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October 30, 2016
Stefanik’s Observatory Stefanik’s Observatory is an observatory on Petřín hill, in the center of Prague, founded in 1928 and named after Slovak astronomer Milan Rastislav Štefánik. Stefanik’s Observatory Nowadays the observatory specializes above all in popularization of astronomy and related natural sciences. The Stefanik´s observatory has three domes and one observation lodge. The domes are named according to their approximate position in the building (Western, Main and Eastern). In the Western Dome, the Maksutov – Cassegrain mirror telescope has been in place since 1976. The diameter of the main mirror is 370 mm. Its magnification power for observation varies from approx. 80 to 330 times. The total weight of the telescope is 2.5 tons. The Main Dome hosts a double Zeiss astrograph, named after the Viennese selenographer Koenig. It was built in the years 1905 – 07 for this baron, who used it […]
October 20, 2016
Prague Zoo Prague Zoo is located in the Praha Troja municipal district. If you want to take a trip to the Prague Zoo, you can go by public transport, car, or bike, or you can even enrich your trip with a steamboat ride. History: It was opened in 1931 with the goal to “advance the study of zoology, protect wildlife, and educate the public” in the district of Troja in the north of Prague. In 2013, the Zoo occupied a total of 58 hectares (140 acres) with 45 hectares (110 acres) in use for exhibits. Prague Zoological Garden has contributed significantly to saving Przewalski’s horse. For many years, it was the biggest breeder of the species in the world. Prague suffered the worst floods in its history (in 2002). A large part of the Zoo was under water and […]
October 19, 2016
National Gallery in Prague History: The history of the National Gallery in Prague started to be written on 5 February 1796 when a group of significant representatives of the patriotically oriented Czech nobility along with several middle-class intellectuals from the ranks of Enlightenment movement decided (to put it in period terminology) to “elevate the deteriorated taste of the local public.” The institution, which received the title Society of Patriotic Friends of the Arts, established the Academy of Fine Arts and the Picture Gallery. In 1918 the Picture Gallery became a central collection of newly formed Czechoslovakia. In 1995 a new gallery dedicated to modern art opened in the refurbished Veletržní Palác (Trade-fair Palace). It is one of the first and largest functionalism building in Prague, built in 1925-1928. St. George’s Convent (Hradčany) was formerly used to display Art of the […]
October 18, 2016
Dalai Lama Arrived in Prague on Monday, 17th October 2016. He was warmly received by a large gathering at Prague’s Hradčanské Square. Dalai Lama gave a speech in front of Prague Castle, this meeting was one part of the ongoing Forum 2000 conference, taking place from October 16-19 in Prague and other European cities. Forum 2000, originally an initiative of late Czech president Václav Havel, aims to encourage democratic values and respect for human rights. This year’s theme is the “courage to take responsibility.” From Dalai Lama’s speech: “I’m extremely happy to be here with you. I very much appreciate your warm feelings and your support for justice and truth.” “According to further scientific research basic human nature is compassionate. We are all born from a mother and grow up in the protection of her affection. Without that we would not survive. I’m quite sure […]
October 14, 2016
The Clementinum The Clementinum (Klementinum), one of the largest collections of historic buildings in Europe, is home to the National Library of the Czech Republic. These beautiful Baroque buildings were originally part of a Jesuit College.
October 14, 2016
Old Town Square The most significant square of historical Prague was founded in the 12th century and has witnessed many historical events. Beside the Old Town Hall and the Church of Our Lady before Tyn dominates the square baroque Church of St. Nicholas, the rococo Kinsky Palace, a gothic palace Stone Bell House and the monumental memorial of Jan Hus. The paving of the square indicated the place of execution of 27 Czech noblemen (1621) and the Prague meridian. The area of Square is just over 9000 m². For its significance Old Town Square was declared in 1962 a national cultural monument. The Old Town Hall The Old Town Hall tower has dominated the city for six centuries already. The massive prismatic tower was completed in the 14th century. In 1410 the astronomical clock which was further improved and […]
October 13, 2016
Prague Castle Prague Castle is the most important Czech castle standing on a rocky promontory above the Vltava river in Prague. It arose from a fortified settlement founded in the 9th century. The castle was a seat of kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. For example in 1918, the castle became the seat of the president of the new Czechoslovak Republic T.G. Masaryk. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world. There are many sculptures, statues, fountains, towers and gardens. You can find there historical buildings like: Old Royal Palace It served as the seat of Czech kings and princes 10 to 16 century. Its Vladislav Hall is used for inaugurations, being the most important representative hall in the country. And there you can also find there […]
October 8, 2016
The overview of foreign embassies in Prague: U.S. Embassy Prague Tržiště 15 118 01 Praha 1 – Malá Strana Czech Republic Switchboard: (+420) 257 022 000
October 8, 2016
TASTE OF CZECH WINE The Czech Republic is no giant as regards the production of wines. But in spite of this it is possible to buy Czech wine in local vintners´ shops whose quality can be compared to wines from renowned wine growing areas. The Czech Republic can be divided into two wine growing areas: the smaller one, both from the point of view of its extent and importance, is in Bohemia around the towns of Mělník and Litoměřice. Viniculture in this area has its roots in the 9th century. In the Middle Ages exports of wines were more extensive than imports. This area takes advantage of warm autumn vapours from the Labe River, which add a specific flavour to the wines. The most significant producers are the „Lobkowicz Castle Viniculture“ in the town of Roudnice nad Labem, and the „Žernoseky […]
October 8, 2016
THE PRAGUE PUBLIC TRANSPORT The Prague Public Transport moves passengers using almost 2000 metro, tram and bus vehicles. Find a direct connection and connection with transfers between entered stops/locations and also find a timetable: http://idos.dpp.cz/idos/. All information concerning tariffs in the Prague city area and the fares you can find at http://www.dpp.cz/en/fares-in-prague METRO The metro network is the backbone of the entire public transit system, with 61 stations on three lines (A, B and C) with a total length of 65.2 km. In accordance with current trends to also make transit accessible to handicapped individuals, recently commissioned stations are equipped with elevators or barrier-free access. As at 31 December 2013, there were 730 wagons available, based out of three depots: Kačerov, Zličín and Hostivař. Prague’s metro uses two main types of wagons, usually connected into trains of five. Model […]