Prague (Anglický jazyk)

Prague (Anglický jazyk) 

Téma: Prague

Predmet: Angličtina

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, the seat of the President, government and parliament and the political, cultural and economic centre of the country. The whole city consists of 14 administrative districts. Prague is the biggest city of our country. Prague is also the most visited city in the Czech Republic. Tourist of all over the world came to Prague to sightseeing, partying and so. Prague is only Czech city with underground.

• It spreads out on both banks of the river Vltava in the centre of Bohemia.
• It covers an area of almost 500 km² and it has 1, 2 million inhabitants.
• The old centre of Prague consists of five historical districts: The Old Town, The New Town, Josefov (the Jewish town), the Lesser Town and Hradčany.
• Modern Prague is the political, administrative, financial and commercial centre of the Czech Republic. It is also an industrial city, producing good ranging from machinery to foodstuffs.
• There are many theatres, rock clubs, cinemas, restaurants, pubs, museums, railway stations, bus stations, factories, companies etc.

History

Prague is an extraordinary city because of its history and monuments. It is said that in ancient times, princess Libuše foretold future glory of the city, that Prague would touch the stars. In nineteenth century Prague became the capital city of Bohemia and after the capital city of the Czech Kingdom.

The reign of Charles IV belongs to the most important period of our history. Charles IV. founded the Charles bridge, Charles university, Hungry wall, The New Town, St. Vitus cathedral and the Horse market (at this place, there is the Wenceslas square now).

Another famous period is the reign of Rudolf II. He invited many artists and scientists to Prague, so the city flourished. During this times, the Golden Lane was built for Rudolf´s artists and craftsmen.

In 1918, Prague became the capital city of the Czechoslovak Republic and in 1993 of the Czech Republic. The first Czech president became Václav Havel.

Places of interests

Prague Castle is probably the city’s best known sight, is over a thousand years old. It was founded in the 9^th century. Once the seat of kings, it is still the official residence of the president of the Republic. Prague Castle

include: St. Vitus, the Royal Palace with Vladislav Hall, Spanish Hall, the

Golden Lane. Vladislav Hall is still used for official ceremonies.

St. Vitus Cathedral was built in French Gothic style. Its construction began in 1344 by order of emperor Charles IV. Its interior has stained – glass windows, frescoes and elaborate tombstones including that of St. Wenceslas, patron saint of the Czech lands. The Bohemian crown jewels are kept in a chamber in the cathedral.

The Golden Lane from 16^th century, is a tradesman’s quarter of tiny houses built into the castle walls.

Beneath Prague Castle lies Little Quarter and it is a picturesque district of Prague with Baroque palaces and gardens built in the 17^th and 18^th century. The Little Quarter is connected to the city centre by the famous Charles Bridge.

Charles Bridge comes from the 14^th century, it is the second oldest bridge in Central Europe. It has Gothic structure lined with Baroque statues. Charles Bridge was

established in 1357. On both ends of the bridge is a Gothic

Bridge Tower. In the 18^th century it was decorated

by baroque statues made by Matyáš Braun and Jan Brokoff.

After the bridge you take Charles street (on the left side, there is Klementinum, The National Library) and the Charles street follow you to the Old Town square.

At The Old Town Square you can find many important monuments, like the gothic Týn church where Tycho de Brahe is buried or St. Nicolas church, the smaller one, also built by Dientzenhofers. And, of course, the Old Town Hall with astronomical clock where once an hour small statues of 12 apostles appear (also there are Skeletons of Death, Zodiac and Calendar).

To finish Royal route, you go through Celetná Route to the Powder Tower (it gained its name according to gunder powder which was there). Near this, it lies nice Municipal Hall built in Art-nouveau style.

Wenceslas square is very large square where is St. Wenceslas Memorial (bronz statue from Josef Václav Myslbek). At the upper end of this square you can visit the National Museum where you can see historical and natural collections, e.g. of butterflies, mammals or stones.

The National Theatre is the cultural centre, which is situated near

Vltava river. It was built in 1881 but it burned the same year so it

was rebuilt in 1883.

Karolinum is the oldest part of Charles university, nowadays,

students are graduated there.

Petřín is a hill where you can walk in large gardens, e.g. there is amazing rosarium. You can gave a fun in mirror maze or you can climb Petřín observation tower and have a wonderful view of Prague. And this tower was built as small Eiffel tower.

For the history of Prague, the Jewish community was very important. Nowadays, you can visit 6 synagogues in the Jewish town, e.g. the Old-New synagogue which is the oldest one or Pinkas synagogue – on the walls, there are names of Jewish people who died during the II. World War. Next to this synagogue, there is situated the Old Jewish cemetery where is buried Rabi Lów who invented Golem.

Vyšehrad is another important cemetery for our history.

There are buried Neruda, Němcová, Mácha, Erben, Svojsík, etc.