Czech Republic capital head of state state language. Czech Republic. Titles and state symbols of the Czech Republic

Czech Česká republika

Czech Republic - video

The total area of ​​the country is approximately 79 thousand square kilometers. The large “water arteries” of the Czech Republic are the Laba, Vltava, Morava, and Odra rivers. The country's topography is dominated mainly by low mountain ranges. Highest point is Mount Snezhna, whose height is just over 1,600 meters above sea level.

The Czech Republic has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold and very wet winters. Due to the fact that the country is surrounded on all sides by mountains, the weather here is quite stable. IN winter period The mountains are covered with a stable snow cover, so many popular ski resorts are open at this time.

The country's population is approximately 10.5 million people. Of these, 95% are native Czechs, and the remaining 5% are immigrants. Among the foreigners there are Ukrainians, Slovaks, Vietnamese, Russians, Germans, Gypsies and Hungarians. Religiously, in the Czech Republic there are both believers and atheists. Among religious citizens, the largest group of coreligionists is Catholics, the second largest group is Protestants. There are also followers who support the Czech Reformed Church (which separated from the Vatican in the 1920s). On the territory of the state they speak mainly Czech, but Russian can also be used as a literary language.

In the Czech Republic there is enough high level industrial development is underway. The most developed industries here are the mechanical engineering, metallurgy, fuel and energy, light, chemical and food industries.

The monetary unit of the Czech Republic is the koruna. After the collapse of Czechoslovakia, the value of the crown on the world market fell noticeably, but by this moment its rate has increased significantly, unlike some others monetary units post-Soviet states.

There are a number of humanitarian organizations operating in the Czech Republic. For example, the Czech Red Cross is an organization that focuses mainly on providing social and medical care population of the country.

Sports are good in the Czech Republic. The national football team is famous for its achievements in Europe. Well, of course, the country’s hockey team is known all over the world - one of the strongest teams on the planet. Until recently, the republic was a leader among not only European, but also world countries in the sport of decathlon. Athletes in sports such as rowing and tennis also show excellent results here.

Sights of the Czech Republic

One of the many attractions of the Czech Republic is Orlik Castle, built in the 13th century as a small fortress to defend the crossing of the Vltava River. In appearance, the castle resembles an eagle's nest and is located on top of a high cliff.

The largest collection of tapestries, the armory, which presents medieval guns, can be seen in Hluboka Castle over the Vltava. Around the castle there is a beautiful English park with small hunting lodges. The castle with a park is the most famous and visited attraction in the Czech Republic.

At the intersection of two largest rivers Czech Republic Labe and Vltava on the territory of an ancient Slavic fortress is located Melnik Castle, which was built by representatives of the Přemyslid family. Subsequently, the castle became the residence of the chosen ones of Czech nobles.

40 kilometers from the capital of the Czech Republic is Dobrish Castle, built in the 18th century gothic style. This is one of the most famous royal hunting castles.

Another attraction of the Czech Republic is Cesky Sternberk - castle, built in the first half of the 13th century and to this day is the property of the descendants of its founders.

In the northern part of the country there is natural Park which is called Czech Switzerland . This is a natural park where there is everything for have a wonderful holiday and travel - a dense forest, high cliffs, deep canyons and fast mountain rivers.

Another natural park is located in the northeast of the Czech Republic and is called Czech paradise . The area of ​​the park is about 95 square kilometers. The shape of the Czech Paradise resembles an isosceles triangle with the cities of Jicin, Turnov, Mlada Boleslav at its vertices. Since 1954, the reserve has been under state protection. The name of the park was given by tourists themselves, who enjoy visiting it. Here you can go rafting along mountain river, ride a horse or walk along hiking trails.

1. The time difference between Czech cities and Moscow is 3 hours. Days off of the week are Saturday and Sunday.

2. Czechs are a people who don’t mind having a lot of fun holidays. When going on a trip to the cities of the Czech Republic, keep in mind that it is customary to celebrate such holidays as Czech Independence Day (October 28), Statehood Day (September 28), Saints Cyril and Methodius Day (July 5) and John Hus Day (July 6).

3. In the cities of the republic it is prohibited to leave garbage on the streets. If you fail to comply with this rule, you may be subject to a large fine.

4. B major cities bars, cafes and restaurants start working from 9 am and end around 11 pm. In small towns, these establishments can start working at 11 or 12 noon. Shops in the Czech Republic are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and supermarkets are usually open 24 hours a day.

5. Tourists in the Czech Republic should pay special attention to the fact that here, when meeting, a woman is the first to offer her hand to a man, and also male representatives must be the first to enter an open door.

6. In cafes or restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 5-10% of the total cost of the order. You can also leave a small amount of money with the tour guide or taxi driver. If you are not satisfied with the quality of the service provided, you may not leave a tip - this is considered the norm in the Czech Republic.

7. Among Eastern European countries, Czech taxis are one of the most expensive. Be careful when paying with drivers - they can take advantage of the passenger’s inattention and give the wrong change.

8. In the Czech Republic, every small village brews its own beer, so there are a lot of varieties here. Experienced lovers of this foamy drink advise taking the first sip as large as possible in order to experience all the subtleties of beer taste and aroma.

9. People living in the Czech Republic love animals very much. Almost every Czech family has its own pet. There are special bins for animals on the streets - thus, local authorities monitor the cleanliness of the sidewalks.

10. Tourists should always carry an identification document with them, as local police may demand to see it at any time. If you are traveling within the city, a copy of such a document will be sufficient.

Czech Republic on the map

The history of the Czech Republic begins in the 4th century BC, when the first historical inhabitants appeared on its territory - the Boian Celts, from whose name the country received its name - Bohemia. Around the middle of the 1st century BC. Bohemia began to be populated by the Marcomanni - ancient Germanic tribes who ousted the Celtic tribes from these lands. Marobod, who stood at the head of the Germanic tribes and eventually united all the East German lands that inhabited a large area from the middle Danube to the lower Vistula, founded the first state. This state did not last long - internecine wars between tribes and the rivalry of their leaders had an impact.

The Germanic tribes were replaced by the Huns, and then the Slavs. In the center of the country lived one of the most powerful tribes - the Czechs, under whose rule other tribes were united. This is how a union of Czech Slavs was created, which was able to defend their lands. Over time, neighboring Slavic peoples joined the union.

Uniting peoples and creating a state

During the period from 830 to 907 AD, there was a gradual unification of the Czech Slavs and neighboring Slavic peoples. As a result of this unification, the Great Moravian Empire was created, which included Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, parts of modern Slovakia, Poland and Germany.

During this period (863), Christianity became widespread, the preachers of which were two monks who arrived from Byzantium and were subsequently canonized - Methodius and Cyril.

They conducted services in the Slavic language, and also taught the Slavic population to read and write.

The Great Moravian kingdom did not last long; it collapsed at the beginning of the 10th century, unable to withstand the onslaught of the Hungarians. And only at the beginning of the 14th century the country again became united thanks to the efforts of the Přemyslid princes.

Přemyslid Dynasty

The history of the Czech Republic from 872 to 1306 is marked by the period of rule of the first Czech princely dynasty - the Přemyslids.

Prince Wenceslas, who was one of the founders of the dynasty and sought to improve relations with Germany, was killed in 935 by his brother Boleslav I. For 14 years, Boleslav I fought with the Germans, but in the end he was forced to admit dependence on the German state in 950

During the reign of Boleslav I, Moravia and part of the Polish lands located in the upper reaches of the Elbe and Oder rivers were annexed to the Czech Republic.

Under Boleslav II, a bishopric was founded in Prague in 973, and Vratislav II became the first crowned king of the Czech Republic in 1086. This royal title was bestowed upon him in 1085 by Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor.

During the beginning of the reign of Přemysl Otakar I, different lines of the Přemyslid dynasty waged internecine wars among themselves for power, of which Otakar I emerged victorious. He established peace, strengthened central power and weakened the political independence of the major nobility.

For his support of Frederick II of Hohenstaufen in the struggle for the crown of the Holy Roman Empire, Otakar I received from him in 1212 the Golden Sicilian Bull, a document that confirmed the hereditary right to the Czech royal throne without any conditions or tribute, as well as the integrity of the state and its borders. Czech kings also received the right to participate in the election of the Holy Roman Emperor.

Under Otakar I, cities actively developed, the Czech kingdom received international recognition, and bishops and clergy received significant privileges and rights.

In the 13th century, the Czech Republic became one of the most powerful states within the Holy Roman Empire; Germans began to actively populate its territory.

In the second half of the 13th century, during the reign of Přemysl Otakar II, Austria and the duchies of Styria and Carinthia were annexed to the Czech lands. However, his claims to the German crown and throne led to the death of Otakar II in 1278 during the Battle of the Moravian Field.

After the death of Otakar II, his son Vaclav II ascended the throne, who was able to strengthen power through a number of active measures and carried out active foreign policy. After his premature death, his son Wenceslas III ascended the throne, but was soon killed under mysterious circumstances. With his death, the Přemyslid dynasty ceased to exist in 1306.

Luxembourg board

The history of the Czech Republic from 1306 to 1310 is marked by a period of four years of struggle for the Czech throne, which ended with the ascension to the throne of John of Luxembourg, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Wenceslas II. During the reign of John of Luxembourg, the power and borders of the Czech kingdom increased significantly, due to the annexation of Cheb and a large part of Silesia. During the reign of John in 1338, the Old Town Hall was erected.

In 1346, John's son, Charles IV, ascended the Czech throne. The reign of Charles IV (1346 - 1378) is rightly called the “Golden Age” of the Czech Republic. Under him, the first university in Prague was created, construction of the Cathedral of St. Vita, numerous churches and monasteries were erected, as well as the Karlštejn Castle and the bridge in Prague (Charles Bridge). founded by Charles IV New town Prague and famous resort Karlovy Vary.

Charles IV was the first Czech king to be crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 1355, with Prague as its capital.

During the reign of Charles IV, winemaking, textile and agricultural production developed, the borders of the Czech kingdom were expanded by annexing part of the lands of Germany and Poland.

Charles IV actively supported the clergy, who, during his reign, accumulated enormous wealth and received privileges. This circumstance caused discontent among the population.

At the same time, the free lands were actively populated by German colonists, creating their own cities and villages and living according to their own established laws.

After the death of Charles IV in 1378, the throne was succeeded by his son, Wenceslas IV, who was constantly in conflict with the clergy and representatives of the Czech aristocracy. Conflicts that arose on national and religious grounds led to the emergence of a reformist religious movement in the country.

Hussite movement

The leader of the reform religious movement was the priest Jan Hus. In his sermons, he demanded reform of the church, calling for the deprivation of its property, denounced the morals and corruption of the clergy, and also spoke out against German dominance in the country.

Jan Hus was excommunicated from the church, and on July 6, 1415, accused of heresy, he was sentenced to be burned by the decision of the Council of Constance.

Four years after the execution of Jan Hus, anti-German riots that began in Prague served as the beginning of the Hussite Wars, which engulfed the Czech Republic and lasted for 15 long years (1419 - 1434). The Hussite wars left a deep mark on the history of the Czech Republic - the country, preoccupied with its religious problems, was cut off from pan-European cultural development for a long time.

Habsburg rule

In 1526, Ferdinand I of Habsburg ascended the Czech throne, the first representative of the Habsburg dynasty, which ruled the country for 400 years, until 1918.

One of the most prominent rulers of the Habsburg dynasty is Rudolf II, who left a noticeable mark on the history of the country. He was a very extraordinary person: he patronized science and art, and was fond of astrology and astronomy. Famous artists, poets, musicians, astronomers and alchemists gathered at the royal court at that time. Prague, which he made his royal residence, was at that time the center of alchemical science.

In 1611, under pressure from his relatives, Rudolf II, who at that time was sick and exhausted, was forced to abdicate the throne in favor of his brother Matthias, who pursued a tough policy towards the population of the country. He abolished all the “liberties” that Rudolf II was generous with. Political situation in the country by 1618, it had become so aggravated that it resulted in an event that was called the “Second Prague Throwing from Windows: Czech nobles threw royal palace two imperial governors and their secretary." This event marked the beginning of the Thirty Years' War between Catholics and Protestants.

In 1620, the Protestant army suffered a crushing defeat at the White Mountain near Prague. Participants in the uprising were subjected to repression: many of them were either executed or sentenced to exile from the country. Bohemia lost its autonomy and became part of Austria. All churches were transferred to the disposal of the Catholic clergy, and non-Catholics were deprived of all civil rights. This period in the history of the Czech Republic is marked by the period of German colonization, oppression of the Czech population and forced Catholicization.

During the reign of Empress Maria Theresa, national consciousness awakened and peasant uprisings swept the entire country. The reign of Emperors Joseph II and Leopold II was marked by a revival of Czech culture: museums and theaters were built, and theater productions were staged exclusively in the Czech language. The works of composers Smetana and Dvorak, writer Alois Jirasek, and artist Miklos Ales were very popular among the population.

Emperor Franz Joseph tried to stop revolutionary sentiments in the country, realizing that they posed a great threat to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but his plans were disrupted by the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.

XX century

The defeat of the German bloc in World War I led to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the end of the reign of the Habsburg dynasty in the Czech Republic.

1918 was marked by the creation independent republic- Czechoslovakia, which included the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Tomas Masaryk was proclaimed the first president of the new state, and Prague became the capital of the republic.

However, the young state did not last long. After the Munich Treaty of 1938, Nazi Germany was given the Sudetenland to Czechoslovakia, populated mainly by ethnic Germans who were happy to reunite with Germany.

In 1939, Slovakia declared its independence and became an ally of Germany. In the same year, the remaining part of the Czech territory was occupied by German troops (Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia).

During the German occupation, the main victims were Czech politicians and intellectuals, as well as Jews who were killed or sent to concentration camps.

Czechoslovakia, liberated by the Red Army in May 1945, came under the influence of the USSR, as a result of which a communist regime was established in the country. The development of the economy along Soviet lines contributed to the nationalization of industry and the collectivization of agriculture.

An attempt to reform the communist system in 1968 (Prague Spring) ended with the introduction of troops and tanks of the Warsaw Pact countries into Czechoslovakia and, thus, the suppression of the Prague Spring occurred.

The history of the Czech Republic at the end of the 80s was marked by a period of democratic change. Mass protests and demonstrations that swept the entire country marked the beginning of the Velvet Revolution (1989), which resulted in the overthrow of the communist regime in the country.

On January 1, 1993, Czechoslovakia was divided into two independent states - the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Vaclav Havel was proclaimed President of the Czech Republic, and Prague became the Czech capital.

In 1995, the Czech Republic was admitted to the OECD, and in 1999 joined NATO.

XXI Century

In 2000, the capital of the Czech Republic - Prague was declared cultural capital Europe.

In 2004, the Czech Republic joined the European Union, and in 2006, civil partnerships between people of the same sex were legalized in the country.

Since 2007, the Czech Republic has been part of the Schengen zone.

Good neighborly and friendly relations have been established between the Czech Republic and Russia, which are based on mutually beneficial cooperation.

Currently, the Czech Republic is one of the most popular tourist destinations Europe.

The Czech Republic is one of the most interesting tourist centers in Europe. The average income from tourism here reaches 5.5% of GDP, and no wonder - in a relatively small area there are great amount cultural and historical monuments of different eras.

From time immemorial, the country lay at the intersection of trade routes, which allowed it to absorb a great variety of unique traditions, the brightness and unusualness of music schools.

Amazing nature and a mild continental climate allow you to find thousands of opportunities for an unforgettable vacation.

Capital
Prague

Population

10,532,770 people

Population density

133 people/km²

Religion

Catholicism

Form of government

parliamentary republic

Czech crown

Timezone

UTC+1, in summer UTC+2

International dialing code

Internet domain zone

Electricity

220V. European type sockets, an adapter is required.

Climate and weather

Like any other country located in the center of Europe, the climate in the Czech Republic is moderate. Only in winter are light frosts possible. There is little snowfall, which will guarantee the absence of slush in the off-season. However, in the mountains there will be plenty of snowdrifts for winter sports - at ski resorts there is snow for about six months. Summer in the Czech Republic is usually warm.

Nature

The nature of the Czech Republic will easily surprise even the most experienced tourist with its incredible diversity. The country's borders are represented by a chain of impassable mountain ranges. Traveling deep into the Czech Republic, you can observe uniquely beautiful mountain passes, giving way to vineyards, and endless meadows with crystal lakes. In short, the Czech Republic is ideal for lovers of sweet romance.

Attractions

The attractions of the Czech Republic are truly diverse. It's no wonder that it is one of the ten most visited countries in the world. Here there is everything that the soul of an inquisitive tourist can strive for: ancient cities with memorable architecture, magnificent nature, nature reserves and unique healing springs... It is pointless to list all the attractions of this country - it may take several days. Let's try to briefly look at the most popular ones.

Prague. The capital of the Czech Republic has every right to be called the main attraction of this country, because it is beautiful city peace. " Old city "is the most attractive sector of the capital for tourists. It is where most of the attractions are located, the most popular of which are:

  • Prague Castle,
  • Jewish Quarter,
  • Golden duck,
  • St. Vitus Cathedral,
  • astronomical clock in the town hall.

Kutna Hora is another city on the “must visit” list. When local residents they say “Kutná Hora”, they first of all mean Church of All Saints. In this unique church, a symbol of the city, the remains of about 40 thousand people have been preserved.

When choosing a tour to this country, do not forget about Brno! It is the second largest city in the Czech Republic, whose main attraction is Church of St. John. This ancient building is remarkable in that it houses an ancient, but still worthy of attention organ. And the painted ceilings of the church are still its unique feature. In addition to the above-mentioned church, it is worth visiting the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, Capuchin Square, the Old Town Hall and Spielberg.

Karlovy Vary- worldwide famous resort, where for many centuries the entire Czech nobility recovered its health. Two large factories are located here - Jan Becher and Krusovice. Is it worth introducing the drinks they produce - Karlovska Becherovka and the delicious Krušovice beer?

Nutrition

There is a lot to try in the Czech Republic! Czech cuisine is truly hearty and very varied. In a whole network of restaurants nestled along Prague's cobbled streets, you're sure to find a dish that suits your taste. These include various types of fried meat, aromatic sausages, and liver pates that melt in your mouth... The Czech menu includes baked fish and juicy vegetable salads. Does it make sense to talk about the famous Czech beer? This national intoxicating drink is worth highlighting in order to reveal this topic as much as possible.

Accommodation

Like any other country open to tourists, the Czech Republic can offer a huge selection of a wide variety of hotels. Starting from the heart of the country, Prague, and to the very borders, a whole network stretches hotels, hotel complexes , and villas And apartments, suitable for rent. By the way, rental accommodation is considered the most acceptable for tourists. Many travel companies offer a wide range of services for booking both small provincial houses and luxury apartments in the center of the capital. Walls steeped in history will tell you more than neat, freshly painted and groomed hotel rooms.

Entertainment and relaxation

Agritourism. This type of entertainment arose relatively recently, but has already gained enviable popularity among sophisticated and not-so-sophisticated tourists. In the Czech Republic, only foreigners adhere to the strategy of holidays on farms, among whom houses on the border region with Austria and Germany are in greater demand.

By the way, Czech farmers make every effort to make such a vacation as comfortable and interesting as possible. Fishing, camping, hiking or horseback riding... There are even farms increased comfort, equipped with tennis courts, their own golf courses and other entertainment unusual for the province.

Water tourism. The Czech Republic can offer great holiday on the water. Rich deep crystal clean lakes, it will allow you to go yachting, ride boats, rafts, canoes, water skis and even plunge into the world of windsurfing. In addition, the Czech Republic is true paradise for lovers fishing. There are enough rivers and lakes in the country that are ideal for professional fishing.

Children's holiday. Prague Zoo is most popular among the youngest tourists. The establishment is located in one of the most prestigious areas of Prague - in Three. Here, wildlife lovers will be able to observe animals exotic for this area. Elephants and hippos, tigers and cheetahs, seals and giant turtles, giraffes and other equally amazing species are presented behind an ornate fence Prague Zoo.

Winter activities- this is a real pearl in the sea of ​​​​what tour operators can offer you here. The Czech Republic has an amazing number of sports centers that can give you the opportunity to try your hand at skiing and snowboarding. Most Popular ski resorts in the Czech Republic today is Spindleruv, Giant Mountains, Harrachov And Mlyn.

Purchases

When going to the Czech Republic, do not forget to calculate your budget for shopping trips. This one is in full amazing country can really offer you wide choose luxury boutiques and branded clothing stores. Fans of “wild” shopping will appreciate the entire chain of discount stores selling European perfumes and cosmetics. In addition, the country still has small and cozy shops, coffee shops and bakeries that attract people with their national flavor.

Traditional souvenirs for tourists are considered to be Bohemian crystal, lace, beer mugs, embroidered clothes.

Transport

The most accessible and easiest way to get to the desired place here is to take an international or intercity bus and hit the road. However, it is worth noting that European public transport is expensive. By the way, a bus trip from Prague to Brno will cost 5.4 € and take no more than two hours. Same route by train costs a little more - 6.2 € and takes more time - from three hours.

You can book a bus or train ticket online on specialized websites.

Taxi in the Czech Republic they are free, from 5 € per 1 km and the taxi driver will charge another 10 € for landing.

Connection

Mobile communications in the Czech Republic are no less accessible than in the CIS countries. Cooperation with an operator would be optimal for tourists mobile communications Vodafone. You can buy a SIM card with a balance of 200 CZK for approximately 8 € at any newsstand.

Note that other operators offer a wider range of services and provide better quality service, but have quite aggressive prices.

Safety

Anyone, and especially novice tourists, should note that money, valuables and documents should be stored in a hotel safe or in a proper bank branch. Despite the fact that the Czech Republic is safe country, cases of robbery are still possible in it. As a rule, gypsies and laborers engage in such illegal activities. In order to protect yourself from such precedents, avoid night walks in gypsy neighborhoods, and carry photocopies of securities and documents with you.

Let us remind you that medical and property insurance is mandatory for every tourist entering the country.

Business climate

Modern economic policy in the EU countries involves government intervention in the market environment. It is generally accepted that this contributes to the economic growth of the country. The conditions for business development in the Czech Republic are quite favorable, because... The government is pursuing a completely adequate policy that does not impede the emergence of entrepreneurship. One of the most attractive advantages for Czech businessmen is the minimum of bureaucracy. Tax reduction for owners of developing small businesses is another undeniable advantage in this market segment.

Real estate

Real estate in the Czech Republic has become quite attractive for permanent investment. By the way, the cost of a new well-equipped two-room apartment near the center of Prague ranges from 55 to 130 thousand €. Provincial real estate costs a little less, about 5 thousand €. A noteworthy fact is that utility bills in the Czech Republic are cheaper than in the CIS countries.

  • When buying expensive souvenirs, keep your receipts, which you will need when crossing the border to prove that you are not exporting antiques.
  • The good news is that when you purchase more than €100 in Tax-free Shopping supermarkets, you can get back up to 22% of the amount spent.
  • In the Czech Republic, it is customary to leave generous tips - from 10% of the total amount.

Visa information

The Czech Republic is part of the Schengen countries. If your passport contains a valid Schengen visa, you can cross the country’s borders by any type of transport without any obstacles.

Visas to the Czech Republic are divided into three main types: transit, long-term and short-term. Transit visa issued to people whose purpose is to visit a specific country, which can only be reached through the territory of the Czech Republic. A long-term visa will be necessary if your goal is a long stay in the country. A short-term visa is the best option for tourist trips.

The package of documents for obtaining a visa is standard, but its submission is carried out only by appointment. The visa processing time is about five working days.

The Embassy of the Czech Republic can be found at: 123056, Moscow, st. Yu.Fuchika, 12/14.

If until now you thought that the Czech Republic and the Czech Republic were one and the same, you were wrong. A little, but they were wrong. The Czech Republic did not have an official abbreviated name, and it could only be called by one familiar word to us only unofficially. But soon it will be possible to legally call the country the Czech Republic (in English Czechia, in German Tschechien, in French Tchequie).

The most difficult thing was to come to an agreement within the country. Because historically the Czech Republic (Bohemia) is only part of the territory on which the Czech Republic is located today. It also includes others historical areas- Moravia and Silesia, who do not like the whole country to be named after only one region. And so they argued for a long time. Experts say that the word “Czech Republic” is a neologism: in Latin it first appears in 1634, which is late in European history. In English even later - in 1861. But the current President of the Czech Republic, Milos Zeman, speaking at English language, uses the name quite actively. While visiting Israel in 2013, he explained to his colleague Shimon Peres: “I use the name “Czech Republic” because it sounds better and shorter than the cold “Czech Republic.”

Another weighty argument against is the similarity in the sound of the Czech Republic and Chechnya: Czechia and Chechnya. Members of the Czechia Civic Initiative (it was founded in 1997 precisely to support the abbreviated name of the country) answer this simply: if someone does not know geography, this does not mean that we should follow their lead. Although there is a more serious argument: Chechnya is not an independent state and a member of the UN. Nevertheless, the Minister of Regional Development, Karla Šlechtová, has already expressed disagreement with the “Czech Republic”: “I don’t want people to confuse my country with Chechnya.”


Disputes about “Czech Republic” as an abbreviated name for the country have been going on since 1993. “As soon as we agree on this within the state, we will send our demand to the UN so that a change is made to the relevant database. Then the only correct abbreviated translation will be the word Czechia,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Lubomir Zaoralek, explained the situation on the eve of a meeting of the country’s top leadership, which took place on April 14 in Prague. The application has been sent.

The fact is that for the UN database, each state, along with its official name, may offer a shortened geographical option (Russian Federation- Russia, Germany - Germany, French Republic- France). Until now, the only name indicated in the database was “Czech Republic”, but there was no more practical “Czech Republic”. And therefore, for example, on the jerseys of hockey players (and everything related to hockey is taken extremely seriously in the Czech Republic) they wrote Czech, which translated from English means “Czech” and cannot be considered the name of the country.

“I assume that then the signs at conferences will be corrected accordingly, as well as the patches on the tracksuits of our athletes, because, as a rule, the full name of the state is not placed on the clothes of athletes,” says the Czech Foreign Minister. And rightly so: the Olympics are coming soon, time to sew costumes.

strong>When is the best time to go to the Czech Republic?

Yes, at least when. In the Czech Republic, the season is all year round, this is what distinguishes a city holiday from a beach holiday. In winter, Christmas (December 25) is especially beautiful, like in a fairy tale, houses are decorated, everything is illuminated, bright and colorful. In spring it begins to turn green and bloom. Easter (in April) is just as beautiful as Christmas.

Vysehrad Fortress located on a hill, distant from the center of Prague to the south. Here you can not only see a wonderful panorama overlooking the river, but also admire architectural structures. Vysehrad is rightfully considered the first center of the Czech state, which was erected in the 10th century.

Vysehrad Fortress

Old Town Square in Prague is the center of the historical part of Prague (Stare Mesto). On the square you can see its main attractions and the facades of houses of various architectural styles - Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo. Old Town Square is mentioned in the 13th century, when a market was located on its territory.

The Old Town Hall, where the Astronomical Clock is installed, like a magnet at noon, attracting thousands of eyes to show a unique performance.

Prague Zoo. Its multiplying collection includes 2,900 animals from all over the world. The zoo's territory is 62 hectares, of which 49 are occupied by spacious enclosures. You need to set aside the whole day for the zoo. Many animals and birds are kept without cages, including monkeys!

Technical Museum in Prague . Consists of three floors. It will be very interesting for children and men. The first floor is dedicated to automobiles, from first to modern, and there is also a steam train. Bicycles and motorcycles are displayed on the second floor. The very first bicycle was wooden and without pedals. On the third floor there are diving suits for the ocean. Airplanes and airships hang between the floors. All exhibits are original and life-size, of course.

Prague Castle - residence of Czech princes, kings and Roman emperors. Currently, the president's offices are located here. For more than 1,100 years, Prague Castle has been the center of the Czech state. Having survived the glory and splendor of the royal court, periods of prosperity and decline, it is now considered the largest palace complex in Europe.

The Charles Bridge . It is impossible to visit Prague without walking along the Charles Bridge. The length of the bridge is 520 meters, and the history begins in 1380. The pedestrian bridge is decorated with ancient statues. There are many street artists on the bridge offering their work and ready to paint your portrait.

On the left is the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle on the horizon.

Karlovy Vary - the presence of several dozen mineral springs.

Medieval castles , castles, castles - they are just everywhere, on the hills, in villages, small towns.

Special rules of behavior in public places

There are no special features. The only thing is that in a bar/restaurant other guests can be seated at your table, but this is also the case in other European countries.

Features of car rental in the Czech Republic

An international license is required to drive. The traffic is on the right. But I wouldn’t recommend a car specifically for Prague: there is nowhere to park, there are a lot of pedestrians, all the attractions are concentrated in the center, you can get around everything on foot (there are a lot of walking tours offered). A friend of mine said about Prague that he had never walked so much in his life. If you drive around the suburbs, then, of course, you cannot do without a car. Transport in Prague is very developed, especially trams, they are just like spaceships.

The metro consists of two lines. Public transport runs around the clock. There is a timetable at each stop. The movement strictly follows the schedule, no hour-long wait, maximum 5 minutes (at night 15 minutes). There are three types of travel cards: for 30 minutes, 1 hour and for the whole day. I still have the phrase “Pshishka instagram Namesti Republik” spinning in my head, which means the next stop is Republic Square, where we lived.

Large shopping centers in resort towns Czech Republic

All year round discounts on fashionable clothes, shoes, accessories, Jewelry, household goods and even sweets are offered by the Fashion Arena outlet on the outskirts of the Czech capital. A free bus runs to it from the Depo Hostivař metro station every half hour.

In the old pedestrian part of the Czech capital on Republic Square there is the largest in Prague shopping mall Palladium. It occupies all five floors of the ancient building, including underground ones. More than two hundred shops, boutiques, dozens of restaurants and cafes are ready to welcome guests of Prague and residents of the Czech capital.

Globus is a large shopping center popular with both residents and guests of Karlovy Vary. The store is located about 20 minutes from the city center. You can get here by city bus No. 1, which runs every 30 minutes.

National dishes Czech Republic

Soups are prepared in different ways and served in a loaf of bread. You need to eat quickly, otherwise the broth will be absorbed into the bread.

Dumplings made from regular or potato flour. Cook strictly by steaming, then cut and serve as a side dish. Dumplings complement meat dishes with thick sauce; they are dipped in it and then eaten. There are many recipes for dumplings; they often add fillings, such as liver, onion, meat or even cabbage. Fruits are placed in sweet ones, cheese and sugar are sprinkled on top.

Boar's knee(pork knee) is a Czech brand. The drumstick is first soaked in a beer marinade, then boiled, and smoked over a fire right before serving. It is a very filling dish, and one person usually cannot eat it. We took it twice and didn’t finish it both times, it was too much. But the crust is so crispy, just mmm, I had to grab a piece from my opponent with a fork.

 

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