Compact archive July 2007

67% people are satisfied with Prague police

Tuesday 31 July 2007 16:08

Prague people are least satisfied with the work of the police than people in other regions of the Czech Republic. Even though the number of satisfied people has grown from 56% (2004) to 67% (2007), it’s still the lowest in the country.

25% of Prague people are totally dissatisfied with the work of the police, the country average is 22%. Prague people also feel least safe – only 82% feel safe in comparison with almost 90% in the whole country.

Unfortunately, Prague is also on the sad top in the number of corruptions of police officers. Prague people would also welcome more police officers on the streets than citizens of other towns or villages in the Czech Republic.

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Svetlana Portnyansky in Prague's Spanish Synagogue

Tuesday 31 July 2007 14:37

Svetlana Portnyansky If you want to enjoy great Jewish music performed by the leading Jewish singer in beautiful spaces of Spanish Synagogue in Prague’s Jewish quarter, visit Svetlana Portnyancky’s concert “Favorite and Famous – the great Jewish and International Masterpieces”.

Svetlana Portnyansky is a successul solo Jewish singer born in Russia and currently living in the USA. She’s been giving concerts all over the world, bringing the Jewish culture, music and tradition to the whole international Jewish community.

Her Prague’s concert, the first one in the Czech Republic, will take place in Spanish Synagogue (Dusni 12 / Vezenska 1) in Prague on Tuesday 14th August 2007. Tickets can be bought via Ticketpro for 1,500 – 1,000 CZK.

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The Magic of Eastern Africa in Prague

Tuesday 31 July 2007 13:10

Ethiopia / photo by Ruda Svaricek Famous traveller and photographer Rudy Svaricek will share his experiences and adventures in a new photo exhibition called The Magic of Eastern Afrika.

The large-format photographs in this exhibition will take us to the interesting part of Africa – Ethiopia. The pictures will tell stories about its inhabitants and the jewels of architecture and will present the country as a country of contrasts.

The exhibition starts tomorrow in the exhibition hall of the Botanical Garden in Prague-Troja. You can travel in your mind to Africa every day between 9:00 and 19:00 until 31st August 2007.

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Czech roads are the sixth dangerous in Europe

Tuesday 31 July 2007 11:48

Czech roads are the sixth most dangerous roads out of 24 surveyed countries in Europe. The research was made according to statistics showing how many people died on the roads per 100,000 inhabitants.

The most safe roads are in the Netherlands, then in Norway and Sweden. The most dangerous roads can be found in Greece, Poland and Belgium.

Only the last three weeks it cost 89 lives on Czech roads. According to analysts, high mortality on roads has several reasons. Czech people don’t fear the new road law any more, there are not many police officers on the street, the quality of roads is bad and especially many drivers are aggressive and reckless.

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Mamma Mia! will come to Prague

Tuesday 31 July 2007 09:58

Mamma Mia! Czech audience will see for the first time the famous musical Mamma Mia! created by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus from legendary Swedish band ABBA.

The musical is full of hits of ABBA, such as Dancing Queen, The Winner Takes It All or Voulez-Vous. Since the premiere the musical has already earned 2 billion USD and has been seen by more than 30 million people. It has been translated from English into 8 languages, such as Korean or Flemish.

Mamma Mia! will be played in Sazka Arena in Prague from 10th to 18th October 2007. Tickets for Prague’s performances will be available from 1st August 2007 via Sazkaticket.cz.

Eastern culture in NoD in Prague's Roxy club

Monday 30 July 2007 16:54

Experimental space NoD in Roxy club presents EasternAlliance project the aim of which is to respect the particularities of Eastern culture and to increase publicity about contemporary culture in the east.

On Tuesday 7th August the project will be accompanied with the event celebrating the edition of Mexican magazine The Artist. The music will be provided by Los Amigos and Mariachi Azteca De Praga.

NoD Roxy is situated in Skolska street 28 in Prague. It’s supported by the city of Prague. The project EasternAlliance will be presented there until 28th August 2007.

The end of smoking in Czech restaurants?

Monday 30 July 2007 15:17

Whether smoking should or should not be prohibited in restaurants is now a ‘hot topic’ in the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic may join other countries, such as Great Britain or Italy, where smoking in public indoor spaces is prohibited. A new anti-smoking law should be discussed by politicians this September.

According to the survey of Median agency, 54% of Czech people would prohibit smoking in restaurants. 74 % of non-smokers in the Czech Republic want non-smoking restaurants, on the other hand smoking in restaurants want 87% of smokers.

Smoking in the Czech Republic is prohibited in theatres, cinemas, sport halls, railway stations, waiting rooms and bus or tram stops, in offices of state administration, in schools, hospitals and other medical institutions. People can smoke in restaurants provided the restaurant does not have any extra places for smokers.

First class in Pendolino trains will be more expensive

Monday 30 July 2007 13:42

pendolino Travelling in the first class in SC Pendolino trains will be more comfortable but also more expensive. Czech Railways want to offer more types of newspapers, more food and newly a glass of bear, but the price will be 12% more expensive from 1st September.

Travellers will be also able to buy the travel tickets for Pendolino via their mobile phones. The service is called Teletiket. Customer will pay for the ticket with their credit card.

A new fare SC Net will enable travellers to travel by Pendolino trains as well as regional trains with only one ticket. More information about customer fares and reductions can be found at www.cd.cz.

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Prague becomes more popular for gay tourists

Monday 30 July 2007 11:56

Prague and Budapest are popular cities in central Europe for homosexually oriented people. According to the analyst of tourism Jaromir Beranek, it’s mainly because Czech people are more tolerant and friendly towards homosexuals than neighbouring nations.

Prague also offers a wide range of services for homosexually orientated people, such as gay clubs, bars, hotels, saunas or gay trips and sightseeing tours. These trips for homosexual people are often advertised as “get-acquainted trips”.

According to Tourism Intelligence International, about 10% of all international tourists are homosexual. Most of them don’t have children, therefore they can afford more frequent trips abroad. Beranek says that there are about 600,000 tourists coming to Prague every year to search for services connected with their minority sexual orientation.

Metro line B with shorter intervals

Monday 30 July 2007 10:26

Thanks to the road works on Palackeho square that have caused seven tram disruptions in Charles Square, there are more travellers on metro lines B that go via Charles Square.

The Prague Public Transport Company decided therefore to increase the number or metro trains in the morning and afternoon peaks in the section Smichovske nadrazi – Florenc. This situation will last only until 31st August 2007.

Other lines run thanks to the summer period in longer intervals. The metro is overcrowded many times, especially in station Dejvicka, Andel and I.P.Pavlova. The situation should get better with the new metro line D.

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2007 FIM Czech Republic Speedway Grand Prix

Friday 27 July 2007 16:10

Speedway Grand Prix More than 35 TV companies from the whole world will broadcast the dramatic race of the Speedway Grand Prix of Czech Republic, which is a part of the Speedway Grand Prix Series.

The sixth race of the Speedway Grand Prix will take place in Prague’s stadium Marketa. The best competitors from the whole world will show their skills on Saturday 28th July 2007. The main race starts at 19:00.

Tickets (from 300 CZK – to 2,300 CZK) can be still bought as the cash desks at the stadium. The start of the race is at 19:00, so if you manage to be at the venue around 17:00 on Saturday, there should be no problem to get the tickets. To Marketa Stadium you can get from Malostranska metro station by tram no. 22 to stop Vypich. Then it’s only a 5-minute walk.

Prague is a good place to find a job

Friday 27 July 2007 14:21

Prague citizens are convinced that it’s easy to find a new job in Prague, a survey of the European Commission showed on Thursday. This survey focused on quality of life in 75 cities in the EU, Turkey and Croatia.

More than 70 % of people living in Prague, Copenhagen and Dublin believe it’s no problem to find a good job in the metropole. The opposite opinion is shared in Palermo, Frankfurt (Oder) and Naples. On the other hand Prague people think it’s hard to find housing at a reasonable price and they are not satisfied with the quality of air.

The cities where people feel most satisfied in are Dutch Groningen, Polish Krakow and German Leipzig. The least satisfied are citizens of Turkish Instanbul, Italian Naples and Greek Athens. (This survey in detail can be found here.)

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Sonic Youth to perform in Prague

Friday 27 July 2007 12:48

American alternative rock group Sonic Youth is coming to Prague this August. Thurson Moore, Lee Ranaldo, Kim Gordon and Steve Shelley will return here after 11 years.

Sonic Youth was formed in New York in 1981. They have become one of the leading alternative rock groups with a characteristic guitar style.

It’s been 20 years since they issued the band’s successful album Daydream Nation considered as the first peak of the band’s creation. It’s probable that the band will present some of the hits from this album at Prague’s concert.

Sonic Youth will perform in Archa Theatre (Na Porici 26) on 25th August 2007. Tickets are on sale via Ticketpro for 995 CZK.

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Czech Secession exhibition in Prague

Friday 27 July 2007 11:14

Mucha's Light of Day The Gallery At The Bethlehem Chapel (Galerie U Betlemske kaple) presents the works of Czech artists who created their works in the period between the beginning of 1890s and 1910 in the exhibition called Czech Secession.

The biggest part of the exhibition is devoted to Alfons Mucha, especially to his decorative posters The Flowers and The Times of the Day and posters from his stay in the Czech Republic. Among other authors whose works are presented at the exhibition are Frantisek Kupka, Max Svabinsky or Vojtech Preissig.

The exhibition is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 until 16th September 2007. The Gallery At The Bethlehem Chapel is situated in Betlemske namesti 8 in the centre of Prague.

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Orangery at Prague Castle is open to the public

Friday 27 July 2007 09:38

Orangery at Prague Castle [Photo Richard Bryant/Arcaid] The orangery of Prague Castle situated in the Royal Garden was opened yesterday to the public. The orangery is used for growing exotic plants, especially citruses.

The orangery was designed by the Commander of the Order of the British Empire Eva Jiricna. The heating and irrigation are controlled by a computer. The venetian blind control, lighting and ventilation is automatic.

As a part of the orangery is an accompanying exhibition on the history of Prague Castle gardens. The orangery is open until the end of August from 12:00 to 15:00, the entrance is free.

Interesting exhibitions in Prague this summer

Thursday 26 July 2007 17:12

Do you want to visit any of Prague museum or gallery exhibitions during your stay in Prague this summer? We bring you a short list of exhibitions that are worth seeing.

Sternberg Pallace near Prague Castle shows significant Rembrant van Rijn’s work of art – A Bearded Man in a Cap. The Trade Fair Palace offers the exhibition of present-day Zimbabwe sculptures. Zbraslav Chateau hosts an exhibition of Asian arts focused mainly on Korean art.

Wallenstein Riding School presents the works of famous Czech artist Jan Zrzavy, Emil Filla is presented in the Riding School of Prague Castle and sculptor Ladislav Zivr in Queen Anne’s Summer Palace in the Royal Garden.

The National Museum shows the beauty and uniqueness of Madagascar Island. Japanese culture is presented through the photographs by Joe Hloucha in Naprstkovo Museum (Betlemske namesti 1). A retrospective exhibition of Jindrich Styrsky is placed in the House At the Stone Bell in the Old Town Square. Neo Rauch’s exhibition can be found in the Rudolfinum Gallery.

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Tour de Ski in front of Prague Castle

Thursday 26 July 2007 15:31

For Tour de Ski 2007 here

Hradcanske namesti (Hradcany Square) near Prague Castle will be the venue of the World Cup in cross-country skiing as well as the second stage of the Tour de Ski on 30th December 2007.

This information has been confirmed by former cross-country skier Katerina Neumannova and the director for cross-country skiing events for the International Ski Federation (FIS). Neumannova said that there no more beautiful place in Prague for the race.

Tour De Ski will consist of 8 races in 5 different places. The first two stages will take place in the Czech Republic, the rest in Germany and Italy. Prague will organize a free technique sprint. The points from the each Tour de Ski stage will be counted into the World Cup score, which might bring great cross-country skiers into Prague.

The track will start near the standpoint of Prague Castle guards and finish near Schwarzenberg Palace. The capacity of the square is about 10,000 people and there will be no entrance fee. The qualification for the race will start at 12:00, the main race at 14:00.

Carmina Burana Open Air Opera in Prague

Thursday 26 July 2007 13:40

Carmina Burana Open Air Opera on the Czech largest floating stage will tell the medieval story of Carmina Burana by Carl Orff and Polovetsian Dances by Alexander Bordin.

The 350 m2 floating stage can be found near Strelecky Island on the Vltava river in the historical centre of Prague. The show will present the performance of the Czech Symphonic Orchestra, vocal and ballet soloist, VUS choire of the Charles University, the historical dance group Saltatio Vitae or the historical fencing and fireworks show by Spitfire Pyro Prague.

The performances will be held every day at 20:30 from 28th July to 26th August 2007. Tickets for 1,200 CZK can be bought via Ticketportal and Tickepro.

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Museum Kampa in Prague might be fined for an advertisement

Thursday 26 July 2007 11:51

The Culture, Monument Care and Tourism department of the city of Prague wants to fine the Kampa Museum provided the museum won’t remove the sign on the building of the museum tempting to the new exhibition Andy Warhol – Disaster relics: Selected Prints.

According to the city edict, no covers are allowed on buildings in the historical city reserve, especially on buildings signed as a national monument, which is the case of Sovovy Mlyny, where Museum Kampa is located.

The art collector Meda Mladkova, whose foundation organizes the exhibition, is shocked by the possible fine. According to her, Prague should be glad to have an exhibition like this, an exhibition that enriches the cultural life of Prague.

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Troja Chateau will be closed this Saturday

Thursday 26 July 2007 09:52

Troja Chateau Troja Chateau situated near the Vltava River in Prague-Troja will be closed this Saturday (28th July) and open again this Sunday. The interiors of Troja Chateau are used by the City Gallery. You can visit there an exhibition of paintings, beautifully decorated interiors or a museum of wine.

Lovers of classical music can visit Troja Chateau grounds this Sunday at 15:00 to enjoy the concert of Vivaldi quartet from the cycle Musical Walks. The admission is free.

How honest are Prague people?

Wednesday 25 July 2007 15:59

The researchers of Reader’s Digest conducted an experiment to find out how honest people in 32 cities in the world are. They “lost” 960 brand new mid-prized mobile phones in busy public spaces (30 phones in each city) to see how many phones would be returned.

The researchers observed the mobile phones from a distance by the researchers, rang them and waited. Passers-by either answered the phones, called to preset numbers programmed in the mobile phones or just kept the phones for themselves.

Prague scored eighth together with Helsinki, Budapest, Warsaw, Auckland and Zagreb. Only 7 mobile phones out of 30 were not handed back there. All but one mobile phones were returned in Ljubljana in Slovenia, only 13 mobile phones were handed back in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. 654 mobiles were handed back in total.

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First shops on the promenade along the Vltava

Wednesday 25 July 2007 13:56

Masarykovo nabrezi in Prague Prague has an ambition – to create a splendid promenade along the river like other European metropolises, such as Paris or Berlin. There should be restaurants, cafes, sportscentres, a swimming pool and open-air theatre along the Vltava river from Vysehrad rock to Stefanikuv Bridge.

Even though the construction is going slowly, there are already four stands between Palackeho and Jiraskuv bridge. They offer refreshment, traditional Czech cakes, fresh fruit and Moravian wines. Tomorrow at 15:00 a music band will welcome walkers in Rasinovo riverside.

The shops and cafes will be open from 10:00 to 22:00. The city plans to create fish markets by the river before Christmas. If people get used to going there for fish, the market might stay there temporarily, as there’s no fish market in Prague at the moment.

Underworld at the Electronic Beats Festival in Prague

Wednesday 25 July 2007 12:02

British band Underworld Last year the Electronic Beats Festival in Trade Fair Palace in Prague brought The Prodigy, this year fans of electronic music can look forward to British band Underworld.

Underworld have made many fans throughout the world thanks to their own style in electronic music. This October they are going to issue a new album called Oblivion with Bell. The visitors of Prague festival of electronic beat in Trade Fair Palace will hear the songs of the new album live.

Underworld will perform at the Electronic Beats Festival on 27th October 2007. Tickets are on sale via Ticketpro. Until 31st August they cost 350 CZK, until 30st September 450 CZK and from 1st October 550 CZK.

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Advantages and disadvantage of trams with Porsche design

Wednesday 25 July 2007 10:10

Tram Skoda T14 design Porsche Many people in Prague admire the new design of twenty new trams Skoda T14. The Porsche design was awarded the best product of 2007 by the Design Centre of the Czech Republic.

These modern trams were constructed especially for the narrow streets of Prague, the price of one tram is 57 million CZK. Porsche trams can be seen on lines 3, 9, 12, 14, 22 and 26. The city of Prague wants to buy 60 of them by 2010.

There are several advantages and disadvantages of the trams. The trams is partly low-floor, modern, safe, with camera system inside the vehicle and with a comfortable cabin for drivers. On the other hand, the trams are too noisy, there is not enough space for the passengers there and the front door can be used only by the drivers (which confuses blind people). The developers are now trying to relieve the disadvantages.

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Be the half a millionth visitor of The Hunters of Mammoths

Wednesday 25 July 2007 08:34

The Hunters of Mammoths exhibition The exhibition The Hunters of Mammoths, that has been prolonged several times thanks to the unceasing interest of people, will welcome its half a millionth visitor today.

The visitor with the ordinal number 500,000 will get nice souvenirs, two tickets to all buildings that belong to the National Museum valid the whole year, plus a coupon in the value of 2,000 CZK valid in all medieval restaurants in Prague. The lucky visitor will also see spaces in the National Museum that are not open to the public.

The Hunters of Mammoths exhibition is displayed in the main building of the National Theatre in Wenceslas Square. It’s one of the most famous exhibition trying to stimulate all senses of the visitors. The exhibition is open until 2nd September 2007.

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Sport Photo 2007 in Prague

Tuesday 24 July 2007 16:46

Sport Photo 2007 / author Martin Kozak Until 12th August 2007 you can visit the 5th Sport Photo 2007 exhibition showing various sports on large photographs. The exhibition is organized by the Czech Olympic Committee and the Club of Sport Jurnalist.

Besides the black-and-white photographs made by the legend of sport photography Karel Novak, visitors can also see the current sport events captured by six professional photographs. A part of the exhibition is also the presentation of winning photographs made by photographers amateurs.

The exhibition is open in the Old Town Hall on Monday from 11:00 to 18:00, and from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 18:00. The Old Town Hall is situated in the Old Town Square in the centre of Prague. The exhibition is open for free.

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New Prague's exhibition of new trends in dining sets

Tuesday 24 July 2007 15:09

The newest works of your designers – students and graduates – focused on modern trends in dining sets and interior accessories can be seen until 7th September 2007 in the Gallery Design centrum CR in Jungmannova street 30 in Prague 1.

A rich collection of dining sets, bowls, vases and lamp-shades is placed on wooden blocks to provoke the atmosphere of summer, forest, picking mushrooms and exploring new things. The materials used are mostly natural – glass, porcelain, ceramics, metal and wood. The exhibition is therefore called The Season (Sezona 07).

The Gallery Design Centrum is open every weekday from 10:00 to 18:00. There is no entrance fee there.

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Two candidates for the presidential post?

Tuesday 24 July 2007 13:38

The Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies Miloslav Vlcek has started the preparation of the presidential election that should be held between 7th February and 7th March 2008.

Vlcek will discuss the exact date of the election with the Chairman of the Senate of the Czech Republic Premysl Sobotka and the Prague Castle administrative, as the election is traditionally held at Prague Castle. The president in Czech Republic is elected by the Parliament of the Czech Republic.

The only official candidate for the post at this moment is the current president of the Czech Republic Vaclav Klaus nominated by the Civil Democrats. The Social Democrats are now talking about Jiri Dienstbier, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Concerts and small peacocks in Wallenstein Garden

Tuesday 24 July 2007 11:51

Every Thursday from 17:00 you can visit one of the concerts held in the splendid garden near the Wallenstein Palace – the seat of the Senate of the Czech Republic. Concerts in Wallenstein Garden are mostly for free. The regular concerts will be held in the garden until mid September 2007.

You can get there from Letenska street, from the first courtyard of Wallenstein Palace or through a gate at the metro station Malostranska. The garden is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. On the national holiday (the closest are on 28th September and 28th October) the garden is open until 22:00 and beautifully illuminated.

If you visit the garden these days, you can see three young of the peacock running on the grass and paths of the garden. Another attraction is a unusual white peahen.

The National Museum closes many departments during summer

Tuesday 24 July 2007 10:06

The study rooms of the Library of the National Museum situated in the main building of the National Museum on the Wenceslas Square is closed from yesterday until 17th August 2007.

The permanent exhibition of historical pharmacies in Nerudova street no. 32 is closed from yesterday till 30th July and from 13th August till 20th August 2007.

The opening times change also in the National Museum in Lobkowitz Palace at the area of Prague Castle from Wednesday 1st August 2007. The museum there will be open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 to 18:00. Visitors can look forward to a new exhibition called Celtic Woman.

The research rooms of the Archive of the National Museum and the study rooms of the Czech Museum of Music will be closed from 1st August till 31st August 2007.

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Prague Folklore Days

Monday 23 July 2007 16:48

Prague Folklore Days Folklore ensembles will meet in Prague on the occasion of the Prague Folklore Days that will be held this Friday and Saturday in the Old Town Square and in front of the Palac Flora (metro green line Flora).

Twenty-seven ensembles from the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Latvia, Wales, England, the Netherlands, Finland, Greece, Spain, Portugal and France will introduce their traditional folklore music.

Prague Folklore Days will also present traditional folk costumes, the sounds of Spanish guitar, Welsh violins, French tambourine or tunes of bagpipes. On Saturday you can see the parade of all ensembles through the historical centre of Prague.

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Prague representatives are not in favour of cycle taxis

Monday 23 July 2007 14:56

Cycletaxi in the Old Town Square Prague representatives plan to reduce the number of cycle taxis or at least the routes of these “rickshas” in the centre of Prague. According to them, the cycle taxis hold back car transportation in the city centre and make chaos.

The regulation shouldn’t apply to horse carriages that have a long tradition in the city and create a special atmospere. As the cycle taxis are owned by private companies, there is no way how to regulate them now.

Cycle taxis drive mostly between the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Namesti Republiky, Lesser Town and Andel. For 45 minutes you’ll pay 600 CZK, for 15 minutes 200 CZK.

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John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers in Prague

Monday 23 July 2007 13:20

John Mayall John Mayall, considered by many people to be the king of British blues, will perform in Prague tomorrow. Accompanied with the band The Bluesbreakers, he will introduce his newest album In The Palace Of The King, that was issued on 16th April.

John Mayall is the teacher and co-player of such musicians as Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor (The Rolling Stones) or Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac). The concerts of John Mayall are big music events (not only) for lovers of blues.

The concert will take place in Prague hall Folimanka (Na Folimance 2 street, Prague 4) at 20:00 tomorrow. Tickets can be bought via Ticketpro for 935 CZK – 735 CZK.

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Intersteno Prague 2007

Monday 23 July 2007 11:43

Intersteno Prague 2007 Prague hosts the 46th International Congress of Intersteno and World Championship in Information Processing 2007 (21st – 27th July 2007). Almost 600 participants from 31 countries are now in the University of Agriculture in Prague-Suchdol.

The federation Intersteno was founded in 1887, the championship was held in the Czech Republic for the first 44 years ago. It came back to Prague also thanks to good results of Czech participants in the previous years. Helena Matouskova from the Czech Republic is the record holder in speed typing – she can write 928 strokes per minute.

The competitors compete is several categories, such as real time transcription, speech capturing etc. The programme contains many trips to enjoy Prague and its surroundings, such guided tours in the old Prague, Prague Castle, Prague ZOO or Karlstejn. More information at www.intersteno.cz.

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Potter mania dominated Wenceslas Square in Prague

Monday 23 July 2007 09:58

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book Hundreds of people gathered in Wenceslas Square last Saturday morning to buy the newest Harry Potter book called Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The sale of the book in English version (Czech translation will be ready at the beginning of the next year) started at 1 a.m. CET.

Fans of Harry Potter (many of them dressed in costumes) could meet on Friday evening in bookstore Kanzelsberger in the upper part of Wenceslas Square. They could meet there the Czech translator of Harry Potter books Pavel Medek.

The sale started in bookshops Kanzelsberger and NeoLuxor in Wenceslas Square on time. Benches and kerbs along the square were full of readers (both Czech and foreigners) who wanted to start reading as soon as possible.

Cool down in tunnels underneath Prague

Friday 20 July 2007 16:11

Are you fed up with the hot weather during your stay in Prague? Visit the underground tunnel in Lobkowicz garden. You can get there when you walk from the funical railway stop called Nebozizek in the direction of Petrin steps.

The tunnel contains photographies by Vladimir Vojir and his colleagues speleologists showing the underground spaces underneath Petrin Hill, Prague Castle or Strahov Monastery. Take a sweater with you as the average temperature in the tunnel is 10˚C (50˚F).

This weekend you can also visit the longest tunnel under Petrin. 80 meter out of 365 meters are open to the public. The excursion to the tunnel will be possible for groups of maxium 12 people. Other underground corridors are open beneath Vysehrad.

'Ecology Through a Lens' competition in Prague

Friday 20 July 2007 14:09

The 4th photography competition organized by the international organization UNEP and the Minister of Environment Martin Bursik comes slowly to an end. Until 20th August 2007 you can register your pictures connected with excessive consumption of energy and the protection of energy resources.

There have already been almost 750 photographs registered for the competition so far. The winner will get valuable prizes and a unique opportunity to present his/her pictures in the large-scale photography exhibition in Ovocny trh in the centre of Prague.

The pictures can be registered via www.ekologievobjektivu.cz. The winner will be awarded at the gala evening in Prague’s theatre Hybernia on 6th September 2007. From the mid October the exhibition will be also displayed at Prague International Airport Ruzyne.

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The Rolling Stones in Brno already this Sunday

Friday 20 July 2007 12:18

The Rolling Stones The legend of rock-and-roll music, British band The Rolling Stones will perform this Sunday 22nd July in the Exhibition Ground in Brno. The concert will be a part of their A Bigger Bang European Tour that started in Italy on 11th July. Their concert in Brno will start at 20:30, after the performance of the British band The Charlatans.

It will be already the fifth concert of The Rolling Stones in the Czech Republic. All the previous concerts (in 1990, 1995, 1998 and 2003) were held in Prague. Their first concert in the Czech Republic took place in Prague stadium Strahov. The concert was not only a great music event but also a symbol of changes in the political system of the country.

The second performance of The Rolling Stone, again in the Strahov stadium, was visited by a record number of people. 130,000 fans enjoyed the show of this legendary band on 5th August 1995.

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More tourists in Prague monuments this year

Friday 20 July 2007 10:45

Astronomical Tower on the Old Town Hall Tower Much more tourists visited Prague monuments administrated by the Prague Information Service (which belongs to the city of Prague) in the first sex months of this year than in the same period last year. From January to June 572,800 people visited these monuments, which is by 110,200 more than in 2006.

The visit rate of the Powder Tower increased by 150%, also thanks to a new exhibition presenting the life of people in the medieval times. The most popular building administrated by the Prague Information Services was the Old Town Hall in the Old Town Square in the centre of Prague. The Old Town Hall offers many permanent and contemporary exhbitions as well a nice view of Prague from the Old Town Hall Tower.

More and more tourists also plan the journey to Prague via tourist guides on internet or use the servises of information centres.

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Andy Warhol's prints in Kampa Museum in Prague

Friday 20 July 2007 09:25

Twenty works of art of Andy Warhol, the cultural idol and the most famous representative of pop-art, can be seen these days in the gallery of Kampa Museum in Sovovy Mlyny near the Vltava river.

The exhibition presents Warhol’s prints concerning disasters. Many of those prints were made at the beginning of the 1960s when Warhol was fascinated with death and obsessed with “fifteen minutes of fame”. His works also depict famous people, such as Marilyn Monroe in bright colours or Jackie Kennedy shortly before and after the assassination of Kennedy.

The exhibition called “Disaster Relics: Selected Prints” will be held until 30th September 2007. The gallery is open daily between 10:00 and 18:00.

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New information campaign about Schengen in the Czech Republic

Thursday 19 July 2007 16:41

'Free way to Europe' The Czech government will invest 25 million Czech crowns into a new campaign that will inform Czech public about joining the Schengen system on 1st January 2008. The government decided to launch the campaign after what a survey had revealed that only 51 per cent of Czech people knew about the existence of the Schengen agreement.

The campaign is symbolized by a logo of traffic lights having three green lights instead of red, orange and green. The logo represents the free way to Europe. The information campaign should increase the knowledge of Czech public about the Schengen system.

According to many Czech people travelling without border controls is the final part of joining the European Union. In connection with joining the Schengen system Czech people mostly fear of increase of illegal immigrants and security risks.

Park on Kampa Island will be restored

Thursday 19 July 2007 15:02

Kampa Popular park Kampa situated near the Vltava River in Prague Lesser Town will be under reconstruction soon. The park should get new pathways, more trees, benches, dustbins and street lamps. The reconstruction of the part should start next year and finish in 2009.

The city will invest 30 million CZK in the restoration of the park. The main street will serve as a promenade for walkers with a line for cyclists.

Kampa park is situated in a picturesque island in the centre of Prague. The area around the Devil’s stream that separates the island from the Lesser Town is often called “The Venice of Prague”.

Overpriced restaurants at Prague airport

Thursday 19 July 2007 13:12

Prague airport Ruzyne More and more people are complaining about the high prices of food and drinks at Prague International Airport Ruzyne. At most of the airport’s restaurants you pay even three times more for your dish than you would pay in the very centre of Prague. Several restaurants are even more expensive than 5-star Four Season Hotel which accommodated Madonna or Sean Connery.

The owners of these restaurant defend themselves claiming that the rent and energy prices are much higher there. The spokeswomen of Prague airport Eva Krejci says that the energy prices are the same like in the centre of Prague.

If you’re looking for cheap drinks, one of the options are drink machines in the hall. In case you’re hungry, go to the newly open building of Europort with a supermarket and a restaurant inside.

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Uknown Prague Castle

Thursday 19 July 2007 11:38

Prague Castle Even though you may think that you know Prague Castle very well, you might be surprised to find places that are not mentioned in Prague guidebooks but still they don’t lack their magic.

Instead of walking up the Old Prague Castle Steps, stroll along the streets Na Opysi or Chotkova to the Deer Moat. This green calm place created by the stream Brusnice is not crowded by many tourists and still offers a great view of famous monuments, such as Daliborka and Mihulka towers, St Vitus Cathedral or Queen Anne’s Palace.

The Dear Moat will take you to Prague Castle or U Brusnice street which leads to lovely street New World and narrow streets around the Loreto.

From U Brusnice street you can also easily get to Lumbe’s garden opened since the last year. There are many concerts held in that garden. Lumbe’s garden used to belong to the Lumbe’s villa, the residential villa of the Czech president.

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Prague public transport is one of the cheapest in Europe

Thursday 19 July 2007 10:01

The system of Prague public transport is evaluated positively by many people. It’s one of the cheapest public transportation and it’s largely used by Prague inhabitants and tourists in comparison with the transportation systems in other European cities.

Six out of 10 Prague inhabitants prefer taking metro, trams or buses on their way to work instead of using their own car. Another positive feature of Prague public transport is its high density and coverage of the city.

According to the audit of the Prague Public Transport Company made by BNV Consulting, the travel tickets should get much more expensive to meet the costs of the company. Right now Prague public transport is subsidized from the budget of the city of Prague.

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The Horse of Troy in Prague

Wednesday 18 July 2007 16:56

The Horse of Troy in Prague Cisarsky Island in Prague, situated between Stromovka park and Troja got a new dominating feature – wooden Horse of Troy. It was made by graphic designer and artist Ivan Nacvalac who made his childhood dream come true.

The horse is 9 meters tall. Visitors can see the inside of the horse on 22nd July 2007 when it will be presented to the public for the first time. Instead of soldiers, there will be many exhibitions inside the horse, the first one will show the history of the island on photographs.

The horse was made of 12 cubic meters of wood. It weights 6.5 tons and it can be pulled to another place by 32 strong men. The realization of the project took 3 months.

Reconstruction of historical events in Kuks

Wednesday 18 July 2007 15:10

Baroque building in Kuks If you plan to visit this weekend other places than Prague, your good choice might be a small spa village in Hradec Kralove Region in the east of Bohemia. Visitors of this lovely place will turn back to the time when noblemen were strolling in the gardens and Count Spork, who founded the main feature of the village – a Baroque spa building, went hunting. To the times almost 300 years ago.

Annual celebrations will offer horse riding shows, old traditional markets, a period army camp, wine tasting, a reconstruction of historical events, a concert of scene and theatre music or big fireworks.

The celebration is held this Saturday from 9:00 to 22:00. Besides the programme of the celebrations, visitors can see the famous Baroque building, the lapidary of M.B. Brown statues, Church of the Holy Trinity and Czech Pharmaceutical Museum.

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From Prague district Smichov to Podoli by a new ferry

Wednesday 18 July 2007 13:28

An opening ceremony started new ferry services that will take people from Smichov to Podoli and back. The ferry is included in the Prague public transport, therefore anyone can get on board with a valid 20 CZK ticket or a long-term ticket.

Children under 6 years old, bikes, prams and dogs are transported for free. Children under 15 years old can buy the 10 CZK ticket. The ferry transports people every hour from 6:00 (at the weekends from 7:00) till 22:00. If the demand is bigger, the ferry will go more often. In case of flood danger, the ferry will be out of service.

Another ferry can be found near the Charles Bridge. It’s more expensive and it’s run mainly for tourists as it is more like a guided sightseeing tour than a ferry.

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Shows in Prague Planetarium in English

Wednesday 18 July 2007 11:47

Prague Planetarium During summer Prague planetarium in Stromovka park offers two shows for English speaking visitors. They can chose from the show “Astrology and Alchemy in the Court of Rudolf II” or “The Night Sky”.

“Astrology and Alchemy in the Court of Rudolf II” will take them to the time of the reign of Rudolf II when Prague was the main European centre of science and art. The show will evoke the atmosphere of that period when people believed in magic and the power of stars. Visitors will also learn how alchemists worked and how horoscopes were cast for the emperor. The show is held every Tuesday and Saturday from 17:00 in the Cosmorana Hall.

“The Night Sky” reveals the most interesting constellations and highlights visible from the northern and southern hemispheres. The programme is accompanied with laser effects. The show is held every Wednesday from 19:30 and Sunday from 17:00.

The tickets cost 120 CZK, no discounts are possible. Individual English speaking visitors will get headphones to follow the show with Czech speaking visitors. Groups of 20 and more people can book the show in English version (without headphones) at planetarium@planetarium.cz.

A small tip – the visit of Prague Planetarium can be connected with the visit of nearby Krizik’s Singing Fountain in the area of Prague Exhibition Ground.

Lauryn Hill from The Fugees in Prague's music festival

Wednesday 18 July 2007 09:59

Fans of open-air music festival held in the Stromovka park in Prague on 27th and 28th July 2007 can look forward to another famous person who promised to perform there – R&B singer and seven Grammy Awards winner Lauryn Hill from music band The Fugees.

Besides the performance of Lauryn Hill, the park will be resounded by the music of Dr. John, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Ricky Skaggs or Courtney Pine. Czech musicians will be represented by Dan Barta, Lenska Dusilova or Yellow Sisters.

The festival will offer many additional activities for both adults and children. Visitors can also try to play side by side the famous musicians in the “jam session” on the stage. For more information visit the official web pages of the festival www.musicinthepark.cz.

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Tickets for Harry Potter in your mobile phone

Tuesday 17 July 2007 17:10

The premiere of the newest Harry Potter film is getting closer – on 19th July 2007. Prague cinemas are doing their best to attract as many visitors as possible. Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix will be available 3D in Prague cinema IMAX. Prague multiplex Village Cinemas offers buying electronic tickets via internet and mobile phones.

If you plan to go to Village Cinemas in Andel or Cerny Most, you can chose the seats and print your tickets at home. If you don’t have a printing machine, you can get the tickets by SMS to your mobile phone.

As soon as you have paid the tickets with your credit card, you will receive the tickets contaning a bar code. The tickets can be either printed or, in case of mobile phones, shown to the personel of the cinema. If your mobile phone doesn’t support messages with bar codes, there is an extra code added.

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Exhibition of photographs in the Old Town Bridge Tower in Prague

Tuesday 17 July 2007 15:33

Old Town Bridge Tower Until 31st August you can visit an exhibition of photographs that depicts changing of the statues on the eastern part of the Old Town Bridge Tower near Charles Bridge in November last year.

The copies of the original statues were made in the 1970’s. As the quality of the copies were not good anymore, they had to be replaced with new ones made of cut stone. A unique medieval crane was created for the reconstruction.

The exhibition takes place on the second floor of the Old Town Bridge Tower in the centre of Prague. On the first floor you can see a 18-minute-long film about the astronomical and astrological relations of the origin of Charles Bridge. The film is in seven language versions.

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Czech people are third tallest in the world

Tuesday 17 July 2007 13:40

According to the research of John Komlos of University of Munich, Czech people are third tallest in the world, together with Swedish and Norwegians. With their average height of 177.5 cm (5ft 9.8) they are even taller than their American counterparts who used to be the tallest in the world not long time ago.

The tallest nation from the ranked states are Dutch people with the average height of 181.25 cm (5ft 11), followed by Danish people with 180 cm (5ft 10). Americans with average height of 176 cm (5ft 9.2) are behind Germans and British.

The reason why some nations are taller than others remains for scientists a kind of mystery. It might be connected with diet and health care.

Open-air cinemas in Prague

Tuesday 17 July 2007 11:51

Open air cinema of the Czech Radio Regina Warm weather with no rain showers is a ideal opportunity to visit one of the three Prague open-air cinemas. The first one (and probably best known) is on Strelecky island, the other two are on Rohansky island and in the garden of Czech Radio Regina in Prague-Karlin.

Open-air cinema on Strelecky island shows mainly art movies. Films are shown every day – at 21:30 in July and 21:00 in August. This cinema is popular by tourists, as Czech films have English subtitles. The tickets cost 100 CZK, students and disabled people have discounts. You can get there from Legii bridge (near the National Theatre). Click here for the programme of the cinema.

The open-air cinema in the area of River City Prague on Rohansky island offers Friday’s and Saturday’s night shows. The cinema is oriented this summer towards the spy theme, movies are shown for free. For the programme of the cinema click here (only in Czech).

To see a movie for 25 CZK is possible in the open-air cinema in the garden of Czech Radion Regina in Hybesova 10 street in Prague 8. Visitors can look forward to popular Czech film Empties, Spider Man 3 and many others. See the programme of the cinema here.

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Hot weather in Prague continues

Tuesday 17 July 2007 10:03

The tropical weather in Prague continues. Yesterday the highest temperature (37.3 ˚C = 99.1 ˚F) measured in Prague tried to attack the temperature record of 37.8 ˚C (100 ˚F) that has ever been measured in the Czech Republic since 1775.

People in Prague suffer from hot weather, as the air is warmed up by the heated asphalt as well. Temperatures inside trams and buses may reach up to 50 ˚C (122 ˚F), which makes travelling rather unbearable. Travellers, who have problems with thermoregulation, are recommended to use metro, where the temperature is constant.

For those who want to go swimming in Prague, there are many options to go. Outdoor swimming pools can be found in Podoli (from metro station Karlovo namesti by trams 3, 16, 17 and 21 to stop Kublov) or in the area of O2 Zlute Lazne (from metro station Karlovo namesti by trams 3, 16, 17, 21 to stop Dvorce). A manmade beach at the Vltava river is situated at Smichov district (next to the Botel Admiral).

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Tram service disruptions in Palackeho square

Monday 16 July 2007 17:08

As we have already informed, due to the maintenance of the crossroad near Palackeho square, there will be large tram service disruptions from 17th July to 31st October 2007 in the sections Moran – Albert and Narodni divadlo – Vyton.

Lines no. 3, 16 and 52 will be rerouted from Moran (in the Charles Square) to Vyton via Albertov. Line no. 4 will be rerouted from Moran via Albertov and Vyton to the stop Podolska vodarna where it will be terminated. Line no. 6 will be prolonged from stop Kubanske namesti via Prubezna stop to Radosovicka loop, where it will be terminated. Lines no. 7 and 21 will be out of service.

Lines no. 10 in the section Andel and Karlovo namesti (Charles Square) and lines no. 14 and 54 will be rerouted via stop Arbesovo namesti, Ujezd and Narodni trida.

Line no. 17 will be rerouted in the section Narodni divadlo (National Theatre)- Vyton via Narodni trida, Karlovo namesti and Albertov. Line no. 20 from the direction Divoka Sarka will be rerouted from Andel via stops Bertramka and Kavalirka to Kotlarka, where it will be terminated. Line no. 24 will be rerouted from Prubezna stop via Strasnicka, Cernokostelecka, Depo Hostivar to ustredni dilny DP loop.

An additional tram line no. 37 will be on service in the peak hours from Sidliste Barrandov – Smichovske nadrazi – Andel – Kotlarka – Motol to Sidliste Repy.

For up-to-date information consult the orange timetable at the stops.

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Guitar player Mike Stern comes to Prague

Monday 16 July 2007 15:32

Mike Stern Guitar player Mike Stern comes to Prague to perform together with famous bass player Anthony Jackson and drummer Dave Weckl. These three names will definitely please all jazz lovers.

The concert will take place in the Lucerna Music Bar in Vodickova street on Sunday 22nd July 2007 at 21:00. Tickets are available in advance in Lucerna Music Bar.

The concert is held within the Prague Jazz Week 2007, introducing new young talents as well as stars of jazz music. Lovers of jazz can also go to AghaRTA Jazz Centrum from 17th to 21st July (the concerts start at 21:00) or to the Old Town Square on 22nd July (from 15:00 to 20:00).

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Festival Rock For People review

Monday 16 July 2007 13:55

We bring you a detailed review of the biggest festival in the Czech Republic, Rock For People, held at the area of Hradec Kralove airport from 4th to 6th July 2007.

Resume: 3 days, 24 bands, most clothes wet, all pairs of trousers and shoes muddy, sun burnt face – the best holiday in my life!

It’s always been my dream to go to a rock festival. I know that to many of you it isn’t such a big deal but for me it’s never been that easy. There was either no money or no people who would undergo that with me. And so I was ineffably happy when my friend said she would go with me. We bought our tickets about 2 months in advance and before we realized the day D arrived.

[…] The overall organization of this festival that is the biggest in the Czech Republic was impressive. Needless to say, all the 17 thousand people who visited the festival were impressive too. There were no drunken fights, no aggression, no drugs, no stealing – as far as my friend and I noticed. (the whole article)

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James Bond will not come back to the Czech Republic

Monday 16 July 2007 11:31

Casino Royal Even though the film-makers of Casino Royal praised the cooperation with local specialists in the Czech Republic, they won’t come back here to shoot the 22nd Bond movie. The reason is very simple: money.

Other countries offered tax relieves. The film-makers will get 20% of what they have invested back. Unfortunately, there are no tax relieves for film-makers in the Czech Republic and shooting is therefore more expensive here.

Among films, that were about to be filmed in the Czech Republic, but finally moved somewhere else are (besides the new Bond movie) also Hellboy 2 with John Hurt and Selma Blair, Watchmen with Jude Law and Billy Crudup or Valkyrie with Tom Cruise and Bill Nighy.

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Prague suffers from tropical temperatures

Monday 16 July 2007 10:00

The temperature measured in Prague’s Clementinum yesterday broke the record from 1928. Meteorologists measured 35.8 ˚C (96.4 ˚F), which is by 1.3 ˚C (34.3 ˚F) more than the temperature almost 80 years ago.

The highest temperature measured in Clementinum (the temperatures has been measured there constantly since 1775) is 37.8 ˚C (100 ˚F). Meteorologists warn that today’s temperatures may reach this limit or rise even higher.

Tropical temperatures accompanied with a high level of UV radiation should last until Wednesday. Then the weather forecast predicts temperatures about 20˚C (68 ˚F). People with heart problems should avoid any physical activities these days. All people are recommended to drink a lot.

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Prague awaits tropical temperatures and high level of UV radiation

Friday 13 July 2007 16:58

Czech Hydrometeorological Institute published a warning agains high level of ultraviolet radiation (UV radiation) at the territory of the Czech Republic in the coming days. According to the meteorologists, the UV radiotion will reach the level of the Meditarainian areas.

The high level of UV radiation is related to the dilution of the ozone layer during the weekend and at the beginning of the next week. UV radiation can cause a lot of harm to the skin.

The high level of UV radiation will be accompanied with tropical temperatures reaching up to 36 ˚C (96.8 ˚F). In cities, such as Prague, the temperature can be even higher, warmed up by the heated asphalt and cobbled streets.

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Doughnut battles may come back to Prague

Friday 13 July 2007 15:14

After two years of reconstruction, the cafe of Imperial Hotel (Na Porici street) known especially for popular doughnut battles, will be open to the large public again. In the newly reconstructed historical spaces visitors can enjoy their cup of tea and this time with a doughnut for free.

The building of Imperial hotel was built in 1913 – 1914 in Art Deco style. The cafe inside the hotel is decorated with beautiful ceramics mosaics. In comparison with the state two years ago, the cafe will have an additional entrance from the street, besides the main entrance to the hotel. The prices of the food and drink will be affordable to the Czech middle class. The cafe should be open at the end of July 2007.

The cafe is also considering to revive the tradition of famous doughnut battles. According to preliminary suggestions, the battles could take place every Sunday between 14:00 and 16:00.

Are Czech people superstitious?

Friday 13 July 2007 13:34

For many people is Friday 13th very unlucky day. Even though it has been proved by insurance companies that there are more “unlucky days”, many people are still very careful what they do that day. And what about Czech people, who are mainly atheists, and Friday 13th?

According to the survey of Median agency, 72% of Czech people don’t consider Friday 13th as an unlucky day. For many people is no. 13 even a lucky number. Two thirds of Czech people also read horoscopes (especially women), but mainly just for fun.

Psychologist Jeronym Klimes says that if people believe in superstitions, they can easily become uncertain and then make mistakes. Also people who tend to check everything three times, are more prone to be superstitious.

Music festival at Czech castles starts today

Friday 13 July 2007 11:48

3rd year of the music festival that is held in four different places – at four Czech castles – starts today at Tocnik-Zebrak castles near Prague. Visitors can look forward to a Horror Night. Everybody who takes a mask with them will get a nice present.

The festival will present popular Czech musicians at several concerts – on 13th and 14th July in Tocnik and Zebrak near Prague, on 20th and 21th July in Kuneticka hora near Pardubice, on 27th and 28th July in Svihov near Plzen and on 3rd and 4th August in Bezdez.

How to get to Tocnik-Zebrak castles? There will be shuttle buses from railway station Zdice to village Tocnik between 11:00 and 16:00 today. If you don’t have tickets yet, they will be available at the venue for 180 CZK. Sleeping is possible in a tent for free.

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Old clothes and music festival in Prague's villa Bertramka

Friday 13 July 2007 10:05

Villa Bertramka Museum of W. A. Mozart and Mr. and Mrs. Dusek seated in villa Bertramka in Mozartova street in Prague holds an exhibition of old clothes there were worn by women in the 18th century. The exhibition is open until the end of July 2007.

Several concerts of classical music will be held in the romantic gardens of the villa under the patronage of Czech excellent violist Josef Suk. The new string quartet festival called “Divertimenta v Praze” will start on 19th August and finish on 26th August.

Villa Bertramka is mainly connected with the name of W. A. Mozart who stayed at the villa thanks to the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Dusek. There he derived inspiration for several of his works. More information about the villa and the cultural programme can be found here.

Miss Deaf World 2007 in Prague

Thursday 12 July 2007 16:38

Top Hotel Praha (Blazimska 1781/4 street) will be the venue of the 7th Miss Deaf World final that is held in Prague on 14th July 2007 from 19:30. 20 most beautiful deaf girls will represent their countries in four classical disciplines: Catwalk, Swimsuit, Free Discipline and Interview in sign language.

The first year of Miss Deaf World took place in Mallorca in 2001, since then the competition has been held in Prague. It’s organized by Czech Model managements, Ltd. This event should improve integration of deaf people into ‘healthy society’.

According to the ranking at www.missdeafworld.com, visitors of the pages would chose Miss China. However, the real winner will be known in two days.

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World Cup Skateboarding in Stvanice Island in Prague

Thursday 12 July 2007 15:09

Prague will host the Mystic Sk8 Cup 2007, which is a part of WSC (World Cup Skateboarding). More than 200 professional skateboarders from 25 countries of the worlds (including the top skateboarders from the USA, Brazil, Australia and Europe) will compete in three disciplines (streetstyle, vert and best trick) in Stvanice Island in Prague from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th July 2007. The prize for the winner is USD 40,000.

An attractive part of the contest will be a favourite discipline called Bowl. Also women can compete in two disciplines (freestyle and exhibition in vert), the prize for first three places is USD 1,500.

Besides the competitions, visitors can expect a rich additional programme. American Bad Shit and Nihilist or The Egg from the UK have already promise to perform during the contest. Besides that, visitors can look forward to video projections, skateboard movies, a graffiti wall, various workshops and others. For more information about Mystic Sk8 Cup 2007 click here.

Harry Potter in IMAX cinema in Prague

Thursday 12 July 2007 13:34

Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix Fans of Harry Potter are eagerly waiting for the premiere of the fifth movie about this Hogwarts student called Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix, which is planned for 19th July 2007.

Besides many multiplex cinemas all over the country, IMAX cinema in Prague will show this movie, but what’s more, the last 20 minutes will 3D, which gives the viewers even a more enjoyable experience.

IMAX cinema is situated in Palac Flora. You can easily get there by metro (green line A, station Flora). Tickets are available for 199 CZK for adults, for 149 CZK for children, for 159 for students and for 555 CZK for families. Updated: The film will be dubbed into Czech.

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Beware of infected ticks in the Czech Republic

Thursday 12 July 2007 11:41

If you’re going to the Czech Republic and you plan to see besides the popular monuments in the centre of Prague also splendid Czech countryside, we would like warn you against the higher occurrence of infected ticks this year.

Popular tourist destinations for tours are central Bohemia and south Bohemia. Unfortunately, these districts are high-risk area regarding infected ticks. But because more ticks survived the winter due to very warm weather, they can be found in city parks and other “non-traditional” places.

The ticks spread mainly the Lyme-borelliose and the tick-borne encephalitis which can be fatal to an infected person. How to prevent yourself from being infected? First of all, there are several vaccines against encephalitis, but the best time to be vaccinated is in autumn. In drugstores and pharmacies you can buy many insect repellents. But if you still find a tick on your skin, remove it immediately and watch the spot for some time. It’s also possible to send the tick for examination to a special lab.

Bad traffic situation in Prague

Thursday 12 July 2007 10:00

If you can avoid driving into Prague by car, better do it. Even though there are less cars in Prague thanks to summer holidays than in other months of the year, the transport situation in the city is rather critical.

One of the main reasons are several road restrictions due to works on the roads. Right now there are workers on the road on Barrandov bridge, on one of the arteries called Jizni spojka, in Kbelska street, Vysocanska street and on D1 near Chodov. Bad traffic situation is also near Letna, because of closed Stefanikuv most and Letensky tunnel in direction to the city centre.

The municipal authorities recommend to leave the car at the large parking places outside the city centre that are marked P+R. These parking places are close to public transport, mainly metro. Travellers leaving their cars at this P+R (park + ride) places can travel by the public transport much cheaper. Special tickets for the parking fee + public transport can be bought just at this parking places.

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Trail of Death is coming back to Prague

Wednesday 11 July 2007 17:11

...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Death Roxy Club (Dlouha 33 street) in Prague is known for concerts of present music bands from all over the world. In the past it hosted many popular music groups, such as Franz Ferdinand or Dandy Warhols.

For lovers of guitar music we have another piece of good news. American rock band from Texas with a very long name “…And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Death” is coming back to Prague after two years to perform here on 14th August 2007.

The concert of “…And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Death” will start at 19:30. Tickets are available in Roxy, or via Ticketpro, Ticketstream and Ticketportal for about 300 CZK.

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Jazz Bridge from Prague to EU 2007

Wednesday 11 July 2007 14:51

Jazz Bridge Festival Jazz Bridge Festival was held for the first time in the evening before the Czech Republic joined the EU. It became so successful that the festival is held this year for the fourth times, it’s called Jazz Bridge from Prague to EU 2007.

The main stars of this festival is Kentonmania – a big band including 5 saxophones, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, a tuba and 8 French horns.

First concerts have already taken place in Germany, Czech part of the festival will be held in Karlovy Vary on 14th July and in Prague’s club Manes (Masarykovo nabrezi 250, Prague 1) on Sunday 15th July 2007. Tickets can be bought via Ticketpro.cz and TicketArt.cz More information about the festival can be found at www.jazzbridge.net.

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Drawn By Light exhibition in Vysehrad Gallery in Prague

Wednesday 11 July 2007 13:05

Vysehrad Gallery in Prague holds another exhibition of famous Czech artist and graphic designer Ditta Jirickova. This exhibition shows 16 large-format drawings and 24 photographs. The main theme of the exhibition is the same like the name of the exhibition – Drawn By Light (Malovano svetlem).

Jirickova started to make the displayed photographs in 2004, the drawings were made based on these photographs. Ditta Jirickova has worked on many design projects, such as IFF Karlovy Vary, Prague Spring etc.

The exhibition will be displayed in Vysehrad Gallery (the closest metro station is on red line C – Vysehrad) until 29th July 2007. The entrance fee is only 10 CZK for all visitors.

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Communist names of stations in Prague metro today

Wednesday 11 July 2007 11:36

Prague metro Travellers in Prague metro may be surprise today to hear different names of metro stations from the loudspeakers. The names of the stations are not chosen haphazardly, they come from the communist times when station were called Moskevska (from Russian city Moscow) – now Andel, Leninova – now Dejvicka, Gottwaldova – now Vysehrad etc.

The old announcements are broadcast due to the project of Czech Television that prepares a documentary film about Ivan Medek who was persecuted by the communist regime. Czech people knew him thanks to the radio station Hlas Ameriky (The Voice of America) that was secretly listened to by many Czech families.

The reaction of people to these announcements are monitored by cameras. The reactions vary from person to person but nobody has complained to the Prague Public Transport Company yet.

Happy Beer Days in Prague

Wednesday 11 July 2007 10:03

Happy Beer Days is a beer and music festival that will present about 40 breweries and more than 130 kinds of beer. 3 stages will offer various kinds of music (theatre, rock and country) performed by more than 61 music bands (mostly Czech).

Besides tasting beer and listening to the music, you can take part in many additional activities, such as sightseeing boat trips, paintball, archery, go-karts or many competitions. A rich programme is also prepared for children.

The festival will take place on Cisarsky Island in Prague from 14th to 16th September 2007. Tickets are available via Ticketart.cz from 200 CZK to 500 CZK. The transport is provided by shuttle buses from Smichovske nadrazi (metro yellow line B) and then by shuttle boats from Vyton to Cisarska louka.

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Professional barman show in Prague's Lucerna Music Bar

Tuesday 10 July 2007 16:36

Professional barmen in the Czech Republic will show their skills in the final of the 5th Havana Club Grand Prix in Lucerna Music Bar on Thursday 12th July 2007. The best barmen will compete in two disciplines.

The barman show will be accompanied by the music of DJ Pedro Rodriquez and the performances of group Gulocar. After midnight there will be DJ Orion and DJ Mike Trafic with go-go dancers.

The evening programme will start at 18:00 and it will continue until 2:00 in the morning. Tickets are available in advance in Lucerna Music Bar or via Ticketpro.cz and Tickeportal.cz for 140 CZK, but the number of tickets is limited.

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Echoes of IFF Karlovy Vary 2007 in Prague

Tuesday 10 July 2007 14:52

The 42nd International Film Festival in Karlovy Vary finished last Saturday. Several movies shown in the festival can be seen these days in two Prague cinemas Aero (Biskupcova 31 street) and Svetozor (Vodickova 41 street).

Visitors can look forward to Czech hit Empties, then Lucky Miles, Venus, Factory Girls, One Night in a City, Naked Youth and many others. For the programme of the cinemas click here.

The price of the tickets varies from 80 CZK to 100 CZK. Films in cinema Aero are mainly simultaneously translated into Czech, films in the small hall of cinema Svetozor are mainly in the original version and films in the big hall of cinema Svetozor are mainly with Czech subtitles. As several films are with English subtitles, English speaking visitors should pay attention to the legend next to the programme.

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Czech people are mainly in favour of euthanasia

Tuesday 10 July 2007 13:27

According to the latest survey made by SC&C agency for MS DNES, 64% of Czech people are in favour of legalization of euthanasia in the Czech Republic. 28% of people are against it.

The survey is very topical, as one of the member of the Parliament (and a former doctor) Boris Stastny wants to legalize euthanasia in the Czech Republic. He found the inspiration in the Netherlands and Belgium where euthanasia is legalized. Many Czech doctors refuse it.

In favour of euthanasia are mainly young people, people with high salaries, people from Prague and voters of Civil Democrats. Opponents of euthanasia are mainly older people and voters of Christian Democrats.

Bohemia Jazz Fest in Prague these days

Tuesday 10 July 2007 11:41

The biggest jazz festival in the Czech Republic starts today (at 16:00) in Prague’s Old Town Square, and in other days in Plzen, Prachatice and Ceske Budejovice. Musicians from Chicago, Berlin, Stockholm, Vienna, Prague and New York will play under the sky in historical squares for free.

In Prague festival you can hear ACM Trio, Stepan Markovic & Gulocar, Nils Berg Quintet, Kenny Garrett Quartet, Clemens Salesny Quartet, Subtone, Rudy Linka & Dan Fabricatore and Dave Holland Quintet.

The festival in Prague will be take place in the Old Town Square today and tomorrow. For more information go to the official sites of the festival here.

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Rally of veteran cars in Prague

Tuesday 10 July 2007 09:53

Lovers of veteran cars (as well as motorcycles and buses) can admire old models of cars in the most significant event of this kind in the Czech Republic Retro Prague 2007 that will take place in the Prague Exhibition Ground from Thursday to Sunday.

The part of the event is a traditional 3-day rally of veteran cars that starts on Thursday 12th July at 21:00 in Wallenstein Square (Valdstejnske namesti).

Those who won’t manage to see the historical cars in the streets, can visit an exhibition of veteran cars called Veteran Salon in the Exhibition Ground. The tickets for this event cost only 50 CZK.

And what cars can visitors see? Rolls-Royce, Mercedes, Praga, Skoda and many others. The oldest car will be American car Premier Runabout from 1907 and Raf H10 from 1909. Lovers of old buses have a meeting on Saturday 14th July 2007.

Online check-in for 70% of Prague travellers

Monday 09 July 2007 16:51

Air carriers CSA and SkyEurope have joined the group of air carries that enable their passengers to check-in via internet. So called “online check-in” is offered by already nine air carriers flying from Prague – CSA, Air France, British Airways, easyJet, EL AL, KLM, Brussels Airlines, SkyEurope and SWISS.

Online check-in is very comfortable for travellers with a cabin luggage only. After arriving at the airport they can continue straight to the passport control. Travellers checked-in online can also decide where they want to sit on the plane.

Each air carrier state individually the term connected with the online check-in, especially how long before the departure passengers should be checked-in. For more information about your air carrier consult their web pages.

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Famous Cirque ici comes to Prague

Monday 09 July 2007 15:02

One of the most famous circuses Cirque ici will be the main star of the Prague festival Letni Letna that will be held in Prague between 20th August and 2nd September 2007.

Cirque ici will show their so far last performance Secret full of theatre magic, cirkus mastery, physical abilities and great atmosphere. The 100-minute show will be performed by Johann Le Guillerm, awarded the prize Grand Prix Nationale du Cirque, and his creative team.

Cirque ici will offer 10 performances in Letna park in Prague. Tickets are available via Ticketpro.cz for 540 CZK (every first 50 tickets for each performance will be 50 CZK cheaper).

New ferry transport in Prague

Monday 09 July 2007 13:15

Prague will have a new ferry transport on the Vltava river. The ferry will take people from Prague district Smichov to Podoli and back every day from 6:00 to 22:00 (the journeys will start at every full hour). The official opening is on 17th July 2007 in the afternoon.

The operator of the ferry is Vittus Group company. The ferry will be included in the Prague public transport and passengers can use the tickets of this integrated transport system. The price of one journey is 20 CZK.

The operator thinks that the ferry will be used mainly by people travelling to work, to Podoli swimming pool, to sport area Zlute Lazne or by cyclists.

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Prague attracts young people

Monday 09 July 2007 11:47

More and more people are moving to Prague in the last few years. There are two main reasons for it. Prague can offer the highest average salaries in the whole country and the unemployment here is one of the lowest.

The Czech capitol attracts mainly young people without families who can find good job opportunities there. When they earn enough money they tend to move to outskirts of Prague or villages near Prague to raise children.

There are now 1 194 407 inhabitants in Prague. Popular areas are Prague districts 4, 6 and 10. A large number of Prague immigrants consists of foreigners, especially from Ukraine, Russia and Vietnam.

Beer specialities in Prague

Monday 09 July 2007 10:01

Prague mini breweries prepared many specialities for this summer. The most alcoholic beer in Prague can be found in ‘Restaurant U Medvidku’ (Na Perstyne 7 street, Prague 1). Their beer called X-Beer contains 12% of alcohol, which is about the same amount like in dry red wine.

A real rarity is a beer ice cream in ‘Richter Pub’ (Bulovka 17 street, Prague 8). Three scoops of beer ice cream with cream on it cost 65 CZK. The ice cream contains alcohol, therefore it’s not suitable for children and drivers. The ice cream is made on cream bases with bitter flavour of beer.

White wheat beer that used to brewed in the medieval times can be tasted in Strahov Brewery (Strahovske nadvori 301 street, Prague 1). Beer made from Bolivian cereal quinoa is tapped in ‘Pivovarsky klub’ (Krizikova 17, Prague 8).

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Who to ask the way in Prague?

Wednesday 04 July 2007 16:53

Knights of the Cross Square More and more police officers are able to communicate with tourist in foreign languages. At least these are the words of the spokeswoman of the Prague police Iva Knolova. According to her, younger generation in police forces have normally basic knowledge of foreign languages, especially English.

Still, if you can’t make yourself understood, visit the police station situated in Na Mustku street in the centre of Prague. There you can find interpreters of the main world languages. For languages that are not so common, the police will call court interpreters.

The police also invited students to help them with translations of more difficult questions. The students assist the police officers in the centre of Prague every weekend in June and September and every day in July and August.

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Prague roads safer than a year ago

Wednesday 04 July 2007 15:14

The penalty point system that was introduced in the Czech Republic a year ago proved to be good in Prague. Prague city as the only one completed the penalty point system (read more) with a large number of radars measuring speed. Their placement is known to the large public mainly as a precaution. The map with the positions of the permanent Prague radars can be found here)/default.aspx?ido=7901&sh=-74891013 (descriptions in Czech only).

20 lives were safe in comparison with the number of death people on the roads in the previous period. There were also 43% less car accidents.

However, the police monitored over 320,000 offences of speeding in one year. The deputy mayor of Prague Rudolf Blazek said that even though the roads watched by radars are known, about 5,000 drivers a day exceed the speed limits. Radars are placed mainly near schools and zebra crossings.

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Wine celebrations in Karlstejn this September

Wednesday 04 July 2007 13:28

Karlstejn Castle Do you plan to visit Prague this September and you want to experience something special? We’ve got a tip for you – wine celebrations in Karlstejn near Prague on 29th and 30th September 2007.

Visitors can look forward to many activities, such as concerts of historical and folk music, fencers performances, medieval market, lessons of historical dances, period costumes fashion parade, fire-eaters, magicians, jesters and many more. Adult visitor can taste many kinds of wine. The entrance fee is 100 CZK, children below 15 years old enjoy the activities for free.

Karlstejn castle was founded by the Czech King and Roman Emperor Charles IV in 1348 as a place for keeping the Czech coronation jewels and a collection of holy relics.

Construction of the outlet centre in Prague endangered

Wednesday 04 July 2007 11:49

The construction of the largest outlet centre in the Czech Republic, that is now being built near Prague International Airport Ruzyne, is endangered. The airport Ruzyne is afraid that customers and tracks full of goods leading to the outlet centre will block the transport to the airport and therefore the travellers will miss their flights.

According to the spokeswoman of the airport, Eva Krejci, the outlet centre has to find another way to the centre, otherwise the airport won’t give a permission for the next construction of the outlet. On the other hand the investors, B. Consulting company, claim that there are more ways to the centre and that experience from other outlets shows only an occasional rise of transport.

The outlet centre will contain over 170 shops selling the collections of renown brands for only a small part of the original price. In front of the centre will be a parking place for 2,500 cars.

Hewbrew inscription is back on Charles Bridge

Wednesday 04 July 2007 09:47

The Crucifix and Calvary The gold inscription on the statue The Crucifix and Calvary on Charles Bridge is back. However, the inscription is not the original one, but a replica made by the same technological process, including fire gilding techniques.

The Hebrew inscription saying ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts’ comes from the end of the 17th century. The original remains are placed in the Gallery of the City of Prague.

Last January the inscription was damaged by an unknown vandal who threw some parts of it into the Vltava river. To prevent such vandalism, 1“0 cameras connected with the police office have been installed”:http://www.abcprague.com/2007/03/12/10-new-cameras-on-charles-bridge-in-prague on the bridge earlier this year.

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More information about the Prague Castle history thanks to genetics

Tuesday 03 July 2007 17:05

Prague Castle and Hradcany The history books might be changed. Archaeologists together with geneticists wants to examine the bone remains of 19 members of Premyslid family. The aim of their new project called Archeosteon (Old Bone) is to improve the knowledge about this ruling family (and maybe find an older, so far not known, member of the family) as well as to date the history of Prague Castle more accurately.

Even though the project should run in years 2008 – 2011, the pilot project that should find the best methods for the research started last year. The scientists want to improve the methods so that only a very small piece of the bone has to be removed for the research.

The laboratory had to be established in the very Prague Castle because the old bones are very precious and fragile. Small samples of the bones will be taken in small test-tubes into the hospital in Bulovka. The identification of the DNA will be very similar to the one used for paternity tests.

Every sixth tram in Prague goes too fast

Tuesday 03 July 2007 15:14

During the last six months of this year 17 trams derailed and 11 crashed with a car in Prague. The accidents were mostly caused by the drivers of the cars, but still, several accidents were made due to speeding.

The inspection has measured the speed of trams 10,564 times this year. 3.1 % of drivers exceeded the speed limit, some of them even by 10 km/h. The last control was made in Vltavska street, in Senovazne square and Charles Square in Prague. 6 out of 48 trams didn’t follow the required speed.

The director of the Prague Public Transport Company Petr Blazek said that the drivers will be sanctioned. The last accident in Prague happened in Palackeho square in June due to the fact the driver of the derailed tram exceeded the speed limit 10 km/h by 9 km/h.

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Music festival Rock For People 2007 starts tomorrow

Tuesday 03 July 2007 13:37

Tomorrow starts one of the biggest music festivals in the Czech Republic Rock For People (4th – 6th July). For the first time the venue of the festival is not in Cesky Brod but in Hradec Kralove, a town about 100 km east from Prague.

More than 120 music bands will perform on four large stages. Czech bands will take turns with many foreign music bands, some of them long-awaited in the Czech Republic. The stars of the festival are The Killers (Wendesday 22:25), the winners of MTV awards for the best rock group 2006 and Brits Awards for the best foreign music band 2007, then The Hives (Thursday 21:45) or Basement Jaxx (Friday 21:40).

Three-day tickets cost 900 CZK, one-day tickets 620 CZK. Accommodation is provided in a camp place for 50 CZK. More information about the festival can be obtained at the official pages (here).

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Celebrations of Charles Bridge already this weekend

Tuesday 03 July 2007 11:48

Only few days are left before the large celebration of the 650th anniversary of historical Charles Bridge that was founded by Charles IV on 9th July 1357 at 5:31. The municipal authorities have announced the programme of the celebrations, even though they won’t be so monumental and will take two days only.

The programme starts this Sunday in the Old Town Square by the tournaments of knights, the presentation of period handicrafts or dance performances. The most important part of the programme will start in the first minutes after midnight and will last until the morning. The foundation stone of the bridge will be blessed exactly at 5:31.

During the evening, the statues on Charles Bridge will come to live and will tell stories about their history, visitors can also listen to the period music or watch the reconstruction of Prague’s siege by Swedish troops in 1648.

On the occasion of the anniversary, a new stamp with Charles Bridge at night will be issued, as well as a commemorative 200 CZK banknote.

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The Czech Republic is not aware of any terrorist threat

Tuesday 03 July 2007 10:03

The American TV ABC News warned that besides Glasgow another target for terrorist attacks might be Czech airports or planes flying to/from Prague over the Atlantic.

However, Czech intelligence services claim that they are not aware of any possible terrorist threads. Jan Subert, the spokesman of the Czech Security Information Service (BIS) said that if there were any serious threads, the Czech Republic would definitely heighten the security measures.

The Minister of Interior Ivan Langer said that the Czech Republic hadn’t received any warnings from American secret services. The Czech Foreign Intelligence Service (UZSI) has intensified the cooperation with secret services in Great Britain as well as in other states.

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Unique exhibition of lilies in Prague Botanical Garden

Monday 02 July 2007 16:48

Lily A unique and probably the largest collection of lilies in the Czech Republic can be seen in Prague Botanical Garden in Prague-Troja these days. Over 2,000 flowers and more than 200 cultivated species of lily are displayed until 22nd July.

Lilies, flowers with very typical scent, has been growing in Troja since 1973. If you want to learn more about the arrangement of lilies, visit the Botanical Garden on Saturday 14th July. The flowers arranged that day will be on sale immediately after the presentation.

The exhibition is open daily between 9:00 and 19:00. Guided tours will be available for Czech language speakers on 3rd, 4th, 12th and 13th July 2007.

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By steam train outside Prague

Monday 02 July 2007 14:56

Traditional historical steam trains will depart from Prague main railway station this summer to take their travellers to Czech countryside. Travellers can get out at any of their stations on the way to get to know various towns and places. The trains will set out for the journey on 7th July, 18th August and 1st September 2007.

The trains will be drawn by steam engine made in 1917. Travellers can enjoy the journey sitting on period wooden chairs. There will be a buffet on the train as well as wagon for bikes and prams transportation. In the times of the biggest fame in 1920’s and 1930’s steam trains were often so full, that some travellers had to travel on the roof of the train.

The train departs from Prague at 9:44 in the morning (with stops in Prague-Vrsovice at 9:50 and Prague-Branik at 10:06). The journey continues via Vrane nad Vltavou, Cercany, Cesky Sternbek to Kacov. The return journey start at 17:29. The return ticket from Prague to Kacov cost 240 CZK.

Travellers who decides to go for the trip on 7th July can get off in station Sazava – Cerne Budy and visit the Sazava funfair.

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UNESCO doesn't want high buildings in Prague

Monday 02 July 2007 13:21

Author: Visualization: ECM Prague should reconsider building of new high buildings in the city. They might have a negative effect for the metropole which is on the list of the UNESCO. That’s the recommodation of the World Heritage Committee by the UNESCO that is meeting now in New Zealand.

The committee talked mainly about the project to build two high buildings in Prague-Pankrac. They stress that the plans should respect the panorama of the historical Prague. The official statement of the committee will be send officially to Prague soon.

One of the two planned buildings should have 31 floor and be in the shape of the letter V. The other one, a hotel, should be 10 floors lower. They are supposed to be build very close to the historical centre of Prague.

Masaryk railway station in Prague will be closed during summer

Monday 02 July 2007 11:40

Due to the maintenance of the rail switches and protecting devices many trains won’t terminate in Masaryk railway station (Masarykovo nadrazi) near Florenc. The service disruption will last from today until the end of August.

The trains between Prague – Kralupy nad Vltavou will be rerouted via Prague-Holesovice to the final destination Prague-Liben. The trains between Prague – Kladno – Zatec – Chomutov will depart/arrive at the station Prague-Bubny. Between 9th and 20th July the terminal will be shifted to the station Prague-Dejvice.

There will be no additional transport. Travellers can ask for tickets for the Prague public transport by showing the train ticket in the booking office of stations Prague-Masarykovo nadrazi and Prague-Holesovice. More information about the service disruptions can be received at the railway stations and on the phone number (+420) 840 112 113.

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GPS for policemen in the centre of Prague

Monday 02 July 2007 09:50

Police officer in the street of Prague The city police in the centre of Prague (Prague 1) will be equipped with the navigation system GPS by this September. There are two reasons for that. First of all, the police will be able to provide thousands of tourists that stroll in the streets of Prague with information. The other reason is to control the police work better.

The city police will be able to advice tourists the shortest way to any destination, to find out the opening times or more information about Prague monuments. The police headquarter will be also able to check whether and how ofter the patrolmen visited various localities.

Prague 1 will invest about 800,000 CZK to improve the police work. If the navigation system turns out to be helpful, the device will be bought for police officers in other Prague districts.

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