Since it largely escaped bombing during the Second World War, which befell so many European cities during that period, Prague has kept its unique historical appearance with a labyrinth of winding, medieval cobblestone streets and beautiful palaces and churches of all architectural styles.

Since 1992, the extensive historic centre of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Nicknames for Prague have included: Praga mater urbium ("Prague – Mother of Cities") in Latin/Czech, the golden city and "City of a Hundred Spires“ based on count by 19 century mathematician Bernard Bolzano. Today's count is estimated at 500.

Prague is traditionally one of the best cultural centres of Europe, hosting many cultural events.  There are hundreds of concert halls, galleries, cinemas, theatres and music clubs in the city. With the growth of low-cost airlines in Europe, Prague has become a popular weekend city destination allowing tourists to visit its many museums and cultural sites as well as try its famous Czech beers and hearty cuisine.

Maybe you didn´t know that...

• According to a big survey Prague was declared by foreign tourists as Eurothe 5th most attractive touristic destination in Europe and the 15th in the world.
• According to Guinness World Records, the Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world.
• Forbes Traveller Magazine listed Prague ZOO garden among the world's best ZOOs.
• Prague is an important centre of research. It is the seat of 39 out of 54 institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences, including the largest ones, the Institute of Physics, the Institute of Microbiology and the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry.

 A little scientific history....

• First lightning conductor was invented by the Czech scientist Prokop Diviš in 1754.
• Sugar cubes which you use to your coffee or tea were invented by Czech brothers Grebner´s in 1829.
• Modern soft contact lens were invented by the Czech chemist and scientist prof. Otto Wichterle in 1957.

Most popular attractions in Prague:

• Prague Castle
• Charles Bridge
• Dancing House
• Old Town, Old Town Square
• Jewish quarter Josefov, Franz Kafka museum
• castle and fortress Vyšehrad
• replica of Santa Casa - the Sacred House of the Virgin Mary - the Loreta
• Lesser Quarter (Malá Strana)

Most popular places out of Prague:

• famous castles Karlštejn (20 km out of Prague, south-west) and Konopiště (56 km, south)
• the Spa Town Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) - (120 km, west)
• the concentration camp Terezín (70 km, north)
• the historic old town Český Krumlov.(120 km, south)
• the St. Barbara's Church in the medieval town Kutná Hora (70 km, east)

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