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Prague Czech Republic

INTRODUCTION

Located on the Vltava River in central Bohemia, Prague is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic. Known as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is filled with enough amazing architecture, horrific history, and classical charm to rival any city in the world. The city center is filled with wonderful things to see and do. The Charles Bridge is a must see at sunset and the Jewish Cemetery is a highlight for many. There are street markets almost daily, filled with wonderful handmade items such as crystal jewelry, pottery, and paintings. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, visit the small town of Kutna Hora, home of the Church of Bones, just an hour outside of the city. Prague is the city of one hundred towers and has its roots in medieval times. It underwent renovation and expansion during the art nouveau era, giving Prague a rich cultural and artisitic heritage with a truly eclectic feel.

The city itself is tucked like a jewel into the centre of seven hills, whose well-tended parkland rolls gently into the distance. Serene and romantic, yet lively and modern, Prague is a city of contrasts. The city's medieval and Baroque pasts are evident and communism undoubtedly left its mark, but Prague has pulled itself into the twenty-first century and wears it very well. The River Vltava, the Czech Republic's main river, runs throughout Prague, crossed by fifteen bridges. A scattering of small green islands provide breathing spaces from the hustle and bustle of the city, as do the many parks which surround the city. There is an ancient landmark, be it a castle, monastery, church, square, or courtyard, at every turn in the narrow, cobbled streets of the city center, where the daily life of the locals continues busily around you. Don't forget to visit the castle for an astounding view across the gentle countryside as far as the eye can see. And enjoy a beer-of course-in a busy square, replete with colourful street artists and lively market traders.

HISTORY

The history of this area dates back to the Paleolithic Age. Around 500 B.C. the first known inhabitants of the region were a Celtic tribe called the Boii, who named the region Bohemia. During the early A.D.s the area was controlled by Germanic tribes and eventually the Czech Slavs, and in 870 the very important Prague Castle was founded. In 962 Prague became part of the Holy Roman Empire and in 1346 became the Empire's capital city under Charles IV (who the Charles Bridge is named after). In 1806 Napoleon officially called an end to the Holy Roman Empire and the Czech lands almosst went to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which would have made it a triple monarchy, but the assassination of the Empire's leader led to World War I. After the war the area was turned into Czechoslovakia and Prague became its capital. During World War II Prague was occupied by Nazi Germany and much of its large Jewish population fled or perished during the Holocaust. The city was freed by the Red Army and in 1948 became a Soviet satellite state. In 1968 came the Prague Spring, a movement by local intellectuals to reform the oppressive system, which was soon followed by Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia. The Velvet Revolution began in 1989 with the fall of the Berlin Wall (termed "velvet" because the transition was remarkably smooth) and resulted in the Czech's release from Soviet control. In 1993 Czechoslovakia split into two separate states: the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Climate: Prague summers are hot and sunny with occasional thunderstorms, while winters are bitter cold and often snowy.

Currency: Czech crown

Language: Czech

Power: 220 V, 50 Hz

Time Zone: Central European Time (CET)

Taxi drivers in Prague are notorious cheats. It is best to use public transportation or, in order to get a reliable driver, have your hotel call for you. If using public transport, such as the tramway, know that tickets are often bought in nearby newspaper stands or tobacco shops. There will be little to no advertising of this fact, and it's best to just ask the cashier directly.

ATTRACTIONS

Charles Bridge

Jewish Cemetery

Kutna Hora (outside of Prague)

Prague Castle

Christmas Market

Wenceslas Square

John Lennon Wall

St Nicholas Cathedral

Old Town Square

Dancing House

Club Lavka

Museums

RESTAURANTS

Try goulash and dumplings in the nearest pub. Originally a Hungarian dish, it is both popular and popularly claimed as the traditional meal across Eastern Europe. Like an American hamburger, the best are often found in the least fancy of places.

Bohemia Bagel has two locations and is a great place to grab breakfast or a light meal, sip their bottomless coffee or soda, and eat bagels, soup, and sandwiches.

LODGING

There are several hotels based at the foot of Prague Castle and, because they are just on the other side of the Vltava River, they offer excellent views of the castle lit up at night. For the low-budget traveler there are many hostels to be found within the city center. Be wary of hotels and hostels much beyond the center as the price changes little and you could find yourself in a rather dodgy neighborhood. Public transportation is easily found throughout the city however, so if saving money is essential then traveling to and from the outskirts of the city won't be a problem.