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City Guide Prague

Overview

General Information

Prague (Czech: Praha) is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. It is situated on the Vltava river in central Bohemia, with a population of 1.2 million people. Prague was founded in the 9th century, and soon became the seat of the kings of Bohemia. The city flourished during the 14th century reign of Charles IV, who ordered the building of the New Town, the Charles Bridge, Saint Vitus Cathedral which is the oldest gothic cathedral in central Europe which is actually inside the Castle, and the Charles University, the oldest university in central Europe. Prague was by then the third-largest city in Europe. Prague has become one the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. It has numerous old buildings, many with beautiful murals on them. It possesses one of the world's most pristine and varied collections of architecture, from Art Nouveau to Baroque, Renaissance, Cubist, Gothic, Neo-Classical to modern style. Prague is a traditional cultural centre of Europe where many cultural events take place. There are hundreds of concert halls, galleries, cinemas and clubs around the city. Prague also hosts film festivals, music festivals, writer’s festival, hundreds of exhibitions and fashion shows every year.

Weather

The Czech Republic is a country with a mild climate with warm, sometimes humid, summers and cold winters. The average temperature in summer is 24 °C (74 °F). During the night temperatures can fall to 15 °C (46 °F). The daily temperature during winter lies around the freezing point and falls at night to –4 °C (26 °F). January and February are the coldest months. Then the temperature lies around –5 °C (23 °F). Nevertheless snow is rare in Prague during winter. Spring and summer tend to be the sunniest months, the period between May and August is the rainiest. Tourist season in Prague is during the whole year but the nicest time is during spring, when all the gardens of the city stand in full bloom.

Language

The official language in Prague is Czech but a lot of people also speak English, especially in the touristy places.

Religion

Most of the people in Prague are Roman Catholic. The Jewish population is growing again in the city because people come back to their roots from abroad.

Currency

The currency used in the Czech Republic is Czech Koruny (koruna) and 100 heller. Notes come in dominations of Kc 20, Kc 50, Kc 100, Kc 200, Kc 500, Kc 1000, Kc 2000 and Kc 5000 and coins are available at the amount of Kc 1, Kc 2, Kc 5, Kc 10, Kc 20 and Kc 50. The best option to change money is a bank as they don’t charge a high fee as exchange offices and hotels. € 1 = Kc 33. Credit cards are accepted by banks, hotels and numerous restaurants and shops.

Tipping

In Hotels and restaurants it is common that you give a 10% tip on the bill. Also taxi drivers and tour guides appreciate a tip.

Taxes

A tax of 22% is put on most of the products and services in the Czech Republic. In order to claim the tax back, visitors have to export the purchased product within 30 days and present a receipt in the departing terminal (North terminal) at the airport Ruzyne to the Duty Free Office of the Customs Authority. You will receive the money at the cashier of the Thomas Cook office, in the shop for products of the Czech Republic in section A or at the VAT MAX at the transfer counter of the Menzies Aviations Group. In the South terminal you can have your money refunded in the Free Shop by Global Refund. Things for personal usage as well as presents up to a value of Kc 3000 can be imported and exported without taxation. Without taxes are also 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 1 litre spirituous beverages or 2 litre of wine. At the border you can get a brochure stating which goods cannot be exported. The checks are not that strict but if you are caught they will not only confiscate your goods but also fine you with a certain amount of money. If you want to buy antiques or rare artefacts, please inform yourself directly at the customs authority. The office is at the central station, Wilsonova 80, Tel.: +42 (0) 24221905.

Telephone

If you call Prague from abroad you have to dial +42 for the Czech Republic and then 2 for Prague itself. The telephone network in the city is still not up to date with international standards. That is why the change of telephone numbers still continues. Public phones accept coins as well as telephone cards which can be purchased at the post office or any kiosk.

Internet

Internet cafés are widely spread in the city. People who don’t have their own laptop can use the machines that are offered by the cafés. Most of the time the internet cafés are also usual cafés where you can have a drink or two while checking your emails. A good internet café in Prague is for example “The Globe” which is a bookshop, an internet café and a café in one.

Emergency Numbers

First Aid: 155 Police: 158 City Police: 156 Fire Brigade: 150 Ambulance: 1230, 1240

Opening times

The opening times of shops are different. Most of the shops are open from Monday to Friday 8 am – 10 am and 5 pm – 8 pm and Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm. The shops and department stores that are in the touristy areas are open more often, also on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. In nearly every part of the city there are grocery stores that are open the whole day. On National Holidays all shops are closed.

Public Holidays

1.January: New Year Easter Monday 1. May: Labour Day 8. May. Day of Deliverance 5. July: Day of the Slavic apostle Kyrill und Method 6. July: Johannes-Hus Day 28. October: Day of State Foundation 17. November Day of Fight for Freedom and Democracy 25. and 26. December: Christmas

Safety

Since Prague’s rebirth in the 1990’s the city attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. But beware when tourists stream in other “businesses” flourish as well. Among them are pickpockets, thieves and so called “businessman”. Pick pocketing is a very common crime in Prague. So better leave all important documents at the hotel and don’t carry a lot of cash with you. Car breaking ins are also a leading property crime in the Czech Republic. Also be aware of taxi drivers who are known for their corruptness and rude treatment. Apart from this Prague is a relatively safe city, the rate of violence is low and most of the time it is safe to walk trough town even in the night. Nevertheless, be careful on Wenceslas Square at night as their have been cases of “love-seekers” being robbed of all their money.

Sightseeing

Prague Castle

Prague Castle is undoubtedly the most popular and visited sight in Prague. Its history goes back to the 9th century and has always been the seat of the Czech rulers. Still today it is the residence of the government of the Czech Republic. Important for the silhouette of the building complex is the wing which was designed by Nicolaus Pacassi in a classicistic style. It shapes the atmosphere of the castle and makes it appear more as a castle than a fortress. The castle is located on the hill Hradschin. The building complex includes the chapel Heilig-Kreuz, several inner wards, the castle gallery, the National Galery, a memorial obelisk, an area of armed forces with Mihulka tower (Prašná vìž) and Matthias Arch (Matyášova brána) and the Golden Alleyway (Zlatá ulièka). There are also some gardens like the king’s garden, the wall garden and the paradise garden around the castle.

Small Quarter

Small Quarter (Malá Strana) is squeezed on the hill between the Prague Castle and Vltava river. Narrow streets, Renaissance buildings and palaces, Baroque churches and palaces give Malá Strana its present charm. Passing the palace of the royal commander Wallenstein the way leads to the baroque gardens of the nobility of Malá Strana. The area where most of the people would like to live is the ring around the Malá Strana with the St. Niklas church as its centre. Another sight is the Church of Jesus on the Maltese Square. Further one from the peninsula Kampa you reach the lively bridge alleyway and the Charles Bridge.

Kampa

Kampa is the most picturesque part of Mala Strana. As a matter of fact it is a peninsula. Tourists often call it Prague's Venice because buildings rise straight out of the water. The small creek Certovka separates the Kampa from the mainland. Due to many floodings of the Vltava the peninsula was only cultivated in the 15th century. South of the Charles Bridge you can find some small houses with incredible signs. Cafés and small shops attract a lot of tourists who stroll through the narrow streets. During the summer months the park is meeting point of tourists and locals likewise.

Charles Bridge

The most famous bridge in Prague was completed in about 1400. Coming from the alleyways of the Old Town you reach the Charles Bridge, the actual centre of the city. With its 520 m it presents itself as a stage for the people who pass it no matter if day or night. The first bridge for the merchants that used to pass the city from west to east was a wooden one which could not resist the water. So Charles IV. wanted to built a strong bridge which in the end took 100 years. Neither Charles IV. nor his architect survived the completion. Nowadays the bridge is the centre of cultural life. Cartoonists, musicians, string puppetists and salesmen characterise the picture of the bridge. A special charm is given to the bridge by the numerous baroque sculptures which are a contrast to the strict gothic architecture. The 30 statues and groups of statues were made within a time of 200 years. The one made between the 17th and 18th century are an example of culmination of Bohemian statuary. The best view on the bridge gives the Smetana embankment.

Old Town

The Old Town has been the working heart of Prague ever since the 10th century. A walk through the Old Town leads from the Powder Tower, an old city gate of Prague, to the ring of the Old Town. On your way you pass a lot of old trade houses which mostly have a gothic inside and Romanesque basements. Going through the narrow paths and streets you pass the Charles University and finally reach the Charles Bridge by passing the river Vltava. Behind the Powder Tower lies the street Celetná, where you can find boutiques, old wine cellars and typical glass goods. Special attraction does the alleyway receive from the baroque buildings. The ring of the Old Town is the most beautiful square of the city. The facades of the buildings are unique and variegated. In front of medieval trade houses you can listen to Jazz or have a stroll over the market. The jewel of the square is the city hall with the astronomic clock.

Wenceslas Square

The Wenceslas square lies in the New Town of Prague. It has always been the centre of cultural, financial and everyday life. There are a lot of theatres, cinemas, restaurants, shops, stores and banks around. Nevertheless, it has two faces, one very elegant and worldly during the day, the other one shrill and erotic during the night. With its 750 m of length and 60 m width it rather looks like a boulevard whose appearance is shaped by hotels, boutiques, cinemas and theatres.

The Old Jewish Quarter (Josefo

Prague's former Jewish ghetto is located in the Old Town within Kaprova, Dlouha and Kozi streets. At the end of the 19th century a high number of the old ghetto building were replaced by nice houses in Wilhelminian style. Nevertheless, the buildings still give the impression of the Old Jewish town. Several rich collections document the Jewish culture in Bohemia and Moravia. The Jewish town was built due to the discrimination of Jewish people by their Christian fellow citizen. Despite the circumstances a rich intellectual und cultural life existed in the ghetto. Today there are still some synagogues, the city hall and the Jewish commentary, where all Jewish people were buried until 1787. But the space in the ghetto was rare so the corpses had to be buried on top of each other. That is the reason why the 12.000 graves lie on different levels.

Spanish Synagogue

The synagogue’s inside is rich in golden and ornamental stucco work which imitates the Spanish interiors of the Alhambra from which the name of the Spanish synagogue derives. Similar ornaments are used for the doors and the walls. The special interior of the synagogue makes it to the most inventive examples of a sacral building. Until WWII it was still used for a religious purpose. In 1955 it was given to the Jewish Museum and after some rearrangements an amazing exhibition of synagogue textiles was opened in 1960. A collection of woven and embroidered textiles from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Due to technical construction works the synagogue was closed for several years. After a general construction the building is now used by the Jewish Museum as showroom.

Pinkassynagogue

The synagogue is named after the famous Jewish family Pinkas. The building was first mentioned in 1492 but historical excavations revealed some rests of a Roman synagogue from the 11th century. After WWII the synagogue was neglected and started to decay until it was socialised in the 1950s and turned into a memorial for the victims of WWII. On the walls you can find a list of names of Jews from Bohemia and Moravia who were murdered.

Powder Tower

In the 15th century Vladislav II. had a tower built on the occasion of his coronation, exactly at the spot where one of the 13 medieval gates of the city used to be. This tower was meant to be an ornament for his courtyard. After the king had relocated his residence to the castle hill and the tower was then used for the storage of gun powder, where the name comes from. From the gallery you can have a very nice view over the Old and the New Town. The trench road in front of the tower still reminds of the time when the to parts of the city where separated.

Clementinum

The former college of the Jesuits is the second biggest ensemble of buildings after the Castle. In 1556 a counterreformation was started by the fraternity which was initiated by Ferdinand I. First a school was built, later on three churches, a theatre and a printing office. Books of non-believers were burned in the courtyard. After 1622 the Jesuits took over the administration of the university. Today the building hosts the National Library and some scientific institutes.

Václava Memorial

The place which is closely connected to the youngest history of the country and to national emotions is without doubt the memorial of the Holy Václava at the upper edge of the National Museum. In 1918 the locals celebrated the foundation of the independent state of the Czech Republic. Here is the place where the demonstrations against the occupation of the country by Warsaw troops took place in 1968 and it is also a memorial for the victims of the communist regime. The memorial of the horseman was made by Josef Václav Myslbek in 1912.

Jewish City Hall

This is the only Jewish City Hall outside of Israel. More than 40.000 Jews used to live in Prague before WWII, during the socialist regime there were about 800. Since 1989 there are more people who start admitting their belief so the community rose again to 1500 people. The Hall is characterised by two big clocks at the baroque tower of the building. One clock has a clock-face in Hebrew. Its hands run in the different direction.

Palace Valdštejn

Next to the metrostation “Malostranská”, which is the most beautiful in the whole city, are the former horse stables of the palace Valdštejn. The ancestral seat of the family lies next to a big stone in the forest of North Bohemia. The protestant Valdštejn was engaged with the Catholic king and earned a lot of assets during the Thirty Year’s War. For this reason he was able to by 26 houses and three gardens at the foot of the hill in order to build the profane palace. Five courtyards were located around the building. In 1634 the king had Valdštejn killed because he was afraid of his high ambitions. The façade of the building seems very simple. Today it is the seat of the Czech senate. The gardens include a three parted Sala terrene and bronze statues of Adrian de Vries.

Discovering Prague

Prague is one of the jewels amongst the European cities. It offers a wide range of architectural styles and a high number of astonishing gothic and baroque monuments. Since Prague survived the events of WWII, the Cold War occupation and the tumults of the 20th century Prague gives a picture that has nearly been untouched by time. After 1989, millions of tourists flooded the city. Prague became one of the number one destinations for travellers because of its richness of sightseeing opportunities. Prague can be discovered in different ways. As the city was not destroyed during WWII a lot of old facades are still in good order, no matter if Romantic, Gothic, Renaissance or Art Nouveau. Lovers of architecture will feel like in paradise but also all the others will have a lot of joy to stroll through the small paths and streets that connect the different parts of the city. The Jewish quarter mirrors the life of the Jews, their lives in the ghetto and their intellectual and cultural comforts. It is a part of Prague a lot of visitors are interested in.

Parks and Gardens

Within a sea of houses in the city there are a lot of green islands which invite for a walk or just to relax from the hectic of the city life. Nearly half of the city is covered with green spaces, partly preserved areas. Three big parks on the west side of the Vltava are perfect for long walks, first the 318 m high Laurenzi Hill or Petrin where you can get easily with a cable car. Second the Letná Park which lies on a high plateau above the Vltava opposite the Old Town. After having managed all the steps to the top you will have an astonishing view over the city. At the top there is a huge metronome which shall remind us of the way of time. In the Hanau Pavilion, which was built for the jubilee exhibition in 1891, hosts a restaurant which guarantees a beautiful view. The third green place is the Royal Garden which can be reached by a bridge in the West of the Letná Park. The Garden includes the pleasure palace Belvedere which was built in 1534. Another Park in Prague is the Stromovka which lies north of the Letná Park. Rudolf II. had a pleasure palace built. In the South of the park you will see an exhibition area that was created in 1891 and is now used as a recreation park. Some small gardens are the Kinský Garden behind the Wall of Hunger which was built by Karl IV, the Lobkowitz Garden which belongs to the German Embassy and in which thousands of East German refugees found asylum in 1989 and last but not least the Strahov Park which belongs to the monastery Strahov.

Veit Cathedral

The cathedral in its actual form was built in 1344 on order of Charles IV. The cathedral is 124 m long and 33 m high and 60 m wide. The main tower has a height of 99 m and offers a stunning view over Prague. Inside there is an abundance of décor. The most precious works are located in the Václava chapel which is decorated with semi-precious stones and golden jewellery. The mausoleum of the Habsburgs dates back to the 16th century. Important to mention is also the high grave of Johannes von Nepomuk which was designed by Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlachs. In the 20th century the cathedral was completed by glass windows of Alfons Mucha and Max Švabinský and a new gothic altar.

Klausova and Maiselova Synagog

The Klausova synagogue next to the cemetery was built in a baroque style in the 17th century. The Maiselova synagogue in the Maislová dates back to 1560 but was rebuilt in 1893. Both synagogues host collections of sacral Jewish objects which go back to the Third Reich.

Old-New Synagogue

Built in 1270 the Old-New Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in Europe and the most precious memorial in sense of architecture. Still today it is used as a synagogue. In the entrance hall you can see a box where the Jewish tax was kept. In walking distance there is the Spanish synagogue which was built in Moorish style.

Teyn Church

The church whose 70m high towers dominate the ring of the Old Town has early gothic fundaments. A main work of the Bohemian gothic is the North portal with rich ductile ornaments. The inside of the church was destroyed by a fire and rebuilt in a baroque style. Behind the church is the Teyn yard (Ungelt) where the merchants had to tax their goods.

St. Niklas Church

This church is an example of the high time of baroque architecture. Between 1732 and 1737 Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer built a big baroque building which is capped by a mighty cupola. Also very famous are the frescos of the painter Peter Adam. Today the church is the main church of the Hussits.

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