Intro to Prague

Our final stop takes up to Prague with a day-trip to Karlovy Vary

Welcome to the Czech Republic*

GEOGRAPHY

The Czech Republic is internally divided into two geographic and cultural areas called Bohemia, whose capital is Prague, and Moravia, whose capital is Brno.

Bordered by Poland, Germany and Austria, Bohemia lies to the west and is split by the province's primary river, the Vltava. Bohemia is characterized by low, rolling hills and farmland, but on its foreign borders it is almost entirely surrounded by mountain ranges. The rolling hills and thick forests in southern Bohemia, dotted with fairy-tale castles, typify the bucolic charm visitors imagine when they think of the area, and natural hot springs have made western Bohemia an internationally known spa destination. Northern Bohemia's mountains are studded by dramatic sandstone rock formations, canyons and caves.

Moravia, situated to the east, is bordered by Poland, Austria and Slovakia. Split by the Morava River, it is known for its highland areas and lower mountains. The fertile hillsides in southern Moravia are covered with orchards and the vineyards that have made this region synonymous with wine-making. The limestone caves of the area are spectacular.

WHY GO?

The foremost attractions of the Czech Republic are beautiful scenery, castles and quaint villages, skiing, health spas, limestone caves, beer gardens and beer halls, wine cellars, music festivals, fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, puppet shows, churches and monasteries, and folk costumes.

Prague is one of Europe's most enchanting cities. The city is very crowded during summer—visit during the off-season. If you have the time and mode of transportation, don't let the language barrier keep you from exploring the villages and castles that dot the countryside. You'll find them peaceful, and you will gain an understanding of the country that continues to elude those who never venture outside the capital city.

UNESCO has designated as World Heritage sites the historic center of Prague and the historic center of Cesky Krumlov among others in the Czech Republic. We are staying in the city center and yes, we are visiting Cesky Krumlov on our travels into Prague.

Recent HISTORY

With Mikhail Gorbachev's rise to power in the Soviet Union in the late 1980s, his perestroika policy opened the door to reform and loosened the hold of the Communist hard-liners. In 1989, mass demonstrations shook the government and finally brought about its collapse in what was called the Velvet Revolution. The 1989 election of dissident intellectual, playwright and former political prisoner Vaclav Havel catapulted the new democracy to world prominence.

All troubles did not end with the ousting of the Communists. Tensions between Slovaks and Czechs led to the creation of two separate countries at the end of 1992. Re-elected president of the new Czech Republic, Havel served as the country's spiritual and moral leader in the face of widespread government corruption in the mid-1990s and guided the country to NATO membership in 1999. After two terms in office, he was succeeded by Vaclav Klaus in January 2003.

After an economic downturn in the late 1990s caused by corruption and lax financial regulation, the economy improved, and foreign investment brought new life to regions of the country decimated by privatization of state-run industries. High-tech firms cropped up rapidly, turning the Czech Republic—and especially Prague—into a prime technology center. Underlying all this revitalization was the government's push for entrance into the European Union, which became a reality in May 2004.

* info from Travel-42 A travel agent resource.

Enjoy these photos of Prague and Karlovy Vary (aka Karlsbad)

Inside the Spanish Synagogue



Prague Castle



Astronomical Clock


St, Vitus Cathedral


Day Trip to Karlovy Vary