Prague

Prague lies in the heart of Europe. We can call it hundret- towered Prague. Prague is the capital and the largest city in the Czech Republic. It is the seat of the President, parliament, goverment and political. Itś cultural and economic centre of the country. It is also an important business and financial center. Prague covers an area of almost 500 km2 and it has 1,2 milion inhabitans. The oldest parts are the Old Town, The Lesser Town, the New Town, Josefov, Hradčany and Vyšehrad.
Princess Libuše prophesied the future glory of Prague which "would touch the stars". Libuše is princess from Přemyslid dynasty. In the 10th century castle Vyšehrad was built and it became a seat of the Přemyslid princess. Prague became a centre of European significanse during the goverment of the king Charles IV. He established Charles University in 1348 and the New Town. he promoted the construction of Charles Bridge too. In the 15th century there was Hussite movement. Rudolf II. lived in Prague in the 16th century. He invited artists and scientists there. On November 8, 1620 the Czech estates rose up against Habsburgs but estates was defeated in the Battle of White Mountain. At the end of the 18th century Czech scholars and writes began the process of national revival. Czechoslovakia became independent in 1918. In 1939 was Prague occupied by German troops. On 9th may, 1945 (it was after the Prague Uprising) the town was liberated by the Russians. In 1968 was occupation. It stopped democratic reforms and began the proces of "normalization". On 17th November, 1989 the Velvet Revolution began democratic changes in our society. On 1st January 1993 Prague became the capital of the Czech Republic.
The Prague castle. The Prague castle, the seat of the President, is the dominant of the city. The Castle includes for example Vladislav Hall, Spanish Hall and Rudolph Gallery. St. Vitus Cathedral is the most impressive building at the Castle. It was founded by Charles IV. and it was completed in 1929. Matthias of Arras and Petr Parléř are famous architects who built this cathedral. The Lesser Town is a poetic quater with very nice streets, stylish taverns and so on. In the Lesser Town square is St.Nicholas Church. From the square we can easily get to Charles Bridge over the river Vltava. Itś favourite place for walks and tourist attractions. Along the river we come to Vyšehrad, once the seat of Czech Princess. the oldest construction on Vyšehrad and in Prague is the Rotunda of St. Martin built in the 11th century.
Prague is not only historical city. There is an important road, rail, air (the nameś Ruzyně Airport) and river transport junction. Prague has for example trams, buses and underground called metro. There are many industries in Prague. For example food industry (Smíchov Staropramen, Orion), textile and film industry (Barrandov).