Prague

21MO – Prague

• Sightseeing

• History

• Famous people

Osnova:

1. Basic facts

2. History

3. Sightseeing (places of interest, cultural life, events)

4. Famous people

1. BASIC FACTS:

• Capital city

• 1,2 million inhabitants

• 14th largest city in Europe

• Cultural, historical and governmental heart of the rep.

• Seat of the president, parliament, government

• 5 parts – The Lesser town (oldest), New Town (founded by Charles IV.), Josefov, Hradčany, Vyšehrad

2. HISTORY:

• City was established in the 9th century

• According to a legend, Prague was found by princess Libuše and her husband Přemysl – founder of the Přemyslid dynasty

• In the 10th century Vyšehrad was built – seat of Czech kings

• In 14th century Charles IV, Bohemian King and Holy Roman Emperor chose the city as the capital of his whole Empire. He founded Chares University, St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge and the New Town

• In the 15th century Prague was centre of the Hussite movement – Jan Hus (priest, preached in the Bethlem Chapel)

• 17th century 30 years war – 1620 battle of the white mountain – strong germanisation

• 19th century centre of National revival – National theatre was built in this era

• 1918 capital city of Czechoslovakia – Prague castle was seat of 1. president T.G.M.

• In 1989 Velvet Revolution started there

• 1993 capital city of Czech Republic

3. SIGHTSEEING:

• Places of interest

  • Prague castle – dominant of city, seat of President, the largest coherent castle complex in the world

  • St. Vitus cathedral – founded by Charles IV., later rebuilt, coronation jewels are kept there

  • Charles bridge – oldest Prague bridge connects Old town and Lesser town, tourist attraction, 30 statues

  • Old town square – best known building is old town hall with the astronomical clock (most popular tourist attraction), Jan Hus monument is here

  • Wenceslas square – in the upper part stands statue of st. Wenceslas and National museum

• Cultural life and events

  • Diverse range of cultures in Prague

  • Lot of theatres – National theatre, Tyl Theatre, Lucerna hall,

  • State opera

  • Galeries – National gallery (at the Prague castle), futura centre for contemporary art

  • Museums – National museum (in reconstruction for a long time, now it´s open again), museum of music, art, dolls, …

  • Prague spring – music festival, film festivals, food festivals

  • O2 arena (most famous singers and bands)

  • Night life – many bars or pubs

  • Sport events – Half marathon and Marathon, football clubs (Sparta, Slavia), Hockey and Basketball, Tennis, ….

4. FAMOUS PEOPLE:

• Artists

  • K. Čapek, Kafka, Kundera (writer), Lída Baarová (actress), A. Dvořák (composer), Havel (dramatist, politician), Jiří Menzel (director), Seifert (poet)

• Monarchs

  • Charles IV., Rudolf II.

• Scientist

  • Jaroslav Heyrovský (Nobel prize holder)

• Athletes

  • Martina Navrátilová (tennis player), Emil Zátopek (athlete), Tomáš Rosický, Pavel Nedvěd (football player)

• Others

  • Jan Hus (priest, reformer), T.G.M. (politician)