increasing, as well as in cafes, restaurants, hotels, shopping and entertainment centers, parks, museums. On a par with this, there is also an ordinary city telephone, and there are also payphones on the streets. Among the mobile operators offering favorable rates are Vodafone, T-Mobile, O2. It is best to take a SIM card with replenishment, without a monthly fee - in this case, at the end of the trip and the absence of money deposited, it automatically ceases to operate.

1. Prague has a very well developed public transport network. All public transport runs on schedule. To travel, you need to purchase a ticket that allows you to make a transfer within 30 and 90 minutes and costs 24 and 32 crowns, respectively.

2. Be extremely careful when paying for taxi fares. Local taxi drivers often take advantage of the inattention of passengers and cheat them.
3. Going to the capital of the Czech Republic, be sure to take a phrasebook with you. You can communicate with the Czechs if you know Russian, basic words in Czech and a little English. Do not forget about the translation of restaurant menus, the map of metro and tram routes. The JPS navigator will also be useful.
4. Currency exchange operations are best done in banks or government exchange offices- there are the most profitable courses. With the help of ATMs, you can withdraw from your account an amount of money not exceeding 1,000 kroons. In the institutions of the city, you can also pay in euros, but at a lower rate.
5. Hotel rooms should be booked in advance by phone or via the Internet. It is best to look for a hotel as close to the center as possible. For an excursion, you can invite a guide or walk around the city unaccompanied.
6. There are a lot of food establishments in Prague (bars, cafes, restaurants). However, it is worth considering that the closer to the city center the institution is located, the higher the prices are. It is worth moving away from the center to the neighboring street, and you will be amazed at the sharp drop in prices.
7. In Prague, the weather changes quite often during the day, so when going for a walk or an excursion, do not forget to take an umbrella with you. An umbrella can be borrowed from the hotel.
8. Due to the fact that the streets in Prague are paved with stone, it is best to leave high-heeled shoes at the hotel, and walk in comfortable sneakers or ballet flats.
9. Tipping in Prague is about 10% of the cost of the service and is usually immediately included in the bill. It is also customary to leave a small tip for taxi drivers, porter or guide.
10. It is better to go to the capital of the Czech Republic in January during the New Year holidays. At this time there are discounts on hotels and city tours. However, in January it is usually quite cold here, so you need to dress warmly.

Prague on the map, panorama

brief information

Quantity foreign tourists who come to the Czech Republic increases every year. Many tourists who have visited the Czech Republic once return there again and again. People fall in love with this country at first sight, and this love can last a lifetime. Tourists come to the Czech Republic for the sake of unique historical and architectural monuments, magnificent nature, real Czech beer, balneological and ski resorts.

Geography of the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is located in Central Europe. The Czech Republic borders Slovakia to the east, Germany to the west, Austria to the south, and Poland to the north. The total area of ​​this country is 78,866 sq. km, and the total length state border– 2,310 km.

In the west of the country in Bohemia there are low mountains - the Krkonose, which are structurally included in the Sudetenland. mountain range. It is in the Krkonoše that the highest Czech peak is located - Mount Sněžka (1602 m). In the east of the country in Moravia, the terrain is hilly with low mountains.

Several large rivers flow through the territory of the Czech Republic - Elbe, Vltava, Morava, and Odra. Some Czech rivers are an important part of the local national parks of the Krkonoše, Šumava, Podiya, and "Bohemian Switzerland".

Capital

The capital of the Czech Republic is Prague, which is now home to about 1.3 million people. Archaeologists believe that the first Slavic settlement on the territory of modern Prague appeared in the 6th century AD.

Official language

The official language in the Czech Republic is Czech, which belongs to the subgroup of West Slavic languages.

Religion

About 30% of the population of the Czech Republic are Catholics (Roman Catholic Church). Another 2% of Czechs are Protestants, and more than 32% of the Czech population do not believe in God.

State structure of the Czech Republic

According to the 1990 Constitution, the Czech Republic is a parliamentary republic in which the President is the formal head of state, but his powers are significantly limited. The Prime Minister has significant powers, however, he is appointed by the President and approved by the Parliament.

Legislative power belongs to the bicameral Parliament, consisting of Poslanecká sněmovna (200 deputies) and the Senate (81 people).

Until 2013, the President of the Czech Republic was elected by the Parliament of the country, but now it happens by popular vote.

Climate and weather

The climate in the Czech Republic is temperate continental with rather hot summers and cold snowy winters. In the west of the country, the average annual air temperature is +7C, and in southern Moravia - +9C. In Prague in July, the air temperature can reach +33C, and in the west of the country in February it can drop to -17C.

In winter, there is a lot of snow in the mountains of the Czech Republic, and this guarantees a long ski season.

Average air temperature in the Czech Republic:

January - -3С
- February - -2C
- March - +3С
- April - +8C
- May - +13C
- June - +16С
- July - +18C
- August - +17C
- September - +14C
- October - +8C
- November - +3C
- December - -1C

Rivers and lakes

Several large rivers flow through the territory of the Czech Republic - Elbe, Vltava, Morava, and Odra. In addition, there are many natural small lakes in the Czech Republic, as well as about 150 artificial lakes.

Story

Around the 4th century BC. Celtic tribes settled on the territory of modern Czech Republic, but after a few centuries they were supplanted by Germanic tribes. The Slavs appeared in the Czech Republic at the end of the 5th century AD.

In the 9th century, the flowering of the Czech Republic begins, which is associated with the rule of the Přemyslid dynasty. The Czech state manages to actually maintain its independence, although it was in vassal dependence on the Holy Roman Empire.

In 1085, the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV granted the Czech prince Vratislav the right to use the royal title. However, the independence of the Kingdom of Bohemia was proclaimed only in 1212.

From 1419 to 1436, the religious Hussite wars continued in the Czech Republic, as a result of which the Hussite religion was recognized by Catholics as one of the religions in this country.

Since 1526, the Habsburgs became kings of the Czech Republic, and thus this country became part of the Holy Roman Empire. By the way, the Czech Republic was part of Austria until 1918.

After the end of the First World War in October 1918, a single state was formed from the Czech Republic and Slovakia - Czechoslovakia.

As a result, the so-called. "Munich agreement" in 1939, Czechoslovakia was occupied by German troops. The Germans turned the Czech Republic into the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.

After the end of World War II, socialist Czechoslovakia was formed. In 1968, the Warsaw Pact countries were forced to send troops to Czechoslovakia in order to support the socialist system in it.

In November 1989 in Czechoslovakia there was a so-called. "Velvet Revolution", which removed the Communist Party from power. Vaclav Havel became president of Czechoslovakia.

January 1, 1993 on political map world, two new independent states appeared - Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

In 1999, the Czech Republic became a member of the NATO military bloc, and in 2004 it was admitted to the EU.

Culture of the Czech Republic

Czechs are proud of their traditions and carefully pass them on from generation to generation. So, in one of the Moravian villages of Vlcnovo, the “Ride of Kings” festival is still held every year, during which local boys and teenagers ride horses decorated with colorful ribbons throughout the region. At the same time, the riders themselves are dressed in traditional folk costumes. The boy-king is guarded by two bodyguards with sabers.

The fact is that in the Middle Ages in Moravia (and in the vicinity of the village of Vlchnovo) local princes often traveled, who for the peasants were real kings.

Czechs love to celebrate Walpurgis Night (from April 30 to May 1). Sometimes the Czechs call this holiday "Witch Burning Night". Of course, no one has been burning witches in the Czech Republic for many centuries. Now, in order to maintain this ancient custom, the Czechs set fire to brooms and throw them into the air (to see how witches used to fly in the air).

Czechs believe that at midnight on May 1, treasures can be found. However, at this time, the forces of evil are capable of harming a person. Therefore, treasure seekers on the night of May 1 need to have a fern leaf on their heads (on their faces).

Czech cuisine

In recent years, the Czech Republic has begun to pay more attention to healthy eating and various new recipes. However, traditional Czech recipes are still very popular in the Czech Republic.

- "bramborová polévka" - potato soup
- "zelná polévka" - sauerkraut soup
- "kuřecí polévka" - chicken noodle soup
- "hovězí guláš s knedlíkem" - beef goulash with dumplings
- "pečené kuře s brambory" - fried chicken with potatoes
- "knedlíky" - dumplings are made with a variety of fillings
- "jablečný závin" - apple strudel
- "Medovník" - cake with honey

Traditional Czech alcoholic drink- beer. As in some other European countries, beer in the Czech Republic began to be brewed in the early Middle Ages in monasteries. Now Czech beer is famous all over the world.

Sights of the Czech Republic

For lovers of attractions, the Czech Republic is an ideal country. There are many different attractions in the Czech Republic, and it is difficult for us to choose the best of them. Nevertheless, in our opinion, the top ten attractions in the Czech Republic include the following:

Castle Hluboka nad Vltavou

Hluboka Castle was built in the second half of the 13th century. Hluboka Castle received its current magnificent neo-Gothic appearance thanks to the Schwarzenberg family, who owned it since 1661. Today the castle houses a museum.

Cherven Lhota Castle

Chervena Lhota Castle in South Bohemia was built during the Renaissance. It is located on a rocky island in the middle of the lake. The castle is connected to the ground by a narrow stone bridge. Chervena Lhota Castle got its name from its red-painted walls.

Karlštejn Castle

Karlštejn Castle was built in 1348 by the Czech king and Roman emperor Charles IV. Once upon a time, the treasures and regalia of Czech kings were kept in this castle.

Caves in the Moravian Karst Nature Reserve

Territory nature reserve The "Moravian Karst" is about 92 sq. km. There are about 1,100 gorges and caves here.

Geopark "Czech Paradise"

In the north of the Czech Republic there is a geopark "Czech Paradise", which has a large number of monuments of mineralogy, paleontology and archeology.

Vysehrad Castle

Vysehrad Castle, as historians believe, was built on a hill above the Vltava in the 10th century. According to legend, it was in Vyšehrad Castle that the Czech princess Libuše foretold the future greatness of Prague.

Konopiste Castle

This castle is located 50 kilometers from Prague. It was built in the 1289s in the style of French fortresses with round towers. Konopiste Castle was once the last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Singing Fountains in Prague

The Singing Fountains were built in 1891. Later, the Czech engineer Frantisek Krzhizhikovy made them lighting. Now the "Singing Fountains" are one of the most favorite places for recreation of the inhabitants of Prague.

Charles Bridge in Prague

The Charles Bridge across the Vltava was built in the 14th century. The bridge is decorated with 30 statues that were erected by various universities, religious orders, archbishops, princes, etc.

St. Vitus Cathedral

The construction of St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague lasted from 1344 to 1929. It is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world.

Cities and resorts of the Czech Republic

The largest cities in the Czech Republic are Brno, Pilsen, Ostrava, and, of course, Prague.

The Czech Republic is known for its ski resorts with excellent developed infrastructure skating. The most popular Czech ski resorts are Harrachov, Jablonec nad Jizerou, Rokytnice nad Jizerou, Spindlerov Mlyn, Pec pod Snezkou, Hruby Jeseník, Velké Losiny, Boží Dar, and Liberec. Due to the large amount of snow, the skiing season in the Czech Republic lasts from December to April.

Tourists come to the Czech Republic not only to admire the sights of this country and go skiing at local ski resorts. In the Czech Republic there are a large number mineral springs, and, as a result, tourists also come to this country very often for the sake of balneological resorts. Karlovy Vary has a reputation as a world-class balneological resort.

Other popular Czech balneological resorts are Marianske Lazne, Frantiskove Lazne, Jachymov, Teplice, Luhačovice, and Poděbrady.

Souvenirs/Shopping

Tourists from the Czech Republic usually bring dishes, porcelain, Bohemian glassware, ceramics, jewelry with semi-precious Czech garnet, Czech beer, Becherovka liqueur, plum brandy, which is made in South Moravia, as well as Czech waffles (from Karlovy Vary) and chocolate .

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