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| City Guide - Prague - City Overview | ||
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City Overview 'The City of One Hundred Towers and Spires,' 'Golden Prague' - names that evoke the many aspects of this fascinating city. Its rich architectural heritage largely results from centuries of escaping the worst ravages of war, if anything, it has been too successful. Maintenance, especially of the painted stucco exteriors, is a constant process, even in the last century, travellers complained about scaffolding erected at many locations. Under the Communists, Prague was the showplace of the Warsaw Pact although in a muted fashion. Since the 1989 Velvet Revolution, the city has thrown off decades of oppression and is now returning to its former glory. Situated in the valley of the Vltava (Moldau) River, Prague is dominated by the castle perched on the Western bluffs. Visitors are drawn to the 'fairy tale' aspect of Prague, but this is only part of its vibrant mixture of styles. Prague is unquestionably a city best explored on foot, the entire central has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gothic churches rub shoulders with Cubist, Functionalist and ultra-modern buildings, classical music intermingles with jazz and rock, and monumental statues sit next to abstract works and even a Cubist lamppost. Prague's present form was established by the P?emyslid King Otakar II (1253-78) when the town was re-organised into three administrative districts: the Castle precincts (Hrad?any), the Lesser Town below the Castle (Mála Strana) and Old Town (Staré M?sto). Across the river; the Jewish community was moved from Lesser Town to the Josefov ghetto to provide room for German traders. The city's golden age commenced when Charles IV of Bohemia was elected Holy Roman Emperor in 1346. The ambitious Gothic building programme including St Vitus Cathedral, the Charles Bridge, the University, and the New Town (Nové M?sto) centred on Wenceslas Square, transformed the city into one of the greatest and most powerful in Europe. In reaction to Hapsbrug rule, Czech nationalism re-asserted itself in the late eighteenth century. Throughout the nineteenth century, the development of a nationalistic architectural style brought further changes. Later still, the Jewish ghetto was razed to make way for Art Nouveau buildings. At the end of World War I, Czechoslovakia gained its independence. Freed from the censorship and constraints of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Prague blossomed as new artistic styles were embraced and developed; Cubism, Art Deco and Functionalism found a niche in its arts and architecture. Strong influences came from America as Prague was ripe for the importation of Jazz Age popular culture. Parallels with the 1990s are inescapable; in both cases, Prague took what it wanted while retaining its unique identity. Not even decades of Nazi and Communist suppression successfully stifled the Czech spirit. Prague dramatically threw off stark social realism and in the 1990s has reclaimed its reputation for cultural excellence. Prague remains one of the most popular destinations for backpackers, still being relatively cheap, although the gap with European prices grows less each year. Recent changes to the laws regarding foreign workers have made it difficult for non-Czechs to find work, but although the 'great days' of Prague as a centre for expatriates may have passed, still a substantial number remain, the majority of who are generally serious about work and the arts. The best times to visit Prague are in the early spring and the late autumn after the majority of tourists have left; if the cold isn't a problem, the winter months are the quietest time. Prague has a generally mid climate, although very high and low temperatures can be encountered; autumn is the season with the highest rainfall. As one of the European cities of culture for the year 2000, Prague chose the theme of urban transformation; an idea that will continue in 2001, as it looks forward to its exciting role in the new century. |
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