House of travel Northern, Central & Eastern Europe Brochure 2017 | Page 24

Experience
Czech Republic
N
Fast Facts
Country Name: Czech Republic
Population: 10.5 Million
Capital: Prague
Currency: Czech Crown
Time Zone: 9 hours behind New Zealand
(except during daylight saving)
Electricity: Current is 230V, 50HZ
Plug is a 2 point round-pin adaptor
Festivals and Events 2017
20
Mar Almond and Wine Festival,
Hustopece
30 Apr Witches Night, Prague
26-28 May Prague Food Festival
26 May-03 Jun Prague Fringe Festival
Jun Celebration of the Rose, Ceský
Krumlov
01-30 Nov Wine Festival, Ceský Krumlov
o country has burst more colourfully onto the world’s stage since the collapse of
the Iron Curtain than the Czech Republic. It’s one of the youngest countries in the
world – born as the result of the Velvet Divorce with the Slovak Republic in 1993,
which in turn flowed from the Velvet Revolution and freedom from the USSR in 1989.
The star of the Republic’s show is its capital Prague, the resplendent, glorious jewel
in its crown. Left largely unscathed by bombing in the Second World War and then
hidden behind the Iron Curtain, its architecture is beautifully intact. The Golden
City, with its sprawling castle, gargoyle-festooned cathedral and historic Charles
Bridge, deserves all its top billing but the Czech Republic has much more waiting in
the wings. There is no better place to start than Prague but don’t forget that along
with its awesome sights it is also home to cosy pubs and street cafés – perfect places
to watch the world go by and taste some of the best beers in the world.
Beyond Prague lies a fairytale land of castles, forests and picturesque towns such as
Ceský Krumlov, embraced by a meander of the Vltava River, and the medieval city
of Kutná Hora in the heart of Bohemia. Visit at Christmas time and be enticed with
the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. The great news is that the Czech Republic
is also sprinkled with spa towns – the perfect way perhaps to soak away a few too
many dumplings!