Message about the Czech Republic. All about the Czech Republic
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 fight 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 pursued an 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 inherited 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. By 1618, the political situation in the country 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 rule of the Habsburg dynasty in the Czech Republic.
The year 1918 was marked by the creation of an 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 in Europe.
Tourism plays an important role in the economy; every year Czechs earn more than 100 billion from tourists. – this is 5.5% of the country’s GDP. About 170,000 residents are employed in tourism, although this figure is clearly underestimated, because it does not include bartenders and waiters, shop assistants, and all these establishments work both for tourism and for the local population.
The Czech Republic receives about 9 million guests a year. According to statistics for 2016, German citizens are the leaders among travelers - 1,880,000. Tourists come from Slovakia (645,000), Poland (543,000), USA (511,000), Great Britain (470,000). Russians are in 6th place on this list - 406,000 tourists in 2016.
The number of tourists from China visiting the Czech Republic is growing rapidly. South Korea, Japan. Don't be surprised if by 2020 you see Chinese characters on shops and currency exchange offices in Prague.
What attracts tourists to the Czech Republic? What is the country proud of? What surprises visitors?
Firstly, historical centuries-old monuments. Although not as long as the Greek, Chinese or Egyptian, there are many monuments preserved here, and most are in excellent condition.
Having a thousand-year historical path behind it, the state is full of architecture of different styles and trends. These are more than 2 thousand castles, their ruins and palaces, among them the following are especially popular: Litomysl, Pardubice Castle, Jindrichuv Hradec, Zvezdny summer palace, castle in Kromeriz, Wallenstein Palace, Kinski Palace.
Religious monuments in the Czech Republic fascinate with their grandeur and unique architectural solutions. This is the Cathedral of St. Wenceslas in Olomouc, the Church of St. James the Elder, and many others scattered like pearls throughout the country. There are 11 Catholic cathedrals in the country.
Medical tourism is another strong point Czech tourism industry. Healing springs Karlovy Vary is famous throughout the world. It is believed that the resort was founded here by Emperor Charles IV in 1350. Other destinations: Poděbrady, Jáchymov, peloidal springs in Bechyn and Třebon, sulfur-iron peloidal springs in Lazne Toušeni, natural warm and hot water in Teplice and several others.
The Czech Republic is one of the European “Meccas” of gastronomic tourism. Beer tours are in particular demand, when tourists are taken to breweries and tastings. However, there are so many types of beer in the Czech Republic that even during the longest beer tour it would be impossible to try them all.
Gaining momentum ski holiday. Unfortunately, the country cannot boast high mountains, in this area it is difficult for the Czechs to compete with neighboring Austria and Switzerland. There are mountains in the Czech Republic - these are the Sudeten Mountains, the highest point of the country is Mount Snezka (1602 meters). Some ski resorts are located in the Moravian hills. The most developed ski resort The country is now Pec pod Snezka.
Several years ago, Prague earned the right to be called the center of European shopping. Local shops They offer clothes and shoes at very reasonable prices, even in the city center. On Wenceslas Square in the Czech capital, tourists will find several dozen shops with a varied assortment of affordable prices. Fans of designer clothes and luxury brands will be able to dress up on Parizhskaya Street. It is very profitable to be in the Czech Republic during seasonal sales; prices are reduced by 2-3 times.
A wide variety of goods are brought from the Czech Republic, primarily, of course, beer and the famous liqueurs “Becherovka” and “Slivovitz”, absinthe. Indispensable souvenirs are beer mugs of all shapes and sizes. Unique Bohemian crystal is in constant demand. Those with a sweet tooth stock up on delicious Czech waffles with fillings. Jewelry lovers will find beautiful silver and garnet items here. When buying a magnificent Czech garnet, be sure to have a certificate confirming its authenticity.
Tourists are happy to buy ceramics, porcelain, and lace. Fashionistas and fashionistas will not ignore the hats from the Tonak factory, which have been sewn here since the end of the 16th century. Many people buy exact copies of hats here famous personalities, for example, Winston Churchill.
Ladies will not be able to pass by the amazing costume jewelry of the Preciosa factory, which is considered elite.
Children will be delighted with a variety of toys - puppets, porcelain dolls, national clothes, and they will be especially delighted by the plush mole, a famous cartoon character.
Women who want to get pregnant buy a figurine of the baby Jesus, called Ezulatko, it will help the woman fulfill her dream and will protect her child.
Medicinal salts are brought from Karlovy Vary, and romantics get an unusual and original souvenir - a salt rose, soaked in salts of mineral waters and frozen forever. At the resorts you can purchase medicinal cosmetics and original drinking utensils mineral water from sources.
When purchasing expensive items, do not forget to save receipts until customs control- they will prove that you are not exporting antiques.
A nice bonus - if you purchased goods worth more than €100 in stores with a Tax-free system, you will be refunded up to 25% of the purchase price, do not forget to fill out the necessary documents.
Kitchen
Beer is the calling card of the Czech Republic. Sophisticated connoisseurs of the foamy drink enjoy it in drinking establishments near breweries, for example, in Pilsen, Prague and Budujevice, and in the villages of Velkopopovice and Krušovice. In addition to breweries, many restaurants can boast of brewing beer.
From May 16 to June 1, Prague becomes a Mecca for beer lovers, who come here for the beer festival. At this time, you can get acquainted with the taste and hop qualities of more than 70 types of beer. The Czechs claim that their beer is as medicinal as their legendary mineral springs, and drink it in impressive mugs at any time of the day.
Each type of beer has its own characteristic taste, so it is very difficult to single out one as the best.
In ancient times, brewers settled at least a mile apart so as not to compete with each other. And if the public passed a verdict that a brewer’s beer was bad, then he was subjected to physical punishment and a serious fine. Thanks to such harsh measures, Czech beer has always been of excellent quality.
Beer in the Czech Republic is always served chilled to 6-10 degrees; it is believed that it is at this temperature that the intoxicating drink is tastier and more aromatic. The most common and famous varieties of Czech beer are Urgent Pilsner, Gambrinus, Staropramen, Krusovuce, Ferdinand. But in every establishment they will consider it an honor to let the guest try a unique variety, prepared only here: nettle, cherry, wheat and even coffee beer.
Beer in the Czech Republic is not just a drink. It is used in the preparation of many dishes, soups, dough is kneaded on it and sauces are made from it.
The popularity of Becherovka liqueur, infused with 42 herbs, has long gone beyond the borders of the Czech Republic. The liqueur is named after the pharmacist Joseph Becher, who created this drink in 1805 for medicinal purposes for use in stomach diseases. But the unique mild taste of the liqueur was appreciated not only by patients, and soon the drink became very popular. Only Karlovy Vary water is used in its production.
The most popular spirits are plum vodka and 72-proof absinthe with wormwood flavor.
Czech cuisine is quite diverse and has incorporated both elements of pan-European cuisine and national features. Tourists' favorite national dishes are goulash, fried sausages, onion or garlic stew, roast goose, meat rolls, sweet palachinka pancakes stuffed with chocolate mousse or jam. We also recommend trying stewed cabbage soup, soup baked in a loaf of bread, beef goulash with dumplings and the famous apple strudel. And with beer, take the famous bacon!
Czech cuisine is famous for its flour products, especially dumplings. Dumplings can serve both as a side dish and as a separate dish filled with minced meat or jam. A popular dish among Czechs is pork with stewed cabbage and dumplings.
- There is a funny landmark in Prague - a sculpture of two men pissing. Computer-controlled water jets display phrases from famous Prague residents.
- The famous polka dance is not of Polish, but of Czech origin. The name is derived from the Czech word for “half”, since the musical time signature of the dance is 2/4.
- In Prague you can walk along the Royal Route - here Czech kings went “to work” and back.
- Czech grammar is considered the most difficult in the world.
- The highest point in the Czech Republic is Mount Snezka with a height of 1602 meters.
- The Czech Republic has the highest level of beer consumption per capita - 160 liters per person per year.
- Prague Castle is the largest castle in the world.
- Every year in June, from the 19th to the 21st, the small town of Cesky Krumlov hosts a real carnival in honor of the Five-Petal Rose Festival, at which time the city plunges into the real Middle Ages. Historical costumes are brought here from all over the country, in which all the townspeople, young and old, dress up. Tourists can also take part in costumed events, torchlight processions, and buy unique souvenirs at the fair.
Tourist Information
To visit the Czech Republic you need a Schengen visa.
The country's currency is the Czech crown.
Grocery stores are open from 6 am, universal stores - from 9 am. Banks are open only on weekdays, and exchange offices are open daily.
Historical sites and museums are closed on Mondays and days following holidays.
Czech time is 2 hours behind Moscow time.
Important - smoking is prohibited in the country at bus stops and in in public places. The fine for violating the ban is 42 €.
When visiting cafes, bars and restaurants, it is customary to leave the same tip as everywhere else in Europe - no more than 10%.
You can import into the country no more than 200 cigarettes, a liter of strong alcohol and 2 liters of wine, no more than 50 ml of perfume or 250 ml of eau de toilette, and medicines for personal consumption.
Czech Republic quite safe country, where law and order is ensured by numerous police officers. But, as in any major tourist centers, no one is immune from theft of a wallet or valuables, so be vigilant.
Most streets in historic centers are paved with cobblestones, so it's wise to stock up comfortable shoes in low heels.
When exploring cities on your own, be sure to purchase a map - not all buildings have numbers, but a map will allow you not to get lost and find the necessary attractions.
Transport
The country has developed intercity bus service. Bus passengers are required to wear seat belts.
There is also an extensive network in the country railways, all major cities can be reached by train or train. Discount on children's ticket 50%.
Drivers with an international license and over 21 years of age can rent a car. You need to pay a deposit for the car. Remember to wear your seat belts and turn on your headlights during daytime.
You can get around the cities by public transport, which runs exactly on schedule. There is a metro in Prague. When traveling by taxi, it is advisable to agree on the price with the driver in advance, in order to avoid mutual misunderstanding at the end of the route.
Hotels
Czech hotel service meets European standards, its level directly correlates with the category of the hotel. Hotel rooms with one or two stars do not have bathrooms; they are shared by several rooms. Regardless of the category and size of the hotel, for breakfast you will always have muesli, coffee, tea, bagels with butter, cheese and several types of sausage.
Each hotel must confirm its rank every 4 years, so hotel owners take care of the appropriate quality.
In the Czech Republic there are fashionable hotels of global hotel chains, youth hotels, hostels, and private boarding houses; shelter can be found for any income, the main thing is to take care of accommodation in advance at the height of the tourist season.
Lovers of antiquity can stay in romantic castle hotels with their own ponds, gardens, and royal rooms for newlyweds. But this pleasure is not cheap - from 300 €.
In Prague, the cost of hotels is directly proportional to their proximity or distance from the center of the Czech capital.
Travelers by car are offered more than 200 campsites, modern and well-equipped, with running water, electricity, and laundry facilities on their territory.
Holidays
The most “important” holiday in the Czech Republic is Christmas, and the most fun and noisy holiday is Maslenitsa (in the rural outback it is celebrated jointly by all village residents). The celebration of the end of the harvest is called Dozhinok. In southern Moravia, the beginning of autumn fishing is celebrated in numerous ponds, many of which are over 400 years old.
In number public holidays includes:
- January 1 - New Year.
- Good Friday.
- Easter Monday.
- May 1 - Labor Day (in the Czech Republic this day is called the “holiday of love”).
- May 8 is the Day of the Czech Republic's liberation from fascism.
- July 5 is the Day of the Slavic Apostles Cyril and Methodius.
- July 6 is Jan Hus Memorial Day.
- October 28 - Independence Day. On this day in 1918, the Czechoslovak Republic was proclaimed in Prague.
- December 25 and 26 - Christmas; on these days the shops are closed (and on December 24, Christmas Eve, they are open only until 14.00).
How to get there
Several Aeroflot and Czech Airlines planes fly from Russia to the Czech Republic every day from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod. Ekaterinburg and other large cities. The most popular cities of arrival are Prague, Brno, Karlovy Vary. A train departs daily from the Belorussky Station in Moscow to the Czech Republic, the journey time is 32 hours.
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, 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 co-religionists 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, industrial development is at a fairly high level. 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 other monetary units of 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 assistance to the 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. By 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 displays medieval weapons, 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 the two largest rivers of the 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 in the 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 - 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 down a 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 on 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. In large 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 representatives of the 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
Czech Republic is the most detailed information about the country with photos. Sights, cities of the Czech Republic, climate, geography, population and culture.
Czech Republic (Česká republika)
The Czech Republic is a small state in Central Europe. This is one of the most distinctive and attractive countries of the European Union for tourists with a rich history, many interesting sights, castles and cultural monuments. The Czech Republic borders on Poland in the north, Germany in the west and northwest, Slovakia in the east, and Austria in the south. It is a parliamentary republic. The official language is Czech.
What comes to mind when we talk about the Czech Republic? These are the Gothic spiers of Prague and Prague streets, this is the ancient Charles Bridge across the Vltava, these are hundreds of castles and churches in cozy old towns, this is excellent beer and tasty food. All this is true, but there is something more. The Czech Republic is an atmosphere of calm and silence, cordiality and leisurely local residents, regularity of life, beautiful natural landscapes: leisurely rivers, fields and picturesque wooded hills. Interestingly, the country is also one of the safest in Europe and has one of the lowest levels of corruption.
The country is located almost in the center of the former Austria-Hungary - in the past it was one of the largest and most powerful states in Europe. Czech Republic ranks historical areas- Moravia, Bohemia and part of Silesia. The turbulent past has left a colossal historical heritage, and low prices for food and hotels make the Czech Republic one of the cheapest countries in Europe for tourists.
Helpful information
- The official language is Czech.
- Currency - Czech crown.
- Visa - Schengen.
- The capital is Prague.
- Population - 10.5 million people.
- Area - 78.9 thousand square meters. km
- The standard of living is high.
- In the Czech Republic, Central European time is UTC +1.
- Driving in the Czech Republic is on the right. Travel speed in populated areas limited to 50 km, outside the city - 90 km, on highways - 130 km. When driving on motorways, you need to buy a vignette. The consumption of alcohol by drivers is strictly prohibited. Car headlights should always be on. From November to the end of March, all cars must be driven on winter tires.
- High season - May, July, August. Low - January, February.
- Stores are open from 9.00 to 17.00 on weekdays. In large cities, shops are open until 20.00 and even on weekends. Shopping centers and large supermarkets are open from 9.00 to 21.00. Museums and attractions are often closed on Sundays.
- The kitchen in restaurants and cafes is usually open until 21.00 - 22.00. Tips are not included in the bill and amount to 5-10% of the bill.
Geography and nature
Despite its small size, the Czech Republic is a geographically diverse country. Here you can find mountains and hills covered with forests, fields and plains. The country is landlocked. Western and East End, mostly hilly and mountainous. The central one is predominantly hilly plain. The highest peak is Mount Snezka (1602 m).
Several rivers flow through the territory of the Czech Republic. large rivers- Vltava, Odra, Laba, Morava. The nature of the Czech Republic is very picturesque - hills and low mountains covered with deciduous and coniferous forests interspersed with agricultural land. Castles and fortresses rise on high hills and cliffs - a legacy of the past. Roe deer and deer graze in the fields, running away as soon as you stop.
Best time to visit
The Czech Republic can be visited all year round. The most comfortable time is from May to September. Atmospheric in the Czech Republic during the Christmas holidays. Most low season lasts from January to March.
Climate
The climate of the Czech Republic is moderate, with warm but not hot summers and fairly mild winters. The four seasons are clearly defined. Spring is cool with average temperature 8-12 degrees. Precipitation is 150-200 mm. Summer is warm with a fairly comfortable temperature of 15-20 degrees. Hot weather doesn't happen often. But it gets cold often. Therefore, when visiting the Czech Republic in summer, we recommend taking light jackets with you. The most precipitation falls in summer. Autumn is quite warm with an average temperature of about 10 degrees. Winter lasts from December to February. The temperature is kept around zero degrees. There are both thaws and frosts.
Winter in the mountains of the Czech Republic Story
The historical name of the Czech Republic is Bohemia. This territory includes several historical regions - Bohemia, Moravia and part of Silesia.
Human settlements on the territory of the Czech Republic existed back in the Stone Age. At the beginning of our era, Germanic tribes lived here. The Slavs came to these lands in the 6th century. There is a well-known legend about three Slavic brother leaders - Ruse, Lyakh and Czech. Each of them became the founder of the people. Although the etymology of the name of the country and people still causes controversy among scientists.
The unification of the Czech Slavs and the creation of the Czech state dates back to the 9th-10th century. Initially the center was Budec. In the 10th century, the center of the state moved towards modern Prague. At this time, the Vysehrad fortress and Prague Castle were founded. Czechs were baptized in the 9th century.
The Czech Principality gained independence under the first Přemyslids. From the 11th to the 14th centuries, the Czech Republic was under the rule of the Frankish emperors. In 1241, the united Czech army successfully repelled the Mongol invasion.
The main flourishing of the Czech Republic and Prague in the Middle Ages occurred during the time of the legendary King Charles IV. Karl not only expanded the Czech lands, but also developed Agriculture and winemaking, began construction famous bridge across the Vltava in Prague, founded the University, Karlštejn Castle, St. Vita. Charles also issued a law on succession to the throne - when the eldest son inherits the throne. A woman can become head of state only if there are no male descendants.
The development of the Czech Republic was suspended in the 15th century. This process and loss of independence was provoked by the Hussite movement, which arose at the beginning of the 15th century. Despite the fact that Jan Hus (one of their leaders) was burned as a heretic, the Hussite War broke out. After it, first came the time of monarchless rule. Later, the Czech state lost its independence and became part of the Habsburg possessions. The Czech Republic remained under their control until 1918.
After the end of the First World War, the country gained independence. A new state is formed - Czechoslovakia. Masaryk becomes the first president. Czechoslovakia existed until 1993.
In 1939, the country was occupied by German troops. Liberated in 1945 by the Red Army. After the war, the Czech Republic was part of the socialist camp under the influence of the USSR.
In 1989, after the Velvet Revolution, Soviet troops left the Czech Republic. In 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two independent states. Since 1999, the Czech Republic has joined NATO, and since 2004 - the EU.
Administrative division
The Czech Republic consists of a capital and 13 regions. The regions are divided into districts (okres) and statutory cities (district centers).
- Central Bohemia - includes the capital - Prague, Kutna Hora.
- Western Bohemia (Pilsen and) is a wooded and mountainous area, picturesque nature, resorts and excellent beer.
- Northern Bohemia (Liberec and Ústí nad Labem) is a mountainous and industrial region.
- Eastern Bohemia (Hradec-Králové and Pardubice) - mountain range Giant Mountains and the highest peak in the Czech Republic - Mount Snezka.
- Southern Bohemia (Ceske Budejovice) - hills and forests, the upper reaches of the Vltava.
- North Moravia (Ostrava and) is an industrial region. Although you can find here beautiful nature and interesting sights.
- South Moravia (Brno) - hills and forests, agricultural land and wine production. These are the warmest regions of the Czech Republic.
Population
The population of the Czech Republic is more than 10 million people. Considering the area of the country, it can be classified as densely populated. About 95% of the population are ethnic Czechs. Large diasporas are Ukrainians, Russians, Slovaks, Vietnamese, Germans.
The official language is Czech, which belongs to the West Slavic group of languages. Czechs can easily understand Slovaks and vice versa. Also, the Czech language has common roots and words with other Slavic languages - Russian, Polish, Ukrainian. The Czech language has a large number of colorful words: lepidlo - glue, letushka - flight attendant, letadlo - airplane. The stress is almost always on the first syllable.
The Czechs themselves are calm, welcoming, polite people. They respect traditions, are reasonable and unhurried.
Transport
Located almost in the center of Europe, the Czech Republic has good transport accessibility.
International airports are located in Prague (the largest in the country), Brno, Ostrava, Karlovy Vary and Pardubice.
The main means of transportation around the country are trains, buses and cars. It is worth noting that the condition and quality of roads in the Czech Republic lags behind neighboring Austria and Germany. Although the country has highways that connect major cities and neighboring countries and pass near Prague, Pilsen, Brno and Ostrava.
Accommodation
Accommodation in the Czech Republic is much cheaper than, for example, in Germany and Austria. A double room in a three-star hotel with breakfast can be found for 30-50 euros even in Prague. Of course, it all depends on the location of the hotel (logically, the closer to the center, the more expensive), season, etc. Large cities usually have a wide range of accommodation options, from hostels to luxury hotels. It is better to take care of accommodation in high season in advance. Rooms in Czech hotels are usually quite clean and very simple.
Kitchen
Czech cuisine is very high in calories. Traditional dishes: voles (various soups), chesnechka (garlic soup), boar's knee (pork), meat dishes (mainly pork, beef, chicken, duck) with dumplings, fish dishes (carp), fried cheese (Hermelin), seasonal vegetables (green vegetables), potatoes (bramborak) and, of course, beer. In restaurants, food is usually prepared until 21.00-22.00. Tips are not included in the bill. If you liked the food and service, you can leave 5-10% of the bill.
Beer is the special pride of the Czech Republic and its main drink. It is one of the best in the world here. At the same time, beer is often the cheapest drink and often cheaper than Coca-Cola. Beer brands such as Krusovice, Budweiser, Pilsner, Radegast, Bernard, Gambrinus are brewed here. There are also a huge number of small breweries. Beer is usually differentiated into light (light) and dark (tmave). Dark beer has a richer taste.
Cities of the Czech Republic
The most popular and beautiful city The capital of the Czech Republic is Prague. It is often called the “city of a hundred spiers” and “golden”. Prague is located almost in the center of the Czech Republic. Is largest city countries. Historical Center cities included in the list World Heritage UNESCO, and such sights as Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square and Tyn Church, Vysehrad are real symbols of the country.
Brno The second in importance and size is the capital of Moravia - Brno, which has a compact and beautiful Old city and has long been competing with Prague economically and culturally.
There is a student center nearby city of Olomouc, which is often called "little Prague". The city has wonderful architecture and many interesting sights (one of them is included in the UNESCO list).
To the north is the industrial capital of the Czech Republic and one of its largest cities - Ostrava.
Located near Prague small town Kutná Hora with several famous sights (ossuary, St. Barbara's Cathedral).
In the west, the famous Czech resort Karlovy Vary stands out. And in the northwest is Liberec.
The main city in the south is České Budejovice, with a wonderful old center. Not far from it is located one of the most beautiful towns Czech Republic - whose old town is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Sights of the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a country rich in sights and monuments of history and culture. Despite their turbulent past, the Czechs managed to preserve their historical heritage.
Listing the interesting sights of the Czech Republic could take a whole book, so we will limit ourselves to the most iconic ones.
In Prague, the most famous landmarks are Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square and Vysehrad.
In Kutna Hora, UNESCO sites: the beautiful Gothic Cathedral of St. Barbarians and the gloomy Ossuary.
In Olomouc - this is one of the most significant monuments of the Czech Baroque, the Column of the Holy Trinity.
One big attraction is the town of Cesky Krumlov in the south of the Czech Republic.
Among the natural beauties, the Bohemian Paradise Nature Reserve occupies a prominent place, national park Giant Mountains and Šumava, Macocha Gorge.
On the territory of Chekhov there are many beautiful castles. Here, almost every ancient town has mighty fortresses or romantic ruins. Many castles are well preserved and can tell us a lot about the history and culture of the past.
- Prague Castle
- Karlstein
- Pernstein
- Loket
- Hluboka nad Vltavou
- Blatna
- Bouzov
- Orlik nad Vltavou
- Zvikov
- Kokorzhin
- Křivoklat
- Miller
- Mikulov
