Prague
outline: – basic information
– history
– places of interest
– economy + transport
– my view, my memories, my opinion
Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic. It has population of 1.2 million inhabitants. It is situated in the central Bohemia on the river Vltava.
Prague is the seat of Czech president (Prague castle), Czech Parliament, Government and Radio Free Europe.
The city of Prague is divided into 22 districts. Prague 1 and 2 are the best known historical parts.
History:
According to the legend, Prague was founded by princess Libuše. In the 10th century Vyšehrad Castle was built and it became the seat of Czech kings. In the 14th century Prague became a residence of Charles IV. In this time many important sights were built – Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral, the New Town, and important institutions were established– Charles University and archbishopric. In the 15th century Prague was the centre of the Hussite movement. Another bloom of Prague brought Rudolph II. During his reign many artists and scientists (Tycho de Brahe) had their seat here. In Prague the revolt against the Habsburgs, which was the part of the Thirty Year’s War between 1918-1948, was closed. In 1918 Prague became the capital of the independent Czechoslovak republic. In 1989 the Velvet Revolution started there and on 1st January 1993 Prague became the capital of the Czech Republic.
Important places:
The dominant of the city is Prague Castle, the seat of the President. The elections of the president take place in the Vladislav Hall of the castle. The castle includes gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, which was founded by Charles IV. And later it was rebuilt by Mathias of Aras and Petr Parléř. The coronations jewels are kept in the cathedral’s coronation chamber. Another famous place is the Golden Lane. The lane is made up of small colored houses which originated in the 16th century.
Near the castle on Petřín Hill, Petřín observation tower can be found.
From the castle we can go through Neruda Street to the Lesser Town. The Lesser Town is a quarter with ancient houses and gardens. From the Lesser Town Square we come to the Charles Bridge. This oldest bridge of Prague is a popular tourist attraction. It is decorated with 30 statues of baroque origin (some of them are by Mathias Braun and Mr. Brokof).
Along Charles Street we can get to Oldtown Square. It is surrounded by beautifully decorated houses. The best known building is the Oldtown Hall with the Astronomical clock. The Jan Hus Monument is in the center of the square.
Not far from the square is the Jewish Town with many synagogues. It originated in the 10th century.
If you go through Celetná Street you come to Powder Tower. Close to it is Na Příkopech Street, which takes you to Wenceslas Square. It is a 750 m long avenue. In the upper part of Wenceslas Square stands the statue of St. Wenceslas made by J. V. Myslbek. Above it you can see the National Museum, which contains historical and natural collections.
Another dominant of the city is the National Theatre with its golden roof. It was opened in 1881. It is situated near Wenceslas Square.
If you go along the river Vltava, you come to Vyšehrad. There is also the Slavín cemetery, the burial place of famous personalities.
Economy:
Prague is the most popular city for tourists in the Czech Republic. There are many hotels and restaurants. There are also other industries in Prague – engineering (Tesla), food industry, breweries (Smíchov, Braník, Staropramen), confectionary (Orion), film (Barandov and others).
Transport:
Prague is a large city and so transport is very important. There are different means of transport – buses, trams, underground, airplanes, taxis, cars. The underground has 3 lines. It was flooded last year, but it is in operation again. There is one international airport in Ruzyně.