OUR REPUBLIC (PRAGUE)

 

 

Prague is the capital of the CZ and lies in the middle of Bohemia. Its population is about 1.200 000. Prague is the seat of our President, the Czech government, all iportant state ministries, business centre and transport cross-road. It is the industrial centre for engineering, food industries, ready-made garnment, chemical, polygraphic industries, tourism etc.

It is a cultural centre of the republic. We find the best theatres, galleries and museums here such as:

the National Museum, at the top of Wenceslas Square

the National Theatre, built from the public money collection of the people in the second half of the 19th century.

The most visited tourist sights include:

the Prague Castle, it is surrounded by the Strahov Monastery and Petřín hill with its famous watchtower and St. Vitus Cathedral.

Old Town Square, and Old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock, where a procession of the Apostles can be seen every hour. There also is the Monument to Master John Huss on the square.

Vyšehrad   -                          nowadays we can visit the National Cemetary here with the graves of outstanding      

                                               personalities in the sphere of culture, science and politics.

the Charles Bridge   -          it is the second oldest bridge in Central Europe, decorated by baroque statues. During

                                               summer it is always full of tourists, souvenir stalls and street artists.

Wenceslas Square   -          the centre of the city. The statue of Czech patron – St. Wenceslas – is a symbol of our

                                               free and independent republic.

Praga is also and important centre for sports. There are many stadiums and swimming pools. There is the world´s biggest stadium – Strahov.

The majority of Czech universities and colleges are in Prague. Charles University was founded in 1348 and Charles IV. promoted the construction of other important buildings.