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Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic and considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is home to 1.2 million people and is a World Heritage Site. The city is steeped in history from its foundation in the 9th century through to the medieval era and the Holy Roman Empire.
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The Bohemian influence of Charles IV is evident in the beautiful architecture that has survived through to the tragedy of World War Two and the more recent communist era.
The Velvet Revolution of 1988 saw massive democratic change across the country and a split from Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The charm of Prague lies in its cobbled streets and beautifully preserved buildings with fairytale spires. Prague is also modern with a vibrant arts scene and musical events and a real cosmopolitan feel to this beautiful part of Europe.
Prague has several districts which have their own character and features. The city is traversed by the Vltava River and the most famous crossing is the Charles Bridge with its beautiful statues and craft stalls. |
The Castle is the highest point in Prague and a major Prague attraction. It is known as the biggest ancient castle in the world and St Vitus Cathedral is also within the complex. Josefov is the preserved Jewish Ghetto with well maintained synagogues and a cemetery. Most Jews left Prague as a result of Nazi persecution in World War Two and there are few left in Prague today.
The New Town or Nove Mesto dates from the 14th century and is best known for the famous Wenceslas Square, scene of the Velvet Revolution, and the National Museum. There are several parks in this area and wide boulevards.
Walk into Stare Mesto or the Old town and see the astronomical clock and numerous historic buildings and churches. This area houses many gift shops and restaurants geared towards tourists. A Prague Card can be purchased from tour operators which gives admission to the major sights and museums in the city. South of medieval Prague the Vysehrad Castle is an interesting trip from the city centre.
Prague has several large shopping malls including Palladium in the city centre for luxury items, and OC Chodov which is a huge mall near the Chodov metro station.
Although the centre of Prague is compact and suited to walking there are segway tours of the city and the transport system is fairly efficient. Czech Breweries produce some of the world’s best beer which can be sampled throughout the city. With good restaurants and Prague hotels in the city Prague has excellent facilities for the many visitors it sees each year.
Prague Castle was erected on the Hradshin River in 870. Prague received its charter in 1234 from King Wenseslas 1. In 1348 the first university in Europe was founded in Prague. A lot of damage was done during the Hussite Wars (1419 - 1437 ) and the Thirty Years War (1618 - 1648). In 1945 Prague became the capital of the Soviet Republic of Czechoslovakia. In 1989 Prague was separated from Russian control and in 1993 became the capital of the Czech Republic.
Prague is organised by numbered districts from Praha 1 (the oldest part of the city) to Praha 15.
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