Prague, capital and largest city in the Czech Republic, has become one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. Its traditional pubs and eateries have been augmented by a wave of gourmet restaurants, cocktail bars and trendy cafes.
Prague’s first inhabitants arrived during the early Stone Age. Around halfway through the 6th century AD the Slavs moved into Prague's environs. Germanic and Slavic settlements existed side by side here for some time, though the Slavs eventually outnumbered their neighbours. In the 8th century the Slavs built a network of colonies. In the second half of the 9th century a settlement was founded on the hilltop site where Prague Castle was later built.
Prague lies in the transitional area between maritime and continental climates, characterised by hot, showery summers, cold, snowy winters and generally changeable conditions. Average summer temperatures are 24-26°C (75-79°F), with chilly nights. In the hottest months, June and July, the temperature usually hovers around 30°C (86°F). In winter daytime temperatures hover around -5°C (41°F). Spring and summer are likely to be the sunniest hours months, the period between May and August is the rainiest. Rainfall is pretty much regular throughout the year, with just a tad more in spring and autumn and the very occasional summer thunderstorm.
Prague generates over 20% of the national gross domestic product and double the average of the whole country is attributable to it in per capita terms. In addition to Czech businesses a number of foreign companies operate in the city and their business interests spread in all directions throughout the continent. The favourable investment climate is also confirmed by the city’s ‘A’ rating by Standard and Poor’s. The services sector has grown significantly while the percentage of manufacturing industries is decreasing. In addition to business services (finances, real estate market, information technologies, consulting, advertising, etc.) and services for individuals (primarily retail), the tourist industry holds an exceptional position in Prague. The city has a well-diversified, highly industrial economy. Main products are metals and machinery, aircraft engines, automobiles (Volkswagen AG), diesel engines, machine tools, refined oil products, electronics, beer, chemicals, and food.
The public transport system in Prague is well developed, efficient and accessible. The metro, trams and buses cover the majority of the city and outskirts. The Metro is very cheap, efficient and fast. The metro is divided into 3 lines A,B,C, respectively green, yellow and red. Tram lines criss-cross the centre and are the best way to get around, after the metro. With some small exceptions Prague buses are not allowed in the centre because of environment protection reasons, but cover most of Prague suburbs and city districts where trams or underground don’t run. After midnight night trams and buses offer a limited service, usually every hour. Unfortunately the transport system is one of the prime targets of pickpockets and thieves. A car is unnecessary since much of the city is pedestrianised, parking is a major problem and vehicle crime is rife. Car rental is also expensive.
Children ages 3-6 may attend nursery school, called mateøská škola. Attendance is not compulsory, but nearly 90% of children in this age group do attend. Compulsory education usually begins at age six and runs for a minimum of nine years, including primary and lower secondary school. For students moving on to upper secondary education there are three options: gymnázium, technical school called støední odborná škola, or vocational school called støední odborné uèilištì. All upper secondary schools require completion of a compulsory education. There are several institutions of higher education in Prague, but by far the most famous is Charles University, founded in 1348 and the oldest in central Europe. The activity of the Czech Academy of Sciences (founded in 1952 as the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences) is supplemented by many specialized institutions; the academy sponsors a number of international congresses.
The Castle District stretches across the top of the hill overlooking the city and incorporates the best churches and museums in Prague set around three courtyards, gardens, fortifications and state apartments. The Old Royal Palace was home to the Kings of Bohemia from the 11th to the 17th centuries. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard on the hour every hour, with the fanfare and flag ceremony included at noon.
The Charles Bridge (Karluv most) connects Old Town (Stare Mesto) with Mala Strana and is one of Prague's most beautiful sights. Construction on the bridge, which rests above the Vltava river, began in the 14th century, during the reign of King Karel IV and was finished in the 15th century. Over the years, the bridge has experienced floods and other damage, and has been restored numerous times, yet the original, Gothic style of the bridge has not changed.
The Orloj, a medieval astronomical clock located in Prague, is mounted on the southern wall of Old Town City Hall in the Old Town Square and is a popular tourist attraction. The four figures flanking the clock are set in motion at the hour. They are symbols of the Prague medieval society. On the left there is Vanity, represented by a figure admiring himself in a mirror. Next, a Jew holding a bag of gold represents greed or usury. On the right side are represented Death ringing his bell and a Turk shaking his head and wearing his Turban.
Katedrala sv Vita (St Vitus Cathedral), the country's largest church, takes up most of the third courtyard. Inspired by the gothic cathedral at Narbonne, work actually commenced in 1344, but was not completed until 1929 due to the changing fortunes of the Czechs. The finest of the 22 side chapels is that built to hold the relics of St Wenceslas - the gilded walls are inlaid with hundreds of semi-precious stones that frame the luminous 14th-century paintings. The overly ornate baroque tomb of St John of Nepomuk was the work of the Jesuits intent on promoting this martyr as the Czech patron saint in opposition to Wenceslas.
Dancing House cuts a fine figure alongside the river, a strikingly modern contrast to Prague's historic attractions. On the top floor of Dancing House is La Perle de Prague, one of Prague's leading restaurants, offering fine French cuisine and magnificent city views.
There is always something happening all year rounds. Prague Spring has become one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in Europe, presenting exceptional artists, orchestras and chamber music ensembles of international acclaim. Every year the festival is traditionally opened and closed by the Prague Symphony Orchestra. The festival also remembers important anniversaries in the music world by including works by the composers concerned. Prague Autumn Festival – this international festival of classical music ends the European summer music festival season and has gained renown for its programme of celebrated musicians.
St Nicholas’s Eve, dated 5 Dec, is mostly celebrated at city centre. People are wandering at streets in threesomes, dressed as St Nicholas, an angel and a devil, symbolising confession, reward and punishment. Grown man that day are stick to the beer drinking hobby.
New Year’s Eve (Silvester) held on 31st December is presented by spectacular fireworks and a mellower pace at Prague Castle or Vysehrad. For great festivities everybody goes to the Old Town Square where live big screening and other performances are held. Other places to go are Wenceslas Sq., Old and New Town. Be prepared for streets packed crowds of tourists and champagne bottles to be smashed everywhere.
