Otázka: Prague
Jazyk: Angličtina
Přidal(a): Klára
Introduction
- Prague is a capital of the Czech Republic.
- The population is about 1.2 million.
- Prague is the biggest city in the Czech Republic and it is divided into five parts – the Old Town, the New Town, Josefov, Little Quarter and Hradčany.
- Prague is located in the heart of Europe.
- It lies on Vltava river.
- Prague is often called a city of hundreds tower because there are about 550 towers. It is called Golden Prague too.
- There are many legends connected with Prague.
- There are many well-known monuments too.
- Prague is a seat of the President, Government, State Authorities and the High Court.
History
- -a legend connected with the founding of Prague and Princess Libuše of the Přemys dynasty.
She prophesised Prague a great glory, which will touch the stars.
- – the oldest settlement of this region dates back 25 000 years
- – the first Slavs came there in the 6th century
- – during the 11th century Prague became the centre of the economic life, Vyšehrad was the seat of Czech rulers
- – Prague became the imperial residence of Charles IV in 14th century
An archbishopric, Charles University, Horse market (Wenceslas square), cattle market (Charles square) were founded. Charles IV promoted the construction of St. Vitus cathedral and Charles Bridge…
- – in 1419 the defenestration of the councillors from the windows of the New Town Hall took place
- – in 1420 Jan Žižka defeated the first anti-Hussite crusade on Vítkov Hill
- – in 1618 the Czech estates rose up against the Hapsburgs – these events also marked the beginning of the Thirty-Year’s War throughout Europe
- – in 1918 Prague became the capital of Czechoslovakia
- – in 1939 Prague was occupied by German Troops and in 1942 strongly persecuted after assassination of protector Heidrich
- – in May 1945 the Prague uprising against fascists culminated
- – on 9th May 1945 Prague was liberated by Russians
- – on August 21st 1968 Prague was occupied by the Warsaw Pact Troops (as well as the rest of our republic) in order to stop democratic reform in the country
- – after 40 years of totalitarian depression, on November 17th 1989, the Velvet Revolution took place there. Huge demonstrations started on Národní Street.
Monuments
Prague castle is a block of palaces, secular and religious buildings, fortresses and houses from all periods of history, In the past centuries, it was the seat of Czech princes and kings, and since 1918 it has been the seat of the president. Dominating the, Sr Vitus Cathedral was designed by the famous architects Peter Parler and Matthias of Arras. Apart from valuable artistic relics, St Wenceslas Chapel and the tombs of Czech kings underground, the plase houses the crowning jewels of Czech kings.
Charles bridge is the most famous of the fifteen Prague bridges. It was built by Charles IV in gothic style in 1357. It is a unique open-air gallery of Baroque statues. The bridge is fortified with towers on either side (the Lesser Town and Old Town Bridge Towers). The bridge is 515 m long and 10 m wide. According to a legend the bridge has remained in order for so long because eggs were added into the mortar during its construction.
Vyšehrad Castle is as the old tales goes the oldest seat of Czech princes, legendary princess Libuše and the first members of the Přemyslid Dynasty. The place contains a valuable Romanesque St Martin rotund from the 11th century, Gothis St Peter and Paul Church, Vyšehrad cemetary where Czech personalities have been buried since 1869.
National Theatre was built between 1868-1881 thanks to money collected across the country and following a destructive fire in 1883, the theatre was built anew. The decorations inside and outside were made by artists of the National Theatre Generation – M.Aleš, F.Ženíšek, V.Hynais, J.V.Myslbek and others.
Other places of interest:
- Powder Tower
- Wenceslas Square
- Petřín Tower
- Pařížská street
Transport
- Prague is an important transport junction where railways from all directions meet. The motorway by-pass crosses actually through the city centre. There is an airport – Ruzyně- too.
- To avoid frequent traffic jams in the city you would better use the public transport which is quite good and not expensive. There is a net of buses and trams. Prague has also had an underground since 1974.
Cultural life
- -museums, galleries
- -many theatres
- -a lot of concerts take place there
- -seat of 3 main TV channels in CZ
