Prague

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, the seat of the President, government and parliament. It spreads out on both banks of the river Vltava in the centre of Bohemia. It covers an area of almost 500 km². Prague has 1,2 million inhabitants. The whole city consists of 10 administrative districts. The oldest parts are the Old Town, the Lesser Town, the New Town, Josefov, Hradčany and Vyšehrad.
The oldest settlement of this area goes back to the Stone Age but the Slaves came to the Prague valley in the 6th century. In the 9th century Prince Bořivoj founded a castle, which became the seat of the Přemyslid dynasty. In the 10th century castle Vyšehrad was built and it became temporarily the seat of the Přemyslid Princes too.
In the 14th century Prague became the imperial residence of Charles IV and during his reign it flourished and grew. Charles IV established an Archbishopric, founded Charles University and the New Town, and promoted the construction of Charles Bridge and St. Vitus Cathedral.
 In 1420 Jan Žižka defeated the first anti-Hussite crusade on Vítkov Hill.
On November 8, 1620 the Czech estates rose up against the Habsburgs and were defeated in the Battle of the White Mountain. In 1621, 27 representatives of the uprising were executed in the Old Town Square. The Thirty Years’ War re-catholicization and germanization followed.
In 1918 Prague was the capital of the independent Czechoslovak Republic. During the WW2 Prague was occupied by German troops. On 9th May, 1945 the town was liberated by the Russian.
On 17th November, 1989, the Velvet Revolution began democratic changes in our society. The federal Czechoslovakia was divided and on 1st January, 1993, Prague became the capital of the CR.
Prague has an important road, rail, air (Ruzyně Airport) and river transport junction. It also has a dense network of local transport which includes trams, buses, and the underground, called the metro.
There are many industries in Prague too. The most important kinds of industry are the engineering (ČKD Works, Tesla, etc.), food industry (meat-processing, dairies, breweries – Staropramen, confectionery – Orion, bakeries and mills), textile, chemical, printing and film (Barrandov) industries.
Prague culture flourishes as well. We can visit there – theatres (National, Na zábradlí, Járy Cimrmana) museums (National Museum), cinemas, concerts, clubs, exhibition and balls.
I was in Prague only three times. In my opinion Prague is full of beautiful and interesting memories. But I wouldn´t live there because its disadvantages are pollution, traffic-jams and overcrowded.

ROYAL ROUTE – nowadays the Royal Route is paid unfortunately.
-  the Powder Tower
-  Celetna Street
-  the Old Town Square  - the Kinsky Palace, At the Stone Bell, the John Huss Monument, the Tyn Church, the Old Town Hall, the Church of Saint Nicolas       
-  Charles Street
-  Charles Bridge
-  Mostecka Street
-  Neruda Street
-  the Prague Castle

THE PRAGUE CASTLE
It’s the seat of the President. The monumental complex of the castle includes three courtyards and over 700 rooms which the late Gothic Vladislav Hall, Spanish Hall and Rudolph Gallery. The election of the President takes place in the Vladislav Hall. Spanish Hall and Rudolph Gallery serve for ceremonial and cultural purposes.
                                         
ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL
It’s the most impressive building at the Castle. It was completed in 1929. The Gothic cathedral was founded by Charles IV. The present cathedral is the result of the work of two famous architects, Matthias of Arras and Petr Parléř. The most admire parts of the church are the Gothic St. Wenceslas chapel where the coronation jewels are kept and the Royal Crypt which contains the sarcophaguses of the Czech kings and queens.

CHARLES BRIDGE
It lies over the river Vltava. It is from 14th century. It’s 520 m long and is decorates with 30 sculptures and groups of statues mainly of Baroque origin.

WENCESLAS SQUARE
It’s heart of the New Town and present-day Prague.  It is a 750 m long boulevard lined with banks, department stores, shops, hotels, restaurants, cafés, theatres and cinemas. There are the National Museum from the end of the 19th century which contains historical and natural history collection. In the upper of square part stands the St. Wenceslas Memorial by J. V. Myslbek.

OLD TOWN SQUARE
It’s the centre of the Old Town. It’s surrounded by beautifully decorated houses. There we can find the Rococo Kinský Palace. The best known building in the square is the Old Town Hall which includes the Prague Orloj. Tourists come to see a horologe with the statues of the Apostles on the tower. Near the town hall 27 representatives of the uprising were executed.

PETŘÍN OBSERVATION TOWER
It was built for the Jubilee Exhibition in 1891 as a free copy of the Eiffel Tower. It affords a magnificent view of Prague and its environs.

NATIONAL THEATRE
It is situated on Vltava bank. It’s the most beautiful Neo-Renaissance building.