Prague

Prague – the Capital of the Czech Republic
(important historical events, famous landmarks, a sightseeing tour of Prag, museums, galleries, theatres, public transport, industries)

1) History
•    founded by Princess Libuse of the Premyslid dynasty, the glory of Prague “would touch the stars”
•    the Slavs come to Prague valley in the 6th century
•    9th century – Prague castle, 10th century – Vysehrad
•    imperial residence of Charles IV. (archbishopric, Charles University 1348, Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral)
•    Hussite movement, Jan Zizka
•    seat of Rudolph II. (scientists, e. g. Tycho de Brahe, Johannes Kepler)
•    1918 capital of the Czechoslovak republic
•    after World War II. liberated by the Russians
•    occupation in 1968 started normalization
•    now home of President, the Czech Parliament, the Czech government and all important state ministries
•    kinds of transport: underground, airport, trams, buses, cars, trains, boats

2) Sights
•    the Prague Castle – largest residential complex  in Czech Republic, founded in 9th century; seat of Bohemian Kings, since 1918 seat of President; Vladislav Hall, Spanish Hall; the Royal Palace, the Gothic St. Vitus’ Cathedral, the Castle Gallery, St. George’s Monastery, Golden Lane
•    the Old Town Square – astronomical clock of 15th century; every hour the procession of the 12 apostles in the upper part and the copy of 12 medallions with the signs of the zodiacal constellation in the lower part can be seen
•    Vysehrad – oldest seat place the Premyslide princess; rotunda of St. Martin, cemetery with the tombs [tu:ms] of famous people
•    the Charles Bridge – one of the oldest standing stone bridges in Europe; founded by Charles IV. in 1357; on both sides there are 30 statues of baroque art
•    the Carolinum – the oldest building of Charles University
•    Wenceslas Square – shopping centre of Prague; statue of St. Wenceslas by Josef Vaclav Myslbek, symbol of freedom
•    the National Museum – Neo-Renaissance building of 19th century, situated at the top of Wenceslas Square
•    the National Gallery – spread out in different Prague spots
•    the National Theatre – Neo-Renaissance building, 1881 burnt down, 1883 rebuilt, decorations by Mikolas Ales, Vaclav Hynais

3) Out sightseeing tour to Prag
•    St. Vitus’ Cathedral, Prague Castle
•    Vysehrad – Myslbek’s statues, Slavin cemetery
•    Old Town of Prague
•    Bethlehem Chapel, Trade Fair Palace
•    Kinsky Palace