Prague Music Clubs
Showing posts with label articles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label articles. Show all posts
Silesia
Silesia (Czech: Slezsko; German: ; Latin: Silesia; Polish: Śląsk; Silesian: Ślůnsk) is an historical region in central Europe, located along the upper and middle Oder River, upper Vistula River, and along the Sudetes, Carpathian (Silesian Beskids) mountain range. Most of it is now within the borders of Poland (Opole and Lower Silesian Voivodeships), with small parts in the Czech Republic (Czech Silesia). The largest cities are Wrocław and Katowice.People have inhabited Silesia from the time immemorial. Slavic peoples first arrived in this territory around the 6th century. It became the territory of Greater Moravia and Bohemia. Rulers of Bohemia received ducal authority by pledging allegiance to Emperor Otto I in 950 AD. With the establishment of the Piast Poland shortly thereafter, Boleslaw I Chrobry united Silesia with the Polish state.In the Middle Ages, Silesia was divided among many independent duchies ruled by branches of the Piast dynasty. During this time, cultural and ethnic German influence increased due to immigrants from the German-speaking components of the Holy Roman Empire. It subsequently became a possession of the Bohemian crown under the Holy Roman Empire in the 14th century, and passed with that crown to the Habsburg Monarchy of Austria in 1526. The Duchy of Crossen was inherited by Brandenburg in 1476 and, with the renunciation by King Ferdinand I in 1538, it became an integral part of Brandenburg.
Moravia
Moravia (Czech and Slovak: Morava;German: ) is a historical region in the east of the Czech Republic. It takes its name from the Morava River which rises in the northwest of the region.
Moravia occupies most of the eastern third of the Czech Republic including the South Moravian Region and the Zlín Region, as well as parts of the Moravian-Silesian, Olomouc, Pardubice, Vysočina and South Bohemian regions.
In the north, Moravia borders Poland and Czech Silesia; in the east, Slovakia; in the south, Lower Austria; and in the west, Bohemia. Its northern boundary is formed by the Sudetes mountains which become the Carpathians in the east. The meandering Dyje flows through the border country with Austria and there is a protected area on both sides of the border in the area around Hardegg.
Bohemia
Bohemia (German: ) is a historical region in central Europe, occupying the western two thirds of the traditional Czech Lands, currently the Czech Republic. In its broader meaning, it is often used to refer to the whole country, including Moravia and Czech Silesia especially in historical contexts.It has an area of 52,750 km² and 6.25 million of the Czech Republic's 10.3 million inhabitants. Bohemia is bordered by Germany to the southwest, west, and northwest, Poland to the north-east, the Czech historical region of Moravia to the east, and Austria to the south. Bohemia's borders are marked with mountain ranges such as the Bohemian Forest, the Ore Mountains, and the Giant Mountains within the Sudeten mountains.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic , is a small landlocked country in Central Europe, situated south-east of Germany and bordering with Austria to the south, Poland to the north and Slovakia (with which it used to form one country of Czechoslovakia) to the south-east.
Czech Republic is divided into 3 historical regions:
- Bohemia - the western part of the Czech Republic
- Moravia - the eastern part of the country
- Silesia - the north eastern part of the Czech Republic
Instead of these there are 14 political regions subdivided onto districts.
Prague Astronomical Clock
The Prague Astronomical Clock or Prague Orloj (Czech: Pražský orloj) is a medieval astronomical clock located in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The Orloj is mounted on the southern wall of Old Town City Hall in the Old Town Square and is a popular tourist attraction.The Orloj is composed of three main components: the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details; "The Walk of the Apostles", a clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures; and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months.
when it was made by clockmaker The oldest part of the Orloj, the mechanical clock and astronomical dial, dates back to 1410 Mikuláš of Kadaň and Jan Šindel, the latter a professor of mathematics and astronomy at Charles University. The Prague Orloj was one of a number of complex astronomical clocks designed and constructed during the 14th and 15th centuries, soon after the invention of the mechanical clock.
Ruzyně International Airport
- Ruzyně International Airport, +420 220 111 111, +420 296 661 111. Located 20km northwest of the city centre, it generally takes about 30 minutes to reach the city centre by car. ČSA (Czech Airlines) is the national carrier operating to many European destinations. There are also many cheap direct flights operated by easyJet, Ryanair and BMIbaby from UK, by SmartWings from Continental Europe & Turkey, Aer Lingus from Dublin, by SkyEurope from assorted destinations and by Sterling from Scandinavia. Starting on May 2nd, 2007, Delta Air Lines will start flights to Prague from Atlanta in the United States. Further information on Ruzyně International Airport
Crown of Saint Wenceslas
Crown of Saint Wenceslas is the part of Czech crown jewels (also called Czech treasure) made in 1347. Charles IV had it made for his coronation and forthwith he dedicated it to the first patron saint of the country St. Wenceslas and bequeathed it as a state crown for the coronation of future Czech kings, his successors to the Czech throne. On the orders of Charles IV the new Royal Crown was to be permanently deposited in St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle. It was used last time for the coronation of Czech king Ferdinand V in 1836. The St. Wenceslas Crown wrought of extremely pure gold, 21 to 22 carat (88 to 92 %), decorated with precious stones and pearls. It contains a total of 19 sapphires, 44 spinels, 1 ruby, 30 emeralds and 20 pearls. Some of these stones are the biggest in the world.
Legend has it that whoever wears this Crown without lawful right will die within a year. Often mentioned example is the death of Reinhard Heydrich (top Nazi leader and protector of Bohemia and Moravia)
Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge, is a famous historical bridge that crosses the Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic. Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of 15th century. As the only means of crossing the river in Prague, Charles Bridge used to be the most important connection between the Old Town, Prague Castle and adjacent areas until 1841.
The bridge is 516 meters long and nearly 10 meters wide, resting on 16 arches shielded by ice guards. It is protected by three bridge towers, two of them on the Lesser Quarter side and the third one on the Old Town side. The Old Town bridge tower is often considered to be one of the most astonishing civil gothic-style buildings in the world. The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and statuaries, most of them baroque-style, erected around 1700.
Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square. The Václavské náměstí is a wide bouldevard running down from the National Museum and it's choked with bars, restaurants and casinos. It's truly a heart of central Prague. All three metro lines are crossing there: line A and C are crossed at "Museum" station (upper part of boulevard right next to National Museum), while lines A and B are crossed at "Můstek" station (middle to lower part of boulevard).
- The Fred and Ginger Building (officially the Rasin Building), Rasínovo nábr 80, Praha 1. The Rasin Building is the work of the twentieth century architect Frank Gehry, and is said to be shaped like a man and a woman dancing; hence "Fred and Ginger
World Heritage Site
UNESCO World Heritage Site is a specific site (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that has been nominated and confirmed for inclusion on the list maintained by the international World Heritage Programmed administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 State Parties (countries) which are elected by the General Assembly of States Parties for a fixed term. (This is similar to the United Nations Security Council.)
The programmed aims to catalogue, name, and conserve sites of outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity. Under certain conditions, listed sites can obtain funds from the World Heritage Fund. The programmed was founded with the Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO on 16 November 1972. Since then, 184 (as of July 2007) States Parties have ratified the convention.
As of 2007, a total of 851 sites are listed: 660 cultural, 166 natural, and 25 mixed properties, in 142 States Parties. UNESCO references each World Heritage Site with a unique identification number; but new inscriptions often include previous sites now listed as part of larger descriptions. As a result, the numbering system currently ends above 1200, even though there are fewer on the actual list.
Each World Heritage Site is the property of the country on whose territory the site is located, but it is considered in the interest of the international community to preserve each site for future generations of humanity. The protection and conservation of these sites are a concern of all the World Heritage countries.
The programmed aims to catalogue, name, and conserve sites of outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity. Under certain conditions, listed sites can obtain funds from the World Heritage Fund. The programmed was founded with the Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO on 16 November 1972. Since then, 184 (as of July 2007) States Parties have ratified the convention.
As of 2007, a total of 851 sites are listed: 660 cultural, 166 natural, and 25 mixed properties, in 142 States Parties. UNESCO references each World Heritage Site with a unique identification number; but new inscriptions often include previous sites now listed as part of larger descriptions. As a result, the numbering system currently ends above 1200, even though there are fewer on the actual list.
Each World Heritage Site is the property of the country on whose territory the site is located, but it is considered in the interest of the international community to preserve each site for future generations of humanity. The protection and conservation of these sites are a concern of all the World Heritage countries.
Old Town Square
Old Town Square is a historic square in the Old Town quarter of Prague in the Czech Republic.
Located between Wenceslas Square and the Charles Bridge, Prague's Old Town Square is often bursting at the seams with tourists in the summer. Featuring various architectural styles including the gothic Týn Cathedral and baroque St. Nicholas Church, the square is an oasis for travelers wearied by Prague's narrow streets. Among many churches, tourists may find the Astronomical Clock on this square, while the tower at the Old Town Hall offers a panoramic view of Old Town.
Located between Wenceslas Square and the Charles Bridge, Prague's Old Town Square is often bursting at the seams with tourists in the summer. Featuring various architectural styles including the gothic Týn Cathedral and baroque St. Nicholas Church, the square is an oasis for travelers wearied by Prague's narrow streets. Among many churches, tourists may find the Astronomical Clock on this square, while the tower at the Old Town Hall offers a panoramic view of Old Town.
Tours
There are many tour companies in Prague, offering a variety of tours including short walking tours, all day tours of the city, tours for large tourist groups, and private tours. Most tours start from the Old Town Square. Leaflets can be found in the airport, and the various tourist information centres in Prague.
Authorized Guides of Prague Senovazne nam. 23 - A326, Praha 1, ph +420 776868770 provide private sightseeing tours in various languages. They find a tour guide according to needs of the visitors. They also arrange other related travel services such as transportation, restaurant bookings, cruise tickets etc.
Citywalks - private and group tours, either on foot or using other forms of transport ranging from riverboats to micro-scooters.
Daily Walks of Prague
Fun in Prague - options include "sport tours" such as water rafting, paint-balling and go-carting.
Martin Tours - regular tours, including walking, bus driven or on riverboats.
Prague Private Guides
Red Umbrella Prague Walking Tours
Prague Walking Tours Vinohradska 28, Praha 2. ph 222 516 064 or 777 070 784, fax 271 742 622 praguetravel@praguetravel.cz - themed walking tours with an English speaking guide, all of which meet at their marked orange umbrella by the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town, where tickets can be bought on the spot.
Premiant City Tour
Prague Sports organises football, cricket, rugby and hockey tours to Prague. Possible to tailor tours to include accommodation, transport, activites such as go-carting, paintballing etc
Authorized Guides of Prague Senovazne nam. 23 - A326, Praha 1, ph +420 776868770 provide private sightseeing tours in various languages. They find a tour guide according to needs of the visitors. They also arrange other related travel services such as transportation, restaurant bookings, cruise tickets etc.
Citywalks - private and group tours, either on foot or using other forms of transport ranging from riverboats to micro-scooters.
Daily Walks of Prague
Fun in Prague - options include "sport tours" such as water rafting, paint-balling and go-carting.
Martin Tours - regular tours, including walking, bus driven or on riverboats.
Prague Private Guides
Red Umbrella Prague Walking Tours
Prague Walking Tours Vinohradska 28, Praha 2. ph 222 516 064 or 777 070 784, fax 271 742 622 praguetravel@praguetravel.cz - themed walking tours with an English speaking guide, all of which meet at their marked orange umbrella by the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town, where tickets can be bought on the spot.
Premiant City Tour
Prague Sports organises football, cricket, rugby and hockey tours to Prague. Possible to tailor tours to include accommodation, transport, activites such as go-carting, paintballing etc
Christmas Markets
In December the squares host Christmas Markets selling a mix of arts, craft, food, drink and Prague memorabilia. The markets are an attraction in their own right and a great place to pick up a more unique memento of the city.
The streets around Old Town are full of gift shops geared towards tourists, selling Bohemian crystal, soccer shirts and other mass produced memorabilia. The throughway between Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square is particularly bad, turning off into one of the laneways you can find the exact same merchandise for half the price. If you are looking for some decent souvenirs, try to get off the beaten path. Street vendors can have some unexpected treasures and there are plenty in the Charles Bridge area. Prints of paintings and good quality photos are very popular, and a really good way to remember Prague. Don't bother buying overpriced furry hats and Matryoshka dolls, though, because they have nothing to do with Prague - they are Russian in origin, and their sellers are just trying to capitalize on unknowing tourists.
The streets around Old Town are full of gift shops geared towards tourists, selling Bohemian crystal, soccer shirts and other mass produced memorabilia. The throughway between Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square is particularly bad, turning off into one of the laneways you can find the exact same merchandise for half the price. If you are looking for some decent souvenirs, try to get off the beaten path. Street vendors can have some unexpected treasures and there are plenty in the Charles Bridge area. Prints of paintings and good quality photos are very popular, and a really good way to remember Prague. Don't bother buying overpriced furry hats and Matryoshka dolls, though, because they have nothing to do with Prague - they are Russian in origin, and their sellers are just trying to capitalize on unknowing tourists.
Transportation
By Plane,Ruzyně International Airport, +420 220 111 111, +420 296 661 111. Located 20km northwest of the city centre, it generally takes about 30 minutes to reach the city centre by car. ČSA (Czech Airlines) is the national carrier operating to many European destinations.
By bus: The cheapest way to get to the city is by bus, but be sure to have some Czech Crowns ready. Buy a ticket from the kiosk in the arrivals hall or the vending machine, next to the bus stop, for 20CZK. You can also buy the ticket from the driver, but it is more expensive. No machines or drivers accept foreign currencies. Remember to validate your ticket as soon as you get on the bus. If you fail to do so, you can expect to be fined about 100EUR.
Airport Express (bus operated by Czech Railroads): These buses leave the airport every 30 minutes; the first one at 4:40 a.m. while the last one at 9:10 p.m. at a price of 45CZK per person. Tickets are available from the driver. They will take you to the railway and subway station Nádraží Holešovice (metro C), which is also the railway station to take a train to Berlin and Vienna.
Cedaz bus: These buses operate from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every half hour. They will take you past the subway station Dejvická (metro A) and into the city centre to the Náměstí Republiky (metro B). Fares are about 90 CZK per person. The easiest way to get to your hotel, however, is to use the company's shared-ride transfer service. They will take you direct to the door of your hotel, delivering groups of 1-4 passengers for 480 CZK. The drivers can be clearly seen straight outside the doors of the terminal building, just be sure to check that they have the correct identification
By shuttle: Various companies run shuttle services to the hotel and back. These can be found at the airport arrival halls. One company is called Smart Shuttle, who run for Smart Wings airline, however some customers have found their services to be unsatisfactory. There are also private companies that provide transfers and will meet you in the arrivals hall, one of which is the American operated Prague Airport Shuttle and another Czech operated Prague Airport Transfers. They usually charge around 600 CZK for trip and in general are a bit cheaper than the taxis.
By taxi: The most comfortable method to reach the city will cost 350 - 700 CZK with AAA, has an exclusive contract with Prague airport to have a fleet of taxis waiting. For a bargain, call one of their competitors such as Profi Taxi or Halo Taxi. Avoid cab drivers who solicit inside the terminal building - they will charge 50% to 100% more for the same journey.
By bus: The cheapest way to get to the city is by bus, but be sure to have some Czech Crowns ready. Buy a ticket from the kiosk in the arrivals hall or the vending machine, next to the bus stop, for 20CZK. You can also buy the ticket from the driver, but it is more expensive. No machines or drivers accept foreign currencies. Remember to validate your ticket as soon as you get on the bus. If you fail to do so, you can expect to be fined about 100EUR.
Airport Express (bus operated by Czech Railroads): These buses leave the airport every 30 minutes; the first one at 4:40 a.m. while the last one at 9:10 p.m. at a price of 45CZK per person. Tickets are available from the driver. They will take you to the railway and subway station Nádraží Holešovice (metro C), which is also the railway station to take a train to Berlin and Vienna.
Cedaz bus: These buses operate from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every half hour. They will take you past the subway station Dejvická (metro A) and into the city centre to the Náměstí Republiky (metro B). Fares are about 90 CZK per person. The easiest way to get to your hotel, however, is to use the company's shared-ride transfer service. They will take you direct to the door of your hotel, delivering groups of 1-4 passengers for 480 CZK. The drivers can be clearly seen straight outside the doors of the terminal building, just be sure to check that they have the correct identification
By shuttle: Various companies run shuttle services to the hotel and back. These can be found at the airport arrival halls. One company is called Smart Shuttle, who run for Smart Wings airline, however some customers have found their services to be unsatisfactory. There are also private companies that provide transfers and will meet you in the arrivals hall, one of which is the American operated Prague Airport Shuttle and another Czech operated Prague Airport Transfers. They usually charge around 600 CZK for trip and in general are a bit cheaper than the taxis.
By taxi: The most comfortable method to reach the city will cost 350 - 700 CZK with AAA, has an exclusive contract with Prague airport to have a fleet of taxis waiting. For a bargain, call one of their competitors such as Profi Taxi or Halo Taxi. Avoid cab drivers who solicit inside the terminal building - they will charge 50% to 100% more for the same journey.
Sports
Sports
Prague Sports gives you the chance to play a range of sports from Football, Cricket, Rugby Union, and Hockey in Prague. Packages can be tailor-made to include accommodation, transfers, activites etc
River cruises are both popular and varied, from one hour cruises to long evening cruises with dinner or music.
Prague Sports gives you the chance to play a range of sports from Football, Cricket, Rugby Union, and Hockey in Prague. Packages can be tailor-made to include accommodation, transfers, activites etc
River cruises are both popular and varied, from one hour cruises to long evening cruises with dinner or music.
Cruise Prague & EVD offers a wide range of regular and private cruises.
JazzBoat combines cruising and jazz concerts.
JazzBoat combines cruising and jazz concerts.
Culture
There are many Opera and Black Light Theatre companies in Prague. There are several performance groups that cater to tourists. They aren't strictly to be avoided, but common sense should tell you that the opera advertised by costumed pamphleteers is not going to be up to truly professional standards.
AghaRTA Jazz Centrum
Black Light Theatre
Ungelt Jazz & Blues Club
Pipe organ music in Prague
Prague Folklore Days
17th International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music
AghaRTA Jazz Centrum
Black Light Theatre
Ungelt Jazz & Blues Club
Pipe organ music in Prague
Prague Folklore Days
17th International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music
Museums
Prague has also places for their oldesr and rarest collection of artifacts, collections, etc. and you can found in their Museums, click on the link for complete details.
Czech National Gallery Its most important collections are in the Sternberg Palace (up to to the Baroque), St George Convent (Czech Baroque and Mannerism) and Veletržní Palace (19th century and modern art). The first two are located near and in the castle respectively. Do not confuse them with the Castle Picture Gallery which is worth visiting on its own right.
Czech National Museum An association of various museums. The main building is at the Wenceslas Square and is dedicated to natural history. Other branches include museums of the Czech composers Dvořák and Smetana, Czech Music Museum, Historical Pharmacy Museum, Prince Lobkovicz' Collection at the Prague Castle, Czech Ethnographical Museum and Naprstek Anthropological Museum.
Prague City Gallery A museum of modern Czech arts divided between several sites most of which are in the old town. Its main building is the House of the Golden Ring at the Old Town Square featuring 20th Century Czech art in a beautiful medievil edifice. 19th Century Czech art is exhibited at the Troja Castle.
Czech Museum of Fine Arts 20th Century Czech art and changing exhibitions.
Museum of Decorative Arts
National Technical Museum Amazing collection of motorcycles, cars, aircraft and commercial vehicles, plus many examples of communist-era technological angineering
Prague City Museum An absolute must-see for the incredibly detailed cardboard model of nineteenth century Prague by Anton Langweil. The detail is amazing, even down to the colour of the doorways and the design of the windowsills.
Mucha Museum A museum of the Czech artist and his contemporaries.
Kafka Museum There is also a permanent exhibition at Kafka's house.
The Pedagogical Comenius Museum A museum documenting the writings of the Czech Renaissance erudite.
The Mueller Villa A work of art of the well known Viennese architect Loos from the beginning of the 20th Century.
Museum Kampa A museum of modern Central European art.
Museum of Communism in Czechoslovakia
Czech National Gallery Its most important collections are in the Sternberg Palace (up to to the Baroque), St George Convent (Czech Baroque and Mannerism) and Veletržní Palace (19th century and modern art). The first two are located near and in the castle respectively. Do not confuse them with the Castle Picture Gallery which is worth visiting on its own right.
Czech National Museum An association of various museums. The main building is at the Wenceslas Square and is dedicated to natural history. Other branches include museums of the Czech composers Dvořák and Smetana, Czech Music Museum, Historical Pharmacy Museum, Prince Lobkovicz' Collection at the Prague Castle, Czech Ethnographical Museum and Naprstek Anthropological Museum.
Prague City Gallery A museum of modern Czech arts divided between several sites most of which are in the old town. Its main building is the House of the Golden Ring at the Old Town Square featuring 20th Century Czech art in a beautiful medievil edifice. 19th Century Czech art is exhibited at the Troja Castle.
Czech Museum of Fine Arts 20th Century Czech art and changing exhibitions.
Museum of Decorative Arts
National Technical Museum Amazing collection of motorcycles, cars, aircraft and commercial vehicles, plus many examples of communist-era technological angineering
Prague City Museum An absolute must-see for the incredibly detailed cardboard model of nineteenth century Prague by Anton Langweil. The detail is amazing, even down to the colour of the doorways and the design of the windowsills.
Mucha Museum A museum of the Czech artist and his contemporaries.
Kafka Museum There is also a permanent exhibition at Kafka's house.
The Pedagogical Comenius Museum A museum documenting the writings of the Czech Renaissance erudite.
The Mueller Villa A work of art of the well known Viennese architect Loos from the beginning of the 20th Century.
Museum Kampa A museum of modern Central European art.
Museum of Communism in Czechoslovakia
Lesser Town
The Lesser Town of Prague (Czech: Malá Strana) is the lower area next to the Castle district, the settlement around the castle; location of most governmental authorities, including Czech Parliament Old.
Prague Castle
The Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad) is the castle in Prague where the Czech kings, Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have had their offices. The crown jewels of the Bohemian Kingdom are kept here. Prague Castle is one of the biggest castles in the world (according to Guinness Book of Records the biggest ancient castle at about 570 meters in length and an average of about 130 meters wide.
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