Prague Overview

Prague is not only the capital of the Czech Republic; it is also the largest city in the country. It has a 1,000-year-old history and is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Visit this site for more photos of Prague. 

It is one of the culture capitals of Europe and lovers of history and art will be in their element as there are many fascinating museums and galleries to explore. There are also many beautiful parks and forests to relax in. Churches, which are a must-see as the architecture of many of them is second to none, can be found in every district. Dining and shopping opportunities are in abundance, with both international and local cuisine being served in many top-class restaurants.

Prague has an impressive selection of accommodation. Five-star hotels can be found in the city alongside converted castles, quaint guesthouses and budget hostels. Lodging is available year-round and it is advisable to book in advance to ensure a room. Many major hotel chains such as the Hilton, Marriott and Best Western have moved into Prague in the last few years. There are, however, still some excellent independent hotels offering service and facilities that are just as good. Most accommodation can be found conveniently close to the major attractions.

Since prehistoric times, Prague has seen many different settlements on its soil. The very first people arrived in about 5500 BC, although it was only in the 6^th century that development of the city really began. The Slavs moved into Prague to develop a network of settlements and expand the city. A large marketplace, which is known today as the Old Square, was developed. 

The city continued to develop peacefully until the early 15^th century when the famous anarchist, Jan Hus, began to spread his revolt. This led to the 1419 New Town Revolution, which was followed by the Hussite Wars. Hus was executed for heresy in 1415.

In 1583, Emperor Rudolph II came to live in Prague and turned the city into the centre of European art, science and politics. A new city of Renaissance culture was born. Rudolph II died in 1612, marking the end of Prague’s dominance of world culture. The Battle of White Hill in 1620 led the way for the Thirty Years War. The city was destroyed after the Battle of White Hill, and was ransacked further by the Saxons in 1631. The city was immediately reduced to a provincial town, which ensured an economic collapse and an enormous decrease in Prague's population. 

Throughout the period immediately after the Thirty Year War Prague was very unsettled. The city was rebuilt wi many walls and defences put in place. The French briefly occupied Prague from 1741 until 1744, after which the city was taken over by Prussian troops. In 1784, the four independent towns of Prague - Old Town, New Town, Lesser Town and Hradcany - were united to form one single city to be ruled by Emperor Joseph II.

Prague became hidden behind its own walls and therefore missed much of the western world’s progression such as the start of the Industrial Revolution in the 19^th century. Many of the walls were demolished by the end of that century, and moving into the 20^th century, Prague began to develop a new neo-Renaissance style. 

This growth was once again halted, this time by the Nazis. By March 1939, Czechoslovakia had succumbed to the Germans and Hitler arrived in Prague. The Jewish community of the city was decimated, with an estimated 40,000 people being killed. 

After the Communist revolution of 1948, the population of the city grew at an amazing rate. New buildings were built very fast and very cheaply. The rise of Communism in 1968 saw an end to all creativity. It was not until 1989, when the city regained its freedom, that the people of Prague once again enjoyed freedom of expression. 

Today, Prague is regaining its unique beauty and once again becoming a leading city of culture in Eastern Europe. Prague is extremely popular with tourists and has become a very influential city in Europe since its split from Slovakia and its joining the EU.

The Czech Republic is located between the oceanic and continental weather systems. This creates a very changeable weather pattern.

Summers in Prague are usually hot and are subject to interruption by thunderstorms. July and August are peak season in the city and as the weather often sees highs of 29°C, visitors can enjoy the sunshine as well as the sights.

Wintertime can be extremely cold, with temperatures ranging from -11°C to 0°C. These freezing temperatures put many people off, but others who come for the skiing opportunities get the chance to see the city at its most beautiful.