Compact archive October 2006

SexAppeal party soon in Prague

Tuesday 31 October 2006 14:23

All those who love parties should not miss mega party SexAppeal held on 3rd November in the Industrial Palace at Prague Fair Ground. The organizers promise a party that will be unlike the others.

Visitors can look forward to DJ’s and decoration from the biggest club in the world Privelege Ibiza. The Industrial Palace will change into a big club full of bars, dancing floors, long catwalks, decorations, cameras and lighting effects. The performers will dance on the dancing floors together with visitors, lots of cameras will broadcast on large screens. There will be several fashion shows and other performances. Special services will be provided in VIP lounge.

The price of the ticket is util 3rd November 480 CZK, at the entrance before the party 600 CZK. VIP tickets are for 1380 CZK. Tickets can be bought through Ticketportal and Ticketstream. Only from 18 years old.

First 300 visitors (from 14:00) with a valid ticket for SexAppeal can go to Erotica Sex Praha 2006 on 3rd November for free.

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Shakira heads towards Prague

Tuesday 31 October 2006 12:30

Sexy Shakira will sing for the first time in the Czech republic. This 29 years old Colombian Latin pop singer-songwriter will perform in Prague Sazka Arena on 3rd March 2007. She will introduce there two new successful albums Fijacion Oral Vol. 1 sung in Spanish and Oral Fixation Vol.2 sung in English.

She was born as Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll in Baranquilla. She was called a prodigy – she has been writing songs since she was 8. At the age of 13 she signed the first contract with Columbia company and released her first record Magia. Now she is one of the most famous Latin American singers. Her cooperation with Walt Whitman or Carlos Santana only proves her world fame.

Tickets for Shakira’s concerts in Prague can be bought in Sazka terminals from 1300 to 1600 CZK, from tomorrow also through Sazkaticket online.

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Exhibition and sale of Dalí and Picasso

Tuesday 31 October 2006 11:11

From 21st January 2007 people can see an exhibition of work made by such great artists as Salvador Dalí or Pablo Picasso in Prague. Some exhibits will be even available for sale.

The works are borrowed from a German collector from Kunstgalerien Bottingerhaus in Bamberg. It is a representative set of work by artists from Spain, Germany, Austria, France or Italy. Next to the best known authors Dalí and Picasso visitors can also see works of Max Ernst, George Baselitz, Joseph Beuys or Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

The most expensive exhibits are Dalí’s sculptures. Their price is about 7 million CZK. The most expensive painting is by Pablo Picasso’s Faune it vieux roi from 1963 whose price is 1 850 000 CZK.

The exhibition will take place in Prague Gallery Miro in the St. Roch Church in Prague-Strahov.

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Franz Kafka Prize to Murakami

Tuesday 31 October 2006 11:03

Famous Japanese writer Haruki Murakami has been awarded Franz Kafka Price. This author is known especially for his novels Norwegian Wood, Kafka on the Shore or After Dark. His works are translated into 38 languages. Murakami, who was also a candidate for Nobel Prize, said that he felt honoured by this prize. Kafka has been his favourite writer since his childhood.

Franz Kafka Prize is given to writers whose exceptional literary creation addresses readers regardless their nationality, origin or culture. Prizewinners get besides 10 000 dollars also a statuette similar to the Franz Kafka Monument in Vezenska street. The prize was given yesterday in the Town hall in Prague Old Town.

Although Murakami does not like publicity, Prague people and visitors have a special change today to see this famous author in Prague Luxor Palace on Wenceslas Square where he is going to give autographs from 16:00.

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More expensive bus tickets

Tuesday 31 October 2006 10:40

The Czech Republic starts a new system of paying tolls on Czech highways next year. Every vehicle heavier than 12 tons, which includes buses, will have to pay electrical tolls.

This toll will probably increase the price of tickets for the buses going from Prague to other cities in the Czech Republic, such as Brno, Plzen, Ostrava etc. For example the ticket from Prague to Brno might cost 180 CZK, which is 20% more expensive than now.

Also foreign visitors travelling to or through the Czech Republic might expect the rise in price of bus tickets because of the toll on Czech highways.

The Ministry of Transport do not think of excluding buses from paying the toll or giving grants to the carriers to compensate the price now.

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Changes during the winter season

Monday 30 October 2006 15:06

Even though Prague is beautiful throughout the year the coming winter brings some changes that Prague tourist should be aware of.

The funicular railway changes its timetable for the winter one. From today the railway takes the visitors to Petrin with the intervals of 15 minutes from 9:00 to 22:00 and 20 minutes from 22:00 to 23:20.

The end of October also means the end of tourist season in Czech castles. Except Karlstejn, which closes with exhibitions on 26th November, will be most castles in the Czech Republic closed to the public and open again in April next year.

Prague Castle Administration announced that Castle complex will be open in the winter season from 6:00 to 23:00. The Prague Castle tours will be open from 9:00 to 16:00. The exhibition “The Story of Prague Castle” will be closed at 17:00. Prague Castle Gardens will be closed, except the Garden on the Bastion which is open during the opening hours of the Castle complex.

Wallenstein Garden closes on 1st November and open its gate on 31st March 2007. The garden is closed for winter because of its annual upkeep.

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Nokia Freestyle Motocross 2006

Monday 30 October 2006 13:22

Popular show of motorist acrobatics Nokia Freestyle Motocross 2006 takes place for the sixth time in Prague. Like last year there will be two shows to satisfy the demands of the fans.

This exhibition of adventure sport promises a stormy atmosphere and brilliant performances of the top riders. The visitors can expect back flip on the snow scooter for the first time in the Czech Republic.

The two shows are identical. The first show start at 19:00 and the other one (additional) at 14:00. Both are held on 2nd December. The tickets cost from 350 CZK to 750 CZK. Children smaller than 130 cm can ask for a discount of 20%. Tickets are available at Sazka terminals or on internet.

International fair Expolingua in Prague

Monday 30 October 2006 11:50

Prague will host XVI. International Trade Fair for Languages, Cultures and Education EXPOLINGUA Praha. This fair is meant for everybody who wants to make a good use of their language skills or who wants to learn more about culture and education in other countries.

Visitors can get information about study programmes and work abroad, language courses, e-learning, publications and textbooks and other related products and services. Accompanying programme will offer a lot of lectures, workshop and mini-language courses.

Expolingua Praha 2006 takes place in Narodni dum na Vinohradech (Namesti Miru 9 street, metro green line A, station Namesti Miru) on 10th and 11th November from 10:00 to 18:00. Entrance fee for students is 25 CZK, for others 50 CZK.

Expolingua Praha 2006 is held under the auspices of the Czech Ministry of Education and is supported by the European Commission. Here you can click for more information about the programme and themes.

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Last weekend: elections and celebrations

Monday 30 October 2006 10:54

Last weekend was full of important events. Not only was there the second round of Senate elections but also people celebrated the national holiday commemorating the foundation of former Czechoslovakia.

Senate elections proved that the strongest party in the Czech Republic is still Civic Democrats whose candidates won in 14 out of 27 election districts. President Vaclav Klaus takes this result as a guide who to appoint to the post of prime minister and make him responsible of creating new government.

President Klaus also decorated 22 personalities on the occasion of the national holiday. Among 22 decorated people were 2 men fighting in France and Great Britain during the World War II, the chairwoman of Political Prisoners Confederation, sport celebrities Katerina Neumannova and Josef Masopust, celebrities from TV and films and many others.

Last two days of Bertrand's exhibition

Monday 30 October 2006 10:10

Prague visitors have a last chance to see a great open-air exhibition called Land of the Beautiful Unknown (Zeme krasna neznama) at Kampa Island in Lesser Town in Prague.

120 large-format images made by Yann Arthus Bertrand from a helicopter bring unique view of many parts of the world. This exhibition is very popular and has been already seen by 1 300 000 people.

The photo exhibition which is open 24 hours a day lasts until tomorrow 31st October. There is no entrance fee.

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Harlem Gospel Choir will perform in Prague

Friday 27 October 2006 15:08

World famous Harlem Gospel Choir consisting of the best singers and musicians from Harlem’s “black churches” will appear in Prague during their tour God Bless The Children – World Tour 2006.

This popular choir is known for their charitable work for children and propagation of understanding between people and nations through their music. Their concerts take place in big churches, synagogues and monasteries.

Harlem Gospel Choir can be seen in the presence of famous people, such as Bon Vow from U2, Avril Lavigne or Diana Ross. They performed with English band Gorillaz during the prize-giving ceremony of Grammy Awards. The choir is sometimes titled “Cultural Ambassadors of Harlem”.

Harlem Gospel Choir will perform in several cities in the Czech Republic, Prague concert is planned for 4th November in St. Cyril and Methodius Church (Kostel sv. Cyrila a Metodeje, Krizikova 57 street). Tickets can be bought through TicketPro and Ticketportal for 440 CZK.

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Airbrush Art Festival 2006

Friday 27 October 2006 14:23

Airbrush is a technique where a special spray gun is used to create paintings. The medium (mainly paint or ink) is sprayed – with or without shields or stencils – on the surface to produce required results. Airbrush can be used on various materials and objects, such as cars, helmets, snowboards, linen, leather, paper etc.

For everybody who is interested in this technique or wants to display their own work, the culture house (kulturni dum) in Prague-Ladvi holds an exhibition of works made by Airbrush technique. You can get there by metro red line C, station Ladvi.

The work of best authors from the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Germany, Switzerland and others can be seen on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00. Entrance fee is 50 CZK.

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Events on 28th October

Friday 27 October 2006 13:18

Tomorrow on 28th October Czech people commemorate the foundation of Czechoslovakia in 1918. Let us summarize the special events planned for that day.

The programme starts early at Prague’s National Monument Vitkov where President of the Czech Republic Vaclav Klaus together with the Lord Mayer Pavel Bem start a wreath-laying ceremony which is followed by various attractions during the whole day.

The ceremonial oath of the new professional soldiers of Czech Republic Army takes place on Hrandcanske namesti at 10:00 in the presence of President Vaclav Klaus.

28th October is also connected with Prague Municipal House. Tomorrow visitors can explore the exquisite halls of this secession building by sounds of fanfare as well as see a short document about Frantisek Skroup, one of the authors of Czech national anthem. The visitors can also see there the exhibition of German photographer Grete Popper.

People can also visit the interiors of other Czech institution – the seat of the Government, Parliament and Senate of the Czech Republic.

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Apassionata: glory to the horsemanship

Friday 27 October 2006 11:37

Apassionata is the most successful riding show that presents the best horsemanship and the greatest horse races. Now it comes with the perfomance called Hommage.

The show attracts its spectators to the great exhibition of horseback riding, bright colours of costumes, exciting music composed especially for this show, fire and lighting effects, dancing and much more to make an unforgettable atmosphere.

World champion in lasso show Leo Holcknecht will perform his art in Apassionata together with horsemen jumping through fire rings. Spectators can also look forward to the show of the Danish princess Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg who is in the Danish Olympic Riding Team.

You can see show Apassionata Hommage in Sazka Arena on Saturday 11th November at 14:00 and 19:30 and on Sunday 12th November at 14:00. Tickets from 500 to 1690 CZK can be bought through Sazka Ticket or in the box offices before the show.

Exhbition of Rudolf Kremlicka's paintings

Friday 27 October 2006 10:33

Rudolf Kremlicka (1886-1932) was one of the founders of Czech modern painting. Dum u Kamenneho zvonu in Old Town Square displays cumulative exposition of his miscellaneous work.

The exhibition offers paintings, drawings and graphics of female nudes and portraits of celebrities, landscapes and still lifes. The exhibition introduces chronologically Kremlicka’s work from his early genre paintings to paintings of nude women during every day things, such as combing their hair, washing, relaxing..

Rudolf Kremlicka’s exhibition is held until Sunday 21st January 2007 every day (except Monday) from 10:00 – 18:00. Standard entrance fee is 100 CZK, reduced 50 CZK.

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International concert show Lewron Orchestra - Vichry

Thursday 26 October 2006 14:41

International multimedia concert show Lewron Orchestra – Vichry is a Czech-Polish-Slovak project which uses the motives of Czech, Polish and Slovak legends and reminds the common roots of these three nations. This project follows successful project Lewron Orchestra “OLZA”.

The dance and music show offers great lighting effects and large-screen film animations. Visitors will see more than 100 performers in more than 200 costumes.

Show Vichry takes place in Prague Congress Centre (Kongresove centrum) on 31st October, 1st and 2nd November 2006 at 19:00. Tickets are available through TicketPro and Ticket-Art.

This project is held under the auspices of the Prague Lord Mayer Pavel Bem and is supported by European Union grant Culture 2000.

Torah scrolls in Prague again

Thursday 26 October 2006 12:59

One of the biggest Jewish treasure comes back to Prague after 40 years. More then 1500 Torah scrolls, formerly owned by Czech Jews sent to concentration camps, are borrowed from London. Communists sold them there during the 60’s for a token fee.

These Torah scrolls travelled thanks to the Jewish Congregation in London and later Memorial Scroll Trust Organization to the whole world. They were used for liturgical ceremonies there.

A small part of the set of scrolls can be seen from today in Robert Guttmann Gallery (U Stare Skoly 3 street). This representation introduces the tradition of Torah scrolls, what they are used for and how to decorate them. The exhibition called The Second Life of Czech Torah Scrolls is held to commemorate 100 years of Jewish Museum in Prague and finishes on 28th January 2007. Entrance fee is 30 CZK, reduced 15 CZK.

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More tickets for The Prodigy

Thursday 26 October 2006 12:07

Good news for the fans of The Prodigy! The tickets for the festival of electric music Electronic Beats, where also The Prodigy will perform, are sold out, but the organizers promise to sell at least two hundred tickets more at the entrance before the concerts starts.

The sale of the tickets will begin at 18:00, that means 90 minutes before the opening. The organizers decided so because of the big demand from the fans.

The start of the festival Electronic Beats is planned for 19:30, The Prodigy should be on programme at 00:30. The festival will end at 6 o’clock in the morning. Visitors can also look forward to Noise of Human Art, Slam or Carl Craig.

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Prague street Na Prikope among the most expensive in the world

Thursday 26 October 2006 10:59

Prague street Na Prikope near Wenceslas Square is the most expensive shopping street not only in Prague but also in the Czech Republic. For one square metr you have to pay 57 000 CZK, which is about 2000 euros.

According to Main Streets Across the World 2006, an annual report by Cushman & Wakefield, Prague street Na Prikope is the 18th most expensive shopping street in the world. It is listed even before Olso, Helsinki or Brussels.

On the top of the list is New York’s Fifth Avenue, second most expensive street is Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay and the third is Paris’s Avenue des Champs Elysées. For more information, click here.

Changes in Prague Castle tours

Thursday 26 October 2006 10:33

Prague visitors can expect changes in Prague Castle from 1st January 2007. Prague Castle announced new prices and different tours.

Right night the visitors of Prague Castle can choose from 7 tours. The biggest tour A offers Old Royal Palace including the exhibition “The Story of Prague Castle”, Prague Castle Picture Gallery, St. George’s Basilica, Convent of St.George – National Gallery and Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower. Tour B shows Old Royal Palace and Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower. Other tours present individual sights: Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower (B), St. George’s Basilica©, Prague Castle Picture Gallery (D), Convent of St.George – National Gallery (E) and Permanent exhibition The Story of Prague Castle (P).

From 1st January only two basic tours will be available. The bigger one will offer Old Royal Palace including the exhibition “The Story of Prague Castle”, Prague Castle Picture Gallery, St. George’s Basilica and Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower. The smaller tour will show Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica and Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower. Individual tours are only possible to Prague Castle Picture Gallery, the exhibition “The Story of Prague Castle” and St. Vitus Cathedral.

The bigger tour will cost 350 CZK (reduced 175 CZK, family 500 CZK), the smaller one 250 CZK (reduced 125, family 300). For disabled people and children below 6 years old it is for free.

Goalkeeper Cech released from hospital

Wednesday 25 October 2006 14:01

During the football match Chelsea-Reading on 14th October the goalkeeper Petr Cech was badly injured and had to be taken to hospital where he underwent an operation of his fractured skull.

24 years old Cech has been sent home from the hospital. The doctor say that healing of fractured skull may take three months. Cech is now relaxing, he can walk, surf on internet and watch matches of his club on TV. In one week he might even start with light training.

If the healing process takes three months, Cech might be in goal in Liverpool on 20 January and also during the match against Germany in Europe Championship 2006.

Czech intelligency warn against terrorism

Wednesday 25 October 2006 13:12

According to the Czech Intelligence Agency BIS terrorists planned terrorist attacks in the Czech Republic already last year.

They acknowledge that in August 2005 a group of three Egyptian men tried to get into the cockpit of the CSA plane flying for Norwegian Oslo to Prague. When the cabin crew prevent the men from entering the cockpit and took them back to their seats, the Egyptians had an inadequate explanation for their behaviour. The Egyptian were detained at Prague airport Ruzyne and sent back to Egypt. The agency think that it might have been a test of security measures in CSA air planes.

But that is not all. Algerian man was expelled from the Czech Republic for planning terrorist attacks in Prague. He cannot return to Czech Republic any more. Prague was also facing terrorist threads at the end of September.

Intelligent agency warn that Prague is on the list of cities that might be attacked. Critical places are among others metro, railway, department stores or stadiums and according to BIS also Radio Free Europe which broadcast in Persian language into Iran.

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Erotica Sex Praha Fair

Wednesday 25 October 2006 12:12

XII. international fair of erotic culture EROTICA SEX PRAHA is a more and more popular fair of erotic goods and services as well as rich supporting programme.

The fair will offer everything that can be specified by the word erotic. The organizers Incheba Praha and Bohem production promise the biggest autoerotic show in Europe, a display of erotic photographs and paintings, competitions, piercing in the intimate parts live and much more. The fair will also sell goods that evoke erotic atmosphere.

The stars of the fair will be Bambola, Andrea Moranty and Erika Neri from Italy, Terri Summers from the USA, Robert Rosenberg, Jessica Fiorentino and Nomi from France.

The entrance fee to the fair in Prague Exhibition Grounds – Industrial Palace (Vystaviste – Prymyslovy palac) is 299 CZK. Tickets are available at the cash desks of the Fairground. Erotica Sex Praha is held from 2nd November till 5th November from 10:00 to 22:00 (Sunday only to 19:00).

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Czech institutions open to the public

Wednesday 25 October 2006 11:09

On the Czech national holiday commemorating the foundation of Czechoslovakia on 28th October 1918, several institution will open their door to the public.

On 28th October these institutions are open to the public:

  • Office of the Government of the Czech Republic (Straka Academy), Nabrezi Edwarda Benese 4; open from 9:00 – 16:00.
  • Parliament of the Czech Republic – Chamber of Deputies (Thun Palace, Sternberg Palace, Smiricky Palace, Auersperg Palace), Snemovni 4 and Malostranske namesti 18-19; 9:00 – 17:00.
  • Senate (Wallenstein Palace) – Valdstejnske namesti 4; open from 9:00 – 17:00.

On the 17th November people can also visit the exquisite halls of Prague Castle.

Exhibition of Czech contemporary paintings

Wednesday 25 October 2006 10:25

For those who are interested in contemporary paintings, we would like to introduce an exhibition displaying a part of Richard Adam’s private collection which is in its complexity the largest collection of Czech paintings from the 80’s till today. The exhibition called Akne focuses on the works from the last ten years.

The title Akne (Acne) after a painting by Jiri Cernicky may characterize the whole exhibition for its connection with youth and puberty. Some paintings are surprising, provoking, representing innovative motives and made by various techniques and approaches. The exhibition displays lots of paintings made by young generation.

The exhibition held in Rudolfinum Art Gallery is a good example of cooperation of a public institution with a private collector. You can visit the exhibition until 30th December.

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"Skoda Roomster" party on Wenceslas Square

Tuesday 24 October 2006 15:05

If you will be walking tomorrow or on Thursday in the lower part of Wenceslas Square (Mustek), your attention will be probably drawn by the party R´N´ROOMSTER held by Skoda Auto, the producer of Czech cars.

R´N´ROOMSTER is a final party that will close a three months long travelling to 16 cities through Europe where Skoda Auto introduced its new model Skoda Roomster.

The main programme will be provided by performances of Czech music bands Support Lesbiens, Chinaski and German Street Live. The programme full of contests, dance and concerts starts on Wednesday and Thursday at 14:00, the whole action is for free.

Exhibition of Grete Popper's Photographs

Tuesday 24 October 2006 13:58

Grete Popper was a leading German photographer. Moravian Gallery in Brno with the cooperation of the Municipal House organize an exhibition of her work – Photographs.

The exhibition of Popper’s photos from the 30’s of the 20th century includes next to her portraits and images shot in the studio also the most significant pictures – unique photographs of Prague streets representing the atmosphere of the time and made from unusual visual angles and lighting.

Entrance fee is 60 CZK (reduced price available). The exhibition is held in the Dinning Halls of the Prague Municipal House till 7th January 2007.

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The Prodigy in Prague

Tuesday 24 October 2006 12:50

The festival of electronic music Electronic Beats will be for the first time in Prague. The main attraction of this very popular festival will be British band The Prodigy.

The Prodigy created a new phenomenon – electric music. Their energetic and unpredictable performance will be adjoined by other top players of electric music, such as Slam, Yonderboi, DJ Carl Craig or N.O.H.A.

Electronic Beats takes place in National Gallery – The Trade Fair Palace (Veletrzni palac) on 28th October at 20:00. Tickets are already sold out, but the festival will be broadcast on music channel TVocko in the following weeks.

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Department store Tesco is a cultural monument

Tuesday 24 October 2006 11:48

The department store Tesco (former Maj) in the centre of the city on Narodni trida confronted the thread of being demolished or at least very changed. Architect Rostislav Svacha raised an objection against it this March. Also thanks to his action, the Ministry of Culture declared this building a cultural monument.

The building is a good example of the architecture of the 70’s in the 20th century – in the communist regime. It was built in 22 months, the ceremonial opening was on 21st April 1975.

There are a lot of discussion concerning the building. If Tesco company wants to change the building it must be done carefully with respect to the cultural monument now. Parties involved can still appeal against the decision of the Ministry of Culture till 27th October.

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Christmas markets

Tuesday 24 October 2006 10:33

As we informed you yesterday, even though Christmas comes in two months, Prague hotels are almost fully booked for this period, as well as for the New Year’s Eve. About 100 000 – 150 000 tourists will celebrate these holidays in Prague and they can look forward to the interesting programme.

Christmas atmosphere can be felt on Christmas markets that start on Saturday 2nd December and will last til the 1st January 2007. The markets will be held on the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Visitors can see a twenty meters high Christmas tree which will “throw out snow”. There should be new stands similar to the ones in Vienna this year.

The Prague State Opera together with Czech Philharmonia will play Ryba’s Christmas Mass in the Old Town Square on Christmas Eve at 21:15, on New Year’s Day visitors can look forward to the New Year’s Concert in the Old Town Square at 18:00.

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Smetana and Dvorak tonight

Monday 23 October 2006 15:35

Lovers of classical music have a good chance these days to listen to the music of the greatest and most famous composers of Czech classical music Bedrich Smetana and Antonin Dvorak.

They can listen to Bedrich Smetana’s My Country (Ma vlast) and The Moldau (Vltava) and Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No.9 in E minor “From the New World”. The concert will be conducted today by Damian Binetti and tomorrow by Jaroslav Vodnansky.

The concert takes place today and tomorrow in Smetana’s Hall in the Municipal House at 19:30, tickets are available in the cultural and information centre in the Prague Municipal House.

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Know The UNESCO World Heritage exhibition in Prague

Monday 23 October 2006 14:47

Exhibition Know The UNESCO World Heritage shows photographs of unique cultural and natural treasures listed in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. The photographs bring us to places in Europe, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, India, Nepal, and Phillippines.

The exhibition is organized by the National Library of the Czech Republic and MEDIA IN, a studio of independent journalism and documentary production, in the auspices of the Czech Commission for UNESCO.

The exhibition is displayed in Clementinum Gallery (Krizovnicka 190 street, entrance from the Charles Bridge); it is open every day except Monday from 10:00 to 19:00 until 19th November 2006. Basic entrance fee is 60 CZK.

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Miss Prague 2006 in November

Monday 23 October 2006 12:47

Competition Miss Praha 2006 Open will search for the most beautiful girl in Prague. It will happen in the Smetana’s Hall in the Prague Municipal House (Obecni dum) on 11th November at 19:00.

The final full of additional programme will introduce 12 ladies at the age from 16 till 27 living in Prague. The jury consisting of professionals (models and photographers) and business partner representatives will decide who will become Miss Prague 2006 and get a new car Citroen.

Ladies will introduce themselves during the conversation with the moderator, also during a fashion show, a free discipline and a swimsuit promenade.

Tickets for this beauty competition of the Prague prettiest ladies are available through Ticket Art for 300 CZK.

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Prague hotels almost fully booked for Christmas and New Year

Monday 23 October 2006 12:02

Big Prague hotels are almost fully booked for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Almost all from 85 000 hotel beds will be occupied for the New Year.

Another 15 000 tourists will be accommodated in the private sector, by diplomatic services or in hotels outside Prague. That counts all together more than 100 000 tourists on the New Year’s Eve in the capital of the Czech Republic.

If you plan to go to Prague for Christmas or New Year’s Eve, it’s high time to book a hotel before it is too late.

Victory for Civic Democrats

Monday 23 October 2006 11:25

Civic Democrats were really successful in both the municipal and Senate elections. Their victory in Prague means that Civic Democrats can rule without a coalition with other political parties. Social democrats gained 42 out of 70 seats in the town council.

Social democrats in Prague headed by Pavel Bem promise to improve public transport in the city, to finish ring roads, to increase the number of police officers in the city and to create metropolitan police.

In the municipal elections in the Czech Republic Civic Democratic Party gained 34,7% of votes, Social Democratic Party 16,3%, Communists 10,9%, Christian Democrats 5,9%, Green Party 4,7%. Independents got 24% of votes. More then 46% people came to vote.

26 candidates of Civic Democrats (in 27 election districts) continue in the second round of Senate election. If they win at least 14 seat in the second round, it would mean a majority of one political party in Senate for a first time in history.

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Prague full of comics

Friday 20 October 2006 16:19

As we already informed, a festival devoted to the exhibition and presentation of comics KomiksFest! 2006 starts tomorrow in Prague. The festival organized by Revue Labyrint will present next to the film projections, exhibitions and discussions also new titles on market.

The festival is not meant only for fans of this kind of media but also for wide public. The organizers want to present comics as an attractive part of present culture. The exhibition will host the best Czech drawers Jiri Grus, Karel Jerie, Jan Bazant and others who will talk about (not only) the success of Czech comics abroad.

The festival takes place in Prague’s cinema Svetozor (Vodickova 41 street) and finishes on Friday 29th November.

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Night of the Sultans in Prague's T-Mobile Arena

Friday 20 October 2006 15:45

Unique dance show full of oriental elements, ballet and modern dance Night of the Sultans is coming to Prague. This spectacular show will bring us to the land of Mesopotamia with the stories of Pandora and Prometheus.

Tens of young dancers will present a show full of dance and music and chance more than 500 costumes. The big stage will offer a lot of action and dramatic moments.

The 90-minute show Night of the Sultans was created in 2004 and since then it has been very successful around the world. For more facts about the show itself click here.

Night of the Sultans in Prague is held on Saturday 2nd December at 19:00 in T-mobile Arena (in Prague Fair ground – Vystaviste, Za elektrarnou 419 street). The tickets cost from 550 CZK to 1950 CZK. You can buy them through TicketPro.

The Night of Adeaters in Prague

Friday 20 October 2006 14:53

The City of Prague will host the biggest international festival of commercials The Night of Adeaters. Six hours of a non-stop show of the finest, the funniest and the most unexpected commercials will start at 19:00 on 10th November 2006 in Palace Cinemas Slovansky dum (Na prikope 22 street).

That evening will offer more than 500 commercials from the whole world and will bring a lot of additional shows, such as performances of beat boxers, break dancers, a DJ’s party, a laser show and many more. A lot of surprises and presents are prepared for every visitor.

The first Night of Adeaters was created in 1981. The tickets for the Prague’s Night of Adeaters can be bought in every booking office of the multiplex cinemas Palace Cinemas for 199 CZK and 299 CZK and for VIP lounge 799 CZK.

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The Best of Jan Saudek exhibition in Prague

Friday 20 October 2006 13:45

Jan Saudek is a worldwide known photographer whose original photographs are either loved or hated. Prague’s visitors have a last chance to see the retrospective exhibition The Best Of Jan Saudek showing more than 150 photographs made during 50 years of Saudek’s work. The exhibition is prolonged till the end of October (open daily from 10:00 to 20:00).

The exhibition (held to celebrate Saudek’s 70th birthday) contains among others large-sized or never published photographs. Together with the exhibition a new book “SAUDEK” is introduced. This book summarizes the 50 years of Saudek’s work.

Jan Saudek’s controversial works must be seen and felt. If you’re interested in Saudek’s work, we recommend a good review by Daniela Mrazkova to you.

The Best of Jan Saudek exhibition takes place in the house U Bileho jednorozce (Old Town Square 15). Entrance fee is 150 CZK, reduced 80 CZK The ticket for Jan Saudek and Alfons Mucha exhibitions costs 250 CZK, reduced one 120 CZK.

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World's premiere of Don Juan in Prague

Friday 20 October 2006 12:47

The world’s premiere of Don Juan in Prague will be introduced in on Sunday 22nd October at 19:30. The opera is a part of The Strings of Autumn International Music Festival.

Don Juan in Prague is a adaptation of Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni with an international cast. The adaptation concentrates on the character Donna Elvira performed by outstanding Czech singer Iva Bittova compared to Björk or Laurie Anderson. Adaptation and direction of David Chambers keeps fully Mozart’s score and Da Ponte’s libretto and adds computer generated music.

The performance will take place in the Theatre Of The Estates (Stavovske divadlo, Ovocny trh 1 street) in Prague where Mozart introduced his opera Don Giovanni for the first time.

Gorilla reality show awarded

Friday 20 October 2006 11:29

Czech reality show based on the same principle like Big Brother won one of the main prizes in the prestigious competition Wildscreen that took place in Bristol. The main characters were not people but gorillas.

Wildscreen is the world’s largest and most prestigious wildlife and environmental film festival. Among 412 displayed films from 45 countries were also projects of renowned companies BBC, National Geographic or Discovery.

The show of Czech Radio (Cesky rozhlas) called The Revealed won in the category ARKive Interactive Awards and beat many big projects, such as Springwatch made by BBC Science & Nature Interactive. ARKive Interactive Award is given to the project that best explores the interactive potential of digital technology.

The gorillas from the awarded show live in Prague’s ZOO. Gorilla shows are available online.

Theme:

Municipal elections start today

Friday 20 October 2006 10:20

Today and tomorrow people in the Czech Republic can vote their representatives in their towns and villages, in some towns also representatives in the Senate of the Czech Republic.

There are 195 political parties and groups candidating in the municipal elections in 6225 towns and villages. 201 128 candidates (70 % men and 30% women) apply for 62 500 positions in the whole CR. The oldest candidates are at the age of 94 years.

Prague people will also decide who will be the leader of the municipal authorities in Prague. One of the six candidates for the post of the Lord Mayer is present Lord Mayer Pavel Bem. Preferences of political parties differ a lot, these two days elections may decide about the future face of Prague.

Theme:

Celebrations on 28th October

Thursday 19 October 2006 18:05

The independent Czechoslovakia was created on 28th October 1918. This special event is commemorated by national holiday in the Czech Republic. Special programme for this day is offered at Prague’s National Monument Vitkov (Narodni pamatnik Vitkov).

President of the Czech Republic Vaclav Klaus and the Lord Mayer Pavel Bem will start the celebration by wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial followed by a fly-past of airplanes JAS 39 Gripen and L-159 Alca. After that the visitors can listen to the performances of the Garrison Orchestra of Prague and vocal band Orfeon Universitarion from the Central University of Venezuela. The show of the Guards of honour is on the programme as well as the exhibition of military technique. The Army museum is open the whole day for free.

Visitors who would like to join the celebration can get to the memorial by special buses from the metro station Zelivskeho (green line A) from 8:30 till 13:00.

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Prague people are satisfied with the capital

Thursday 19 October 2006 16:31

Sometimes we bring you reviews of Prague written by foreign visitors. But what do the Prague people think about the capital? Factum Invenio Company interviewed 250 casual Prague residents about their attitude towards Prague in September and October this year.

More than three quarters of people living in Prague think that the image of Prague is getting better. Mainly young people and people not doing physical labour appreciate the modernization of Prague and they think that the City of Prague takes good care of historical sights, parks and public places. On the other hand one fifth of the people (mainly people older than 45 years and people working physically) think that Prague is not improving, even getting worse.

The report does not mention whether also the feeling of safety was included in the research. Nevertheless, the City of Prague try to increase safety in Prague by installing 111 more security cameras and hiring 1000 more police officers.

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Lachaise's exhibition full of passion

Thursday 19 October 2006 14:29

Creation inspired by a woman’s body. This might be a title for a new exhibition of modern art in the National Gallery. The exhibition presents work of French sculptor Gaston Lachaise whose bronze sculptures representing woman’s torsos aroused mixed feeling in the public. Sculptures come from the years 1903 – 1935.

A set of more than 60 sculptures of various sizes is accompanied by 20 author’s drawings. Some of the sculptures in this exhibition are so erotic that the author himself was afraid to expose them at his time.

Lachise’s work could be seen also in France, England, Italy and Hungary. You can visit the exhibition in the Prague National Gallery Fair Palace (Veletrzni palac, Dukelskych hrdinu 47 street) till 7th January 2007. The entrance fee is 50,- CZK, reduced price is 20,- CZK.

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Renovation of the wharf in the Prague centre

Thursday 19 October 2006 12:53

A new oasis of calm in the centre of Prague and a high-quality harbour for ships on Vltava river – that should be the purpose of newly renovated wharf Na Frantisku between the bridges Cechuv and Stefanikuv and near the Intercontinental hotel.

The condition of the wharf was very bad due to frequent floods and the water level elevation. The renovation started in April and cost more than 120 million Czech crowns. Prague inhabitants and visitors can look forward to a nice walk along the river.

In the near future there will be also a cycle lane there with special paving suitable for any kind of bikes. The municipal authorities are thinking of creating summer cafes, a beach or a mobile playground as well. Next year the renovation will continue from Stefanikuv bridge up to the railway bridge.

German RTL is filming in Prague

Thursday 19 October 2006 12:10

German commercial TV company RTL has been filming in Prague since Tuesday. The film will be about dramatic events that happened in autumn 1989 when communist regimes in Central and Eastern Europe started to break down.

The film will focus on people from East Germany who escaped to the Embassy of West Germany in Prague and required to be taken to the West. Finally 4000 people succeeded.

The filming will last until 19th November. German RTL plans to show this film next year.

Theme:

International Festival Of Music Films started

Thursday 19 October 2006 10:44

MOFFOM 2006 (Music On Film – Film On Music) International Festival Of Music Films started yesterday in Prague. Show of more than 120 music films, documentary, video clips and concerts is held in the capital city until Sunday.

Today’s programme at Palace Lucerna is focused on the cultures and traditions of the former Silk Road countries of Central Asia. Popular band Central Asian Prague Ensemble will perform together with special guest, a traditional and shamanic musician, Bakyt Chytyrbaev from Kyrgyzstan.

Entrance fee for individual projections is 75,- CZK, 5-days valid tickets 500,- CZK and 3-days tickets for 250,- CZK.

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More flights from Prague in winter season

Thursday 19 October 2006 09:53

The international Prague airport Ruzyne announced that Prague will have direct connections with more cities in the winter season that starts on 29th October and finishes 24th March 2007. Planes from Prague will fly to 11 more destinations, mainly in England and Italy.

Among new destinations are Blackpool with air carrier Jet2, Bournemouth with ThomsonFly, Naples with Alpi Eagles and SkyEurope, Venice with Alpi Eagles, Florence with Meridiana, Turin with Skype, Milan with CSA, Grenoble with SkyEurope, Liege with FlyUp and Odessa with CSA.

Together with the new destinations there will be also new air carriers flying to the Prague international airport. Five of seven new air carriers are low-cost. The capital city of the Czech Republic will have direct connections with 104 cities around the world and contracts with 46 air companies.

Theme:

Most Czech companies have less than nine employees

Wednesday 18 October 2006 16:41

More than 95 per cent of the companies in the Czech Republic are companies which have from one to nine employees. They employ about one third of all working people, which makes them the biggest employer in the Czech Republic.

From other EU states it is only Italy where the most employees work in small (mainly family) companies. Unlike the Czech Republic, total income of small companies in Italy is as big as the total income of big companies with more than 250 employees. Big companies in the Czech Republic, like Skoda Auto and CEZ, still have the biggest influence on Czech economy.

Small and medium-sized companies with less than 250 employees are the pillars of EU economy. They employ more than two thirds or the Europeans.

Classical cinemas are dying out

Wednesday 18 October 2006 15:26

There are less and less classical cinemas in the Czech Republic. Especially in Prague where 44 classical cinemas (out of 57 in 1989) went bankrupt . The last bankrupt cinema in Prague was Bio Illusion after 76 of its existence. In 1995 there were 800 cinemas in the Czech Republic, nowadays only 500.

This sad situation is caused by a growing number of multiplex cinemas. 18 multiplex cinemas in CR receive 71 per cent of all income and show 90 per cent of all film premieres. The classical cinemas have to wait then. Multiplex cinemas also give only 30 – 40 per cent of the admission to the distributors, while the classical cinemas 50 per cent.

Prague classical cinemas Aero and Svetozor now show independent and innovative films, which may be one of the ways how to compete with the big chain of multiplex cinemas.

Discovery of a Renaissance ceiling in Malostranska Beseda

Wednesday 18 October 2006 14:00

An old Prague building Malostranska Beseda (in Lesser Town ) has been restored due to its bad condition. An unexpected discovery revealed an old Renaissance ceiling. The ceiling has been saved thanks to Maria Theresa who issued an edict that all wooden ceilings have to be plastered as a protection against fire.

The restoration of Malostranska Beseda revealed also parts of original Renaissance paving covered by decking. The costs of the Malostranska Beseda restoration will be more then 50 million Czech crowns and should be finished during the next year. Malostranska Beseda will be open again in September 2007 as a cultural centre of the Lesser Town. Next to the concerts and theatres customers can visit a restaurant or a cafe.

Malostranska Beseda used to be a town hall in The Prague Smaller City (Mensi Mesto prazske) for three centuries. Its current look comes from the beginning of the 19th century.

Stricter security precautions in EU airports

Wednesday 18 October 2006 12:36

The European Commission ratified stricter security measures for airports in European Union, Iceland, Norway and the Switzerland. These measures should prevent from terrorist attacks on board. The new rules will be valid from the 6th November also in the Prague International Airport Ruzyne.

Passengers can take on board only liquids and gels:

  • bought in shops on the airport behind the security controls
  • bought in shops after the passport control and before the security control in EU airports or on board of planes registered in EU. In this case the liquids or gels must be put into labelled bags with the receipt where and when the product was bought.
  • for passengers’ personal needs in packing of maximum 100 ml. It must be put into transparent bags which will be available in the departure and transfer halls.
  • for health reasons (baby food, medicines). In this case passengers have to prove they need it.

The strict security precaution will be made also for electronic devices and the size of hand baggage.

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Demonstrating goats in Prague

Wednesday 18 October 2006 11:13

Prague visitors may have been surprised yesterday to see live demonstrating goats in the centre of Prague. The reason is according to the Friends of Goats Club simple: on the spot called Goat ground (Kozi placek) near Old Town Square (Staromestske namesti) will be a statue of Sigmund Freud and not a statue of a goat.

The statue of Sigmund Freud by Michal Gabriel has been made and chosen because of the 150 anniversary of Freud’s birth in the southeast of the Czech Republic. However, the Friends of Goats Club do not like the intention to put this statue to the Goat ground – the only place in Prague named after goats. Yesterday they tried to collect as many signatures as possible for their petition. The Lord Mayer Pavel Bem, who is now busy with the elections, refused to deal with this issue.

Theme:

Weekend vintage in Prague Castle

Wednesday 18 October 2006 10:33

For the first time in modern history the Prague Castle Administration will arrange the vintage in Prague Castle. The event will be held in the Royal Garden this weekend on 21st and 22nd October, both days from 11:00 till 17:00.

The aim of this event is to introduce more than a thousand years long tradition of growing grapevine and subsequently making original wine from it. The introduction of the tradition will be accompanied by music from the time of Charles IV.

Visitors can enter the Royal Ball Game Hall for free to see a unique exhibition of tools and equipment needed for wine production during the centuries.

ZOO will welcome the millionth visitor

Wednesday 18 October 2006 09:44

Try your luck in Prague ZOO and become the one millionth visitor of this popular zoological garden this year. The jubilee visitor is expected to go through the zoo gate around 11 am this Friday.

The lucky person can look forward to the ceremonial programme with jazz music and elephant riding. The partners of the zoo prepared for the visitor lots of souvenirs and gifts, such as a DVD player from Coca-Cola, 5000 CZK from Komercni banka, a gift pack of biscuits from Opavia and many more.

Last year the millionth visitor came through the zoo gate exactly one month earlier – on 20th September. The delay of this year is caused by the very long winter.

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Pilsner Urquell will be more expensive

Tuesday 17 October 2006 14:58

The biggest brewery in the Czech Republic Plzensky Prazdroj, a.s., the producer of Pilsner Urquell, Gambrinus, Kozel or Radegast, increases the price of beer. The rise of price is expected this November.

Half a liter (a glass of beer in CR) of Pilsner Urquell will be 1,60 CZK more expensive, a glass of Gambrinus or Radegast pale lager will cost 1 CZK more and Gambrinus and Radegast pale tap beer 0,60 CZK more. The reason for the rise in price is the higher costs of barley, gas and electricity. For a glass of beer in general you can pay then over 20 Czech crowns.

Due to the fact that Prazdroj is the biggest on the market, it is probable that other Czech beer will become more expensive.

Theme:

Reduced risk of terrorist attacks in Prague

Tuesday 17 October 2006 14:01

Due to terrorist threats in Prague high security measures enlarged the number of policeman in the city and intensified the protection of historical buildings or important places in Prague. It happened on 23 September this year after warning that the terrorist might attack significant places in Prague, especially the Jewish ones.

After almost a month the Security Council announced today that the threats of terrorist attacks in Prague are not so big any more. “It does not seem that there are immediate terrorist threats in Prague now,” said the prime minister Mirek Topolanek. The police is reducing the number of police man in the city and the safety measures are not so severe any more.

Necessary security precautions will continue but their intensity will be based on the up-to-date evaluation of the security situation in Prague.

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Luxurious hotel from a monastery

Tuesday 17 October 2006 12:25

Forlorn monastery of st. Thomas (sv. Tomas) in Letenska street in Lesser Quarter (Mala Strana) will change into a luxurious hotel with a great view of Prague Castle and Hradcany. 101 luxurious room with the atmosphere of the old monastery dating back to 1285 will attract tourist at the end of 2007.

The reconstruction is according the author of the project Martin Kotik one of the most extensive and difficult one concerning historical buildings in Prague. Rocco Forte, the owner of the hotel network, says that the building costs are comparable with the costs of three five-star hotels.

The hotel called St. Thomas should not lose its historical character. The part of the hotel will contain original monastery gardens, wooden ceilings, a wine-cellar or stone vaults.

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Singer Pink in Prague's Sazka Arena

Tuesday 17 October 2006 11:21

Young American singer and songwriter Pink will visit Prague for the second time during her world tour “I’m Not Dead Tour” named after her latest album. Pink will perform in Prague’s Sazka Arena on 13 December at 20:00.

Alecia Moore known by her stage name Pink was born in Pennsylvania in 1979. During her music carrier she has released 4 albums and become a very successful solo singer. She became unforgettable by her songs Get The Party Started, Family Portrait or Stupid Girls. Her image of a tough girl and her dance-rock music helped her excel in strong competition.

Tickets for this concert are available from today through the terminals of SAZKA, a.s. or from tomorrow on the internet. The tickets are priced between 690 CZK and 1190 CZK.

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Benefit concert 4 years after the floods 2002

Tuesday 17 October 2006 10:35

A second benefit concert for Prague ZOO in Troja and Prague music club Roxy is given tonight to help these two properties both badly damaged by the catastrophic floods in 2002.

First benefit concert took place in Palace Acropolis four years ago. Tonight’s concert is called “4 years above the water” and is held in Roxy club (Dlouha 33 street, Metro line B – station Namesti Republiky) at 19:00.

The concert offers a music performance of two Czech bands Zluty pes and 69, an exhibition of picture of 4 years in Prague ZOO and Roxy club and a short projection of flood documentary. The benefit concert is held under the auspices of the City of Prague.

Theme:

  • A Week for 007 Club [January 2 2007, 14:00 PM]
  • Benefit concert 4 years after the floods 2002 [October 17 2006, 10:35 AM]

Prague in the eyes of an American

Monday 16 October 2006 15:10

If you plan to visit Prague, we would like to point out a very nice article by American traveller Chris Amisano to you. He talks not only about top Prague sights but also about Prague’s concerts, museums, transportation, shopping, Prague people or a trip to Kutna Hora. His attractive way of talking makes his rather long article worth reading.

Another necessity in visiting Prague is Petrin Hill, the highest location in the city. The Hill is surrounded by park and is reached either by walking up or taking the funicular train. Any Prague transportation ticket will work on the funicular, so if you buy a tram ticket you should be able to use it once you get to Petrin Hill. The Tower on Petrin Hill is a replica of the Eiffel Tower and affords spectacular views of Prague. If you climbed the steps of St. Vitus Cathedral the day before, as my group and I did, be prepared to feel the burn as you go up and down the tower. Once at the top, take more time to just stop, breathe it all in, and take postcard perfect photos… [the whole article]

Old brewery returns to Celetna street after 600 years

Monday 16 October 2006 13:32

Good news for all beer lovers. Soon they can try traditional Czech beer in the newly reconstructed house U Zlateho andela in Celetna street in the centre of Prague . The beer will be produced in the underground of the house as it used to be six hundred years ago.

The brewery will start to make the beer in spring next year. The producers will try to make original beer and yet in the tradition of Czech brewing industry.

The curiosity of this brewery will be the self-service beer taps. After paying a certain amount of money the guests can sit behind the table with a beer tap and serve themselves at their pleasure.

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Autoshow Praha 2006

Monday 16 October 2006 12:15

Autoshow Praha is a prestigious international motorist exhibition and the biggest motorist fair in Prague. It displays more than 50 brands of private cars and utilitarian vehicles together with car designs and car accessories.

The exhibition which will be held on the area of six exhibit pavilions will introduce products of more then a hundred of exhibitors. For some cars (such as Skoda Joyster or KIA CEE´D) it will be their premiere on the Czech exhibition ground.

The exhibition takes place in Vystaviste Praha-Holesovice (Prague Exhibition Ground, from metro station Nadrazi Holesovice trams no. 5, 12, 14, 17) from 19th October till 22th October, Th – Sa 9:30 – 18:00, Su 9:30 – 17:00. Entrance fee is 120,- CZK.

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Goalkeeper Cech in hospital with a fractured skull

Monday 16 October 2006 10:38

One of the best goalkeepers in the world Petr Cech has sustained a bad injury during the duel against Reading in Premier League. The striker Hunt hit him with his knee just a few seconds after the game opening.

Cech has been brought to the hospital in Oxford with fractured skull and he is now recovering after the operation. Cech will not probably be able to play until the end of this year.

Petr Cech is together with another Czech footballer Tomas Rosicky nominated by the international federation FIFA for The World Player of the Year.

Formula 1 in Prague?

Monday 16 October 2006 09:07

Prague might not be attractive for tourist only for its sights and cultural programme but also for one of the popular exhibition of strong engines – formula 1. City Prague considers building a new circuits for popular F1 races in Prague’s borough 10 within a few years.

The circuit should not change the historical core of the city but on the other hand it should not be far from the city centre. The layout of the circuit and the surrounding would be designed by the famous architect Heemmann Tilke who is the author of the circuits in Sepang, Shanghai, Bahrain or Istanbul.

The project would be funded by private sponsors. One of the difficult part on the way to F1 races will be to get a licence for F1 and a permission from people living in the neighbourhood.

EasyJet awarded by Prague airport

Friday 13 October 2006 15:24

British low-cost air carrier easyJet was awarded as the Most Environmentally-Friendly Air Carrier flying to or from the Czech international airport Ruzyne. This competition was organised by the Ruzyne airport together with the borough of Prague 6. Second place is hold by British Airways, third Swissair.

According to the Ruzyne airport head-manager Hana Cernochova: “Finishing in the top places in this competition is an indication for passengers of an airline’s reliability and precision. EasyJet’s performance was exceptional for the entire duration of the competition.”

The main criteria of the competition was to impulse the carriers to comply air corridors in order to minimise noise pollution in the surrounding of Ruzyne airport.

Czech Press Photo 2006

Friday 13 October 2006 14:10

Czech Press Photo is a annual competition and afterwards an exhibition of photos made by professional photographers living in the Czech or Slovak Republic. The aim of Czech Press Photo is to motivate photographers to a more personal approach in the everyday stereotype.

Photos are evaluated in eight categories by the international jury. The pictures are judged on their journalistic value (i.e. information value, readiness, topicality) together with their aesthetic quality.

The winner of the year 2006 is Michal Cizek from the Agence France Presse with his picture What next? Negotiations of top politicians after the elections.

The exhibition of the awarded and other chosen pictures showing what happened last year will take place in Old Town Hall from 17th November 2006 to 30th January 2007.

Theme:

From Prague to Krivoklat with a steam express

Friday 13 October 2006 11:59

Lovers of history and entertainment can connect two nice things in one day: to enjoy a journey on a historical steam train dating back to 1947 and have fun at the international festival of fencing, music and theater called Krivoklani taking place at the Castle Krivoklat.

The historical steam train leaves from Prague’s railway station Branik on 14th and 15th October at 8:58 (from metro station I.P. Pavlova take tram no. 16 at 8:09, stop Nadrazi Branik). It stops at Prague Vrsovice (9:20), Prague Smichov (9:29), Beroun (10:32); it arrives at Krivoklat at 11:15. The train consists of historical 3rd class wagons with wooden seats. The journey back start at 15:35, the arrival is at 18:04. Tickets are available at Prague railway station Branik.

The festival Krivoklati offers fencing tournaments, shows of medieval music, jugglers and the “presentation of executioner’s art”. The festival is accompanied by a medieval fair where you can try archery or buy delicious hot mead (medovina).

Bryan Talbot on KomiksFest! 2006

Friday 13 October 2006 10:38

World famous comic legend Bryan Talbot comes to Prague to introduce his comic book Heart of Empire whose Czech version has been published recently. This British star will be also giving autographs in Kanzelsberger’s House of Books in Wenceslas Square 4 (Vaclavske namesti) tomorrow at 13:00.

Bryan Talbot was born in 1952. His first published illustrations appeared in the British Tolkien Society Magazine in 1969. The adventures of Talbot’s character Luthers Arkwright were published as the first British comics on the market dominated by Americans. Talbot won the prestigous Eagle Award for “Best New Comic” and “Favourite Character”.

Talbot’s visit will also open comic festival ‘KomiksFest! 2006’ – a festival whose aim is to introduce comic books, performances, exhibitions and chats to the wide public and show that this form of art can bear any content. The main programme of the festival starts on 21st October and ends on 29th October.

Plane crash is unlikely in Prague

Friday 13 October 2006 09:12

The tragical event that happened in New York last Wednesday should not happen in Prague, said the newspaper Prazsky denik. The accident when the plane crashed into the building is most unlikely in the Czech Republic’s capitol.

Flights over Prague and the Czech Republic are strictly monitored by control towers. There is an international airport whose radars cover the whole area of the capital. There are also several zones where flights over are prohibited. One of them is Prague Castle and its surrounding. Also no single-engine planes can fly over Prague. The risk that the only engine would stop functioning is too big.

In case that any plane would not react or refused to communicate with the tower, strict security measures would be taken. Fighter planes would start immediately and make the strange plane land or change its course.

More expensive beer?

Thursday 12 October 2006 14:40

The Czech Republic is known for its enormous consumption of beer, the biggest in the world. Czech beer is famous and accredited. In near future it may become more expensive due to ‘beer taxes’.

European Union plans to increase the consumption taxes on beer. According to EU more expensive beer would decrease the consumption, which would lead to healthier population. Czech diplomacy and producers of beer now strictly protest and search for allies. “The restriction would not only make the beer more expensive, but it would also decrease the production of beer in the Czech republic,” said the spokesman of Bernard brewery Zdenek Mikulasek.

In the worst case the Czech Republic is prepared to veto the tax burden, because European Union decisions concerning taxes must be unanimous. How much more expensive the beer would be is not certain yet. However, the price should not be increased before 2008.

Theme:

Fashion designer Blanka Matragi exhibits in Prague

Thursday 12 October 2006 12:23

Successful fashion designer Blanka Matragi presents her unique designs made for royal families in Prague’s Municipal House. The exhibition of clothes, drawings, sketches and also handmade glass will be held until 15th October, every day from 10:00 to 22:00.

Blanka Matragi was born in former Czechoslovakia in 1953. In 1980 she left for Lebanon to live together with her husband Makram Matragi. She opened the prestigious salon „Blanka Haute Couture“ in Beirut and has become successful in selling her clothes to royal families and to wives of oil tycoons, diplomats, entrepreneurs or doctors, not only in the Middle East but also in Europe. She concentrates mainly on evening, engagement and wedding dresses.

Tickets for the exhibition are available at the Municipal House booking office for 150 CZK (discounts for families, students, seniors and disabled people are possible).

Update: the exhibition is prolonged till 20th October!

Theme:

New flights Prague - Atlanta

Thursday 12 October 2006 10:55

The Prague airport Ruzyne announced another piece of good news for everybody who wants to visit Prague from the southeast of the USA.

New direct lines will fly from Atlanta to Prague and back 5 times a week from May 2007. The carrier of this flights will be Delta Air Lines together with Czech Airlines. Boeing 767-300ER will fly from Prague to Atlanta with 214 seats on board, including 35 seats in BusinessElite class. The passengers both from the Czech Republic and the USA can collect points according to the programme ‘frequent flyer’.

This connection does not mean only easy and quick transport between European Prague and American Atlanta, but also easier connection to other European and American cities thanks to the good network of flights that these two companies provide.

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Kris Kristofferson will play in Prague

Thursday 12 October 2006 09:31

Kris Kristofferson will play for the first time in Prague. This singer, actor, songwriter and coutry legend will introduce his new album This Old Road in Prague Congress centre (tr. 5. kvetna street) on 8th March 2007.

70 years old Kristofferson, who comes from Texas, used to be a teacher in the American military academy West Point. After that he wanted to become successful in the music world. That his dream came true illustrates also position no. 1 in American charts with the main song of the band Highwayman. Kristofferson used to play in this band with his big friend Johnny Cash. And how does Kristofferson himself discribe his music? “If you took freedom out of the songs, you’d have very few Kristofferson songs.”

Tickets for Prague concert can be already bought through Ticketpro or Ticketportal for 200 – 1350 CZK.

Theme:

More flights from Prague to Geneva

Thursday 12 October 2006 08:15

Prague International airport offers now more flights to Geneva. Travellers can now travel to this Swizz city or the frontier regions of France twice a day at the weekdays and once a day at the weekend.

Increased number of flights between Prague and Geneva is provided by Swizz carrier Flybaboo which opened its first flight between these cities in 2004 and has carried more then 12 750 passengers so far. The carrier Flybaboo offers refreshment on board and the purchase of tickets on the internet.

Regular flights from the Prague airport head also to other two big cities of the Switzerland – Zurich and Basel.

Theme:

Prehistoric era in the National Museum

Wednesday 11 October 2006 15:36

The National Museum opens a new exhibition called The Hunters of Mammoths. The new exposition presents not only a family of mammoths but also shows the life of people in prehistoric times.

This exhibition offers next to the real archaeological discoveries (the most valuable item of the exhibition is The Venus of Dolni Vestonice) also mammoth’s roars, the crackling of fire, the stamp of hoofs or the distinct smell of animal skin. The authors of this exhibition tried to illustrate the era by all senses.

It took almost two years to prepare the exposition. The authors went even to Africa to film prehistoric countryside without any trace of civilization. Now they hope that more than half a million of visitors would see their display.

The exposition is open every day (except every first Tuesday of the month) from 9:00 till 17:00 until the end of April 2007. For technical reasons the museum is open today only till 15:00, on 25th October till 13:00, on 26th October till 15:00 and on 28th October only in the afternoon from 14:00 to 17:00. Updated: the exhibition is prolonged until 2nd September 2007.

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Ski legend Tomba in Prague

Wednesday 11 October 2006 13:56

Famous Italian skier Alberto Tomba is coming to Prague today. Tomba, who won three times at Olympic games and twice the World Championship is going to stay in Corinthia Panorama hotel.

39 years old Tomba is invited to the Czech TV channel Ceska televize tomorrow morning. After that he’s going to see the capital city from Vysehrad. At 17:00 he is going to give autographs at Wenceslas Square and compete with people on the skying simulator. The evening is reserved for the Lord Mayer Pavel Bem and Petrin.

Tomba also plans to go to Liberec during his visit of the Czech Republic. Liberec will host the World Championship in classical skiing in 2009.

The city centre without cars

Wednesday 11 October 2006 11:36

The pedestrian precinct in the centre of Prague will be strictly closed to cars. The only exceptions will be cars with a special licence and cars for disabled persons.

The town hall wants to close the area till the end of this year, in case of bad weather in spring the next year. The columns preventing cars from going into the precinct will be in the lower part of Vaclavske namesti, in streets 28. rijna, Na Prikopech and at the intersection of roads Rytirska, Havirska and Ovocny trh.

The city Prague already started to deal with a firm that will take the necessary measures. The cost of this project will reach 5 millions crowns. The city centre will be then mainly for pedestrians as it is meant.

Theme:

'Safari' in Prague Castle

Wednesday 11 October 2006 10:34

Prague Castle offers this weekend (14th and 15th October 10:00-17:00) a special action for children and their parents called ‘Catch a lion!’ (Chyt si lva!). This action is a part of the permanent exhibition The story of Prague Castle organized by Prague Castle Administration.

Children have a chance to walk along the gardens, walls and courtyards of the Castle and find lions in many unpredictable places. They can also see how the lion’s image changed in the hands of artists during the centuries.

Children will also have to fulfill some tasks. Detailed information about the event will be given at the start on the northern courtyard of the Old King Palace, which is also the entrance to the permanent exhibition. This children’s weekend is for children and their parents for free.

This action is accompanied by stands with medieval crafts where children can try to make medieval shirts or model and draw their own lions. Every full hour from 11:00 till 16:00 the swordsmen from the group Kadeti will show their skills in combats.

Theme:

Prague concert of Bryan Adams

Wednesday 11 October 2006 09:13

Bryan Adams comes to the Czech Republic for the second time with his best hits of his 25 years long musical career. Fans of this popular Canadian singer, guitarist and songwriter can enjoy his music in Prague’s Sazka Arena on 19th November at 20:00.

Bryan Adams is successful not only in playing his own songs but also in writing songs for other musicians. His best known albums are probably Reckless, Waking Up The Neighbours and 18’ Till I Die. Bryan Adams was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 1998 and also nominated for three Academy Awards for songwriting.

Tickets for his concert are available through Sazka Ticket, they cost 1 290 CZK, 1 090 CZK a 890 CZK for sitting, 990 CZK for standing near the stage and 790 CZK for standing.

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Festival Ekofilm 2006

Tuesday 10 October 2006 15:30

XXXII. International Film Festival on the Environment and Natural and Cultural Heritage EKOFILM 2006 is the oldest festival of this kind in Europe. The aim of this festival is to present and evaluate new films and video records that refer to the environment and heritage. The festival gives the opportunity for the public to meet the film authors, experts and the representatives of the state administration.

Ekofilm 2006 takes place in Ceske Budejovice and Cesky Krumlov until 15th October. There are several items on the programme: the contest of films, film presentations, professional and creative workshops etc. For a detailed programme, click here.

Festival Ekofilm is a member of prestigious ECOMOVE International – The Umbrella Organisation of
International Environmental Film Festivals – seated in Berlin, which makes it an event of international importance.

Theme:

The oldest statuette for the first time in Prague

Tuesday 10 October 2006 13:38

The oldest and the most famous ceramic statuette in the world The Venus of Dolni Vestonice (Vestonicka Venuse) is for the first time in Prague. It will be displayed as the most precious item of the exhibition ‘The hunters of mammoths’ in the National Museum. The visitors can admire the statuette from tomorrow till the end of April 2007.

The statuette of a nude woman is 111 mm high and 43 mm wide (at its widest point). It dates back to 29 000–25 000 BC. The statuette was found in the lawyer of ash in Dolni Vestonice in Moravia (in the east of the Czech Republic) in 1925. A tomographic scan in 2004 found a fingerprint of a 10 year old child on it.

The statuette was borrowed from the Moravian Museum in Brno. The transfer from Brno to Prague was accompanied by strict security measures. The statuette is insured for a million Czech crowns, but its real value is incalculable. Updated: the exhibition is prolonged until 2nd September 2007.

Julia Roberts is in Prague

Tuesday 10 October 2006 12:02

One of the best paid Hollywood star Julia Roberts arrived yesterday evening in Prague. She’s going to star in a film based on the 2004 novel ‘Good grief’ by Lolly Winston. Film will be shot in the Czech Republic capital and in Milan.

This popular actress who is famous for her unforgettable role in Pretty Woman is coming back to the silver screen after the maternity leave. Julia Roberts, a mother of twins, acted in more then 40 films, such as My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Mexican, Notting Hill, The Pelican Brief or Sleeping With The Enemy.

Julia Roberts is staying in the Prague Four Season hotel where she can admire the beuties of the capital. On Thursday she is going to see the fashion show of Osmany Laffita.

Julia is coming back to Hollywood on Friday because of the American Film Festival. She’s going to award the women’s idol and her colleague from Ocean’s Twelve George Clooney there.

James Brown returns to Prague

Tuesday 10 October 2006 11:07

The Godfather of Soul James Brown comes back to Prague. This living legend will play with his band in T-mobile arena on the 4th November at 20:00. His first concert in Prague 26 months ago was considered by the audience and music critics to be The Event of the Year 2004.

James Brown’s first hit single ‘Please, Please, Please’ was released in 1956 and since then Brown has enriched the world music by many hits winning the charts. He got the Grammy Award in 1992 and the annual Pioneer Award in 1997 for his lifetime achievements.

Tickets for the Prague music and dance show are available through Ticketpro for the prices from 690 CZK to 1500 CZK (for VIP). For more information or to buy the tickets, click here.

Theme:

Dalai Lama in Prague

Tuesday 10 October 2006 09:32

As we informed you yesterday, Prague hosts very eminent people from the world at the conference Forum 2000 that ends tonight. One of them is also Dalai Lama, the head of Buddhism and Tibet spiritual leader. He is visiting Prague for the sixth time.

Dalai Lama arrived in Prague yesterday and he is apart from Vaclav Havel and American writer Elie Wiesel the most outstanding person of the conference. Dalai Lama discussed the perception of human rights in developing countries and the global enterprise.

Dalai Lama’s public talk that takes place in the basketball hall of Sparta Praha tomorrow was immediately sold out a long time ago. Dalai Lama’s lecture is called The Course of the Open Mind.

Theme:

Month of young animals in Prague ZOO

Monday 09 October 2006 16:21

Year 2006 was very successful for Prague ZOO. A large number of young animals were born this year. In October you have a special chance to see them from a small train ‘Moja vlacek’.

This train is called after a gorilla girl Moja. Before you get to the gorilla family in the monkey pavilion, you’ll see small penguins, beasts, flamingos, tapirs and tortoises on the way. Journey starts from the educational centre (vzdelavaci centrum) at least 3 times a day, first journey starts at 14:30, at the weekend already at 12:00.

Another train will take you to young animals in northern part of the zoo. Here you can see kangaroos, antelopes, horses, camels, bisons, wolves and cloven-hoofed animals. You can finish the journey in the African house to see 4 small giraffes. This train starts at the northern gate of the zoo (near the refreshment U medvidku).

Theme:

Fly fishing competition Orvis Cup 2006

Monday 09 October 2006 14:30

International fly fishing competition called Orvis Cup 2006 will take place in the heart of Prague on Vltava river in the area between Manes and Novotneho lavka street.

The competition starts with opening ceremony in O2 Zlute lazne (Podolske nabrezi 81 street) on Friday 13th October at 18:00. 1st and 2nd round of the competition will take place in Strelecky ostrov on Saturday, the final competition and result announcement will be again in Zlute lazne on Sunday. Fishermen do not have to worry about lack of fish. Ten thousand fish (Rainbow trouts and American brook trouts) will be released a week before the competition.

After the result announcement ceremony children can try their luck by drawing the prettiest picture of a fish while adults can buy second hand fishing equipment or see, among others, demonstrations of fly tying.

Theme:

Walk can prove criminals guilty

Monday 09 October 2006 12:16

Czech expert in criminology Jiri Straus from the Police Academy of the Czech Republic in Prague found a new method how to prove criminals guilty – criminal’s walk. He became another Czech person written in the history of criminology.

Man’s walk has been investigated for more than 30 years but only as footprints in the earth – their distance and depth. Straus’s method observes the curves that the body makes while walking. This method can be used especially in banks with security cameras. The walk of the criminal recorded by the cameras is then compared with the walk of suspects.

Straus method is successful for the reason that the walk is unique for every human like fingerprints. Straus would like to create a database of criminals and samples of their walks by the year 2008.

Martina Navratilova creates paintings

Monday 09 October 2006 11:04

Famous Czech tennis player Martina Navratilova showed yesterday in Revnice near Prague how she created her paintings thanks to tennis-balls dipped in various colours.

Project Art Grand Slam started in 2000 with the cooperation of Slovak artist Jaraj Kralik. Martina Navratilova created her paintings on Grand Slam Tournament tennis-courts in New York, Melbourne, Paris and London.

The collection of about 100 paintings showing prints of tennis-balls is exhibited in Prague Congress Centre until 22th October. On 18th October Martina Navratilova celebrates her 50th birthday.

Theme:

Forum 2000 hosts Nobel Prize winners

Monday 09 October 2006 09:47

Nobel prize holders, scientists, politicians and artists arrived in Prague to discuss Dilemmas of Global Coexistence in the international conference Forum 2000.

The conference was open yesterday by ex President Vaclav Havel who is according to British magazine Prospect and American Foreign Policy the fourth most powerful intellectual in the world.

Among the famous people being concerned are Nobel Prize holders Dalai Lama and American writer Elie Wiesel, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Belorussian opposition leader Alexander Milinkevich, Jordan Prince Hassan bin Talal and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson.

The conference participants will talk about variety of cultures, ideology, religion, democracy and human rights. Forum 2000 takes place in Prague Zofin until Tuesday.

Theme:

Flamenco night with La Chiri and Los Remendios

Friday 06 October 2006 15:24

Do you want to spent tonight in the rhythm of flamenco and learn something from the dance art? Find your way to the music club Popocafepetl in Prague.

Spanish dancer La Chiri who taught in prestigious flamenco schools in Spain and worked as a choreographer is coming to Prague after 6 years’ activities in Seville. She will be accompanied by the dance-music group Los Remendios.

Flamenco night starts at 20:30 in Popocafepetl, Újezd 19 street in Prague 1 – Little Quarter. Entrance fee is 200 CZK.

Brevnov fair starts

Friday 06 October 2006 13:57

Brevnovske posviceni is a name for the traditional fair that takes place in front of the Brevnov Monastery (Brevnovsky klaster) in Marketska street, Prague 6.

From today visitors can enjoy their time on the fair-ground, by watching jugglers and entertainers, by listening to the live music, tasting good drinks and meals or by buying souvenirs on the market. Splendid fireworks are on the programme at 19:05 every day.

This year is a bit special. An attempt to break a world record will be made – to bake the largest Brevnov pie. Also the most beautiful young girls in Europe – the finalists of Miss Europe-Junior – will join the feast at 14:00 on Saturday.

The Brevnov fair closes at 22:00 every day and it is held until Sunday 8th October. Together with the fair, the Brevnov Monastery is open to the public.

Theme:

Suzanne Vega in Svandovo divadlo

Friday 06 October 2006 11:30

The American singer and songwriter Suzanne Vega is going to perform in the big hall of Svandovo divadlo (theater) in Smichov, Prague 5, tonight. She will play together with her bassist Mike Visceglia.

Suzanne Vega became famous thanks to her album Solitude Standing with songs like Luka or Tom´s Diner. Since then, she released several albums well regarded by both critics and listeners and cooperated with Phillip Glass and others. In 1999 she released a book called The Passionate Eye containing her lyrics, essays, short stories and an interview with Leonard Cohen. Her next album should be ready next year in the spring.

Tonight, the concert starts at 8 pm and will be followed by introducing the book Everything is a bet, a compilation of interviews with various personalities, Suzanne Vega included, held in the theater. The tickets are available at the venue.

Theme:

New information about terrorist threats

Friday 06 October 2006 10:34

Czech newspaper MF DNES brings new information about terrorist threats in Prague: Arabic terrorist planned to kidnap tens of Jews during their celebration of the New Year, keep them as hostage and finally murder them.

Extremists planned that the release of hostage would be on condition that is not possible to meet, such as the withdrawal of the American troops from Iraq. Then the terrorist would explode the whole building. The attack would probably take place in the synagogue in Jeruzalemska street during the Jewish celebrations.

Two armed policemen guard in front of the synagogue, but it is possible that more plainclothes policemen are present. There are still enhanced security measures because of terrorist threats in Prague.

Theme:

The Musical Theater in Karlin returns

Friday 06 October 2006 09:44

The restored Karlin theater will open again on 12th October. It has been modernized and made more comfortable for visitors. The theater was damaged by flood in 2002 and since then closed, the performances had to move to the Congress Centre.

The old hall of the Karlin theatre was built in 1881. Now it got a bigger stage, which was lowered a bit for a better view and also the number of seats was reduced to ensure a good view from every place. The theater now has a big turntable and the chandelier above the auditorium got its original appearance, as well as the historical curtain.

The theater will now be one of the most beautiful in Prague, thanks to forty restorers. Its first show will be the opening night of the American musical Producers, based on the eponymous movie from 1968. It has already been staged on Broadway, Toronto or London.

Theme:

Prague in 6th place in popularity

Friday 06 October 2006 08:56

According to Tomio Okamura from Asociace ceskych cestovnich kancelari a agentur (Czech Travel Bureaus And Agencies Association) Prague is the 6th most visited place in Europe, before Barcelona and Vienna.

The most visited city in Europe is London, then Paris, Rome, Madrid, Berlin and then Prague. Last year 6,3 million tourists (mainly German, British and Italian) visited the capital of the Czech Republic. Even a higher number of visitors is estimated for this year.

Since 1989, after the revolution, the number of tourist has risen by 250 per cent. Average expenses are 2800 CZK per visitor per day.

Theme:

The Old Town Hall finished after years?

Thursday 05 October 2006 11:45

There may be a big architectural competition soon: the present Prague city council plans to finish the Old Town Hall in the Old Town Square.

Nowadays, one side of the square is empty. There used to be a neo-Gothic building, built in 1838 – 1848, which made part of the Old Town Hall. It replaced the original medieval town hall. But in May 1945, the building was destroyed by Nazi attack an burned down. Since then, there is only the tower with the astronomical clock left and a little remains of the destroyed town hall.

During the 20th century, there were several competitions for building over the empty space. But it was never successful, the concepts never interesting enough and it was never clear, which purpose should the new building actually have.

Now there is another chance. If the Civic Democratic Party, which rules the city council at the moment, will be elected again in the forthcoming municipal elections, they will put up a new international competition. There should be wide discussions about it among experts and among Prague citizens as well.

Theme:

White collars' running competition in Prague

Thursday 05 October 2006 11:13

Do you sit every day behind the desk in your office with the feeling you would like to run away? Everything is possible in Prague! ‘White collars’ competitions called Beh kancelarskych krys (kancelarske krysy – office rats – is a Czech humorous nickname for ‘white collars’) will start on 7th October at 14:00 in Ovocny trh.

Instead of T-shirt and shorts the competitors will be wearing suits with ties or coats and skirts. Mobile phones in one hand and a folder in the other cannot be missing. Sport shoes are acceptable.

The racecourse starts in Ovocny trh, then continue in Celetna street, Na Prikope, Havirska street and finishes again in Ovocny trh. Between running the participants have to succeed in several disciplines: throw with the folder, slalom in the office chair and climb a rope. The moderator of this competition Pavel Andel will call the competitors on mobile phone. If the participant does not answer the phone, he/she will be disqualified.

This competition is held under the auspices of the Prague’s Mayer Pavel Bem who will be also one of the competitors.

Theme:

The Republic Square becomes a pedestrian precinct

Thursday 05 October 2006 10:47

The Republic Square (Namesti Republiky) in Prague is officially a pedestrian precinct since October. The traffic situation in the area is still influenced by the continuing renewal of the square and by building the new commercial centre Palladium.

The pedestrian precinct allows cyclists and public transport to go through, and between 7 pm and 9 am also transport service vehicles except taxis. The transit of cars will be restricted by fixed barriers by the Municipal House and V Celnici street.

Because of the building works the whole area of the streets Kralodvorska, Na Porici, V Celnici and Na Prikope is still closed. Truhlarska street is closed as well because of building deep-level garages gates of the Palladium centre.

Theme:

Stricter safety measures in Prague airport

Thursday 05 October 2006 09:52

Prague international airport Ruzyne plans stricter safety measures for travellers. If European Commission approves a document about stricter precautions, rigorous inspections would start in November.

Travellers would be allowed to take only 100 ml of various liquids, aerosols and gels in their hand baggage on board because of the danger of explosions. Exceptions would be only for liquids bought after security checks, drinks for infants or liquid medicines on prescription. The size of hand baggage could not exceed 56×45x25 cm. Extra checking would be also for electronic devices, such as notebooks or cameras.

On the other hand Prague airport plans also pleasant changes for travellers waiting for their flights. New shops, coffee bars, a hair dresser’s, a children corner or a relaxation room will be available for travellers soon.

Theme:

Honestly the most beautiful city..

Thursday 05 October 2006 08:12

Today we bring you a review of a Prague’s visitor who really enjoyed his time here. Will you get inspired?

We visited [Prague] during late sept. in hopes of avoiding crowds but no such luck as ive never seen so many 60 yr old tourists in the same place at the same time. The main streets are crowded and packed with walking tours which take away from the experience but again, dig a lil deeper and find the small places, the side streets, or the locals bar for a true taste of the culture. If you have a taste for architechture then you are going to be in heaven here..

Interested? Clik here and read more!

30´s Prague in photography

Wednesday 04 October 2006 16:00

The atmosphere of the 30´s in Prague is brought back by an exhibition of photographs by Grete Popper (1897 – 1976), an important Prague German photographer.

Prague is introduced in various seasons, and photographs focus on the everyday life of its citizens. Popper´s concern for the street life and unusual compositions of her work anticipated the later trend in Czech and world photography.

People figure-skating under the Charles Bridge, trams on the Wenceslas Square or elegant ladies in the typical thirties dresses -all that and also some portraits and studio works you can see in the Prague Municipal House till the 7th January 2007, every day from 10 am to 6 pm. The entry fee is 60 Czech crowns.

Ship for homeless people

Wednesday 04 October 2006 14:46

New spaces for homeless people in Prague will be available – it will be nothing less then in a ship on the Vltava river. The reason to deal the problems with the homeless this way is simple: lodging-houses for the homeless are not welcome in the neighbourhoods, therefore it is hard to find a suitable place for them.

The ship on the Vltava river will accommodate about 250 people without home and should contain toilets, showers, a dining room and a store for clothes. In 28 cabins 14 rooms with 12 beds and 14 rooms with 6 beds will be created.

The costs of the ship could reach 21 million Czech crowns. Three thirds of the amount may come from a grant of the Ministry of labour and social affairs. When or where the first inhabitants of the ship will be boarding is not clear yet, according to the municipal authorities it should be as soon as possible.

Record-breaking dividends of Czech companies

Wednesday 04 October 2006 13:50

The Czech companies are becoming more profitable. This year there will be highest dividends payed so far.

Total number is 85 milliards of Czech crowns. Most of the money will go to foreign owners of the companies. Their investments to the Czech industry are the main reason of the dividends´growth, because they have made the companies more efficient and hence more profitable as well.

While in 1997 there was a 59.7 milliards loss altogether, at the end of 2004 the total profit of Czech companies was 278.5 milliards.

The highest dividend will be payed by the telecommunication company Telefonica O2 Czech republic, former Cesky Telecom. Its stockholders will receive 14.5 milliards of Czech crowns, more than 10 milliards of which will go to the Spanish owner Telefonica.

New 5 star hotel in Narodni trida

Wednesday 04 October 2006 12:58

On the empty place in Narodni trida which has been used as a parking lot should stand a 5 star hotel with 140 rooms. The luxurious hotel will be built on the most attractive building site in Prague.

This building site was sold to Dittrich company last year for record-breaking 234 700 CZK (about 8 300 EUR) per square meter. The total size is 783 square meters. The investor of the hotel Central European Financial Management is going to invest about 500 millions Czech crowns to this project.

According to the plans the new building should be connected with the adjacent baroque palace in Mikulandska street. However this plan is criticized by many people that it does not fit into the neighbourhood. The territorial development committee had some remarks that will be reconsidered by the architects.

Theme:

Vysehrad opens its most valuable part

Wednesday 04 October 2006 11:45

The Royal and Princely Acropolis in Vysehrad has been restored. It is probably the historically most valuable part of this place and now it´s open to public again.

The history of the Acropolis is colourful. Originally, there used to be a palace of the ruling Premyslid dynasty, used as their residence since 1060 till 1120. The palace was restored in 14th century by king Charles IV. and later in 17th century it was replaced by a baroque armoury. The armoury burned down in 1927 and the place became a park. After the WW II. there were installed statues by J.V. Myslbek, originally at the Palackeho bridge which was damaged by an air attack in 1944.

Nowadays, there is a park based on the ground plan of the former medieval princely manor-house. There are conserved archaeological discoveries – a Romanesque bridge and foundations of the palace buildings.

Vysehrad was fortified already in primeval ages and it is connected with legends of the first Bohemian princes. Since 19th century there is also a cemetery where many significant Czech personalities are buried.

Theme:

RoboTour 2006 in Prague's Stromovka

Wednesday 04 October 2006 11:00

Lovely deer-park Stromovka is a good choice for a weekend walk. On 14th October it is also a place where a competition of robots RoboTour 2006 takes place.

Robots have to reach the end of a kilometer-long route along parks’ paths within one hour. During the journey they have to fulfill several tasks. Robots’ maximum speed can be 2,5 m/s, the size of robots is not defined. Robots must be powered by electricity and must be fully autonomous, any communication with surroundings during the competition is prohibited. Each robot must be accompanied by a human in case of its unexpected behaviour.

The competition starts at 9:30 on Saturday 14th, in case of bad weather it can be postponed to Sunday 15th or the following weekend.

Theme:

Vaclav Havel is 70 tomorrow

Wednesday 04 October 2006 10:32

The ex-president of the Czech republic and the former Czechoslovakia, the worldwide respected political personality of the 90´s Vaclav Havel celebrates his 70th birthday today.

Havel was born on 5th of October 1936 and originally occupied himself with play writing. He was one of the most important figures of the Czechoslovakian dissent during the communist era and was imprisoned for 5 years for his seditious activities. Later he became the leader of the so called Velvet revolution in 1989 and was elected to the office of the first president of the democratic Czechoslovakia in December 1989. After the separation of Czechoslovakia he became the first president of the Czech republic in 1993 and stayed in the office till 2003.

Tonight there is a private celebration of his tomorrow´s birthday in the St Anna church. Among invited guests are musicians, poets as well as politicians and businessmen.

Since today till 12th October there is a possibility to see state decorations and medals that Havel obtained in various countries. The honours are exhibited in Romanian embassy in Nerudova street.

Theme:

New government has no confidence

Wednesday 04 October 2006 09:50

After yesterday’s vote of confidence it is now clear that the new minority government of Civic Democrats headed by Mirek Topolanek did not get enough support to govern until early elections.

96 votes were for the new government, 99 votes (all Social democrats and Communists) were against, 5 deputies were absent. Mirek Topolanek’s government is going to demise next Wednesday.

According to law it is now President’s turn to appoint a new prime minister who will form a new government and ask for a vote of confidence. Whether it will be Mirek Topolanek again, ex-prime minister Jiri Paroubek from Social Democrats or somebody else it is now up to President’s free will.

Theme:

Prague will host Bob Marley's band

Wednesday 04 October 2006 09:05

Legendary Bob Marley’s reggae band The Wailers will play for the first time in history in Prague. This biggest world legend is known above all for their songs No Woman No Cry, Could You Be Loved or Get Up Stand Up.

The Wailers started in 1963. First members were Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Brothers Barrets joined the band in 1969. In 1973 the original band separated, Bob Marley continued with brothers Barrets with the name Bob Marley and The Wailers. The band nowadays plays without Bob Marley who died of cancer in 1981. The present ‘boss’ of The Wailers’ band is Aston ‘Familyman’ Barrett who also played next to such stars such as Eric Clapton or Stevie Wonder.

The Wailer’s concert takes place in Prague’s club Roxy (Dlouha 33 street) on Wednesday 8th November at 19:30. Tickets are available through Ticketpro, their price is 869,- CZK.

Theme:

Urban art festival Move

Tuesday 03 October 2006 16:05

Six best music clubs in Prague will connect next week for the second year of Move – “the festival of the urban culture”. In Abaton, Cross, Matrix, Palac Akropolis, Rock Cafe and Roxy you can see over 70 gigs, dramatic performances and movies.

Coldcut or Sofa Surfers are among the performers. The festival aims to offer a profile of the “street art” from biggest European cities like Berlin, Lisbon, London, Paris or Vienna, together with young Czech artists. Part of the festival will take place abroad, in Oslo, London and Berlin, with Czech bands November 2nd, Ahmed ma hlad and Chinaski.

During the festival there will be an international conference about the music industry, on Friday 13th October in the French Institute in Prague. The professionals can exchange their experience there.

The Move festival takes place from 9th till 14th October, tickets are available at the venues, as well as in Ticketpro, Ticketstream and Ticketportal.

You can find more information and program here.

Theme:

Prague libraries have more readers

Tuesday 03 October 2006 14:55

Prague citizens visit libraries more and more often. During the 90´s the number of readers went down, but since the Municipal Library on Marianske namesti was reconstructed in 1998, the number keeps raising. Nowadays, there are almost 200 000 registered readers of the Municipal Library of Prague, which makes about 16.6 percent of Prague citizens.

Most of the library´s branches are already automated, most recently the branch in Skalka, and soon also the branches in Michle and Vikova, Prague 4.

There are also plans for building new libraries in the city, as for the National Library, which should be built in 2010 in Letna and so move from the historical building Clementinum, which is now its residence. In 2008 there should be also a new National Technical Library.

Another possibility to borrow a book in Prague is to visit some foreign institute, for example Goethe-Institut in Masarykovo nabrezi or Institut Francais de Prague in Stepanska street.

This week, an event The week of the libraries takes place in many libraries around the republic. Its purpose is to attract new visitors, so people can for example obtain a free pass to the State Technical Library for half a year, or see various exhibitions.

The most popular book among readers right now is Da Vinci Code, which is reserved by 37 people in The Municipal Library.

Designblok 2006 starts

Tuesday 03 October 2006 14:52

Designblok is a display of world design which is held annually in Prague in the form of presentations and exhibitions in galleries and salesrooms. Designblok 2006 starts today and ends on 8th October. The main topic of this year is housing and home.

Designblok is centred mainly in Superstudio in complex River Diamond (Prague’s Karlin, street Rohanske nabrezi) where visitors can see project Domov muj (My home) devoted to present housing visions. Here you can find not only presentations of more then 50 designers but also an inquiry office providing information about Designblok 2006 and a reading-room with style magazines from the whole world.

Among other places where Desingblok takes place let us name Vinohradska road with kitchen and furniture studios, Holesovice or Old Town. Logos of Designblok 2006 are located on visible places for easier orientation.

Theme:

New centre Outlet Airport Praha

Tuesday 03 October 2006 12:48

For travellers flying from/to Prague there will be a new shopping centre called Outlet Airport Praha. Construction works on this centre started a few days ago and should be finished in November 2007.

This new shopping centre will offer brand clothes from older collections that will be sold with a great discount. Company B.Consulting which is the operator of this centre, has already started dealing with brands such as Adidas, Nike, Puma, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana or Gucci. Also Czech brands should be represented.

Outlet Airport Praha will be near the Prague’s international airport Ruzyne on the important road artery Praha-Chomutov. There will be also an information board with departures and arrives of planes. The connection with the airport will be provided by shuffle buses for free.

A new park in Prague Zizkov

Tuesday 03 October 2006 12:25

There will be a new park around the reconstructed St. Roch´s Church in Zizkov, Prague on the Olsanske namesti (square).

The baroque church, which was built in reaction to the plague in 1680, was reconstructed last year. It served as a graveyard church originally and became a parish church in 1842. This cupola building was probably designed by the famous French architect Jean Baptiste Mathey and built by the constructor Hainric. The main neo-Renaissance altar was designed by Antonin Baum in 1879 and the oldest extant thing is the baroque tinny font from 1595.

The uncared-for park around the church defaced its surroundings. Now there will be new grass plots with artificial watering, shrubs and newly paved ways. The works should be finished till the end of the year 2006.

The Chmelnice rock club is back

Tuesday 03 October 2006 11:34

The legendary rock club Chmelnice in Jarov, Prague comes back to its beginnings and brings in live concerts again.

The cult club started in 1981 and became probably the most renowned Prague venue during the eighties thanks to its non conform program. Gigs of underground bands, many of which have started there (Garage, Hudba Praha and others), dramatic and lecture evenings took place there. During the communist era, this place became a sort of little space of freedom and among visitors there were often dissidents and other seditious groups of people. That´s why the club was a thorn in the official cultural institutions´ side.

In the 90´s the club declined, was closed for some time and then became a disco. Now it tries to resurrect its reputation and started yesterday with a live show of the band Hudba Praha, which celebrated its 25 years anniversary there. The club is now called Exit Chmelnice, has space for 500 visitors and hopes to revive the alternative spirit of its past.

International Jazz Festival Prague

Tuesday 03 October 2006 11:30

Click for the XXXI. INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL PRAGUE 2007

Traditional International Jazz Festival in Prague belongs to the oldest jazz festivals in Europe, this year it already celebrates 30 years. International Jazz Festival Prague 2006 takes place in Reduta Jazz Club and Lucerna Music Bar from 26th October till 2nd November.

Jazz musicians from 11 countries will play in 10 concerts during eight days. The headliner of this year will be legendary organist from the USA Rhoda Scott who is on the programme on 2nd November. Among others we can hear Dutch Basily, Hungarian jazz chorus Djabe or jazz harmonica player Sugar Blue, an ex-teammate of Rolling Stones and Grammy winner.

The festival will also commemorate Czech jazz promoter Jaroslav Jezek who was born exactly 100 years ago. His ageless songs will be played by Petr Korinek Jazz Orchestra and sung by Eva Svobodova.

International Jazz Festival in Prague is held, like every year, under the auspices of President of the Czech Republic and the Capital City of Prague. For the program of the festival click here.

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Rock'n'roll concert in Prague tonight

Tuesday 03 October 2006 10:19

For all those who are fond of rock’n’roll music there is a concert of Pepa Pilar, the legend of Czech rock’n’roll, and his Classic Rock’n’Roll Band tonight.

Pepa Pilar started to play his favourite rock’n’roll songs in the band The teenagers at the end of the 50’s. In the old regime the rock’n’roll music was not so welcome and in 1978 he was even forced to change the name of the band to Classic Rock’n’Roll Band. In 1984 their first album was introduced, since 1989 Pepa Pilar has performed also in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

You can come back to 50’s and listen to your favourite songs in Music Bar Futurum (street Zborovska 7) at 9 p.m. The concert is held within the scope of Illegal pub free party and therefore is for free.

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Ruin Baba in Prague illuminated

Monday 02 October 2006 15:49

Ruin Baba is popular among tourists for its beautiful view of Prague that offers. From Baba you can see parts of Prague, such as Dejvice, Bubenec, Troja, Cisarsky ostrov, Vltava river, or Hradcany. Baba is also fancied by young couples who get married near it.

Nowadays this ruin attracts tourist itself, especially at night. Baba is now illuminated and creates a special atmosphere together with a romantic view of the shining city.

Ruin Baba is situated on the prehistorical settlement. Information about its origin differ. Most probably Baba used to be a folly built in the 17th century. Ruin Baba can be found in Praha 6-Dejvice, near the street Nad Patankou.

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Prague is changing its face

Monday 02 October 2006 15:15

How will the center of Prague change in the next years? Some answers to this question you can find at the exhibition “The future and present of Prague 1”, which takes place for the tenth time in a tent on a lower side of Wenceslas square.

The architectural projects that are just finished, being realized or even just planned, are showed on about 70 exhibition boards. There are several sections, the same as in previous years: concourse, new buildings, reconstructions and interiors.

This year´s projects that could catch your attention include the results of the competition for the new urban-architectonic lay-out of the Wenceslas square. Other interesting projects are the plans for the new Mysak Gallery building in Vodickova street or multipurpose house in Novomlynska and Lannova streets.

You can see the successful reconstruction of the At the Hybernians’ House, which became a musical scene, the Pachtuv palac or the Prague Photography house in the Revolucni street. In the section of interiors there are some new hotels and restaurants, or the Czech centre (Ceske centrum) in Rytirska street.

As a supporting program there are discussions with the creative architects. The exhibition is open from 12th till 18th October, every day from 10 am to 6 pm.

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A large new court house opens

Monday 02 October 2006 13:15

The biggest court house in the Czech republic has arisen in Prague in Vrsovice, Na Micankach. The building will be a residence for circuit courts and prosecution of Prague 4, 8, 9 and 10.

The building has solved problems with unsatisfactory spaces that the city judiciary has used so far. The court house consists of four buildings in the area of former Barracks of Jan Rohac z Dube. The three old buildings were reconstructed and one brand new was built.

Prague Public Transit Co. reacted with introducing a new bus line 134, which will run to the court house since the 3rd of October. The name of the bus stop is Na Micankach, the bus will go from Florenc, through Zelivskeho and Vysocanska to Ladvi. Some of the other bus lines in the area were extended and reinforced.

The court house should be in full operation on 31st of October.

The most beautiful woman is Czech

Monday 02 October 2006 12:04

Miss World 2006 Tatana Kucharova Miss Czech Republic Tatana Kucharova won the final of Miss World 2006. She was one of the 107 contenders for the crown in this popular contest held in Poland.

Tatana Kucharova is eighteen years old and was born in Opocno. She loves travelling, animals and sport. After finishing her studies she would like to be a model. After the contest she said that it had been one of the most beautiful and unforgettable moments of her life.

Tatana is the first Czech miss who won the title of the most beautiful woman in the world. The closest to this title (on 4th place) was Alena Seredova in 1998.

Miss World has been held since 1951. It is one of the most famous beauty competitions. More then seventy TV stations showed the final evening, yet none from the Czech Republic.

Faster way to Prague - new highways

Monday 02 October 2006 10:57

The remaining 3,5 km lap of the highway D5 from Prague to Germany via frontier crossing Rozvadov opens this Friday. On the same day German side launches a 30-km-long highway A6 that will connect Rozvadov with highway A93 Amberg-Regensburg-München.

Czech and German highways will be connected at one o’clock on Friday by cutting the tape in Rozvadov-Waidhaus. That’s the first time in history when the east and west highway networks will be joined together.

Travelling on the highway will be not only faster but from the next year also more expensive. For travelling on Czech highways a road tax sticker (dalnicni znamka) is needed. The prices of these stickers remain the same, but the validity will be shorter. A sticker for 7 days (earlier 15 days) will cost 200,- CZK and for one month (earlier two months) 300,- CZK. A sticker for one year will be valid until the end of the year (earlier till January the following year) and will cost 900,- CZK. Newly a toll will be charged to truck transport.

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Faster through Prague by trains

Monday 02 October 2006 10:33

There are two new railway tunnels built underneath Vitkov in Prague and people had a chance to see them over during the weekend.

The purpose of the building is to integrate Prague and suburban railway lines into the city´s public transport. The tunnels will improve the connection between Prague railway stations, which should make travelling by train through the city faster. The old tunnel used so far, will be free and can be used as a cycle-way.

The new southern tunnel will connect Hlavni nadrazi (the Main Railway Station) with the stations in Vysocany and Holesovice. It is 1365 metres long. The other, northern tunnel, is 1316 metres long and will connect Hlavni nadrazi and Liben station.

The first trains should go through the tunnels in two years. There will be more trains in operation than now and some trains will connect the city center with the suburban areas.

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Jewish sights closed today

Monday 02 October 2006 09:29

One of the most significant holidays of Jewish calendar is Yom Kippur which means ‘the day of atonement’. This holiday started yesterday with the sunset and follows ten days of repentance after the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah, this year on 22nd September).

Some information appeared that the terrorist threats in Prague may have a connection with this holiday or the Jewish New Year. Since Saturday morning 23rd September Prague faces enhanced security measures, especially in the centre.

Due to this holiday, Jewish Museum, synagogues and Old Jewish Cemetery, which belong to the most visited places in Prague, are closed to public today.

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Building of the National Technical Library can start

Monday 02 October 2006 09:20

Prague will have a new National Technical Library. The Ministry of Education signed a contract yesterday with Sekyra Group company, a real estate group, which have won the selection procedure for building and financing the object.

The building of the library will cost 1.8 milliard CZK and it will be ready at the end of the year 2008 in the technical colleges area on the Flemingovo namesti (square) in Prague 6.

Visitors of the library will be able to find there collections of the State Technical Library, which resides in the Clementinum area since the 30´s. Also the Czech Technical University in Prague and the Institute of Chemical Technology Prague will have its collections there.