Prague

17

Prague

Prague is the capital of the Czech republic and lies in the middle of Bohemia. It cover an area of nearly 500sq km and its population is about 1,200,000. Prague is divided into many boroughs. The historical centre is made up by the Old Town, Josefov, the Lesser Quarter, Hradčany, the New Town and Vyšehrad. Together they make a town preserve which is quite unique. On the other hand Prague is now surrounded by a ring of modern housing estates serving as residential quarters.

A legend connects the founding of Prague with Princess Libuše of the Přemysl dynasty who prophesised the future glory of Prague, which would “touch the stars”. The oldest settlements of this region dates 25,000 years ago. In the latter half of the 10th century St. Vitus Rotunda, the Prince’s Palace and convert with a church were built on Hradčany. Prague’s other castle – Vyšehrad – was built in the 11th century and for some time it was the seat of Czech rulers.

Prague became the imperial residence of Charles IV (1346-1378). During reign of Charles IV there was founded archbishopric (1344), Charles University (1348), the New Town with the Horse Market ( now Wenceslas Square ), the Cattle Market ( now Charles Square ) in Prague. Charles IV promoted the construction of other important buildings such as St. Vitus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge.

In 1918 Prague became the capital of Czechoslovakia. Prague is the seat of our President, Czech government, all important state ministries and the Czech Parliament.

Prague is also an important industrial and business centre and transport crossroad. It is the industrial centre of engineering, food-industries, ready-made garment, chemical, polygraphic industries and tourism.

It is also a cultural centre of the republic and can offer many outstanding theatrical and musical performances ( e.g. the Prague Spring International Music Festival in May-June each year). We can find here the best theatres, galleries and museums such as:

The National Museum at the top of Wenceslas Square.

The National Gallery which is spread out in various Prague spots: Gothic art in St. George Church at the Prague Castle, Czech 19th century art in St. Agnes Monastery, sculpture collection in Zbraslav.

The National Theatre, built in late renaissance style from the public money collection of the people in the second half of the19th century. Before its ceremonial opening in 1881 it was severely damaged by fire and was rebuilt within the next two years. The best artists of the 19th century decorated the theatre ( M.Aleš, F.Ženíšek, V.Hynais ).

Other important places of culture include the Smetana Theatre, the Palace of Culture, the Magic Latern, the Lucerna Hall, the Tyl Theatre, The Vinohrady Thearte, the Semafor, the Viola, the Činoherní klub, Divadlo na zábradlí and many new clubs for young people and young art e.g. Bunkr, Rock Café etc.

Many world known personalities lived or spent some time in Prague, e.g. Mozart, Beethoven, Einstein etc. And many famous personalities visited Prague such as the Pope, George Busch Queen Elizabeth II. etc.