Prague is the current capital of which country. All about travel

We are all well acquainted with the countries next to the Czech Republic. After all, it borders on Poland and Germany, Slovakia and Austria. So lucky geographical position at the crossroads of trade routes from Europe to Asia, mild climate and abundance mineral springs gave the country of the Czech Republic a great chance for prosperity. Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world flock here to improve their health at balneological resorts, admire the unique architecture of the country and its ancient castles.

The Czechs are a highly cultured and educated nation. After all, they passed with dignity the difficult period that came after the collapse of the socialist camp. What is the Czech Republic rightfully proud of today? The economy of the country in the first place, which is in second place among states of Eastern Europe.

Travelers

Country Czech Republic on tourism market conditionally divided into three areas: balneological, skiing and sightseeing vacation. Fans of a wide cultural program are invited to visit Pilsen, Brno, Cesky Krumlov, Ostrava and, of course, Prague.

Those who want to improve their health go to the west of the country. It is here that the main resorts are concentrated, such as Marianske Lazne, Karlovy Vary, and also Kynzvart. For ski holidays the country of the Czech Republic offers its eastern territories. Here, on the border with Poland, there are such resorts as Harrachov, Rokytnice nad Izerou and Vitkovice.

In this amazing country, more than two and a half thousand medieval castles, striking with its unique architecture. And it is not surprising that artists and romantics, lovers of antiquity and connoisseurs of beauty love to visit the Czech Republic. Having arrived in the country only once, it is impossible to cover great amount sights available on its territory. That is why many tourists come back here again and again.

What else attracts travelers to the Czech Republic? Description of the country is impossible without a story about the original and delicious national cuisine. a gourmet expanse that makes people forget about diets and about their waist for a while.

The Czech Republic is also a true heaven on earth for beer lovers. The recipes and traditions of making this drink, represented by a huge number of different varieties, are carefully preserved here.

Geography

The country of the Czech Republic in the north has 658 km of borders with Poland, in the northwest, in the west with Germany - 646 km, in the east with Slovakia - 214 km, in the south with Austria - 362 km. Thus, the length of all the borders of this state is 1880 km.
The territory of the Czech Republic has a very diverse landscape. Thus, the area of ​​Bohemia in the west is located in the basin of such rivers as the Vltava and Laba. It is surrounded by low mountains.

The eastern part of the Czech Republic is the territory of Moravia. It also has a hilly surface. This area is located in the basin of the Moravia River. The Czech Republic has no access to the seas. However, all its rivers rush towards them. They flow into the Black, Baltic or North Seas.

Most high mountains countries are located in the northern part of it. They are called Kokonoshi. most high mountain is Snowball. It rises above sea level at 1600 m.

You can find the Czech Republic on the world map at the coordinates 49 degrees 45 seconds north latitude and 15 degrees 30 seconds east longitude. This is the very heart of Europe. In order to be convinced of this, it is enough to visit the site located between the cities of Pilsen and Cheb. This is where it is installed commemorative sign, on which there is an inscription "Center of Europe".

The territory of the country is 78,866 square kilometers. It ranks 115th in the world. Two percent of this territory is a water surface.

Climate

Czech Republic - a country with an amazing here is quite mild. It is very hot in this area only during one week of the year. The country pleases with comfortable weather in all seasons. In the summer it is installed average temperature within twenty degrees, and in winter the thermometer practically does not fall below minus 3. Such an ideal climate is created by continental and maritime influences. Reduces the negative impact of winds mountainous environment.

Administrative division

On the map of the country, you can see thirteen regions, or territories. The main administrative center of the country is its capital - the city of Prague.

What areas (territories) are part of this European state? Their list includes the following:

• Central Bohemian.
• Pilsensky.
• South Bohemian.
• Karlovy Vary.
• Ustetsky.
• Karlovehradec.
• Liberetsky.
• South Moravian.
• Slomoutsky.
• Pardubice.
• Moravskosilevsky.
• Zlinsky.
• Vysochina.

Story

The territory of the Czech Republic has been inhabited by people since the Stone Age. The very first mentions of this country were found in chronicles dating back to the 9th century. During this period, the territory of the Czech Republic was under the control of the Přemyslid princes.

The second name of these lands is Bohemia. It came from an ancient Celtic tribe that inhabited the territories located in modern North Bohemia. After them, these lands were mastered by the Germanic tribes - the Marcomanni, who were replaced by the Slavs in the 5th century. The latter were the ancestors of modern Czechs.

This Slavic state reached its heyday by the beginning of the 11th century. During this period, it was called Great Moravia and had an impressive territory, which included the current lands of Slovakia, Bohemia, as well as part of Hungary and Austria.

Interestingly, there is no historical information about which city was the capital of this state and why it collapsed. Most likely, the reason for this was the numerous internecine wars. It is known that Great Moravia was a Christian country, and its baptizers were the apostles Methodius and Cyril (just like in Rus').

In the 17th century The Czech kingdom became part of Austria-Hungary, and after its collapse in 1928, Subcarpathian Rus, Slovakia and the Czech Republic united. These countries became known as Czechoslovakia. In 1939, the country was occupied by the troops of Nazi Germany. Liberation came only at the end of World War II, when Soviet soldiers entered Czechoslovakia. After that, the country entered the socialist community.

However, in the late 1980s, mass demonstrations and protests swept Czechoslovakia. All of them resulted in the so-called Velvet Revolution. This was followed by a massive strike, which resulted in regime change. The country was headed by a former dissident, playwright Vaclav Havel.

On January 1, 1993, Czechoslovakia was peacefully divided into two states. Two republics were formed on its territory - Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The history of the country after that began to form independently. So, in 1999 the state became a member of NATO, and in 2004 - a member of the EU. Since 2007, the Czech Republic has been participating in the Schengen Agreement, that is, a person who has a visa of this country can travel throughout Europe without any obstacles.

Political structure

The country of the Czech Republic is a state with a representative democracy. Under such a political regime, the people are the main source of power, but various representative bodies are delegated to govern the state. The Czech Republic is a parliamentary republic. Its executive power is the president and the government. The latter, in turn, answers to the Chamber of Deputies.

The head of the Czech state is the president. Starting from 01/27/2013 and up to the present day, this post has been occupied by Milos Zeman. He replaced Vaclav Klaus.

Milos Zeman is one of the brightest figures in European politics. Such an opinion about him has developed due to the tough personal position of the leader of the Czech Republic and ambiguous statements. It is worth saying that the current president of the Czech Republic, unlike most European politicians, supports Russia's actions in many areas. Opinion often goes against the statements of Brussels. And his position is quite firm.

As for the Czech parliament, it is bicameral. It consists of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The Chamber of Deputies is supported by the work of two hundred of its members, who are elected by the people once every four years. There is also the principle of proportional representation. One-third of the Senate is renewed once every two years. At the same time, each of the 81 senators is given a six-year mandate.

The Constitutional Court is the guarantor of the basic rights of the Czech people. It consists of 15 judges who are empowered to overturn laws that are contrary to the country's constitution.

Population

The Czech Republic is now included in the list of densely populated countries. According to the latest statistics, its population is slightly more than 10 million people. A tenth of them live in the capital of the state - Prague. The rest of the population, as in most European countries, is predominantly concentrated in other cities.

For several years now, in Czech Republic there is a steady increase in the rate of natural population growth. This is due to a decrease in mortality and an increase in the birth rate. In addition to natural growth, there is an influx of emigrants. It also increases the population of this European state.

Official language

Throughout the centuries-old history of the Czech Republic, various peoples and tribes have lived on its territory. However, today 95% of the population are Czechs. They keep their own national traditions. Knowledge of historical roots, which the Czech Republic can rightfully be proud of, is also highly respected and respected. The language of the country is Czech. It is spoken by the people of this state, despite its multinational composition, represented by Poles and Slovaks, gypsies, Germans and Jews. Of course, they are all a minority, but they are full citizens of the country.

To date, the population of the Czech Republic uses the three most common groups of dialects for communication. Here people speak East Moravian, Middle Moravian and Czech. The state language of the country was able to survive centuries of decline and Germanization. Its revival occurred in the 18th century as a literary one. But then Czech began to penetrate more and more into the lives of ordinary people, turning into everyday language.

Today, the state language of the country is heard on the streets of its cities. At the same time, young people speak English well, and the older generation can easily switch to German.

City of Prague

The largest metropolis and the most popular tourist center Europe is the capital of the Czech Republic. More than 6 million travelers visit Prague every year. Everyone who understands architecture and appreciates the taste of beer strives to get to this friendly and elegant city.

Since ancient times, Prague has been considered one of the most beautiful cities Europe. And this is confirmed by its names. So, this amazing city is sometimes referred to as “golden Prague” or “city of a hundred spiers”, as well as “stone dream”.

The capital of the Czech Republic is cobbled narrow streets, Charles Bridge, amazing in its beauty, as well as a huge number of different attractions.

The exact date of the foundation of Prague is unknown. However, already in the 15th century, chronicles mention fairs that took place at the confluence of the Vltava and Berounka rivers. The formation of the Prague Castle took place in the 9th century. In the next century, Prague received the status of the capital of the Czech kingdom. The city received its rapid development in the 12th century, becoming the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

During the Second World War, Prague was occupied by the Germans. However, fortunately, the hostilities carried out on its territory did not lead to the destruction of unique historical structures.

In the post-war years, the metro appeared in the capital of the Czech Republic. Construction of new neighborhoods proceeded at a rapid pace.

After the victory of the Velvet Revolution, Prague became one of the most popular European cities for tourists. Its historical center is recognized as a UNESCO heritage.

Today, the population of the capital of the Czech Republic is more than 1.3 million people who live in 15 districts, numbered depending on their distance from the center. On the map, they can be seen arranged clockwise.

Economics of a country

The basis of the national economy of the Czech Republic is mechanical engineering and electronics, the food industry and ferrous metallurgy, the service sector and construction. The Czech Republic is one of the most successful post-communist states to date.

The characteristics of the country in economic terms testify to the success and stability of its national economy. After the Velvet Revolution, the Czech Republic inherited from Czechoslovakia energy inefficient and non-environmental industries. In those years, ferrous metallurgy, working on imported raw materials, as well as the military industry and mechanical engineering, occupied too much of the production sector.

As for foreign trade, it was mainly focused on the needs of the USSR, which to a large extent held back the growth of the country's economy.

After independence, the government of the Czech Republic made some significant changes. It abolished the centralized regulation of prices, introduced the freedom of private enterprise, abolished the monopoly of state foreign trade, carried out privatization and reconstruction of property. Thanks to the influx of foreign investments, the Czech Republic carried out the modernization and restructuring of the industry in the shortest possible time, and also developed the necessary auxiliary and technical infrastructures.

Today, the Czech Republic is experiencing rapid GDP growth. This is due to the growth of the industrial sector and the reduction in the share of ferrous metallurgy and industries intended for military structures. When the share of the automotive industry and the production of electrical products increases. This allowed the Czech Republic to reach a positive foreign trade balance. Success became possible even despite the rapid rise in prices for gas and oil imported into the country.

It is worth saying that the size of foreign trade per capita in the country is very high and is ahead of such countries as Great Britain and Japan, Italy and France.

Prague is the city and capital of the Czech Republic, the administrative center of the Central Bohemian Region and two of its districts. The capital of the Czech Republic will be of interest to all travelers. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, has big story, many historical architectural buildings, and like Paris, is also the place of all lovers. Let's take a walk in Prague, learn a little about this amazing city. Interesting-vse.ru advises everyone to visit Prague at least once in their life, take a walk and feel and get emotions for life. The Habsburgs ruled here, and the representatives of the dynasty were known as lovers of art and architecture.

According to 2013 data, the population of the city is 1.2 million people.

Facts about Prague

City name

The name of the city causes a lot of controversy. The toponym Praha is usually associated with the Czech word "prah" (threshold). One of the most popular is the legend of Libush. She sent servants into the forest, who found a man there, hewing the threshold of the house, hence the name Prague.

According to the World tourism organization by 2005, it had become the sixth most visited in Europe after London, Paris, Rome, Madrid and Berlin.

Prague's urban transport includes the metro system, trams and buses. The Prague Metro consists of 57 stations and three lines with a total length of 59.3 km, distinguished by letters and colors: green A, yellow B, red C.

The city is a recognized center of higher education in the Czech Republic and Eastern Europe. Currently, it has 8 higher educational institutions financed from the state budget.

Charles University

Univerzita Karlova v Praze

Prague is home to one of the oldest universities in the world - Charles University. Charles University was founded in 1347, the oldest university "north of the Alps and east of the Rhine", 49 thousand students and postgraduates.

The main university of the Czech Republic, the oldest university in Central Europe and one of the oldest universities in the world, was founded? Emperor Charles IV in 1348.

The Academy is located in this city. visual arts- Founded in 1799.

Prague is a traditional European cultural center, the venue for many famous events of world importance.

House of Faust

Faustuv dum

The building is located on the south side of Charles Square in the Renaissance style with baroque changes, has a large garden. The house is famous thanks to a legend according to which the German scientist and warlock Johann Faust lived here. Back in the 14th century, Opava House stood on this site - the palace of the Přemyslid branch, in which Prince Wenceslas was engaged in alchemy. In 1590, the English alchemist Edward Kelly worked in the house of Faust at the court of Rudolf II, and his fate was tragic. Plus, after 1724, Ferdinand Antonin Mladota conducted his alchemical and chemical experiments here.

Dancing House

Office building in Prague in the style of deconstructivism, consists of two cylindrical towers: normal and destructive. The Dancing House is an architectural metaphor for a dancing couple, jokingly called "Ginger and Fred" after the couple Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. One of the two cylindrical parts, the one that expands upward, symbolizes a male figure, and the second part of the building visually resembles a female figure with a thin waist and a skirt fluttering in the dance. Like many deconstructivist buildings, it contrasts sharply with the neighboring solid architectural complex turn of the XIX-XX centuries.

Prague Castle

Prazsky hrad

castle-fortress

The date of foundation of the castle is considered to be IX-X century. Prague Castle is a complex of buildings, temples and fortifications located around the three main courtyards, St. George's Square and Irzhskaya Street. The architectural dominant is St. Vitus Cathedral.
Now the fortress is the residence of the President of the Czech Republic, it used to be such for the Czech kings and emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. The largest presidential residence in the world, possibly also the largest castle in the world.

Petrshinskaya tower

The tower in Prague is a copy of the Effel tower in Paris. It was built on the hill of the same name in Prague at the initiative of the Club of Czech Tourists after visiting the World Exhibition in Paris in 1889, and is similar to the Eiffel Tower.
In 1890, it was Wilem Kurz who initiated the construction in the Prague district of Petrin observation tower. The tower is made of metal. The weight of the structure is about 170 tons. The designers of the tower are engineers František Prašil and Julius Soucek.

For not spoiling appearance old town, in Prague it is forbidden to put satellite dishes on the roofs of old houses and change old windows for new plastic windows.

Czech beer is part of an original national culture. The profession of a brewer (sweetie) is considered among the Czechs one of the most prestigious and respected. The history of Czech beer dates back over a thousand years - the drink was first mentioned in historical chronicles at the end of the 11th century.

S taropramen

The beer is brewed directly in Prague, in the Smichov region.

Staropramen in the Czech Republic is deservedly considered the third most popular. Produced at the Staropramensky brewery (Pivovar Staropramen) in Prague. More than ten types of Staropramen beer are produced, and each is interesting in its own way to lovers. Dark varieties have a subtle aroma of roasted malt; lighter ones have a sweetish malt flavor. Many Praguers drink Staropramen daily. The non-alcoholic Staropramen Nealko is considered the best Czech beer in its category.

Prague Beer Museum

Prague Beer Museum

Prague beer museum is not only information centre, where you can study the history of this drink in the Czech Republic, but also a bar where 30 types of beer are bottled. In fact, the museum is a beer bar, an institution with a unique selection of beer))).

Lego Museum

Every child, especially a boy, will be interested in visiting the museum of the legendary LEGO constructor. Expositions are regularly updated in the museum, so every time your children see new exhibitions here.

The Lego Museum recreates many famous world sights, and walking around the museum you can see the whole world from the designer!

Museum of Franz Kafka

Museum dedicated to the life and work of Franz Kafka. It is located in Prague, in Mala Strana, to the left of the Charles Bridge. The museum exposition includes all the first editions of Kafka's books, his correspondence, diaries, manuscripts, photographs and drawings.

The Charles Bridge

Karluv most

Medieval bridge in Prague across the Vltava river, connecting the historical districts of Mala Strana and Stare Mesto. The length of the bridge is 520 m, width - 9.5 m. The bridge rests on 16 powerful arches lined with hewn sandstone blocks. The stone bridge was originally called Prague, in 1870 it was officially renamed in honor of the founder Charles IV. It is decorated with thirty sculptures, mostly of religious content.

K lementinum

The complex of baroque buildings of the Jesuit Collegium, which is currently occupied by the National Library of the Czech Republic. Located in the Prague quarter of Stare Mesto, near the Charles Bridge. With an area of ​​20 thousand square meters. m. Clementinum among the historical and architectural complexes of the Czech capital is inferior in size only to Prague Castle. Since 2005, it has been listed in the international register "Memory of the World".

Prague chimes

Prazsky Orloj

Medieval clock tower mounted on the south wall of the tower of the Old Town Hall on the Old Town Square in Prague. They are the third oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest that are still working. Date of construction - 1410

P udolfinum

Rudolfinum

Date of construction - 1885

Concert and exhibition hall in the center of Prague, on the square now named after Jan Palach. It was opened on February 7, 1885. Named in honor of the Crown Prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire Rudolf, who participated in the opening ceremony. The building was erected as a gift from the Czech Savings Bank to the city of Prague and the Czech people. The architects are Josef Zitek and Josef Schulz.

Tynsky temple

Kostel Panny Marie pred Tynem

Dominant of the Old Town Square in Prague, the main parish church of the Stare Mesto district. The construction of the cathedral began in the 14th century, and was finally completed only in 1511. At the beginning of the 15th century, the Tyn Church became not only the spiritual center of the Old Town, but also the main Hussite church in Prague. In 1621, the cathedral passed to the Jesuits. At this time, a golden bowl, a symbol of the Reformation, and the inscription "Truth wins" were seized from the main statue.

Date of construction - 1511

From the Trahov Monastery

Strahovsky cluster

Monastery in Prague, an architectural monument of the Czech Republic. It is located in Hradcany, Prague 1. The monastery belongs to the oldest monasteries of the order of Premonstratensian monks.

In 1140, the first building was built, and in 1182 a new monastery was erected in its place, which, however, has not survived to this day either - it burned down in the middle of the 13th century. Later, the monastery was rebuilt several times - in the Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance styles.

The world's first sobering-up station was opened in the Czech Republic, namely in Prague, in 1951.

Even Hitler, seeing Prague, during the war forbade bombing this city because of its special atmosphere and beauty, which is not found anywhere else in the world.

The world famous inventor Thomas Edison, who is credited with the most important role in the development of American cinema, visited the first Prague cinema in September 1911. It was located in the house at the Blue Pike (Dum U Modre stiky) on Karlova Street and belonged to the pioneer of Czech cinematography, Viktor Ponrepo.

In Prague, apparently, the last functioning city pneumatic mail system in the world, which appeared for the first time in 1887, has been preserved. Unfortunately, during the flood of 2002, several stations were damaged and the system stopped working. The Czech Post is going to restore it and put it back into operation. In addition to museum and historical significance, such a system also has a purely applied character: for example, a telegram or a small package from the post office in the New Town can be delivered to Prague Castle within 3-5 minutes, which is much faster than any other mode of transport, including courier service.

The main statue of Prague is located on Wenceslas Square. The sculpture of St. Wenceslas is by far the most significant, but not the largest. The largest equestrian statue in the city is located on the top of Vitkov Hill. The monumental figure of the hero of the Hussite wars, Jan Zizka, is nine meters high. Its length from the muzzle to the tip of the horse's tail is 9 meters and 60 centimeters.

One of legendary places Prague - Cafe Slavia. It has always been a favorite place of the capital's bohemia, as well as visiting intellectuals. It is known that Marina Tsvetaeva liked to visit here. But Slavia is not only famous for this. This is the oldest cafe in the city. It first opened its doors to visitors in 1881.

The narrowest house in Prague, Hotel Clementin Old Town, was built in 1360. Its width is only 3.28 m.

In the foyer of the US Embassy in Prague (Vila Otto Petschka) there is a baroque table, at the bottom of which there is a stamp in the form of an eagle clutching a swastika in its claws. This is a reminder of the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. In 1939-1945, the villa served as the residence of General Rudolf Tussaint, Commissar of the German Army under the Reich Protector of Bohemia and Moravia, the last commandant of Prague.

Jiriho Cerveneho street - 27 meters long, This is the shortest street in the city located on the island of Kampa. And Strakonicke street is the longest, length The length of this longest street in Prague exceeds 15 kilometers.

Everyone knows the glory of Czech glass, but not everyone knows that the very first factory for its production was founded in the capital of the Czech Republic in 1414. Surprisingly, the company still produces the best samples in the world. In addition, for everyone, its administration arranges study tours.

The construction of the New Town Hall in Prague lasted 200 years. And Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral was built over 500 years.

Prague is so densely built up with old houses that the passage between some of them is no more than seventy centimeters. To coordinate pedestrians in such narrow lanes, special traffic lights are even installed!

Many episodes of the cartoon "Tom and Jerry" were drawn in Prague at the "Brothers in Tricks" studio.

Prague's Vytopna Restaurant has no waiters, and food and drinks are brought here by small toy trains.

Not far from the Gergeta brick factory, tourists can see two unusual statues. We are talking about two pissing men who act as fountains and, oddly enough, stenographers. If you look closely, then the streams that erupt from the statues do not just pour, but write out letter by letter the famous quotes of great people. This process is controlled by a special computer, and if desired, for a fee, tourists can order a phrase of their choice, for example, wish a friend a happy birthday or declare love to a loved one.

Each of the three lines of the Prague metro corresponds to an individual voice. All stations on branch C are announced by a male voice belonging to Czech Radio host Tomas Cerny.

Line "B" was given her voice by the former TV news presenter on the Nova channel, and today the head of the city of Sadsk, Eva Jurinova. Stations on Line A are announced by Czech Radio host Svetlana Lavickova. The voice in all trams and buses of the city belongs to her colleague Dagmar Hazdrova.

The length of the Vltava River in Prague is about 30 kilometers. The maximum width of its channel in the city is 330 meters. The river flows around 9 islands.

Metro station N?m?st? M?ru is the deepest in the entire European Union. Its platforms are located at a depth of 53 meters below the surface of the earth. The station's escalators, manufactured by the German company ThyssenKrupp, are 87 meters long and are also the longest in the EU.

The John Lennon Wall is mentioned in many guidebooks and is a famous Prague landmark. It is curious that the legendary musician himself has never been to Prague.

The Stalin Monument in Prague is the largest sculptural group in Europe. It was dedicated to the statesman of the USSR Joseph Stalin and was located in 1955-1962 on the Letensky observation deck in the Holesovice district of Prague. The grand opening of the monument took place on May 1, 1955. Nikita Khrushchev came to the opening of the monument and presented it to the creators of the order? Lenin.

Source - Internet

Prague - the capital of the Czech Republic, facts and history of the city updated: December 13, 2017 by: website

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 became the capital of the Czech Republic on January 1, 1993.

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 high!) 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 by 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 big influence to the music of the younger
■ Creator of the most unusual literary works in 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.

Prague has been considered the capital of the Czech Republic since the 10th century. In 1918, the city received the status of the capital of the newly formed Czechoslovakia. In 1993 Prague becomes the main city of the Czech Republic.

Geography

Prague covers an area of ​​500 sq. kilometers in the center. The capital stands on 9 hills separated by the Vltava River. Within the city limits, the length of the Vltava is 30 kilometers; also on the territory of the city, the river Berounka flows into the Vltava.

Administrative division

Capital of the Czech Republic It is subdivided into 22 administrative districts (districts), which include 57 parts.

The capital of the Czech Republic - Prague (clickable)

However, within the framework of legislation (criminal, administrative, electoral) Prague has only 10 districts.

Population

The current urban population is approximately 1,300,000 people. The number of residents is gradually increasing, mainly due to, among which immigrants from Ukraine, Slovakia, Russia and Vietnam predominate. The total number of migrants already exceeds 100,000: 35,000 Ukrainians, 15,000 Slovaks, 10,000 Russians, 6,000 Vietnamese.

The official language is Czech, which is spoken by 99% of the population of Prague. Almost all Praguers understand Slovak, most are ready to mark in German and English, if desired, every city dweller will understand the “great and mighty” Russian language.

Story

The capital of the Czech Republic for a long time consisted of several separate cities, which are currently its historical districts. This is , and , . In the past, these independent formations were often at enmity and even fought among themselves, and the rivalry between Grad and Vyshegrad in luxury and the status of the capital of the state is generally a separate multi-page story.

For the first time, the idea of ​​unifying the Prague cities arose in 1518, but ended in failure, the townspeople could not overcome their differences. And only in 1784, by decree of the Austrian Emperor Joseph II, a prototype of modern Prague appeared.

Transport

Public transport in Czech capital represented by metro, buses and trams.

• With market square(Old Town Square), and a monument to Jan Hus
• with palaces and parks
• with, and Pinkas synagogues
• Monasteries in and

short 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 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 big rivers– Elba, 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 - +3C
- April - +8C
- May - +13C
- June - +16С
- July - +18C
- August - +17С
- September - +14С
- 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 the Bohemian Paradise geopark, which has a large number of mineralogy, paleontology and archeology monuments.

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 on local ski resorts. There are a large number of mineral springs in the Czech Republic, 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, Luhacovice, 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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