Czech Republic   

The Czech Republic, a landlocked state at the heart of Europe, is made up of two historic provinces: Bohemia to the west, centred on the capital, Prague, and Moravia-Silesia to the east, centred on Brno and the great industrial conurbation around Ostrava. It is an area that has played a pivotal role in European history throughout the centuries and, since the fall of communism in 1989, the Czechs have been keen to re-establish their country as part of mainstream Europe. Certainly, Prague's extraordinary architectural heritage has made the capital one of Europe's top destinations. Less frequented by visitors are the many enchanting provincial towns and fine castles, which boast a range of architectural styles from Romanesque to art nouveau. The republic also has areas of great natural beauty: rugged mountains, rolling meadows, and a multitude of small lakes.

The first independent Czechoslovak republic, a relatively prosperous and democratic state formed in 1918, was short-lived. Six years of German occupation, followed by over 40 years of Communist rule, depressed the economy and public morale. It was not until November 1989 that mass demonstrations, subsequently known as the “Velvet Revolution”, forced the end of Communism. Nationalism grew, and on 1 January 1993 the state split to form the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Since separation, the Czech government has pursued an ambitious programme of economic reform. Although the economy has recently experienced a slight downturn, tourism is still booming, and services are now a growth area.

German, Czech, and Jewish influences have combined over many centuries to produce a rich and diverse culture in this region. Prague's best-known Jewish authors, Franz Kafka and Franz Werfel, were among the finest German-language novelists of their generation. Important modern Czech literary figures include Jaroslav Hašek, whose Good Soldier Schweik is an archetypal Czech hero; émigré authors Josef Škvorecký and Milan Kundera; the Nobel Prize-winning poet, Jaroslav Seifert; and the famous playwright Václav Havel, who was elected president in 1993. Sculpture and painting reached a high point in the late Gothic period and the early 20th century, when Prague was a major centre of avant-garde art. The 19th century produced a great trio of Czech classical composers, Dvoéák, Smetana, and Janášek, while Prague enjoys fame for its earlier links with the Austrian-born Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Nowadays there is a lively jazz scene and heavy rock is another favourite with local people.

Citizens of most European countries do not require a visa to enter the Czech Republic. Other nationals should consult the Czech embassy or consulate in their own country for details of visa requirements. If all the necessary conditions have been complied with, visas may be issued at a number of border crossings into the Czech Republic, including Prague Airport.

Ambulance: 155
Police: 158
Fire brigade: 150
Alternative pan-European emergency number: 112

Central European Time (GMT plus one hour). Clocks are put forward one hour from the last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the end of October.

A national driving licence is normally sufficient to allow you to drive or hire a car in the Czech Republic. Check with your motor vehicle insurance company regarding any insurance documents you will need and whether additional insurance is required, though normally a Green Card will be adequate.

Always carry your full valid driving licence, vehicle registration documents and insurance documents with you. Safety belts must be worn, and children under 12 and persons under 150 centimetres (4 feet 9 inches) in height may not ride in the front seat. No alcohol whatsoever may be drunk before driving. Motorcyclists must wear crash helmets.

A limited network of motorways and dual-carriageway roads radiates from Prague. An annual charge of kš800 is made for the use of motorways, and is payable at border crossings. Proof of payment in the form of a sticker must be displayed on the windscreen. Speed limits are 130 kilometres (68 miles) per hour on motorways, 90 kilometres (55 miles) per hour for motorcyles on motorways, 80 kilometres (50 miles) per hour outside built-up areas, and 50 kilometres (37 miles) per hour in built-up areas. There are on-the-spot fines for infringements.

Drivers should take special care in cities, where trams often have priority. Where no central reservation is provided at tram stops, traffic must stop to allow passengers to cross the road.

Emergency services can be contacted by telephoning 154. Motoring organisations which may provide reciprocal help to members of their national motoring organisations can be contacted by telephoning the Central Auto Moto Club on 0123 (123 in Prague) or Auto Klub Bohemia on 0124 (124 in Prague).

The electrical current is 220 volts AC. Round two-pin plugs are used. An adapter is essential for UK and Irish appliances and Irish appliances.

The Czech crown (kš = koruna šeská) is divided into 100 hellers. It is issued in kš 5,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, and 20 notes. Coins are issued to the value of kš 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1, and in 50, 20, and 10 hellers.

Travellers cheques are the safest way to carry cash. They can be exchanged at banks and exchange bureaux (identified by the sign (“smĆnárna”). Banks are likely to give a better rate and charge less commission than exchange bureaux. Credit cards have not yet come into widespread use except in establishments like restaurants and luxury hotels. Even if the appropriate sign is displayed, check whether payment by that particular card is available at the time. Foreign exchange rates are listed in most newspapers and in banks and bureaux de change. Banks will sometimes give a better rate and charge less commission than exchange bureaux, though their opening times may be less convenient. Exchange bureaux are common in Prague, but less so elsewhere. Eurocheques can be used to withdraw cash at banks displaying the appropriate sign. Bank opening hours are variable, and although generally similar to shopping hours, may include closures for lunch breaks.

It is normal to round taxi fares and restaurant bills up to the nearest 5 or 10kš. Tour guides and porters should also receive small gratuities.

1 January: New Year's Day
Easter Monday
1 May: May Day
8 May: Liberation Day
5 July: Day of the Slav Missionaries Cyril and Methodius
6 July: Day of Master Jan Hus
28 October: Independence Day
24 December: Christmas Eve
25 and 26 December: Christmas

Accommodation with facilities for travellers with disabilities exists in Prague and Brno. For further information contact the Czech tourist office.

Cities and towns are well served by the extensive and inexpensive bus network, and the larger cities also have tramways. Tickets are bought in advance from kiosks or metro stations in Prague. Prague also has a highly efficient metro system, which links with bus and tram lines to provide a comprehensive public transport network for the whole of the capital. Day and week passes are available.

There is a ferry service between DĆšín and Dresden in Germany.

City & Town Overview

Prague

One of Europe's most beautiful cities, Prague is really four towns in one. High above the broad River Vltava is Hradšany, the stronghold founded by Slav princes in the 9th century. Here you will find Prague Castle, the Royal Palace, and St Vitus's Cathedral. Below is the enchanting Malá Strana or Lesser Quarter, medieval in its intimate street layout but full of renaissance and baroque palaces, secret squares, and secluded gardens. The Charles Bridge, an amazing feat of medieval engineering, leads to the Old Town, with its intricate web of streets, all of which eventually converge on Old Town Square, the city's great meeting-place. Modern Prague is centred on the tree-lined avenue known as Wenceslas Square, named after the country's patron saint whose statue stands at its southern end in front of the National Museum.

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City & Town Overview

Brno

Capital of the province of Moravia, Brno is a commercial and industrial centre, famous for the trade fairs held in its extensive exhibition grounds. Laid out in 1928, these are just one example of the city's progressive inter-war architecture. But Brno is a historic place too. Well worth visiting are Špilberk Castle, a fearsome prison in Austro-Hungarian times, and the Zelný trh (an open-air vegetable market), just below the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in the heart of the old town. Many of the ancient streets are pedestrianised, making this a good area to explore on foot. No visitor should miss the legendary Dragon of Brno—in reality a stuffed crocodile—which hangs inside the old town hall.