The City of Prague

The Czech Republic is a region rich in history and culture. Situated in the center of Europe, or as Czechs proudly say “in the heart of Europe,” it is a bridge between East and West, both geographically and culturally. There are several mountain ranges and national parks, hundreds of castles, and many historical sights which remain as testament to the dramatic history of this region.

The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, is situated on the Vltava River and spans several hills. With over one million inhabitants, Prague is the seat of the Czech Parliament and Government, an important economic and cultural center, and is considered one of the most beautiful capitals of Europe. Its position allows easy access to major European cities such as Berlin, Bratislava, Vienna and Budapest.

Prague is also one of the oldest capitals in Europe and for a long time the city served as the primary residence of kings governing the region, including the Habsburg Empire. The two most prominent historical landmarks of the city are the Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge. Several architectural styles can be found throughout the city such as Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Classicism, Art Noveau, as well as other modern styles of the twentieth century.

“The City of a Hundred Spires” includes its three historical quarters, which makes it unique among the capitals of Europe. The three old quarters, the Old Town, Lesser Town and New Town, have remained practically unaltered for hundreds of years. The Charles Bridge, adorned with beautiful statues, connects the old settlement below the walls of the castle with the Old Town and the New Town. The New Town is an important location for arts, entertainment and shopping. There is an amazing composition of different architectural styles in the whole city, which enhance its attraction.

Prague has been the home of many musicians, writers and artists including Kafka, Kundera, Mozart, Dvořák and Smetana. It has a wealth of opportunities for residents and visitors to attend cultural events and performances, which feature both local and international talent. There are numerous museums and galleries throughout the city, and many clubs and recital halls offer a range of daily concerts, operas and theatre performances.