The Czech Republic is a country for everyone. You may be a couple in love, a lone traveler or retired grandmother, but you will definitely like the Czech Republic. At any time of the year, she is able to surprise and fascinate everyone who is lucky enough to visit her territory.
There are not only standard tourist routes and attractions from famous postcards, but also modern places for young people. And also in the Czech Republic there are famous resorts where you can relax not only mentally, but also physically.
The history of this country began many years ago. And now everyone has the opportunity to stroll through the historical places, listening to the stories of the guide, and drinking the famous Czech beer.
For those who want to learn more about the Czech Republic, we have prepared 10 of the most interesting facts. Visiting a country, already knowing some information, is much more curious.
10. Under Charles IV, Prague was the most influential city in Europe.
Charles IV is the great king of the Czech Republic and emperor of Germany. Under his rule, not only Prague, but also many other cities actively grew and developed.. He ruled over 600 years ago, but his merits are still heard by contemporaries.
He significantly expanded the boundaries of the Czech capital and gave rise to the first university in Central Europe. He bestowed various merchants with various privileges, which at least somehow contributed to the development of cities.
9. Prague has one of the oldest universities in the world.
The greatest Czech king founded one of the oldest universities in the world. In 1348 the doors of the University of Prague opened. Until now, it remains one of the most popular educational institutions in the world. Today, more than 50 thousand people study there.
Subjects are taught in Czech and English. In Prague it is most often called Charles University. Since 2014, Tomas Zima has been taking the place of the rector.
8. In the Czech language there are words consisting only of consonants
Czech itself is very unusual and beautiful. It has incredible words, namely those that consist only of consonants. For Russians and other nations, too, this is unusual.
From these words made a tongue twister. It is written like this - Strč prst skrz krk, literally translated as "Put your finger through your throat". This phrase is very popular in the Czech Republic and it is written even on T-shirts. This tongue twister has been present in Czech grammar textbooks since 1852.
But this is not the only tongue twister without consonants. Still known"Prd krt skrz drn, zprv zhlt hrst zrn", which translates as "The mole farted through the sod, eating at first a handful of grains. ”
7. Vltava - the longest river in the country
The length of this river is 433 meters. The river was first mentioned in 872. The roots of the name lie in the German language and translates as "wild water». For the country, this is not just the longest river, it is associated with many historical events..
Most dangerous is its water during a flood. These days, she turns into a rampant horse and sweeps everything in its path. Throughout the entire river are incredible landscapes with ancient castles. Many writers and artists come to these places for inspiration and write their ingenious works here.
6. Non-standard sculptures by David Cherny
Everyone, even the most sophisticated tourists, will have something to see in the Czech Republic. The capital of this country surprises tourists and residents with every corner, house and yard. But it is worth noting the non-standard sculptor - David Cherny, who became famous for his unusual works and got the love of the inhabitants of the whole city.
Each of his sculptures causes a scandal, due to provocation and political overtones. Of his popular sculptures, he is most famous for: a car on human legs, Babies Babies and pissing men.
You can look at his projects in the Kampa park, on the Zizkov television tower and other public places. David raises very important questions and asks them to the world through art. He became famous thanks to his courage and wit.
5. Prague chimes - the oldest operating astronomical clock in the world
The tower clock in Prague is the oldest operating astronomical clock in the world.. They are located in the Old Town Hall, on its south tower.
The clock can clarify both modern and starry, Babylonian and Old Bohemian time. In addition, by the watch dial it is possible to find out the time of sunrise and sunset, its position and phase of the moon.
On the dial of the watch are very strange figures, the strangest of which is the figure of death. In addition to time, you can find out the number, day of the week and Christian holidays.
The clock was installed in 1402 after the King of Luxembourg granted the inhabitants of Prague the right to build their own town hall.
4. Czechs - champions for beer love
Czech residents love beer. This is not a stereotype or a personal guess, but a real fact. Beer consumption per capita is more than 160 liters per year. Not surprisingly, beer in the Czech Republic costs less than a bottle of water, and even children can treat this drink.
Czechs like to spend their free time in the pubs, and you can buy alcohol even in the famous fast food restaurant. The first brewery in the Czech Republic opened in 993.
Another fact proving the addiction of this people to beer is that on its basis a rather unusual, but very tasty stew is brewed.
3. 5 Nobel laureates
The Czech Republic is rich not only in architecture, history and traditions, but also outstanding people. For example, among the winners of the Nobel Prize, five people come from this country.
The Nobel Prize is considered the most prestigious of the existing in the world and is awarded for a tremendous contribution to science, society and culture.
One of the most famous cultural figures was the writer Yaroslav Seifert, who received an award for achievement in literature. Yaroslav advocated freedom of creativity, was president of the Writers' Union, was engaged in translations, worked as a journalist.
2. Famous spa resorts
People come to the Czech Republic not only for beautiful views and famous beer, but also for the sake of wellness procedures. It is in this country that the famous spa resorts around the world are located..
One of the most popular is Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad). They use thermal springs that have healing properties.
The most common spa procedures: mud therapy, baths in mineral waters and a drinking course of mineral water.
In the resort of Marianske Lazne, bathing in gas baths (with carbon dioxide), inhalation and saunas are also added to these procedures.
These resorts are visited by people with gastrointestinal problems, with kidney diseases and during rehabilitation after serious operations and injuries.
1. Prague Castle - the largest castle complex in the world
Prague Castle is not only the largest attraction in Prague, but also the most important castle in the country. Historically, it was the residence of Czech kings and princes. Today, the president of the Czech Republic is located in the castle.
This building is on the list of the largest in the world. Its length is 570 meters and a width of 128 meters. Prague Castle is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. It is impossible to imagine this country without the city that has been on these lands since the 9th century. For all the time of existence, the castle performed important functions.