European Union Program

Prague Czech Republic

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Czech Republic

At a glance Politics: Prime Minister Petr Necas heads a centre-right

coalition. Its popularity has been hit by spending cuts, graft scandals

Economy: Car-making is an engine of the economy. An austerity drive aims to cut the budget deficit

International: The Czech Republic joined the EU in 2004 but is outside the eurozone. Czech soldiers have taken part in coalition operations in Afghanistan

Part of Czechoslovakia until the "velvet divorce" in January 1993, the Czech Republic has a robust democratic tradition, a highly-developed economy, and a rich cultural her-itage. It emerged from over 40 years of Communist rule in 1990, and was the first for-mer Eastern Bloc state to acquire the status of a developed economy. It joined the Eu-ropean Union in 2004. Communist rule had lasted since the late 1948, when the restored prewar democratic system was overthrown in a Soviet-backed coup. The "Prague Spring" of 1968, when Communist leader Alexander Dubcek tried to bring in liberal reforms, was crushed by Warsaw Pact tanks. In 1989, as the curtain was coming down on communism in the Kremlin, the dissident playwright Vaclav Havel emerged as the figurehead of the coun-try's "velvet revolution" and became the first president of post-communist Czechoslo-vakia. An era ended in February 2003 when he stepped down as president. It had been inter-rupted for only a few months at the time of the separation of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with Mr Havel becoming first president of the former. Mr Havel saw the ghost of former Soviet military influence exorcised in 1999 when the country was granted full membership of Nato. He left office having led it to the thresh-old of the EU. His old rival and successor as president, Vaclav Klaus, oversaw accession to the union. He was re-elected on February 15, 2008, and is well known for his euro-scepticism. The Czech Republic has been reluctant to join the euro, and is not expected to adopt the common EU currency before 2015 at the earliest. In addition to its developed industrial economy, the Czech Republic now attracts tour-ists to some of the finest Baroque, Art Nouveau and Cubist buildings in Europe.

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The Ultimate Prague Bucket-List:

Watch the astronomical clock change on

the hour

See the sunrise on the Charles Bridge

Visit the John Lennon Wall

Examine the Baroque architecture of the

St. Vitus Cathedral

Pet the lucky and faithful St. Roc on the

Charles Bridge

Where to eat:

Pivnice u Pivrnce

Come here to get a helping of traditional pork

and dumplings. It is well priced and known as the

benchmark of Czech cuisine!

Maiselova 3, Josefov, Prague 1

U Medvídků

Ever wanted to try head cheese? Yeah, me too.

This is the locale to find it, as well as other pub

fare, including fillets in a dark beer reduction.

Na Perštýně 7, Prague 1

U Radnice

Offering a communal table atmospher, this place

is located in the city center with cheap prices

that you would expect in an underground

burrough. Try the goulash!

U radnice 2, Prague 1

Country Life

A must for the vegetarians and vegans (all fare is

vegan). This restaurants offers buffet style fare

and locations are sprinkled around the city.

Melantrichova 463/15

Prague is known as one of the most beautiful

cities in the world, as well as the top destinati-

on for young backpackers worldwide. Once you

arrive in Prague, you will most definitely experi-

ence this same feeling. Prague offers an old-

town feel mixed with eccentric, new-age cul-

ture. For example, the Dancing House, also

known as Fred and Ginger, is an example of Mo-

dernist architecture from Frank Gehry. You will

see pieces of architecture like this juxtaposed

against places like the Baroque St. Vitus

Cathedral, a masterpiece lying in the city cen-

ter. Take some time to notice this intriguing mix

of architecture.

Also take some time to try local cuisine and

pastries. If you have a free moment, sit inside a

warm cafe bundled up with a coffee and a kola-

che, or a pastry usually filled with fruit preser-

ves.

Enjoy your time in Prague— and don´t forget

to document this wonderfully romantic city.

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Prague Castle Hill

Prague 1-Hradcany

The Prague Castle is the most popular sight visited in Prague. It is the largest ancient castle in the world (570m long, on

average 128m wide). Constructed in the 9th century by Prince Boøivoj, the castle transformed itself from a wooden

fortress surrounded by earthen bulwarks to the imposing form it has today. Rulers made their own additions so there

is a mixture of styles. Prague castle has had four major reconstructions, but it keeps its classical facelift it took on in the

18th century during the reign of Maria Theresa. The castle has three courtyards and it has always been the seat of

Czech rulers as well as the official residence.

Opening Hours for the Prague Castle Complex: 6am-11pm, changing of the guard hourly

Old Royal Palace (Starý Královský Palác)

Third Courtyard

Dating back to 1135, this is one of the oldest parts of the castle. It was the seat of the Bohemian princes, but from the

13th to 16th centuries it was the king’s palace. Vladislay Hall (Vladislavský sál), in the center of the palace, was used for

banquets, councils, coronations, and in bad weather, jousting. The other parts are the Rider’s staircase (Jezdecké

schody), a place where all the Czech presidents have been sworn into power, Ludvik Wing famous for the

defenestration (the act of throwing someone out a window) of 1618, New Land Rolls Room, the old map repository for

land titles and the All Saints’ Chapel.

St Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála Sv. Vita)

Third Courtyard

The foundation of the cathedral stone was laid in 1344 by Emperor Charles IV, built in a late-Gothic style. Over the

centuries, renaissance and baroque details were added and the cathedral was completed in 1929. The most beautiful

of numerous side chapels, Parler’s Chapel of St Wenceslas, houses the crown jewels and the tomb of ‘Good King’

Wenceslas. There are many superb examples of 20th century Czech stained glass and marvelous pieces of art. There are

also excellent views form the Great Tower on a clear day.

Golden Lane

Zlatá Uliéka

Named after the goldsmiths who lived here in the 17th century, Golden Lane is popular with its tiny colorful houses

built right into the arches of the castle walls. In the 18th and 19th centuries they were occupied by squatters.

Later it was the home of the writer France Kafka (House 22) and Nobel-laureate poet Jaroslaf Seifert. Most of them are

souvenir shops today.

Charles Bridge

Between Old Town (Stare Mesto) and Lesser Town (Mala Strana)

Charles Bridge was built by Charles IV in 1357. It is in Gothic style, 516m long, 9.5m wide and supported by 16 massive

piers. Both ends are fortified by towers: the Old Town tower dates back to 1380 while the New Town tower dates back

to 1464. The Charles Bridge was the only bridge in Prague through the 19th century.

Jewish Quarter (Joesfov)

Named after the emperor Josef II, whose reforms helped to ease living condition for Jews, the Jewish Quarter contains

the remains of Prague’s former Jewish ghetto. As many of the Jews died during World War II and were forced by the

communist regime to leave the country, the current Jewish Prague community numbers 5,000-6,000. There are two

figures synonymous with this part of the city, Franz Kafka (1883-1924) and the mystical homunculus Golem created by

Jehuda ben Bezalel, also known as Rabi Löw.

Sights and Historical Places

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National Gallery (Národní galerie v Praze)

Hradčanské náměstí 15, Prague 1; Metro Malostranska

The National Gallery in Prague is housed in different locations within the city, the largest being the Veletržní Palác. Its

history dates back to the 18th century, when a group of prominent representatives of Bohemia patriotic aristocracy

and enlightened middle-class intellectuals decided to elevate what they called ‘debased artistic taste’ of the local

population. It houses the National Gallery’s collection of modern art. In 1918, the Picture Gallery of the Society of

Patriotic Friends of Arts became a central collection of newly formed Czechoslovakia.

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10-6, closed Monday

Admission: 120 CZK

The Czech Museum of Fine Arts

Praha 1, Husova Street 19-21

The Czech Museum of Fine Arts (originally the Mid-Bohemian Gallery) was founded in 1963 as a regional gallery. It

began its activities at Nelahozeves Castle near Prague, where in 1964 it opened a permanent exhibition of Czech

modern art (which was discontinued in 1971).

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm, closed Monday

Admission: 50 CZK , free admission for ISIC Card holders

Museums

Wenceslas Square

Václavské náměstí

Originally a horse market, this square got its present name in the mid-19th century. The Wenceslas Square is the main

center of modern Prague, surrounded by shops, cinemas, office blocks, hotels, restaurants, and cafes. This square has

also been the scene of a great deal of Czech history. In 1969, a university student named Jan Palach burnt himself to

death in protest against the Warsaw Pact invasion by the Soviets, and in November 1989 protest meetings against po-

lice brutality were held here and led to the Velvet Revolution, ending communism in Czechoslovakia. In the middle of

the square there is a monument of St Wenceslas on a horse accompanied with sculptures of four Czech patron saints.

Old Town Hall (Staroměstská radnice)

Staroměstská náměstí 1

The Old Town’s ancient town hall was established in 1338 after the agreement of King John of Luxembourg to set up a

town council. Several old houses had to be knocked down over the centuries as the Old Town Hall expanded. A Gothic

chapel and a neo-Gothic north wing were destroyed by the Nazis in the spring of 1945. The chapel has since been re-

constructed. The most popular part of the tower is the Town Hall Clock (Orloi). Originally installed in 1410, the clock

was rebuilt by the Master Hanuš in 1490. It consists of three parts-the procession of the Apostles, the astronomical

clock, and the calendar. The main attraction is the hourly procession of the 12 Apostles.

Old Town Square

Staroměstské náměstí

This square has been the heart of Prague since the 10th century, the main marketplace until the beginning of the 20th

century, and the scene of both glorious and tragic events in history. There are beautiful pastel-colored buildings of

Romanesque or Gothic origin with fascinating house signs. Some of the most prominent examples include the Kinský

Palace, the House of the Stone Bell and the Štorch House. Today, the Old Town Square offers visitors a tourist infor-

mation office, number of restaurants, cafes, shops, and galleries.

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Czech cuisine has both influenced and been influenced by the cuisines of surrounding countries. Many of the fine cakes and pastries that are popular in Central Europe originated in the Czech lands. Czech cuisine is marked by a strong emphasis on meat dishes. Pork is quite common, and beef and chicken are also popular. Goose, duck, rabbit and wild game are served. Fish is rare, with the occasional exception of fresh trout, and carp, which is served at Christmas.

Knedlíky (boiled sliced dumplings) are one of the mainstays of Czech cuisine and are often served with meals.

Roast pork with dumplings and cabbage (vepřová pečeně s knedlíky a se zelím, colloquially vepřo-knedlo-zelo) is considered the most popular Czech dish. There are two variants of preparing the cabbage, Bohemian and Moravian. Bohemians prefer the cabbage to be sour, so they prepare the dish from sauerkraut. In Moravia it is preferred sweeter and so is prepare from fresh cabbage, or by adding some sugar, if the fresh variety is not accessible. But these variants aren't strict, and either may be available in each region.

Food

The National Museum New Building

Vinohradská 1, 110 00 Praha 1

The National Museum is a scientific institution intended to systematically establish, prepare and publicly exhibit

natural, scientific, and historical collections. It was founded at the end of the 18th century through the efforts of many

distinguished figures in Bohemia.

Opening Hours: Daily, 10am-6pm

Admission: 70 CZK (student discount)

Jewish Museum in Prague

Praha 1, U Staré školy 1

Founded in 1906, the museum preserves artifacts from the Prague synagogues demolished during the Urban renewal

of the old Jewish Quarter in the beginning of the 20th century. In 1942 the Nazis regime established the Central Jewish

Museum, with the goal of commemorating the heritage of an exterminated people by collecting notable objects of

Jewish ceremonial art. Artifacts were shipped to the museum from all the Jewish communities and synagogues of

Bohemia and Moravia. The museum reopened under the post-War Communist government, but began to flourish

after the Czech lands were liberated from Communism. The exhibitions of the museum are located in six historic sites:

The Maisel Synagogue, The Spanish Synagogue, The Pinkas Synagogue, The Klausen Synagogue, The Ceremonial Hall,

The Old Jewish Cemetery. Also worth visiting is the Old-New Synagogue who’s main hall is the only existing medieval-

type hall of its kind.

Opening Hours: Winter: Mon-Fri, Sun: 9 am - 4.30 pm

Admission: 200 CZK (concession price), Old-New Synagogue: 140 CZK (concession price)

Old Jewish Cemetery (Starý židovský høbitov)

Široká 3

Founded in 1478, it is Europe’s oldest surviving Jewish cemetery. People had to be buried on top of one another due

to a lack of space. There are about 12 layers and over 12,000 gravestones. 100,000 people are thought to have been

buried here; the last person buried was Moses Beck in 1787. The most prominent graves are those of Mordechai

Maisel and Rabi Löw.

Opening Hours: November-March 3-4:30, April-October 9-6 (except on Saturdays and Jewish holidays), last admission

30 minutes before closing

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The Prague Metro has three lines consisting of about 50km of tracks. The Metro is only about 30 years old and is

mostly Russian built. The current Metro lines are:

Line A (Green)-running east to west from Depo Hostivař to Dejvická

Line B (Yellow)-running east to west from Černý to Zličín

Line C (Red)-running north to south from Ládvi to Háje

Trains run from 5am to midnight in 2-3 minute intervals during peak hours and 4-10 minute intervals in off hours.

Trams cover a large area of the city with almost 500km of tracks. Daytime trams run from 4:30am until midnight in 8-

10 minute intervals (8-15 minutes on weekends). Trams 22 and 23 follow one of Prague’s most scenic routes.

Transportation

Many Prague taxi drivers are rude and dishonest and will rip you off if you are a foreigner. This doesn’t affect things

too much because the public transport system is so efficient. Here are some taxi tips:

-Don’t get into a taxi that is parked in front of the train station or a tourist site. These are waiting for unsuspecting

tourists and are known to charge rates several times higher than they should be.

-Make sure the taxi is a registered, real taxi. The yellow roof lamp will be permanently installed and say TAXI in

black letters on both sides. The company name, license number and rates should also be printed on both front

doors.

-Try to find out how much your ride should cost beforehand. You can ask the driver before you get in, and if you are

ordering a taxi over the phone you can ask for an estimate from the dispatcher.

-Make sure the taximeter corresponds to the price list posted in the car.

-You have the right to request a printed receipt. If the driver refuses to give you one, you can refuse to pay the fare.

• Useful Metro-Dictionary

eskalátor - escalator linka (A, B, C) - line (A, B, C)

metro - subway přestup - transfer

stanice metra - subway station trasa - route

vstup - entrance výstup - exit

AAA Radiotaxi (+420) 222 333 222, 14 0 14 or

City Taxi 257 257 257

Profi Taxi 140 15 or 2 61 31 41 51

Sedop 777 666 333

Taxi Companies:

Conversion Rates: $1: 20.67 Czech Republic Koruny (CZK)

€1: 25.41 Czech Republic Koruny (CZK)

yes Ano ano

no Ne ne

please Prosím proseem

thank you Dĕkuji vam dyekooyi vam

good morning Dobré ráno dobrye rano

good afternoon Dobré odpoledne dobrye odpoledne

hello Dobry' den dobree den

goodbye Na shledanou nas-khledanow

I don’t understand. Nerozumím nerozoomeem

Do you speak English? Mluvíte anglicky? mlooveete anglitskee

I don’t speak (much)

Czech. Nemluvím (moc) cĕsky. nemlooveem (mots)

chehskee

Helpful Czech Phrases: