Prague
Article
August 13, 2022
Prague (Czech Praha, [ˈpraɦa], pronounced✩ German Prag, Latin: Praga) is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, the 13th largest city in the European Union. Located on the banks of the Vltava, Prague is home to around 1.3 million people, while the capital agglomeration has an estimated 2.7 million inhabitants. The city has a temperate oceanic climate with relatively warm summers and cold winters. Prague is one of the political, cultural and economic centers of Central Europe, with a rich history. Founded in the Roman era and flourishing in the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque eras, Prague is the capital of the Czech Kingdom, and several German-Roman emperors, mainly IV. It was the main residence of Károly (1346–1378). It was an important city for the Habsburg Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. The city played an important role in the Czech and Protestant Reformations, the Thirty Years' War and 20th century history as the capital of Czechoslovakia during the World Wars and the post-war communist era. Prague is home to many famous cultural attractions, many of which survived the violence and destruction of 20th century Europe. Main attractions include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square with Astronomical Clock, Jewish Quarter, Petřín Hill and Vyšehrad. Since 1992, Prague's extensive historic center has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are more than ten museums in the city, as well as numerous theaters, galleries, cinemas and other cultural institutions. An extensive, modern public transport system connects the city districts with each other. It is home to many public and private schools, including Charles University in Prague, the oldest university in Central Europe. As of 2017, the city welcomed more than 8.5 million international visitors annually, making it the fifth most visited European city after London, Paris, Rome and Istanbul. The name "Golden Prague" probably comes from the time of Czech King Charles I and Holy Roman Emperor (known as Charles IV) (1347-78), when the towers of Prague Castle were coated with gold. According to another theory, Prague was created during World War II, which encouraged the activities of alchemists and goldsmiths. It was named "gold" during the reign of the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf.