The Czech Republic
By Robert Haru Fisher
Long considered to be one of the most beautiful of European cities,
Prague is now also one of the trendiest places to be. With a truly bohemian (and Bohemian) heritage, the city is home to writers, dancers , and musicians of all kinds. Its astonishingly beautiful architecture has made it a favorite of (not only) Hollywood filmmakers, first among them native son Milos Forman, who shot his Oscar-winning Amadeus here. With its romantic and intimate atmosphere, welcoming attitude toward foreigners, and excellent (and inexpensive) local beer and wine, you
have the venue for a perfect vacation...(more)
AT-A-GLANCE:
| • Capital: |
| |
• Prague |
| • Population: |
| |
• 10,241,138 |
| • Largest City: |
| |
• Prague |
| • Neighboring
Countries: |
| |
• The Czech
Republic is bordered by Poland to the north, Germany to the
northwest and west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the
east. |
| • Language: |
| |
• Czech |
| • Size: |
| |
• 78,866
square km |
| • Currency: |
| |
• Czech koruna or Czech
crown.
2008 rates: 1 USD = 16 CZK, 1 Euro = 25 CZK |
| • Upcoming
Events: |
| |
Prague Spring International Music Festival: www.festival.cz
The festival originated in 1946 in the optimistic post-war atmosphere, as a celebration of classical music. Over the years it has gradually become one of the most important showcases for outstanding performing artists, orchestras and chamber ensembles in Europe and the whole world.
Prague Marathon:
www.pim.cz
Traditional marathon (42.195km) through the historical centre of Prague, voted one of the 10 most attractive marathon courses in the world.
The Ride of Kings:
www.jizdakralu.cz
A folklore festival attended by ensembles from around the Czech Republic and other countries. This folk celebration accompanied by art exhibitions and brass band concerts.
Five - Pettaled Rose Celebration:
www.ckrumlov.info
Renaissance celebrations which see the town return for three days to a time of gallant knights, damsels in distress, conjurers and beggars.
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival:
www.kviff.com
The most important international category A film festival in Central and Eastern Europe and the only category A festival in the Czech Republic, takes place every summer in beautiful spa tow Karlovy Vary
Calendar of events:
http://www.czechtourism.com/eng/uk/docs/kalendar/index.html
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| • Fun Fact: |
| |
12 UNESCO sites make up a unique part of the Czechs’ cultural heritage – hardly anywhere else on earth will you find such number in such a confined area.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/cz
http://www.czechtourism.com/eng/uk/docs/what-to-see/unesco/index.html
BOHEMIA -- According to Roman reports, the Latin name of the Czech lands Boiohaemum (Bohemia) is derived from the name of the Celtic tribe that settled on the territory of today´s Czech Republic.
Contact lenses, or "čočky", were invented by Otto Wichterle, a Czech scientist intrigued by the properties of newly discovered plastics in 1961 and inspired by the designs of Leonardo da Vinci.
The first radioactive spa in the world was opened in 1906 in Jáchymov.
Did you know that Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, was born in Czech town Pribor on May 6, 1856?
Charles University in Prague is the oldest university in the Central Europe. It was established April 7, 1348, and today is attended by 42,000 students.
In 1841, Krystof Jakub Rad, the owner of Dacice sugar refinery, invents the first
sugar cube, after his wife hurts herself while cutting a sugar cone, and with her finger bandaged, beseeches her husband to do something about "it".
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| • Tourist Office
(U.S.A.): |
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• Czech Tourism Office
109 Madison Avenue
New York NY 10028
Phone: (212) 288-0830
Email: info-usa@czechtourism.com
www.czechtourism.com
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