Czech Republic is the most detailed information about the country with a photo. Sights, cities of the Czech Republic, climate, geography, population and culture.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a small state in Central Europe. This is one of the most distinctive and attractive countries for tourists in the European Union with rich history, many interesting sights, castles and cultural monuments. The Czech Republic borders Poland in the north, Germany in the west and northwest, Slovakia in the east, and Austria in the south. It is a parliamentary republic. The official language is Czech.

What comes to mind when we talk about the Czech Republic? These are the Gothic spiers of Prague and the streets of Prague, this is the ancient Charles Bridge across the Vltava, these are hundreds of castles and churches in cozy old towns, this is excellent beer and delicious food. All this is true, but there is something else. The Czech Republic is an atmosphere of calm and silence, cordiality and slowness local residents, measured life, beautiful natural landscapes: leisurely rivers, fields and picturesque wooded hills. Interestingly, the country is also one of the safest in Europe and has one of the lowest levels of corruption.

The country is located almost in the center of the former Austria-Hungary - in the past it was one of the largest and most powerful states in Europe. The Czech Republic occupies historical regions - Moravia, Bohemia and part of Silesia. The turbulent past has left a colossal historical legacy, and low prices for food and hotels make the Czech Republic one of the cheapest countries for tourists in Europe.

Useful information

1. The official language is Czech.
2. Currency - Czech crown.
3. Visa - Schengen.
4. The capital is Prague.
5. The population is 10.5 million people.
6. Area - 78.9 thousand square meters. km
7. The standard of living is high.
8. On the territory of the Czech Republic, the Central European time UTC +1 is valid.
9. Driving in the Czech Republic is on the right. Travel speed in settlements limited to 50 km, outside the city - 90 km, on motorways - 130 km. When driving on motorways, you need to buy a vignette. The consumption of alcohol by drivers is strictly prohibited. Car headlights should always be on. From November to the end of March, all cars must be driven on winter tires.
10. High season - May, July, August. Low - January, February.
11. Shops are open from 9.00 to 17.00 on weekdays. In large cities, shops are open until 20.00 and even on weekends. Shopping centers and large supermarkets are open from 9.00 to 21.00. Museums and attractions are often closed on Sundays.
12. The kitchen in restaurants and cafes is usually open until 21.00 - 22.00. Tipping is not included in the bill and is 5-10% of the bill.

Geography and nature

Despite its small size, the Czech Republic is a geographically diverse country. Here you can find mountains and hills covered with forests, fields and plains. The country has no access to the sea. The western and eastern parts are mostly hilly and mountainous. Central - predominantly hilly plain. The highest peak is Mount Snezhka (1602 m).

Several fairly large rivers flow through the territory of the Czech Republic - Vltava, Odra, Laba, Morava. The nature of the Czech Republic is very picturesque - hills and low mountains covered with deciduous and coniferous forests interspersed with agricultural land. Castles and fortresses rise on high hills and rocks - a legacy of the past. Roe deer and deer graze in the fields, running away as soon as they stop.

Best time to visit

Czech Republic you can visit all year round. The most comfortable time is the period from May to September. Atmospheric in the Czech Republic for the Christmas holidays. The lowest season is from January to March.

Climate

The climate of the Czech Republic is temperate, with warm but not hot summers and fairly mild winters. The four seasons are clearly defined. Spring is cool with average temperature 8-12 degrees. Precipitation falls 150-200 mm. Summers are warm with a fairly comfortable temperature of 15-20 degrees. Heat doesn't happen often. But it's often cold here. Therefore, when visiting the Czech Republic in the summer, we recommend taking light jackets with you. Most of the precipitation falls in summer. Autumn is quite warm with an average temperature of about 10 degrees. Winter lasts from December to February. The temperature is kept within zero degrees. There are both thaws and frosts.

Winter in the mountains of the Czech Republic

History

The historical name of the Czech Republic is Bohemia. This area includes several historical regions- Bohemia, Moravia and part of Silesia.

Human settlements on the territory of the Czech Republic existed as early as the Stone Age. At the beginning of our era, Germanic tribes lived here. The Slavs came to these lands in the 6th century. The legend of the three Slavic leaders-brothers - Ruse, Lyakh and Chekh is well known. Each of them became the founder of the people. Although the etymology of the name of the country and people is still controversial among scientists.

The unification of the Czech Slavs and the creation of the Czech state date back to the 9th-10th century. Initially, the center was Budec. In the 10th century, the center of the state moved towards modern Prague. At this time, the Vysehrad fortress and Prague Castle were founded. Czechs were baptized in the 9th century.

The Czech Principality gained its independence under the first Přemyslids. From the 11th to the 14th centuries, Bohemia was under the rule of the Frankish emperors. In 1241, the united Czech army successfully repulsed the invasion of the Mongols.

The main heyday of the Czech Republic and Prague in the Middle Ages came at the time of the legendary King Charles IV. Charles not only expanded the Czech lands, but also developed Agriculture and winemaking, began the construction of the famous bridge across the Vltava in Prague, founded the University, Karlštejn Castle, St. Vita. Charles also issued a law on succession to the throne - when the throne is inherited by the eldest son. A woman can become head of state only if there are no male descendants.

The development of the Czech Republic was suspended in the 15th century. This process and the loss of independence provoked the Hussite movement that arose at the beginning of the 15th century. Despite the fact that Jan Hus (one of their leaders) was burned as a heretic, the Hussite war broke out. After it, the time of monarchless rule first came. Later, the Czech state lost its independence and became part of the possessions of the Habsburgs. The Czech Republic remained under their control until 1918.

After the end of the First World War, the country gains independence. A new state is formed - Czechoslovakia. Masaryk becomes the first president. Czechoslovakia lasted until 1993.

In 1939 the country was occupied by German troops. Liberated in 1945 by the Red Army. After the war, the Czech Republic was part of the socialist camp under the influence of the USSR.

In 1989, after the Velvet Revolution, Soviet troops left the Czech Republic. In 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two independent states. Since 1999, the Czech Republic has been a member of NATO, and since 2004 - in the EU.

Administrative division

The Czech Republic consists of the capital and 13 regions. The krais are divided into districts (okres) and statutory cities (district centers).

• Central Bohemia - includes the capital - Prague, Kutna Hora.
• Western Bohemia (Pilsen and) - a wooded and mountainous area, picturesque nature, resorts and excellent beer.
• Northern Bohemia (Liberec and Usti nad Labem) is a mountainous and industrial region.
• Eastern Bohemia (Hradec Kralove and Pardubice) - the Krkonose mountain range and highest peak Czech Republic - Mount Snezhka.
• South Bohemia (Ceske Budejovice) - hills and forests, the upper reaches of the Vltava.
• Northern Moravia (Ostrava and) is an industrial region. Although here you can find beautiful nature and interesting sights.
• South Moravia (Brno) - hills and forests, agricultural land and winemaking. These are the warmest regions of the Czech Republic.

Population

The population of the Czech Republic is over 10 million people. Given the area of ​​the country, it can be classified as densely populated. About 95% of the population are ethnic Czechs. Large diasporas - Ukrainians, Russians, Slovaks, Vietnamese, Germans.

The official language is Czech, which belongs to the West Slavic group of languages. Czechs can easily understand Slovaks and vice versa. Also, the Czech language has common roots and words with other Slavic languages ​​- Russian, Polish, Ukrainian. The Czech language has a large number of colorful words: lepidlo - glue, letushka - stewardess, letadlo - plane. The stress is almost always on the first syllable.

The Czechs themselves are a calm, hospitable, polite people. They respect traditions, are reasonable and unhurried.

Transport

Located almost in the center of Europe, the Czech Republic has good transport accessibility.

International airports are located in Prague (the largest in the country), Brno, Ostrava, Karlovy Vary and Pardubice.

The main means of transportation in the country are trains, buses and cars. It should be noted that the condition and quality of roads in the Czech Republic lags behind neighboring Austria and Germany. Although the country has highways that connect major cities and neighboring countries and pass near Prague, Pilsen, Brno and Ostrava.

Accommodation

Accommodation in the Czech Republic is much cheaper than, for example, in Germany, Austria. A double room in a three-star hotel with breakfast can be found for 30-50 euros even in Prague. Of course, it all depends on the location of the hotel (it is logical that the closer to the center, the more expensive), the season, etc. Large cities usually have a wide range of accommodation options from hostels to luxury hotels. It is better to take care of accommodation in the high season in advance. Rooms in Czech hotels are usually quite clean and very basic.

Kitchen

Czech cuisine is very high in calories. Traditional dishes: voles (various soups), garlic (garlic soup), boar knee (pork), meat dishes (mainly pork, beef, chicken, duck) with dumplings, fish dishes (carp), fried cheese (Germelin), seasonal vegetables (greens), potatoes (bramborak) and, of course, beer. In restaurants, food is usually prepared until 21.00-22.00. Tips are not included in the bill. If you liked the food and service, then you can leave 5-10% of the bill.

Beer is a separate pride of the Czech Republic and its main drink. It is one of the best in the world here. At the same time, beer is often the cheapest drink and often cheaper than Coca-Cola. Beer brands such as Krusovice, Budweiser, Pilsner, Radegast, Bernard, Gambrinus are brewed here. Also available great amount small breweries. Beer is usually divided into light (light) and dark (tmawe). Dark beer has a richer taste.

Czech cities

most popular and beautiful city Czech Republic is the capital - Prague. Often it is called the "city of a hundred spiers" and "golden". Prague is located almost in the center of the Czech Republic. It is the largest city in the country. The historic center of the city is listed world heritage UNESCO, and attractions such as Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square and Tyn Church, Vysehrad are real symbols of the country.

Brno

The second in importance and size is the capital of Moravia - Brno, which has a compact and beautiful Old city and has long competed with Prague economically and culturally.

Nearby is the student city of Olomouc, often referred to as "Little Prague". The city has wonderful architecture and many interesting sights (one of them is included in the UNESCO list).

To the north is the industrial capital of the Czech Republic and one of its largest cities - Ostrava.

Not far from Prague is the small town of Kutná Hora with several famous sights (Kostnitsa, St. Barbara's Cathedral).

In the west, the famous Czech resort - Karlovy Vary - stands out. And in the northwest - Liberec.

The main city of the south is České Budějovice with a wonderful old center. Not far from it is one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic - the old town of which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Sights of the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a country rich in sights and monuments of history and culture. Despite the turbulent past, the Czechs managed to preserve their historical heritage.

The enumeration of interesting sights of the Czech Republic can take up a whole book, so we will limit ourselves to the most iconic ones.

In Prague, the most famous sights are Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square and Vysehrad.

In Kutná Hora, UNESCO sites: the beautiful Gothic Cathedral of St. Barbarians and the gloomy Ossuary.

In Olomouc, this is one of the most significant monuments of the Czech Baroque, the column of the Holy Trinity.

One big attraction is the town of Cesky Krumlov in the south of the Czech Republic.

Of the natural beauties, a prominent place is occupied by the Czech Paradise reserve, national park Krkonoše and Šumava, Macocha gorge.

On the territory of Chekhov there are many beautiful castles. Here, almost every ancient town rises mighty fortresses or romantic ruins. Many castles are perfectly preserved and can tell us a lot about the history and culture of the past.

• Prague Castle
• Karlstejn
• Pernstein
• Loket
• Deep-over-Vltava
• Blatna
• Bouzov
• Orlik-nad-Vltavou
• Zvikov
• Kokorzhin
• Krivoklat
• Miller
• Mikulov

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is considered the main tourist and cultural city country. For more than one century, the city has literally attracted tourists from all over the world with its majesty, unimaginable beauty and mysterious atmosphere.

The city was founded and the first information about it dates back to the 6th century. And in the X century, Prague was already called the capital of the ancient Czech state. By the 2nd half of the 19th century, the city was a developed trading center.

Prague is located in the central Bohemia on the banks of the river Vltava. The total area of ​​the city is 496 km², with 49.20 km² being forests located within its boundaries. The population is approximately 1.3 million people, and the density reaches 250 people / km², which is a fairly large indicator. Czech is considered the official state language, but Slovak is also widely used, which is understood by almost every city dweller.

The national currency is the Czech crown (CZK) in the form of banknotes and small coins, it can be easily exchanged for euros, dollars and even rubles.

Region	Central Bohemian Region
Population
Population density	250 people/km²
	Czech crown
Timezone	UTC+1, summer UTC+2
Postal code
International dialing code

Climate and weather

Prague is comfortable at any time of the year, even in winter. The city is located in the central part of Europe and has no access to the sea. The climate here has a mild transitional character - from maritime to continental.

There is no sharp contrast between winter and summer temperatures. The average annual temperature in Prague is +9 °С, in summer it is quite hot (+20 °С average), in winter there is moderate frost (about -5 °С). Thus, the weather in Prague is quite stable and predictable. The driest months are January and February, while the rainiest months are May, June and August.

Best time The year in Prague is spring or autumn, when there is no heat, but at the same time it is quite warm.

Nature

Prague lies on the banks of the Vlatva River, the length of which within the city is 23 km. Its waters are washed by eight islands connected to the city by bridges. On the territory of Prague, the river makes a turn and flows into Labu. The left bank of the Vlatva is elevated and steep, while the right bank only slightly rises above the river level. On the territory of the city, the Berounka river also flows into the Vlatva.

Prague is located on nine hills (according to the Prague Information Service), creating an impressive panorama of unique views of the city, where not the last place is occupied by the Prague gardens - spacious green areas.

Attractions

The sights of Prague are traditionally very popular with tourists. majestic monuments of architecture and gothic castles can turn anyone's head.

The main symbol of Prague is considered The Charles Bridge. This oldest bridge in the city connects the districts « Small Country» And « Old city» above a river. According to legend, the Dalai Lama, walking on it, said that the bridge is located in the center of the universe and has no negative energy.

In a short period of time, you can simply not have time to see all the masterpieces of the city. Area « Prague Castle» is the main attraction of Prague and is a treasure trove of architectural masterpieces. The most famous - St. Vitus Cathedral, Royal Palace And Golden Lane.

A popular place in Prague is the Old Town Square, located in the central part historical heart city ​​(Old Place).

The hallmark of the square has become the Old Town Hall, which is known for its unique astronomical clock — Prague chimes(or Eagle).

In addition, the square is Church of St. Mikulas, monument to Jan Hus And Tyn Church.

In addition to those mentioned above, attractions are available in each urban area:

• in Hradchany - Loreta and the Strahov Monastery;
• in Lesser Town - the Church of St. Nicholas;
• in the Josef Quarter - the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Powder Tower;
• in the New Place - Wenceslas Square and the New Town Hall;
• in Vyshegrad - Peter's Cathedral and an ancient cemetery.

Nutrition

Czechs attach great importance to the issue of cuisine. That is why we can confidently say that Prague is a city of restaurants. Prague restaurants are a mixture of entertainment, delicious food and pleasant company. Depending on financial capabilities, you can easily choose an institution of the right level.

Czech cuisine is famous for its desserts, and national dishes are always hearty and surprisingly tasty. Here, the traditions of Western and Eastern Europeans were mixed in an incredible way.

The national cuisine is characterized by a large number of meat dishes from beef and pork, and fish is not very popular here. Fragrant garlic soup, dumplings and stewed pork with cabbage are considered traditional Czech dishes. For dessert, fruit dumplings and pancakes are offered.

To have a snack, it is not necessary to go to a cafe or restaurant. There are street vendors everywhere who sell mulled wine, hot dogs, Prague-style sandwiches (potatoes) and beer. By the way, Czech beer has long been considered a source of national pride. There are about fifteen most popular and well-known varieties of Czech beer.

Moreover, each variety is good in its own way and differs from others. That is why an important part of the city and its culture are beer pubs (hospodas), which are represented here in countless numbers. A green sign above the door to the pub tells you that the best beers in the city are bottled here. It offers a large number of hearty snacks - fried sausages and sausages.

Of course, Czech cuisine is not the only one in the city. Prague is ready to offer cuisine for absolutely every taste - Japanese, Chinese, British, Arabic, Cuban, Brazilian, Russian, etc.

Accommodation

In Prague, almost all year round there are no free places, so you need to agree on accommodation in advance.

There are more than 300 various hotels in the city, here you can choose apartments in the center or in the business district (from $50 to $600 per day), or you can check into an economical hotel or boarding house away from the center (from $18). The most famous and comfortable hotels in Prague are Josef, Aria, Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa and others.

Entertainment and recreation

The question of rest in Prague is solved very simply both for families and for active people.

Entertainment here is available literally around the clock, all kinds of festivals and fairs are held annually ( "Prague Spring", "Music of Europe" and etc.).

lovers nightlife will delight a huge number of disco clubs, and fans of cultural recreation are waiting for theaters, concerts and jazz bars.

Adherents of an active lifestyle can visit the Prague water park, numerous stadiums, fitness clubs, gyms and courts.

Swimming here is allowed right in the city river Vltava.

In addition, the water-laser show "Singing Fountains" and the grandiose Troy Zoo make an incredible impression.

Purchases

Prague provides excellent opportunities for any kind of shopping.

In addition to countless souvenir shops, the city has large modern shopping and entertainment centers ( Palac Flora, Novy Smíchov), which unite various shops, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and service facilities. Moreover, prices are often strikingly lower than in other European countries (SLEVA seasons, i.e. sales).

In the historical center of the city there are shops with famous Czech products (glass, porcelain, ceramics, Czech pomegranate, wooden toys, puppets and folk art).

Transport

System public transport has a good organization, including buses, trams, metro and funiculars.

Prague buses and trams strictly adhere to the schedule, which is posted at all stops. Daytime route numbers are on a white plate, and nighttime routes are on a blue one.

The metro has three lines and runs until midnight. The direction of movement is determined by the end station. The name of the direction is indicated in the head of the train.

The funicular operates to climb Petrin Hill, its length is 510 m. The route has three stations and operates from 9:10 to 20:40.

Prices for public transport tickets depend on the period of validity. It is most profitable to purchase a weekly ticket for all types of transport (about $ 15).

In addition, the city is filled with a large number of taxi services, the services of which can be used around the clock. Price per kilometer: $0.9-1.6.

Connection

There are four GSM mobile operators in Prague (T-Mobile, Vodafone, O2 and U:fon). mobile connection The Czech Republic is not very cheap, however, when connected to one of the operators, calls abroad and within the country will cost an order of magnitude cheaper than in roaming. The most economical company is T-Mobile, where the cost of a minute of an international call will cost $0.50-.20 (25-30% cheaper at night).

There are many payphones throughout the city, powered by calling cards, which are sold everywhere (from $9 to $20). A call from any restaurant or hotel will cost much more. There is also a huge number of Internet cafes, and almost everywhere there are computers with a Cyrillic keyboard. The cost of one hour on the Internet varies from 0.6 to 3 $, depending on the location of the Internet cafe. The farther it is from the center, the cheaper the Internet.

Security

The most frequent crimes in Prague are pickpocketing. Gangs of pickpockets of 3-5 people each hunt in public places and the subway, so vigilance will not hurt. It is also necessary to bypass street "changers" of currencies, which often deceive tourists. Begging has become a serious problem in the city. For any security issue, you can contact the police, but they only speak Czech, so they can not always help.

Pretty absurd law on possession of drugs. You are allowed to have no more than 15 g of marijuana, 5 patches of LSD and 1 g of cocaine, otherwise you become a criminal.

Business climate

Prague is a favorable platform for organizing business, because. Czech Republic placed in the center European continent and has common boundaries with Poland, Germany, Austria and Slovakia.

Here, relatively inexpensive real estate, low rental rates, highly developed industry and stable legislation.

Real estate

Real estate in Prague is a safe investment for foreigners. Prices for it have always remained within reasonable limits, never dropped sharply, and during the crisis they fell only by 9% (in other European countries - by 20-23%).

The average price per square meter of housing in Prague by the beginning of 2012 was $2,600, and in the center it reaches $8,800. An average apartment of 60m² now costs about $150,000.

Acquired real estate can always be rented out on very favorable terms all year round.

Residents of the city over 40 understand Russian perfectly, and young Czechs know English well, but it is advisable to remember a few common phrases in Czech. This will help save time when visiting various establishments and eating places.

By the way, tips for waiters are not left on the table, but they say how much they intend to pay during the payment of the bill.

When traveling by public transport, you must remember that controllers in Prague work everywhere, and the fine for traveling without a ticket is quite impressive - $ 27.

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 do not distinguish a specific season when it is best to go to the Czech capital, because it is always a pleasure to be in such an amazing city, walk, drink beer. Summer in Prague lasts from the end of May to the end of 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 is the time for Christmas and new year holidays- the temperature is almost always in the range from +2°С to -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.

History

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 Bolesław I. The basilica is 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 built in the first half of the 13th century by King Wenceslas I. The King's sister Anezka founded the Clarisco Order 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 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 the two largest rivers of the country. 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, as every performer or artist considers it his duty to arrange an extravaganza in the historical city of 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 goat" or the 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 and taste them normally. The main food of many tourists is beer, but besides it, in Czech capital there are many interesting and tasty things. 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 Railway Station, located in the very center 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 good with everyone major cities 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 public transport of regular traffic - 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 a 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

Ancient and mystical, unique and charming, golden Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. For millennia, it has grown and developed at the crossroads of trade routes. In its appearance, you can see the entire history of European architecture: Gothic castles and arches, Baroque churches and Renaissance buildings, Rococo and Art Nouveau buildings.

The historical center of Prague, with its huge squares and winding and narrow streets paved with cobblestones, has been included in the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage sites.

A few words about the country

In the very center of Europe, between the hills sheltered by the Bohemian Forest and the Sudetenland mountain range, located in the Czech Republic. This country has no access to the seas and borders on Austria, Germany, Poland and Slovakia.

In the Czech Republic, perhaps like nowhere else, you can feel the spirit of the Middle Ages, carefully preserved in dozens of cities and towns, palace and castle complexes. The most beautiful natural landscapes serve as an excellent setting for architectural monuments.

Modern Czech Republic

As a result of the so-called velvet divorce (the collapse in January 1993 of the CSFR - the Czech and Slovak Federative Republics), two sovereign states appeared on the world political scene - the Slovak Republic, in which Bratislava became the main city, and the Czech Republic, whose capital remained in Prague.

In recent European history, this is perhaps the only case when the division of the country was not accompanied by military or other forceful actions. The modern Czech Republic is a parliamentary republic headed by a president elected by popular vote. Today, under the leadership of the president elected in March 2013, it is a member of the European Union and NATO.

Main city

Prague - the capital, the historical, cultural and economic "heart" of the modern is located in the north-west of this country, in the very middle of the Bohemian Basin. The city was built on the hills along the Vltava River and is divided by it into two parts: eastern and western. On the right bank is Vysehrad, and on the left is Prague Castle. Due to the frequent transfers of the residences of Czech rulers from one settlement to another, both of them grew greatly and practically merged into one.

But officially Greater Prague was formed only in the first quarter of the last century, after several dozen settlements that practically merged into one were included in the city. And earlier it was a small city, occupying only 20 km 2. Modern Prague on the map covers an area of ​​​​almost 500 km 2.

Prague legends

In the historical center of the Czech capital, every house, garden and cobblestone on its pavements can tell a lot of legends and stories. The founding of this city is also covered in legends. After the Czech tribes, led by the Forefather Czech, came and began to develop the lands located between the Vltava and Laba rivers, Prince Krok became the ruler, who raised three daughters, the youngest of whom, Libusha, came to power after the death of her father. It was she, according to legend, who founded the Vyshegrad fortress on the rocky banks of the Vltava, which later became her residence. Princess Libusha was not only smart and beautiful, but also possessed the gift of foresight. Once, standing on the rocky bank of the Vltava, she was able to "see" that a city would soon be founded, the glory of which would reach heaven. She even managed to name the place where such a city would be founded: the threshold of the house, which a man should make.

Immediately, the princely servants rushed in search and quickly found a simple plowman named Přemysl, who was making prags at that time, which in Czech means “threshold”. Libuša took him as her husband, and on the site where he made the threshold, the Grad fortress was founded, from which Prague grew - a city that served as a residence for many generations of the princes of the Přemyslids.

Historians' opinion

Scientists consider Libuša and the plowman Přemysl to be nothing more than mythical characters. In fact, Prague was founded no earlier than 880, after Bořivoj, the first prince of the Přemyslid dynasty, moved his residence here from Hradec nad Vltavou. Information about Libus is found in the well-known work of Kozma of Prague "Czech Chronicle", and he dates them to 623-630. At that time, at the beginning of the seventh century, according to experts, the Czechs did not yet have statehood, and the formation of a city is unlikely.

What does the name of the city mean?

As mentioned above, the most popular version says that Prague is a city whose name comes from the Czech word prah - “threshold”. Some scientists believe that Praha is formed from the Old Slavonic name of the rocky and rapids of the Vltava fords. There is a version that the name of the city may be associated with the word pražení - roasting, frying, as a lot of grain was grown in this region, and bread production was developed.

All listed versions are based only on the analysis of linguistic constructions. Modern scientists consider the most plausible hypothesis about the rocky rapids, which were many on the Vltava.

How it all began

The first wooden Prague Castle was founded in the second half of the 9th century by Prince Borzhev. At the beginning of the 10th century, Vysehrad grew up on the other side of the Vltava. Over time, merchant and craft settlements began to appear around both castles. So, on the left bank, the town of Stare Mesto was formed, and on the right, under the Prague Castle, Mala Strana arose. By the end of the 13th century, during the reign of the son of Přemysl Otakar II, Prince of Krakow and King of the Czech Republic Wenceslas II, Prague was the capital, the largest and most economically developed city, which managed to rise above the rest.

The heyday of this city lasted almost the entire XIII century and fell on the reign of John of Luxembourg and his son Charles IV. The latter managed to raise the status of Prague to the level of the capital of the Roman Empire, and in size it was second only to Constantinople and Paris. during his reign, he tried to do everything to prove that Prague is not only an economic, but also a cultural capital. It was then that the Charles Bridge and the first university were built, and the construction of St. Vitus Cathedral began. At the same time, an archiepiscopal see was created, and the Novo Mesto district arose.

Stages of development

As a result, Prague went through a period of devastation and decline. But by the end of the 15th century, gradual stabilization took place, and the construction of new buildings and the restoration of destroyed buildings began in the city. It was at this time, under the leadership of the architect Benedict Wright, that the reconstruction of the Old Royal Palace took place in Hradcany.

The second "golden age" for Prague came during the reign that began in 1526. The Austrian rulers invested a lot of effort and money in the development of Prague. In 1612, after the death of Emperor Rudolf II, the city loses its status, as the royal court in full force moves to Vienna.

The next heyday of Prague was the 18th century, which coincided with the national revival. At the end of this century, during the reign of Joseph II, four main urban areas were united into a single administrative territory: Hradcany, Stare Mesto, Mala Strana and New Town.

In the late XIX - early XX century, when there was a rapid development of industry and economy, as well as most European capitals, Prague is actively developing and growing significantly. The rise of this period was interrupted by the outbreak of the First World War. In 1918, an independent state was formed - Czechoslovakia. During the Second World War, from 1939 to 1945, Prague - the capital of this state - like the rest of the country, was under Nazi occupation. After the war, and until 1989, when the Velvet Revolution took place, Czechoslovakia was part of the socialist camp.

Prague districts

Modern Prague consists of many districts, some of which were considered separate cities for centuries. This:

• Vyshegrad;
• Stare Mesto;
• Mala Strana;
• Hradchany;
• New town.

In the old days, they not only had different systems of control and subordination, financing, but also were at enmity with each other, sometimes reaching military operations. By the end of the 19th century, Old Prague took shape, the historical center of which included such districts as Stare and Nove Mesto, Hradcany, Vysehrad, Mala Strana and Josefov - the Jewish quarter.

It is in them that the main historical, architectural and cultural sights of the Czech capital are located. In subsequent years, the city grew, and new areas appeared, but there are few objects of interest to travelers in them.

Today it is quite difficult not only for a tourist, but also for a native to understand how Prague is divided into districts. On the map, according to the modern concept of urban planning, modern areas are defined by their territorial affiliation to one municipality or another. Thus, the whole city is divided into 22 districts, which include 57 districts.

Simultaneously with the new one, the old cadastral system of dividing the city also operates. So, Prague is divided into 10 main districts, uniting 112 territories. Such a distinction is called administrative and is widely used in various aspects of urban life.

Tourism plays an important role in the economy, every year the Czechs earn more than 100 billion dollars from tourists. is 5.5% of the country's GDP. About 170,000 people are employed in tourism, although this figure is clearly underestimated, because it does not include bartenders and waiters, shop assistants, and all these establishments work both for tourism and for the local population.

The Czech Republic receives about 9 million visitors a year. According to statistics for 2016, German citizens are in the lead among travelers - 1,880,000. Tourists come from Slovakia (645,000), Poland (543,000), USA (511,000), Great Britain (470,000). The Russians in this list are in 6th place - 406,000 tourists in 2016.

The attendance of the Czech Republic by tourists from China is growing at a tremendous pace, South Korea, Japan. Do not be surprised if by 2020 in Prague you will see Chinese characters on shops and currency exchange offices.

What attracts tourists to the Czech Republic? What is the country proud of? What surprises visitors?

First, historical centuries-old monuments. Although not as long as the Greek, Chinese or Egyptian ones, there are a lot of monuments preserved here, and most of them are in excellent condition.

Having a thousand-year historical path behind it, the state is full of architecture of different styles and directions. These are more than 2 thousand castles, their ruins and palaces, among them the most popular are: Litomysl, Pardubice Castle, Jindrichuv Hradec, Zvyozdny summer palace, castle in Kroměříž, Wallenstein Palace, Kinsky Palace.

Religious monuments in the Czech Republic fascinate with their grandeur and unique architectural solutions. This is the Cathedral of St. Wenceslas in Olomouc, the Church of St. James the Elder, and many others, like pearls scattered throughout the country. There are 11 Catholic cathedrals in the country.

Medical tourism is another forte Czech tourism industry. healing springs Karlovy Vary is famous all over the world. It is believed that the resort was founded here by Emperor Charles IV in 1350. Other destinations: Poděbrady, Jáchymov, peloid springs in Bechyn and Trebon, sulphurous-ferrous peloid springs in Lazne-Touseni, natural warm and hot water in Teplice and a few others.

The Czech Republic is one of the European "Meccas" of gastronomic tourism. Beer tours are in particular demand, when tourists are taken to breweries and tastings. However, there are so many types of beer in the Czech Republic that even during the longest beer tour you won’t be able to taste all of them.

Gaining momentum ski vacation. Unfortunately, the country cannot boast high mountains, in this area it is difficult for the Czechs to compete with neighboring Austria and Switzerland. There are mountains in the Czech Republic - these are the Sudeten Mountains, highest point countries - Mount Snezhka (1602 meters). Some ski resorts are located in the hills of Moravia. most developed ski resort The country is now Pec pod Snezkoy.