The President of the Republic, Petr Pavel, continues his visit to Rwanda. The second day of the planned trip was dedicated to commemoration the Kwibuka 30 event, which commemorated the thirtieth anniversary of the beginning of the genocide in Rwanda.

It was the Czech Republic that was the first country to describe the events in Rwanda on the grounds of the UN Security Council as genocide. In 2010, the then Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Karel Kovanda, received one of the highest Rwandan honors – Umurinzi.

The main part of the commemorative events took place in the capital, Kigali. The heads of state and government and other guests started day with a ceremony and laying of wreaths at the Genocide Memorial. The event in the new BK Arena sports hall was also attended by the public. The day ended with a night memorial event for the victims of the genocide “Night Vigil”.

Photos By: Zuzana Bönisch

Max (left) and Rudi (right) are already starting to show themselves as adult males, so it is appropriate for them to leave the Prague Zoo and strengthen breeding – on the recommendation of the breeding program coordinator – elsewhere in Europe. Photo by Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo

The first purely Prague elephants Max and Rudi are coming of age and are therefore heading to new homes. Maxmilián, born in April 2016, will go to the zoo in Antwerp, Belgium in June, while Rudolph, who is half a year younger, will still be traveling to the Pombia Safari Park in northern Italy in April. The two young Indian elephants went down in history as the first elephants born and conceived at the Prague Zoo. Visitors were able to say goodbye to the almost eight-year-old brothers on Saturday., they got a “farewell gift” in the grass enclosure of the Elephant Valley near the Gulab restaurant.

Indian elephant Maxmilián (Max) is the first elephant born and conceived in Prague. Now, on the threshold of his eighth birthday, a new home awaits him at Antwerp Zoo in Belgium. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

“The birth of the first and second ‘100% Prague elephants’ – Max and Rudi – was a great satisfaction for us, and the upcoming farewell is all the more difficult for us,” said the director of the Prague Zoo, Miroslav Bobek. “Their arrival in the world was not only the result of breeding efforts, but also the long-term work associated with obtaining their mothers – Janita and Tamara – from Sri Lanka.”

Maxmilián was born on April 5, 2016 to Janita, with Mekong as the father. Max has been playful and self-confident since childhood. Named after Emperor Maximilian II. Habsburg, who probably had the first elephant ever to enter Czech territory in his yard. Rudolf was born on October 7, 2016 to Tamara, while the father was Ankhor. Compared to Max, Rudi is more conservative and calm. His name is a reminder of Rudolph II. Habsburg, whose Prague menageries were the forerunners of European zoos.

Rudolph (Rudi), the second Indian elephant conceived and born in Prague, has larger tusks compared to his brother. He, too, will soon leave the Prague Zoo and head to the northern Italian Pombia Safari Park. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Today, both male elephants are on the threshold of adulthood, and they are also beginning to manifest their personalities accordingly. The task of the coordinator of the European Breeding Program (EEP) was to choose a suitable location for both youngsters.

“For me, the breeding of any animal is truly complete only when it is involved in breeding with us, or goes to a new home as part of the breeding program,” claims curator of mammals Pavel Brandl. “It must be added that Max and Rudi stayed with us for an exceptionally long time, mainly thanks to the great coexistence with the adult male Ankhor. He functioned flawlessly as a calming element among elephant adolescents.”

Max (center) and Rudi (right) lived in the Prague Zoo in recent years alongside the adult male and father Rudi Ankhor (left). Ankhor was not afraid to discipline the two daring young men, and it was thanks to his calm and patient nature that the elephant brothers could stay in Prague’s Elephant Valley for quite a long time. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

H.E. Ms. Suzilah Mohd Sidek, Ambassador of Malaysia, hosted a Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House at her beautiful residence.

Hari Raya open houses are the ultimate celebration of Malaysian hospitality, where family, friends, and even strangers gather to share mouth-watering traditional food and good company.

It’s a cultural event where doors are kept wide open, and everyone is welcome to join in the festivities

At its core, the Hari Raya open house symbolizes unity’ generosity and communal harmony. It reflects the Malaysian ethos of “Muhibbah” – the spirit of tolerance and understanding across different ethnic and religious boundaries, making it an exemplary practice of Malaysia’s multiculturalism.

According to Eurostat, women in the Czech Republic earn on average 17.9% less than men, which means that they work 65 days longer on average to reach the same remuneration as men. This is the third worst result among EU countries. The goal of the Equal Pay Day conference is to draw attention to this issue, open public discussion, and help find solutions to make pay fair. At the same time, it also significantly contributes to strengthening the position of women in society and on the labor market by presenting female role models, sharing experiences, education, and mentoring.

“The issue of equal opportunities is a societal issue, and for it to be successful, men must be involved in its solution. The difference in wages between men and women is unfair not only to women but above all to entire families,” says Lenka Šťastná, founder and president of the non-profit organization Business & Professional Women CR, which organizes EPD. “The Czech Republic is moving forward very slowly. We keep coming up against the prejudices we are brought up with. There are preconceived notions of what is a typically female and typically male profession.”

According to Frederik Jorgensen, the ambassador of Sweden, which traditionally ranks first in the Gender pay gap index, “the Czech Republic should arm itself with patience, as quick successes in this area cannot be expected.” In Sweden, the representation of women in influential positions is exceptionally high in private companies even in politics, yet it is “only 36% of women on the boards of large companies and 12.1% of women in the position of general directors. “There’s no reason why the number shouldn’t be higher,” he added during the ambassadors’ panel discussion, where he spoke alongside the ambassadors of South Africa, Malaysia, Denmark and a representative of the Central European Initiative (CEI).

The opportunity for change is still here

That is why this year’s conference was subtitled Opportunity. The opportunity that equality means for companies, households, women themselves and for the Czech economy. As it turns out, there are already a number of companies whose example shows the way. Representatives of such companies as Philip Morris, Danone, Mars, GasNet, Lego, VML, ČEPs, Skupina Nova or Pestle & Mortar shared their inspiring strategies.

“At Philip Morris, we purposefully focus on a sufficiently high representation of women in management. In practice, we often encounter a lack of women interested in growing into these positions,” says Andrea Gontkovičová, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Philip Morris for the Czech Republic, Slovakia and HU, which was the general partner of the conference. “For us, it is important that women’s interest in career growth is authentic, so that women do not seek to obtain an influential position just because they are forced into this situation. They can then draw strength from their own decision in moments when they encounter a barrier in their career or find themselves at some of the crossroads in life.”

The expert partner of the conference this year was the Equal Remuneration project of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. In her presentation, Lenka Simerská, the main manager of the project, dispelled disinformation spreading around the legislation requiring transparency in remuneration. “Transparency means the right to information: how much is earned for a given position in the company where you work, plus the possibility to ask why I am where I am. And this information should already be heard during the interview,” said Lenka Simerská. And finally, she advised women: “Act as if the legislation already applies, ask about money. Let’s turn it into an opportunity!”

Record attendance

This year’s jubilee year saw record participation, including a record number of foreign performers from 15 countries around the world, as well as the number of mentees, which exceeded two thousand.

The international reputation of the Equal Pay Day conference is underlined by the support of leading international institutions such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and CEI, which designated it as a flagship event this year. According to Lenka Šťastná, their cooperation is not only a recognition of the efforts made so far, but also the key to expanding the reach and influence of the conference. It is precisely thanks to the support of CEI that this year’s edition can rightfully bear the designation of international.

In a speech for EPD, Ulrik Vestergaard Knudsen, OECD Deputy Secretary General, emphasized that the promotion of gender equality is a strategic policy of the OECD and listed three key measures that are necessary to change the current situation. “First, it is necessary to continue to support the more equal use of parental leave by fathers and mothers. Second, it is very important to ensure continuous and affordable formal childcare and out-of-school services for all young children. And third, policymakers can reduce the fiscal disincentive to work, ie. to ensure that the tax and benefit system does not favor single or main earner families,” he said.

The European Commission includes the EPD campaign and conference among the important measures of the EU and its member states to support equal pay. This topic is gaining importance together with the newly created obligation to implement ESG sustainable business principles and related non-financial reporting (CSRD). Among the metrics that must be monitored and reported under the “S” pillar are, among others, the gender pay gap, the level of representation of women in top management and equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. And that’s exactly what the Equal Pay Day conference is dedicated to.

The next edition of the conference will take place on 25-26 March 2025 again at the Clarion Congress Hotel in Prague.

Equal Pay Day 2024 in numbers:

16 nationalities

36 speakers at the conference

812 participants

78 female mentors

2,180 mentees

On Thursday, April 11, 2024, the President of the Republic, Petr Pavel, went on a one-day working trip to Vilnius for the summit of the Three Seas Initiative, which unites thirteen countries from Central and Eastern Europe.

The summit aimed to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of the region through deepening cooperation in the energy, transport, or digital economy sectors. For example, a concrete project is to connect the transport infrastructure using high-speed lines, which could connect the Czech Republic and Poland via the Baltic states in the future.

“The main goal of this summit of the Three Seas countries was, on the one hand, to express continued support for Ukraine, with absolutely specific promises, agreements and at the same time with specific projects. And the second was to emphasize cooperation between member countries and partner countries in the three key areas, that is primarily energy, transport infrastructure, and digital technology,” said President Pavel.

The representatives of the states also confirmed their unequivocal support for Ukraine and their readiness to participate in its reconstruction. President Pavel was among the main speakers of the plenary session.

At the same time, the President used his business trips to attend several bilateral meetings with international partners. Among them with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Sesto head of state Alar Karis.

Photo author: Tomáš Fongus, CPR.

Ambassador Bijan Sabet and the Commercial Service of the U.S. Embassy in cooperation with the Czech Franchising Association (ČAF) are organizing a presentation of American franchise brands that are looking for partners/master franchisees in the Czech Republic.  This was the 4^th presentation and more to come.

Ambassador Bijan Sabet hosted the presentation of Mobile Outfitters, RAVE Restaurant Group/Pizza Inn, The Wendy’s Company, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts at the Beautiful Ambassador residence

Mr. Jamal Suboh – Director of Development and support at Mobile Outfitters, shows the best way to protect your mobile  

Veronika ( Lukesova) Novakova – present the Pizza Inn

Ms. Meg Tagodzinska – Developer Manager – Central & Eastern Europe at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts – the biggest Hotel chain worldwide, presents this biggest company and what kind of partners they are looking in the Czech Market

Wendy’s International – the 3^rd biggest burger chain worldwide, presents its company and the opportunities in the Czech Market.

Photo: Amelia Mola-Schmidt, Radio Prague International

Farah Abou Kharroub has one of those personalities that draws you in from the moment you meet her. That warmth and hospitality is something that she is trying to translate into her new venture, Aleb – a wine bar purveying exclusively natural wines from around Czechia and serving up food from the Levant region where she hails from. A filmmaker by training, a wine bar was never in the cards for Farah, but when I visited Aleb, she told me more about her time in Prague and how it’s led her here.

“I moved to Prague seven years ago to study film direction at FAMU. I’m in love with the city and the culture, and I call this place my home. I’m graduating this year, and it’s important for me to have more things to do in Prague after I finish at FAMU. I wanted to start a cultural space where we introduce my culture’s food and create a hub where my friends and I can learn together and be together, so that’s how this place was born.”

See the rest here.

Author: Amelia Mola-Schmidt

Illustrative photo: Hana Slavická, Radio Prague International

Czechia experienced its first bout of tropical weather this past weekend, with temperatures reaching as high as 30 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country. While the warmer weather is welcomed by some, it’s indicative of a larger problem being experienced globally – climate change. Miroslav Havránek, a researcher from the Charles University Environment Centre, told me more.

We had a really warm weekend here in Prague and all over Czechia. Temperatures reached almost 30 degrees in some parts of the country. What are these weather patterns saying about our current climate here?

“This is something we have been observing for two or three decades now, so it’s surprising by the standards of the month, but scientists and climatologists are not surprised that we are getting new record temperatures. This weekend we actually had the first tropical day of the year, which has never happened before this early in the spring. Every year, we are getting new record temperatures, and this pattern is directly tied to climate change.”

Is this a trend where we suddenly have different seasons appearing sporadically throughout the year? Will seasons begin to amalgamate with one another?

“In short, yes. These mid seasons like spring and autumn will become shorter and shorter. We’ve only had spring for two or three weeks and we’re starting to have early summer. So it’s a pattern that’s going to be observed more often.”

See the rest here.

Author: Amelia Mola-Schmidt

Photo: Vít Šimánek, ČTK

Unusually high temperatures have been leading Czechs to spend their free time by the water and it feels like summer in many places. Pictured are girls on a pedal boat near Prague’s Charles Bridge.

Source: ČTK

Photo: Archive od Ilona Borská / Wikimedia Commons, public domain

The name Vlasta Kálalová Di Lotti might not mean very much to you – even many Czechs have not heard of her. But the woman with the exotic-sounding name was decidedly one of the most fascinating figures of the First Republic and had an incredible life story that deserves to be more widely known. Not only a female surgeon at a time when this was extremely uncommon, she was also intrepid and pioneering, setting up a clinic in Iraq in the 1920s, and was said to have been fluent in over a dozen languages.

Most of what is now known about Vlasta Kálalová Di Lotti comes from a single book – Doktorka z domu Trubačů or The Doctor from the Trubač Family House, by the now-deceased biographer Ilona Borská. Jana Renner, who a few years ago published a book about pioneering Czech women who made their mark on history, which of course included the story of Vlasta Kálalová Di Lotti, told Radio Prague that reading Di Lotti’s story in Ilona Borská’s biographical novel had made an impression on her as a young girl.

See the rest here.

Author: Anna Fodor, Source:Český rozhlas

Photo: BIOCEV

A new laboratory enabling safe work with highly infectious viruses and bacteria opened this week at the Biocev science centre in Vestec near Prague. The state-of-the-art facility will enable scientists to study hepatitis B, HIV, Covid and other dangerous viruses.

The Biotechnology and Biomedical Centre research centre of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University, opened in Vestec, a small village on the western outskirts of Prague, already in 2014.

However, over the past year it has now been upgraded to a high-security facility, known as BSL3, which enables scientists to work with dangerous viruses.

Tomáš Košt’ák, a manager for JRTech, the company that carried out the year-long reconstruction, says the laboratory must comply with very specific conditions concerning heating, ventilation and air-conditioning:

“The lab’s air ventilation system has to be self-contained. All the exhaust air from the lab is filtered through HEPA filters. There is no way the viruses could escape from the main room, because they are sealed in a vacuum.”

See the rest here.

Authors: Ruth Fraňková, Eva Kézrová

Source: National Gallery Prague, public domain

On April 9, 1624 Ferdinand II issued a patent allowing only the Catholic religion in Bohemia. A few days later he banned royal towns from accepting non-Catholic burghers and also forbade non-Catholics to practice their trade in such towns.

The Battle of White Mountain in 1620 was fatal for the Protestant Estates. With the victory of the imperial troops, a new phase of re-Catholization began under Emperor Ferdinand II.

Re-Catholization took basically two forms: a strict, harsh and uncompromising approach using all means of coercion; and a gradual, consistent and non-violent approach with an attempt to awaken a genuine and sincere interest in the Catholic faith. Any rebellion was nipped in the bud.

See the rest here.

The Czech statute books are set for a significant change. After a lower house debate on Wednesday rape will be defined as non-consensual sex, rather than the current forcible sex. The new bill also gives greater protection to the under 12s in this area.

One-hundred and 68 votes for, zero votes against. Politicians from all parties in the Czech Chamber of Deputies raised their hands in unison on Wednesday to overhaul the definition of rape in the country’s statue books.

At present rape is defined as forcible sexual intercourse. But once the new legislation takes effect this will be replaced by a definition of non-consensual intercourse.

Under the government amendment, disapproval can also be indicated non-verbally, through gestures, crying or adopting a defensive posture.

See the rest here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Martina Kutková, Radio Prague International

The great writer Franz Kafka was born in Prague in 1883 and spent his entire life in the city. His early years, and the life of his family, are closely linked to its Old Town district.

Today Prague’s Old Town is filled with tourists from all over the world. Naturally, the place looked rather different in the final years of the 19th century, when the young Franz Kafka walked its streets.

To get a flavour of Kafka’s links to the Old Town we spoke to guide Dana Kratochvílová, who shows visitors – foreign and local – around the district of his youth.

“Czechs don’t know much about Kafka. It always surprises me that teenage Americans have read The Metamorphosis and Kafka is a familiar subject for them. Many Czech young people have also learned about him. But under communism here, Kafka was taboo. For several generations, including my own, he was simply kept secret.”

See the rest here.

Author: Magdalena Hrozínková

Mayors of the center will be offered suitable financing models for affordable housing projects and will advise on legal and technical questions, for example. Experts will work in all regions. The centers are financed from European sources, specifically from the component of the National Recovery Plan of the Ministry for Regional Development to support affordable housing.

Last year’s representative survey by the Ministry of Regional Development (MMR) and the Union of Towns and Municipalities in the Czech Republic showed that 69% of municipalities are not satisfied with their housing stock and 72% want to expand or renovate it. At the same time, only about a third of the municipalities had any experience with their own housing project in the last eight years. “Big cities have their experts, they know how to manage projects. On the contrary, smaller towns and villages often lack them, which is also why they do not engage in the construction, repair or purchase of apartments as much. After all, due to the low interest of local governments, the support programs under the previous government did not succeed. For this reason, in addition to financial support, we also offer practical advice and recommendations, for example how to find a quality builder and economist, how to change a spatial plan or prepare an urban study,” explains Deputy Prime Minister for Digitization and Minister for Regional Development Ivan Bartoš.

SFPI regional housing investment support centers were established in eight regions and their branches operate in the rest – thanks to this, they cover the entire territory of the Czech Republic. They will work in cooperation with regional development agencies and a network of selected experts. “The newly established centers will provide mayors with free advice not only regarding state subsidies in the area of housing, but also expert investment advice. Their staff have previous experience in regional development and public construction in their regions. They will actively contact and tour individual municipalities so that both sides fully utilize their potential,” says Daniel Ryšávka, director of the State Investment Support Fund (SFPI).

Photo: Toy Box, Czech Radio

With European Parliament elections around the corner, Czechs are gearing up to head to the polls. But how do Czechs, specifically younger ones, feel about the EU and Czechia’s membership? That’s a question that Czech Radio reporter Anna Urbanová set out to answer based on data from a new study, and I spoke with her about it in our studios.

“We are talking about a project called Divided by Europe, which is a survey conducted for Czech Radio. This part of the survey focussed on young Czechs aged 18-29, the so called ‘EU Generation’. These people were born into non-communist Czechia that was already apart of western structures. The most important trends we observed amongst young Czechs are that the EU is a natural part of western structures, and that the EU is a part of Czechs character – that they can’t imagine that Czechia wouldn’t be a part of the EU. For example, 78 percent of young people would vote in favour of remaining in a hypothetical referendum.”

See the rest here.

Author: Amelia Mola-Schmidt

Photo: Kristýna Maková, Praha křížem krážem

Conservationists have applied a special protective paint on one of the Gothic towers on Prague’s Charles Bridge, the city’s most famous landmark. The transparent nano-coating can decompose algae and mosses with the help of light alone, keeping the stone walls clean and protected.

The entrance to Prague’s famous Charles Bridge is guarded on both sides by monumental Gothic towers. The taller one of them, known as the Lesser Town Bridge Tower, has been regularly overgrown with mosses and lichen, making its sandstone walls look green rather than beige.

Thanks to modern technologies, experts may have found a solution to the problem. A few months ago, they scraped the walls clean and painted them over with a special coating of transparent nano-paint with self-cleaning properties. So far, it seems to have done the trick, says Karel Kučera, from Prague City Museum:

“There was quite a lot of green growth in the form of cyanobacteria, algae and lichens on both of the tower’s galleries. Occasionally you can still see a trace of lichen. It’s a very indomitable organism and it creates sort of a green map on the stone, but otherwise it’s stable, and nothing new has appeared.”

See the rest here.

Authors: Ruth Fraňková, Tereza Janouškovcová

Photo: Amelia Mola-Schmidt, Radio Prague International

Walking through the streets of Czechia, you might spot people sporting tri-coloured sneakers in the country’s national colours; blue, white, and red. Those kicks are from an iconic brand called Botas, originally founded in 1949. Last year, the company almost went under, but two brothers came to its rescue. I caught up with 22-year-old Vít Staněk to learn more about the plans to give this classic Czech brand a new lease on life.

“In 2023, the Botas company was about to be liquidated. My brother and I had a thought that maybe we could continue the legacy of this iconic brand. We decided we would do whatever it takes to buy this company and keep it alive.”

See the rest here.

Author: Amelia Mola-Schmidt

Photo: Office of Czech Government

The Czech government has officially acknowledged the term “antigypsyism” with the aim of curbing discrimination towards Roma people in the country. But what does the term mean, and how will its use effect change? I asked human rights activist Gwendolyn Albert.

The Czech government has officially adopted the term “antigypsyism”, which signifies them taking a stance on discrimination towards Roma individuals in Czechia. To start off, could you define what antigypsyism means in this context?

“The definition that has been adopted is a legally non-binding definition, it’s just a recognition of this phenomenon. The term is based on the definition that was adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance to discuss how to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive and the ideology that led to it. The adoption of antigyspyism is meant to be parallel to the term anti-Semitism – it’s a one word way to reference a very specific set of stereotypes and prejudices that are held in the minds of people around the world about the Roma. The pejorative term that has developed over the centuries for Romani people is gypsy, and so the term antigypsyism is against using that term and the ideas that come with it.

See the rest here.

Author: Amelia Mola-Schmidt

The young fish-eating owl Ketupa Pelova can be easily observed at the age of three months in the aviary near the Penguin Pavilion. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

The Prague Zoo is currently rearing a young fish-eating owl Ketupa Pelova. It was hatched here at the beginning of this year and after initial fluctuations in weight and occasional reluctance to eat, the bird is now vital and thriving. The Prague Zoo is therefore well on its way to breeding one of the largest living owls ever, as the first zoo in the world. In addition, the little “fish owl” is now back with its parents in the aviary next to the Penguin Pavilion. Visitors can thus see the extremely rare cub with their own eyes.

“In the fall, we kept both of our pairs of ketup Pels in indoor quarters so they could concentrate on nesting. Our efforts were rewarded by the nesting of one of the pairs. At the beginning of the year, we observed changes in the behavior of both adults, and we soon discovered a young one under them,” says bird curator Antonín Vaidl.

At first, the mother warmed and fed the young, so the parents were left with peace and also plenty of food. But just a few days later, the situation changed. “A week passed and unfortunately we found out that the chick had been kicked out of the nest. We also found him hypothermic, which is why we placed him in an incubator and proceeded to rear him in breeding care,” adds Vaidl. According to him, returning to the nest would be too risky.

Prague’s young ketupa Pelova is a significant addition on a global scale: the Prague Zoo is the only zoo that has managed to breed this rare species. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

The cub was subsequently fed by hand with young mice and rats, and later with fish. Pelova’s ketupas belong to the so-called “fish” or “fishing owls”, whose food in the wild is almost 100% fish. The ketupa look out for their prey from perches low above the surface or search for it while wading through shallow water. They will not disdain even frogs, crustaceans, or a small crocodile.

At the end of winter, the Prague chick continued to willingly accept food and thrive, so at the end of March it was returned to the parents’ improvised nest cavity, where they could gradually get to know each other through the grate in the inlet opening. So far, it cannot be said that it was a complete “adoption by their own parents”, as was the case in the past at the Prague Zoo, for example, with the breeding of Javan grebes or last year with kea nesters, but a large dose of tolerance of the cub on the part of the parents is evident. This step is important for his socialization. Thanks to the return to the aviary, the cub is also easily visible from the visitor areas.

Pelovy’s ketupa chick (on the right in the photo) is characterized by light coloration and remnants of down feathers. Visitors can easily recognize him alongside his parents. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Prague Zoo has been breeding Pelovy ketups since 2019, when it acquired the two mentioned pairs from a specialized owl breeding center in Monticello, Italy. It thus became the only public institution in the world where this species can be seen. In nature, ketupa Pelovy inhabit sub-Saharan Africa. These are some of the largest owls in the world – in adulthood they can weigh up to two kilograms and have a wingspan of one and a half meters.

Affordable housing has the green light from the European Commission. Twenty years after joining the Union, the Czech Republic can finance affordable apartments from public sources for the first time.

Minister for Regional Development Ivan Bartoš and the State Investment Support Fund negotiated with the European Commission the support of affordable housing in the Czech Republic from public funds. Thanks to this, the state can finance the creation of rental apartments with a lower than market rent, for example for young people under 35 or beneficial professions in the regions. Subsidies and favorable loans for affordable housing projects will be available to municipalities and private entities – already this year it will amount to approximately two billion crowns.

Until now, the state has financially supported the creation of social housing, which roughly 130,000 people in the Czech Republic can afford. Support for affordable housing, i.e. standard rental apartments even for the middle class, has not yet been possible. This was hindered by the lack of approval from the European Commission that it was in line with public aid rules. “Abroad, the affordable housing sector plays a key role in managing the housing crisis, but in our country, none of the previous governments even tried to negotiate it with the European Commission. In about a year, we managed to agree on everything necessary, and in the second half of the year, we launched the first program. About two million people in the Czech Republic meet the conditions for the target group,” said Deputy Prime Minister for Digitization and Minister for Regional Development Ivan Bartoš.

As part of the so-called notification, the twenty-seven countries notify the European Commission of their intentions to support certain areas from public resources. They must prove that they will not disrupt the free market, or prove that the social benefit of public support outweighs the risks. Only then can the European Commission confirm that the specific plan complies with the rules and is compatible with the internal market. “The decision of the European Commission allows us to provide support to the affordable rental housing sector in the amount of twelve billion until 2030. For the first three years, we have secured funding from the National Recovery Plan. Municipalities and other legal entities can apply for the program. It will be a combination of subsidies and favorable loans, so the invested funds will be returned to the state and will support other housing projects in the future,” adds Daniel Ryšávka, director of the State Investment Support Fund (SFPI).

The costs of construction, renovation or purchase of available rental apartments will gradually be recovered from the rent. In the long term, this will remain below the market level of rental housing in the given location and of comparable quality. “We want there to be a decent alternative for people who, for various reasons, cannot afford or do not want their own housing. We will be happy if as many municipalities as possible apply for support – according to the survey, most of them are dissatisfied with their housing stock. At the same time, we tried to set everything up so that affordable housing is also interesting for the private sector,” Bartoš declared. Subsidized apartments will be, for example, for young families, teachers, health professionals and people who do not own real estate and do not belong to the top 20% of the population with the highest incomes.

The European Commission has previously approved the notification of affordable housing programs for example in Ireland or Sweden. “The example of Ireland shows that promoting affordable housing has positive effects on the market. At a time of high mortgage rates and falling demand for real estate, construction companies can focus more on affordable rental apartments. Thanks to this, there is no such sharp decline in overall construction during crises,” added Bartoš.

The support for affordable rental apartments is part of the broader reform of Housing for Life implemented by the MMR. Among other things, it also includes a new construction law or a draft law on support in housing. The department cooperates with the European Investment Bank and other institutions to find suitable affordable housing projects and sources of financing. It also offers municipalities financial support for the preparation of housing projects and related expertise directly in the regions.

The main season of the Prague Zoo has officially started, and along with it, the public’s questions are multiplying: When is the best time to go to the zoo? How to avoid the queue at the checkout? Are there any discounts available? That’s why we answer these and other questions in the new top ten of the experienced Prague Zoo visitors.

We attach a thematic photo to each of the tips. Their sources can be found below.

Lev indický. Foto Petr Hamerník, Zoo Praha

1. Sunday is quieter than Saturday

Most people head to the zoo on the weekend. If you are hesitating about which of your free days to spend visiting the Prague Zoo, then keep in mind the secret of all seasoned visitors: Sunday is always less busy than Saturday. Not only will you be able to park more comfortably on Sundays, but you will also avoid possible crowds in the area. And if you plan to visit on a weekday, then know that statistically Tuesday is the “freest”!

Tučňáci Humboldtovi. Foto Petr Hamerník, Zoo Praha

2. With an e-ticket, no waiting, and cheaper

Queuing to buy a ticket at the box office? No way, waiting is for the uninitiated… A seasoned visitor conveniently buys an electronic ticket in advance in our e-shop and heads straight to the turnstiles. And they save money on top of that. Whether it is an adult, child or student ticket, its electronic version is up to 50 crowns cheaper than a paper ticket. You can even save 150 crowns on a family ticket, which is valid for two adults and up to four children, by purchasing it online!

You can find more information and make a purchase here: https://vstupenka.zoopraha.cz/

Surikaty. Foto Petr Hamerník, Zoo Praha

3. Favorable offer for schools and kindergartens

Speaking of discounts, we remind you of another very favorable offer, for school groups. Pupils of primary and secondary schools here pay only one hundred crowns, kindergarten pupils even only 50 crowns. In addition, teachers can choose from a whole range of thematic tours with our expert guide and thus have fun supplementing the material they are currently discussing in biology, natural science or primary education!

You can find more information here.

Gorila nížinná. Foto Oliver Le Que, Zoo Praha

4. Use the new entrance and public transport stop

Everyone knows the zoo’s iconic main entrance with its Walk of Fame, and motorists often use the south entrance near the river by the vast parking lot. But did you know that we recently opened a brand new gate to the zoo? Right on Sklenářka, near the new gorilla pavilion. No crowds, no waiting. In addition, if you use the entrance in the morning, you will have the Dja Reservation and the small female gorilla Mobi all to yourself. And what’s more – just like at the main entrance, city buses stop right in front of the gate. Just go in the direction of Podhoří: number 234 from Holešovice or lines 235 and 236 from Bohnice.

Pelikán kadeřavý. Foto Petr Hamerník, Zoo Praha

5. Bad weather as an unexpected advantage

Thinking about visiting the zoo but it’s raining, windy, or cloudy? So don’t hesitate for a second and start putting on your shoes! After all, we have 15 indoor pavilions. In the Dja Reserve, which was opened last year, you can take a seat in the vast auditorium, from where you can not only watch the gorillas but also have a snack there or charge your mobile phone. You can also visit tigers, hippos, or giraffes with dry feet, warm up with orangutans or Komodo dragons in the Indonesian jungle, or among free-flying parrots in the Rákos pavilion. Look at the map and plan the indoor route of the Prague Zoo!

Gaviál indický a želvy Smithovy. Foto Petr Hamerník, Zoo Praha

6. Ride around the area for young and old

A visit to our zoo does not have to be just a walk, it can also be a drive! For families with children, we rent special strollers free of charge at the main entrance, in which you can pull your little ones around the area. If you or your partner have mobility problems, there is nothing easier than booking a wheelchair with us for free, or purchasing a ride on our ZooExpress – in this case, accompanied by an expert guide.

More information about wheelchairs here.

More about ZooExpres here.

Vlk hřivnatý. Foto Petr Hamerník, Zoo Praha

7. Take the dog with you, leave your luggage with us

Dogs of all sizes are welcome at the Prague Zoo. Each visitor is allowed one dog friend on a leash. In addition to visiting pavilions, walk-through exhibitions and playgrounds, it can go anywhere with you. And while you watch the animals in the pavilion, you can leave the muzzled dog at the tethering point. On the other hand, you don’t have to drag any heavy luggage around the area – you can conveniently use the storage boxes at all entrances to store them free of charge.

Lemur kata. Foto Petr Hamerník, Zoo Praha

8. Zoogastro in the 21st century

Fryer, hot dog or ice cream cone. Of course, we do! But today you don’t have to rely only on fried or fatty ones. Did you know that you can find several meat-free dishes at the Gulab restaurant? Will you try black beluga lentils with halloumi cheese or perhaps vegetarian curry with homemade pita bread? At the Oceán restaurant, you will be delighted with a different daily cash offer, at Obora they will prepare fresh burgers with guaranteed the best view in Prague, and at Gočárové houses you will be transported to the period of the First Republic with first-class sirloin steak or duck in front of you. In short, lunch at the zoo can have style!

Orangutan sumaterský. Foto Oliver Le Que, Zoo Praha

9. Events for free visitors every week

Do you want to experience something special at the Prague Zoo? Follow our program! In all seasons, a number of guided feedings and meetings with the animals await you – you can have breakfast alongside bizarre burrowing owls, have lunch with a flock of penguins or have a snack with the famous nutcracker female Šiška. In addition, we are planning at least one thematic event every week. The program includes tours of selected exhibition units with an expert guide free of charge for all visitors.

Complete program of upcoming events.

Nestor kea. Foto Petr Hamerník, Zoo Praha

10. Take your time, observe, take pictures, film, share!

And the last tip? Above all, enjoy your visit to our zoo. Don’t try to do everything at any cost. Prague Zoo is vast, you wouldn’t be able to do it in comfort anyway. Stop by the exhibits, watch the behavior of the animals, sit on a bench in the Hippo Pavilion or the African House, or take a seat in the comfortable auditorium next to the gorillas or sea lions and watch the action in front of you. Take your time. And if you manage to photograph or film something nice, tag Prague Zoo in your story on Instagram or Facebook. We will then be happy to share your photo on our official profile!

Olgoi-khorkhoi as portrayed by the painter Jiří Houska.

Olgoi-khorkhoi – the mythical killing worm from the Gobi Desert – is perhaps better known today in Czech Republic than in Mongolia itself. It happened thanks to Czech enigmologists, who searched for it in local sand dunes. And on top of that, one of them, the late Ivan Mackerle, gave rise to olgoi-khorkhoi‘s world-wide fame  that it gained in sensation-hunting circles.

Today we can say that the origin of the legend of olgoi-khorkhoi was caused by the Tartar sand boa. But the truth is that for a long time it was not known what it was all about.

R. C. Andrews, who led an American paleontological expedition in Mongolia in the 1920s, was the first to report on olgoi-khorkhoi:

“At the Cabinet meeting the Premier asked that I should capture for the Mongolian Government a specimen of the Allergorhai horhai. This is probably an entirely mythical animal, but it may have some little basis in fact, for every northern Mongol firmly believes in it and will give essentially the same description. It is said to be about two feet long, the body shaped like a sausage, and to have no head or legs; it is so poisonous that even to touch it means instant death.”

Tartar sand boa peeks out of the sand. Photo: Miroslav Bobek

Note, that in Andrews’ rendering olgoi-khorkhoi cannot kill at a distance.

In the 1940s, the Russian palaeontologist I. A. Yefremov picked up the topic and portrayed it in one of his short stories:

“…I called the driver and Misha to come back. But they continued running to the unknown animals, and either they didn’t hear me, or they didn’t want to.

I took a step toward them, but Darkhin pulled me back. I broke free from the guide’s tenacious hands and at the same moment I watched the animals. My assistants had already reached them: the radio operator in front, Grisha little bit behind.

Suddenly each of the worms curled up into a ring. At the same moment their yellow-grey colouring darkened, turning into purple-blue and bright blue at the ends. Without a cry, the radio operator suddenly collapsed and laid motionless with his face in the sand. I heard a scream from the driver, who was at that moment running to the radio operator lying about four metres from the worms.  A second – and Grisha bent over just as strangely and fell on his side.

His body flipped over, rolled to the bottom of the dune and disappeared from the sight.”

Well, it is a different story!

Yefremov’s short story has also been repeatedly published in Czech – and I am sure that it initiated the interest of Czech enigmologists, among whom the abovementioned Ivan Mackerle stood out. In early 1990s, he searched hard for olgoi-khorkhoi in Mongolia. He was even allegedly trying to drive him out of the dunes by setting off the explosions of small charges. With no result. However, his belief in the existence of a worm, which kills at a distance, was unwavering. At the same moment the testimonies of witnesses he recorded largely support an interpretation that he had even not thought of, namely that the myth of olgoi-khorkhoi arose from encounters between shepherds and Tartar sand boa. For example, the old woman Püret told him:

“ʻI have never seen it myself, but I have heard a lot about it. In the past shepherds occasionally encountered it, but today it is very, very rare. It usually appears after rain, but it rarely rains here. It basks in the sun for two to three days and then it disappears again. In a sea of sand like a fish in water,’ she laughed. ʻUsually, it digs holes just under the ground and on the surface above him the sand is pushed a little bit, so it is possible to see where it is moving. When it wants to attack somebody, it pulls half a way out of the sand. It starts inflating, the bubble on its end gets bigger and bigger until finally the poison squirts out of it.’”

And so, eventhough Mackerle was wrong, he gave rise to popularization of the “killing worm from Gobi” and I dare say that if it were not for him, I probably would not have thought about showing the archetype of olgoi-khorkhoi – Tartar sand boa – in our zoo.

Photo: Vyšehrad

On this week’s Sunday Music show, we spotlight a classic piece of Easter music – Jan Dismas Zelenka’s ‘Cantata sacra Il serpente di bronzo’. Composed in the year 1730, the piece was first performed on Good Friday of that year in Dresden, Germany. Performed at the Saxonian-Polish court, the piece is an important contribution to Catholic sacred music.

Born in 1679 in the Bohemian village of Louňovi, Jan Dismas Zelenka, dubbed the “Czech Bach”, is one of the most significant Baroque composers. Yet his music was largely forgotten after his death and was only rediscovered more than a century later. Today all his works are available in digitized form and have become increasingly popular with the public.

See the rest here.

Photo: Emily Sawicki, Santa Monica Daily Press

A new work by David Černý – a five-tonne kinetic metal head of iconic movie director David Lynch – was recently unveiled at an apartment complex in Santa Monica, LA. The Czech sculptor is perhaps best known for works that have made their mark on Prague, such as the babies crawling on Žižkov TV Tower. So how did this project in California come about?

“I was reached by the developer via an art agent. That’s a normal way how I am reached. So it wasn’t even via my American gallerist, it was direct.”

But was it the case that they had seen your Kafka head in Prague and were looking for something similar? Because it is quite similar.

“Yes, actually, they did see what I was doing here. Generally they told me that they would like to have a piece that would resemble, somehow, the piece in Prague.”

See the rest here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Join us on a trip to South Bohemia – a region of castles, ponds, and the famous Budějovický Budvar brewery. Check out its dense network of centuries-old fish ponds, its picture-perfect UNESCO heritage villages, and the lush forests of the Šumava Mountains – all from a bird’s eye view!

See the rest here.

Authors: Vít Pohanka, Barbora Navrátilová

Photo: Martin Pařízek, Czech Radio

Researchers at the Czech Technical University in Prague are using artificial intelligence to train robots, teaching them to search unfamiliar or hard-to-reach areas. In the future, these intelligent robots could help search for missing persons or victims of accidents.

Scientists at Czech Technical University’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering are working with a number of robots, some of which resemble tiny vehicles while others look like dogs or giant spiders.

Doctoral student Miloš Prágr uses a game console controller to drive one of the robots, a black and yellow vehicle on four rubber wheels, out of the lab and into the corridor.

“It’s a four-wheeled robot of small to medium size that we use mainly to inspect sites or facilities.  It is equipped with several cameras. The two located at the top are both colour and depth cameras, which allows them to sense the geometry of the surrounding environment. The other set of cameras are simple colour cameras. We use them to detect various objects or people.”

See the rest here.

Authors: Ruth Fraňková, Ondřej Vaňura, Source:iROZHLAS.cz

Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

Pavel Bobek gained his first teaching experience in an immigrant neighbourhood in London’s district of Croydon. After two years he returned to Prague and has since been teaching at one of the city’s primary schools. Are the teaching methods that he learned in the UK also applicable in a Czech school?  How does he gain respect in a classroom of 30 kids? And how does he make sure that all the children, including those with a different mother tongue and with learning disabilities, move forward? These are just some of the questions we discussed, but I started by asking what prompted Pavel, who originally studied political science, to become a teacher:

“I have always been close to education and to work with children. I volunteered in Czech-German youth projects for many years. Later I worked for the Goethe Institute as head of an international debating project, working with pupils alongside teachers.

See the rest here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz

Revelations a Czech-based Russian influence network was paying politicians in several states have made headlines around Europe. Czechia’s European commissioner says she sensed Moscow was using such dirty tricks – and says steps should be taken to weed dodgy politicians out of the European Parliament.

Last week Prime Minister Petr Fiala dropped some bombshell news: The Czech secret service had uncovered a Russian network seeking to influence the European Parliament, to which elections take place in two months.

It was soon reported that the group, including pro-Russian Ukrainian politician Viktor Medvedchuk, were funnelling cash to anti-establishment politicians in EU states, including, allegedly, Petr Bystroň of Alternative for Germany.

See the rest here.

Author:Ian Willoughby, Source:Czech Radio

Photo: Stanislava Brádlová, Czech Radio

The Crystal Touch Museum in Litoměřice offers a unique exposition of authentic handprints of famous personalities captured in Bohemia crystal. The exhibition is the work of glass master Jan Huňát who launched the project in 2007.

Most people are familiar with the handprints of celebrities on Hollywood Boulevard, but few people know that Czechia also has its collection of handprints of famous people. The Crystal Touch Museum in Litoměřice offers a unique exposition of authentic handprints of famous personalities captured in Bohemia crystal – among them the hands of the late Czech president Václav Havel, Ringo Starr, Ennio Morricone, Sir Nicolas Winton, Jaromír Jágr, Patrik Elias, Elijah Wood, Sir Tom Finney, Dominik Hašek, Madeleine Albright, Ivan Lendl and many others.

See the rest here.

Authors: Daniela Lazarová, Stanislava Brádlová, Source:Český rozhlas

Photo: Soňa Vaicenbacherová, Czech Radio

In the West Bohemian city of Plzeň there is a modern sculpture that people either love or hate. Its official name is The Panopticon, but in Plzeň everybody calls it “the pink rabbit”. Why is it there? And is it art or a terrible kitsch?

The concrete sculpture of a gigantic pink rabbit eating a human being was erected in Plzeň’s Lochotín district in 2015. Ever since it was unveiled, it has been a point of controversy among both locals and visitors. Miroslav Brabec, the mayor of the Lochotin district where it stands, says that he too suffered an initial shock on seeing it.

See the rest here.

Authors: Daniela Lazarová, Soňa Vaicenbacherová, Source:Český rozhlas

Photo: Honza Ptáček, Czech Radio

Easter egg trees are a popular Central European tradition and the town of Pardubice has one to make the locals proud this year. Whoever guesses the exact number of eggs on it can look forward to a prize!

The egg is an ancient symbol of life in many countries of the world and the tradition of brightly decorated Easter egg trees is common in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, Poland, and Hungary. Multi-colored, mouth-blown eggs are hung on branches of trees and bushes and on cut branches inside homes.

While many families decorate tree branches with eggs in the home, not all towns and villages sport Easter egg trees, which require a lot more time and effort.

See the rest here.

Author: Magdalena Tereza Kadula, Source:Český rozhlas

Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

In the English-speaking world, we know the days during Holy Week leading up to Easter as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and so on. But, despite also sharing a Christian heritage with Anglophone countries, the Czechs call these days by pretty different names in most cases – and many of their Easter traditions are quite alien to people from Anglo-American cultures, as they often pre-date Christianity, originating from Slavic pagan times.

Palm Sunday = Blossoming Sunday

Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, is known as “Květná neděle” or Blossoming Sunday in Czech. People would decorate their houses with pussy willow, and according to Czech tradition, one shouldn’t bake anything with flour on this day. Farmers would watch the weather, as the saying went that whatever the weather was like on Palm Sunday was an omen for the coming harvest.

See the rest here.

Authors: Anna Fodor, Barbora Kvapilová, Source:Český rozhlas

Photo: archive of Carmelite Monastery in Drasty

Prague’s Hradčany Square right next to Prague Castle is a top-notch address, but with hordes of tourists and ever rising noise levels it is not conducive to quiet contemplation and prayers. This led the community of Barefoot Carmelite Sisters to roll up their sleeves and get to work to turn a derelict farmhouse on the periphery into their new spiritual retreat.    

The order of the barefoot Carmelite Sisters was founded during the 12th century on Mount Carmel in Israel and reformed by Saint Teresa of Avila in 16th century Spain. The nuns originally walked barefoot, but as the order spread to places with harsher winters, the rules adapted. However what has not changed is that the order lives isolated from the world in silence and contemplation. The sisters rarely venture outside of their spiritual retreat and even do their shopping online.

The Prague-based order originally lived in Prague’s Hradčany square right next to Prague Castle. But when the noise levels and the hustle and bustle around their monastery increased they looked around for a new home in a quieter setting.

See the rest here.

Authors: Daniela Lazarová, Bára Kvapilová, Source:Český rozhlas

Photo: Ondřej Hájek, ČTK

The historic astronomical clock in Česká Kamenice has been successfully repaired at the cost of about one million crowns. Its fourteen glass figures were made by students of the glass school in neighbouring Kamenický Šenov. The  astronomical clock is the work of local watchmaker and goldsmith Adolf Eiselt, who put it into operation in 1920.

Source:ČTK

Photographing Tartar sand boa was a challenge: it immediately disappeared into the sand. Photo Miroslav Bobek

The mystical olgoi-khorkhoi was once a great mystery. This is no longer the case; we know the truth about it. Now you can even come and see the animal, which used to be its archetype.

But first, let’s summarize the amount of information on olgoi-khorkhoi have been collected by various researchers. Here we are: It is supposed to resemble a large intestine filled by blood and most often it is referred to as a sand worm. After all, both is included in its Mongolian name, where “olgoi” means large intestine and “khorkhoi” means worm. The fact that both ends of olgoi-khorkhoi look the same supports these comparisons; it has no noticeable head or tail. Its dimensions are told to vary from a half to one-and-half metre and it is said to live in the sand dunes of Mongolian Gobi. There it is buried in the sand, but in June and July it appears on the surface. When moving, it does not slither forward but moves as if rolling to the side. It is extremely dangerous: It can kill a person on a distance of several metres. Perhaps it spews a poison, perhaps it generates an electric discharge. At the same time before attacking, it raises one end of the body and changes its colour.

The curator of reptiles Petr Velenský shows the head and the tail of Tartar sand boa at the same time. Photo Miroslav Bobek

The Russian palaeontologist and writer I. A. Yefremov, who got to know Mongolia very well, wrote in the 1940s about olgoi-khorkhoi: “It is a legend, but so widespread among the Gobi inhabitants, that this mysterious worm is in various regions described identically down to smallest details. It would lead one to believe that the core of the legend is true. It seems that there is indeed a strange creature still unknown to science living in the Gobi Desert – perhaps a relic of ancient inhabitants of Earth, extinct a long time ago.”

However, decades of exploration did not lead to any discovery of a creature unknown to science. And they could not.  Olgoi-khorkhoi was created by the superstition and fantasy of Mongolian herders, from a creature that they can meet only rarely and that is outside of their everyday experience – Tartar sand boa. It is this snake which corresponds to most of the characteristics of olgoi-khorkhoi, which I described in the opening paragraphs. The only exception is inflating a part of the body before an attack, changing colour and of course the ability to kill a person from a distance.

Tartar sand boa literary swims into the sand. Photo Miroslav Bobek

Tartar sand boa lives in Mongolia approximately in the same areas where olgoi-khorkhoi should occur, and like olgoi it appears mostly in the fullness of summer. Indeed, it moves in a peculiar way; it slips into a sand and disappears into it after a few waves. Males usually measure up to half-a-metre, and females usually don’t exceed 70 cm, but some individuals can reach a length of over a metre. Well, that is a real “worm”! The coloration of the Tartar sand boa is very variable, so with a bit of imagination it can also resemble a “large intestine filled by blood”. However, the most important thing is that the Tartar sand boa has a thick, cylindrical body, so with a brief survey it is hard to distinguish the head from the tail. It has to do not only with digging its way under the surface but also with defence. When threatened, it can hide its head and expose the tail to the enemy. Besides defecation it is also able to excrete strong-smelling cloacal secretions. There are no doubts! The correspondence with the descriptions of olgoi-khorkhoi is extraordinary!

After all, come and see the Tartar sand boa alias olgoi-khorkhoi with your own eyes. From today you can see it in the newly opened Gobi exhibit in Prague Zoo.

Written By: Miroslav Bobek

From 27 March the unique exhibition of the first artistic designs of Czechoslovak banknotes from the 1970s, the satirical Funny Money, and the life stories of contemporary banknotes will be open in the Visitor Center of the Czech National Bank (ČNB). The unique exhibition The World of Banknotes by Oldřich Kulhánek will be open to the public.

Entry will be free.

The exposition with many symbols and details thought out to the last point guides visitors through the banknote work of the Czech painter, graphic artist, and illustrator Oldřich Kulhánek. People will be able to familiarize themselves with the first designs of Czechoslovak banknotes, which the author created at the beginning of the 1970s. There will also be satirical Funny Money lithographs and money that is still used today.

“According to contemporary sources, Oldřich Kulhánek had a unique view of the world inspired by man and humanity. Because he was able to capture it artistically and render it in an original way, sometimes with a number of symbols, the current Czech banknotes are an absolutely unique combination of art and protective elements,” says Karina Kubelková, a member of the banking board of the Czech National Bank, adding: “An artistic design that honors Czech history and tradition, at the same time, it does not come at the expense of safety. On the contrary. It makes it possible to have a whole range of protective features on domestic currency.”

“During the processing of each banknote, Oldřich Kulhánek first familiarized himself in detail with the personality he was portraying,” points out CNB chief archivist and exhibition curator Jakub Kunert, adding: “He wanted each design to perfectly capture the life story of the artistically captured person.” Thanks to this, this Czech painter, graphic artist and illustrator became a true storyteller of Czech history, or rather the fates of important representatives of the Czech nation.”

The exhibition The World of Banknotes by Oldřich Kulhánek consists of several blocks. The first is devoted to the artistic personality of Oldřich Kulhánek. The second focuses on his early work from the early 1970s, which was never realized. They follow the 1990s, when this painter, graphic artist, and illustrator was chosen by the Czechoslovak State Bank to design new banknotes. After processing the two hundred kroner, there was an offer to create seven more banknotes, which later became the currency of the independent Czech Republic. Part of the exhibition concerns the motifs of contemporary Czech banknotes, and Kulhánk’s unique view of currency, including foreign currency, is represented by the exhibition block of satirical lithographs Funny Money.

Exhibition “The World of Oldřich Kulhánek’s Banknotes”

 From March 27, 2024, Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Where: CNB Visitor Center, Na Příkopě 28, Prague 1

Entry is for free.

Photo: Kateřina Šulová, ČTK

More than 200 young people joined the traditional three-kilometer run through Prague’s Stromovka park at the weekend and President Petr Pavel was among them.

Source: CTK

Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International

The new book Red Tape: Radio and Politics in Czechoslovakia, 1945-1969 takes a fresh look at radio broadcasting in, and to, the country between the end of the war and the immediate aftermath of the Soviet-led invasion. How “Communist” were staff at Czechoslovak Radio? How did reporters respond to the new freedoms that came with the Prague Spring? And what happened after that relatively liberal period was brutally curtailed? I discussed those questions and more with author Rosamund Johnston, a Vienna-based historian who is also a former colleague at Radio Prague International.

What state was Czechoslovak Radio right after the war, let’s say in the summer of 1945?

“I would say it was in a maybe surprisingly good state, given a lot of continental Europe and given a lot of the infrastructure in continental Europe at that time.

“On the other hand, there had just been a big fight for, among other things, Czechoslovak Radio, and it bore some of the scars, as well as had some of the prestige, of that.

See the rest here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Hana Slavická, Radio Prague International

The Municipal District of Prague 1 recently launched an initiative to help residents of the area deal with common problems. The aim is to curb depopulation and reassure residents of the area that the heart of the city is in fact a comfortable place to live for locals and families, and is not just a reserve for tourists.

Living in the heart of Czechia’s capital may sound like a fairy tale to some, but the reality of renting a flat in the city’s Prague 1 district can be far from idyllic for its residents. Astronomical rents, dealing with a rotation of people coming in from Airbnbs, and the noise of rowdy tourists on the street has led to an exodus from the city centre.

In an effort to reduce the depopulation of Prague 1, the local authorities have launched a new effort called ‘Contact Point’, with the aim of providing citizens with information, support, and guidance regarding housing in the area. Karolína Šnejdarová, spokesperson for Prague 1, told me more.

See the rest here.

Author: Amelia Mola-Schmidt

Photo: © Kaupo Kikkas

Arguably one of the most internationally renowned contemporary Czech composers, Miroslav Srnka has wowed audiences across the globe with his original and innovative operas. In 2016, Srnka debuted his double opera, South Pole, which tells the story of a 20th century arctic expedition – receiving outstanding reviews. In our third episode of the Faces of Czech Music, we learn more about the elusive man who often feels more comfortable outside of his native Czechia than in it, the inspiration behind some of his most recognized works, and how he believes today’s art is often  softened for the masses.

See the rest here.

Authors: Amelia Mola-Schmidt, Petr Dudek

Photo: Regional museum Most

On 26 March 1964, the Czechoslovak government decided to liquidate the old city of Most to make way for new coal mines and apartments to house the miners who would be working there. The demolition of the historic centre of the town lasted 23 years, finally finishing on 1 April 1987.

The history of Most – or Brüx, as it was known by its majority German-speaking population – dates back to the mid-13th century, when the settlement received the status of a royal city. In 1273, it received the privileges of Přemysl II, which included, for example, the right to imprison debtors.

See the rest here.

Author: Klára Stejskalová

Photo: David Hertl, Czech Radio

The well-known Máj department store in the centre of Prague is soon to re-open following a two-year renovation. The long-awaited reconstruction has already sparked controversy, when it emerged that the façade of the building will be adorned with two giant butterflies made of Spitfire aircraft fuselages.

See the rest here.

Author:Ruth Fraňková

This week’s Sunday Music show is devoted to pop singer Aneta Langerová, the winner of the first ever Czech Pop Idol contest, who is celebrating 20 years on stage. To mark the occasion, Aneta has released a double album, mapping the two decades of her career. Apart from her biggest hits, it also includes a brand new song, called Zázračná písně krajina or Miracle Song Landscape.

See the rest here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Markéta Kachlíková, Radio Prague International

The Hradec Králové Region ranges from the Giant Mountains to the lowlands around the Elbe. Check out its landmarks in our photo gallery!

See the rest here.

Illustrative photo: Štěpánka Budková, Radio Prague International

A recent study that analyses the housing situation in Prague revealed that the country’s real estate market is the least affordable in Europe. Factors such as privatization and a lack of growth in real wages have put an increasing number of residents in an insecure position. To learn more, I spoke with one of the editors of the study, Václav Orcígr.

According to this survey – Prague is the most unaffordable city in Europe for housing. Housing prices have risen by 50 percent while wages have only gone up by 21 percent. Can you tell me a little bit more about what the study has revealed?

“The study is quite complex. We tried to gather data that is recent and up to date regarding housing affordability in Prague. The main data sources are either international surveys or local Czech surveys from the Czech Statists Council, Deloitte, or the Institute of Planning and Development. There are about 200 sources that were used in this publication.

See the rest here.

Author: Amelia Mola-Schmidt

A total of 56% of Czechs plan to spend their spring vacation in their country this year. Most often in the South Bohemian and Central Bohemian regions. They then stay at the place of residence for an average of six days. They envision rest with lighter sports activities and visiting cultural monuments as the main content of their free time. On average, they are going to spend 6,713 crowns per person for the entire period. 42% of Czechs are planning to go abroad in the spring. On the contrary, roughly a third of Czechs do not plan on spring vacation at all. This follows from the current survey of the Czech Tourism Office – CzechTourism.

The share of those who want to enjoy the spring holiday in the Czech Republic fell by two percentage points in a year-on-year comparison. The length of domestic leave was slightly shortened, by one and a half days, while planned expenses increased by 565 crowns. Almost half of those interviewed then prefer a spring vacation as part of a long weekend and in the company of family.

“The main reason why Czechs do not plan a spring vacation in their country is the fact that they are simply not in the habit of going there. And they expect more holidays in the summer. This is related to the second factor that affects the decision of Czechs to go abroad – finances. If they don’t have enough, they’d rather save up for a longer vacation in the coming season. Nevertheless, we can state that compared to last year, the share of those who decided to spend their holiday abroad in the spring has increased, from the original 37% to the current 42%,” sums up the director of the Czech Tourism Office – CzechTourism, František Reismüller, and adds: “In this respect the new night train line of the European Sleeper company, which runs from Brussels to Prague and back without a single transfer, is definitely worth mentioning. It connects four countries and four European capitals on one route. Of course, it is interesting not only from the point of view of the Czechs’ plans, but also as an alternative transport option for foreigners heading to the Czech Republic.”

The trend is rest with lighter sports activities

A third of people prefer a relaxing stay with lighter sports activities. A total of 17% of people head for cultural monuments and 16% of travelers are followers of passive relaxation. As part of the active nature of the holiday, hiking (68%) and easy walks (54%) are popular. Popular activities include cycling with the family (24%) or water sports (16%). More than half of respondents are inspired by tips and recommendations from friends or family, and 40% choose a destination based on a map with tourist attractions.

“Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities actively practiced by Czechs. It is therefore no surprise that they also want to spend their holidays in this way. We have the best tourist signage in the world. Travelers to and around the Czech Republic can enjoy, among other things, over 44 thousand km of hiking trails and 40 thousand km of road cycling routes. In recent years, we have observed a growing trend in the case of long-distance walking routes, in which the Czech Republic is not lagging behind when requested. Domestic and foreign tourists can find quality products here, such as the hiking adventure along Hřebenovce through the Czech Switzerland or the Lužnice trail, which is proud of the award It is also worth mentioning the Czech Trail, which has already been visited by over a hundred thousand people, and its growing popularity is also confirmed by the viewership figures of the program of the same name on ČT 2. And last but not least, active tourism enthusiasts will also find something to do in the Czech Republic, and at the same time cultural and gastronomic experiences. You just have to choose from a wide range of thematic walking routes, such as the Krkonoše beer trail, the unique glass trail in the north of Bohemia, the Křišťálové údolí or the wine trails in South Moravia and Slovakia,” sums up the active tourism product manager of the Czech Tourism Office, CzechTourism Antonín Novak.

Czechs will pay more for spring vacation this year, they mainly want to live in boarding houses

Czechs plan to spend 565 crowns more than last year on their spring vacation, an average of 6,713 crowns per person. The biggest part of the expenses will be for accommodation (46%), another important item is meals in restaurants (18%) and 11% of expenses they want to spend on services such as tickets, culture, museums or monuments.

Half of the people planning a spring vacation in the Czech Republic stay in a boarding house. Another often preferred type of accommodation is higher category hotels (30%) and free private accommodation (20%). When choosing accommodation for a spring holiday in the Czech Republic, the most important factors for respondents are price (90%), own experience (89%) and range and quality of services (85%). Almost a third of those surveyed will go to the same or a familiar place, and almost half will then visit a destination they have not been to before. They most often get to the place by car or motorbike. One of the guides when deciding where to go is also the places where a movie, fairy tale or series was filmed. In the last five years, half of the tourists in the Czech Republic decided to visit film locations.

More Czechs will go abroad this spring than last year

42% of Czechs are planning a spring vacation abroad, which represents a year-on-year increase of 5 pp. Especially younger people under 29 (54%) go abroad. With increasing age, the willingness to travel a longer distance decreases. For example, in the category over 75 years old, only 35% of respondents choose this option of spring vacation. The main reason is the fact that they simply don’t go abroad at this time of year (56%) and also the lack of finances (47%).

Most Czechs also spend Easter in the country

The above data also confirm the Czechs’ plans for this year’s Easter holidays. Most Czechs will spend it in their own country, both for financial and time reasons. According to the data currently available to CzechTourism, which are based on the DataRhymes analysis, almost 59% of accommodation is booked throughout the Czech Republic through the largest booking platform Booking.com. Most of them in Prague, in the Karlovy Vary, Zlín and South Moravian regions. For comparison, last year people booked over 70% of accommodation for Easter in the Czech Republic, but it should be noted that, on the one hand, the Easter holidays did not fall until the second weekend of April in 2023, and on the other hand, the number for this year may still change before Easter.

“If we look directly at specific destinations, then this year people are most often heading to Český Švýcarsk, Mách region, Broumovské, Plzeň and West Bohemian spas for Easter this year. On average, they pay 2,993 crowns for accommodation during Easter. Most of it in Prague,” summarizes Petr Janeček, head of the Tourism Institute of the Czech Tourism Center – CzechTourism, adding: “For this year, we are working with a prediction of over 66%, of which the highest occupancy during Easter should be in Prague, Ústí, Zlín and South Moravia region.”

The travel of domestic tourists has come to the fore more and more in recent years. In 2013, the ratio of domestic and foreign tourists staying in mass accommodation facilities in the Czech Republic was almost the same. Last year, this share was almost 60 to 40 (57% and 43%) in favor of domestic tourists.

Photo: YouTube

Thursday is the 55th anniversary of a famous moment in the country’s modern history. On March 28, 1969 a Czechoslovak ice hockey win over the USSR – less than a year after the Soviet invasion – sparked celebrations that turned into riots in Prague and other parts of the country.

On March 28, 1969 Czechoslovakia beat the USSR 4:3 at the World Ice Hockey Championships in Sweden. It followed another (2:0) victory over the Soviets a week earlier.

While the first win saw some celebrating on the streets, tens of thousands took to Prague’s Wenceslas Square, many waving Czechoslovak flags, on Friday March 28.

See the rest here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

The Gobi exhibition (not only) for Převalský’s horses was opened by the Prague Zoo on Saturday. During the coming weekend, those interested can get to know it during special guided tours, which start at 2 p.m. both days at the top station of the cable car. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

The Easter weekend at the Prague Zoo will offer a treasure hunt, free guided tours of the new Gobi exhibit, and an excursion to the Bird Wetlands, which a few days ago were inhabited by the rarest ducks in the world, the impressive Parana guinea pigs.

There will also be a special meeting with the three-month-old female gorilla Mobi on both weekend days.

On Easter Monday, visitors can enjoy a themed program with more than twenty species of animals across the zoo, while some encounters are new this year – for example, feeding manulas or encounters with the popular capybara. There will also be sea lion training at Easter or egg-eater feeding.

On Monday, April 1, the April Fool’s Day telephone line for Mr. Hippo will also be in operation. The full program for the upcoming long weekend can be found below.

A new species at the Prague Zoo are the charismatic desert cats. Their commented feeding at 15.30 is therefore also a novelty of the just started main season. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

March 29: Good Friday at Prague Zoo

On Good Friday, according to legend, mountains and rocks open up and release their treasures. Come to the zoo to play Family Tracker. A reward awaits the successful solver!

10.00 – 16.00 Treasure hunt

Fun and knowledge for the whole family with a reward at the end.

10.00 – 16.00 Commented feeding and meetings

The complete schedule of Friday meetings and feeding can be found here.

You can get to know the rarest ducks in the world, the Paraná guinea pigs, which you can only see outside of Brazil at the Prague Zoo during extraordinary guided walks. On Saturday and Sunday, they will start at 11 a.m. at the cross-country radar between the Animal and Reptile Pavilion and the Bird Wetlands. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

March 30 and March 31: Easter weekend at the Prague Zoo

Explore all the spring news of the Prague Zoo!

11.00 Excursion to the world’s rarest ducks, the Paran guinea fowl

Go on a guided walk through the Bird Wetlands with a guide.

meet the guide at the cross-country radar

14.00 Expedition to Gobi

Explore the newly opened exhibition complex (not only) for Převalský’s horses.

meeting with the guide at the top station of the cable car

16.00 How is the little Mobi doing in the Dja Reservation

Enjoy the sight of the almost three-month-old female gorilla and find out what’s new with her.

meet the guide at the Wandering bus before entering the Dja Reserve

10.00 – 16.00 Commented feeding and meetings

The complete schedule of weekend meetings and feeding can be found here.

Easter feeding of more than two dozen animal species awaits Prague Zoo visitors throughout Easter Monday. People will find out how Wagner’s bakers handle eggs, for example, at their paddock at 1 p.m. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

April 1: Easter Monday at the Prague Zoo

Easter guided feeding and meeting with animals across the Prague Zoo grounds.

• 10.00 meeting at the raptors – vulture aviaries at the southern entrance
• 10.00 a.m. meeting with amphibious hippos – Hippo Pavilion
• 10.30 feeding of Cape grebes – Africký dům
• 10.30 feeding of giant and red-necked kangaroos – Darwin Crater
• 11.00 meeting at the capybara – enclosure of capybaras and anteaters in the lower part of the zoo
• 11.00 feeding of penguins and steamer ducks – Penguin Pavilion
• 11.00 meeting with the northern Nubian giraffes – African House
• 12.00 meeting with lowland gorillas – Méfou Center
• 12.00 meeting with lowland gorillas – Dja Reserve
• 12.30 feeding of the African egg-eater – Africa up close
• 13.00 meeting with the pink flamingos – exhibition in the lower part of the zoo next to the gibbons
• 13.00 feeding of Wagner’s peccaries – Plains
• 1.30 p.m. demonstration of South African sea lion training – sea lion pool in the lower part of the zoo
• 14.00 meeting with common wombats – Darwin Crater
• 14.00 meeting at the horses of Převalský – new Gobi exhibition at the upper station of the cable car
• 2:30 p.m. meeting with Indian elephants – view of the Valley of Elephants opposite the wolves
• 2.30 p.m. lemur feeding – Lemur Island
• 15.00 meeting with lowland gorillas – Dja Reserve and Méfou Center
• 15.15 meeting with water birds – Bird Wetlands
• 3:30 p.m. manula feeding – new Gobi exhibition at the upper station of the cable car
• 16.00 meeting at the bear-like devils – Darwin’s Crater

The training and feeding of South African sea lions is very popular among visitors to the Prague Zoo. On Easter Monday at 1:30 p.m., the sea lions will also receive a special Easter treat – fish frozen in the shape of eggs. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

April 1: Call the hippo to the Prague Zoo

Those interested can call Mr. Hroch on the special April Fool’s line at 296 112 300 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Photo: Lukáš Řezník, Czech Radio

The new Škoda 1000 MB was unveiled in Mladá Boleslav on March 21, 1964. Designed to be an inexpensive family car, it was Czechoslovakia’s answer to the Ford Model T: the first mass-affordable automobile, making car travel available to more people in the country than ever before.

See the rest here.

Authors: Anna Fodor, Luděk Hubáček, Agáta Faltová, Source:iROZHLAS.cz

Offering more diverse experiences and investing in talented people will play a key role in helping mountain areas grow tourism in a sustainable and responsible manner.

The 12th World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism (20-21 March 2024, Andorra) identified key challenges, among them climate change and evolving consumer trends, while recognizing the role tourism can play in the protection of the fragile mountain ecosystem, the building of resilience for mountain communities, and the preservation of the local heritage.

Five Years of Action

Held in the framework of the United Nation’s Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions, the Congress focused on medical and wellness tourism, sustainability, the promotion of premium segments in mountain areas, emerging tourism products and the attraction and retention of human talent.

Also on the agenda was ensuring the importance of measuring the flow of visitors to mountains, representing the vital step towards unlocking the potential of the sector, promoting evidence based policies and ensure its sustainable management, according to a UN Tourism report, jointly developed with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Mountain Partnership (MP) presented at the event.

Opening the Congress, Prime Minister, Xavier Espot, stated: “Tourism in Andorra has recovered pre-pandemic numbers, with more than 9 million tourists and 12 million overnight stays in 2023. However, it is important to seek a balance that ensures environmental continuity and the well-being of people, moving towards a model based on sustainability to find the balance between quantity and quality. Tourism should not be perceived as a problem, but as part of the solutions to the great challenges that the future brings, because a tourism that is respectful of nature, culture and society guarantees resources for the future.”

Natalia Bayona, Executive Director at UN Tourism, recalled that “Tourism is a lifeline for many communities in mountain regions. At the same time, it can play a leading role in protecting these important ecosystems. It can provide new opportunities for conservation and drive the development of local communities. I trust that this Congress will help us move towards a better, more innovative, inclusive and sustainable growth for people and planet.”

High-level panel looks into polices for mountain tourism development

A high-level panel on policies that promote diversification, innovation and sustainability for mountain destinations gathered Jordi Torres Falcó, Minister of Tourism and Commerce of Andorra, Rosana Morillo Rodriguez, Secretary of State for Tourism of Spain, and Alessandra Priante, President of the Italian National Tourism Board (ENIT). Participants stressed the importance of creating a strong framework that aligns all related stakeholders towards a common vision for the development of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive mountain tourism that benefits its communities directly.

Exploring health tourism for mountain development

As an outcome of the 2022 edition, the 2024 Congress included a new focus on health (medical and wellness) tourism, a segment where mountains can offer important added value and have a competitive advantage. This reflects the shift to diversify mountain tourism products, create demand all year around and address the demand of today’s tourist.

Experiences in this segment were presented by speakers such as Csilla Mezősi, Secretary-General of the European Spas Association, Lászlo Puczko, CEO of Health Tourism Worldwide, Joan Muro, President of the Health Tourism Association of Andorra Health Destination and Emma Haefeli, Marketing Director of CHENOT GROUP (Switzerland).

Tourism for rural development

Recalling how tourism can be a driver of rural development, promoting the valorisation and preservation of local culture and values of mountain communities, the Congress also counted with the participation of representatives from three Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism: Saas-Fee of the Swiss region of Valais (BTV in 2021), St. Anton am Arlberg of Austria (BTV 2023) and Ordino of Andorra (BTV in 2023). These villages presented how they stand out in addressing seasonality by diversifying tourism products in an innovative and sustainable manner.

Over 300 participants from 14 countries gathered in Andorra, with many also joining via livestreaming. Speakers included, among others, representatives from Slow Food Carinthia in Austria, National Geographic, l’Agence des Pyrénées, the Sustainable Alpine Tourism Initiative, Pic du Midi, the Creative Tourism Network, Mabrian (Spain), Horwath HTL, as well as leading education institutions such as CETT Barcelona and the Bella Vista Institute of Higher Education of Switzerland.

Minister of Tourism and Commerce of Andorra, Jordi Torres Falcó, concluded: “This year we have introduced a new segment, wellness, demonstrating that in the tourism sector we evolve and adapt to new tourism trends. We also face the need to continue working to advance the Congress, allowing us to respond to the needs of the sector, providing knowledge and tools to improve the mountain tourism offer and, at the same time, become a laboratory where we can delve deeper into topics as varied as the integration of tourism in local communities, or education and training”.

Source : UN Tourism

Photo: Martin Pařízek, Czech Radio

Over 400,000 Czechs have availed of the opportunity to take part in Erasmus, the EU’s academic exchange programme, since Czechia signed up in the late 1990s. But what specifically do students get out of the experience? I spoke to some former participants.

According to data recently published by the Czech National Agency for International Education and Research, no fewer than 411,000 Czechs have taken part in the Erasmus Programme since the country joined it in 1998, just over a decade after the scheme began.

Erasmus+, as it is now referred to, also includes stays abroad for academics, and even offers opportunities to secondary and primary school children.

But it is mainly third-level students who sign up for the programme, people such as Veronika Kührová, a Film Studies student in Brno who did her Erasmus in the Germany city of Jena in 2007.

See the rest here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Four countries and four European capitals on one route. They are newly connected by the extended night train line of the European Sleeper company leading from Brussels to Prague. From March 26, 2024, people can travel three times a week from Belgium to the Czech Republic and back. The journey will take approximately fifteen hours. New stops have been added, in Dresden, Bad Schandau, Děčín, Ústí nad Labem and Prague. People can also reach us from Paris or London with a single transfer in Brussels

Less than ten months after the launch of the direct train line from Brussels to Berlin, the first passengers can ride all the way to Prague.

The first connection left the Belgian capital on Monday, March 25, 2024. He will make his return trip a day later. It will travel in each direction three times a week and will stop at the stations Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dresden, Bad Schandau, Děčín, Ústí nad Labem and Prague.

The train will depart from the capital of the Czech Republic every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 6:04 p.m. It will arrive in Brussels the following day at 10:27 a.m. The price of tickets with a seat starts at 49 euros in a seat section and 79 euros per bed in a shared bed section.

Trains offer an attractive alternative to other modes of transport and produce 7-10 times less emissions than, for example, airplanes. Another significant advantage of night trains is their ability to convert long distances into a mere overnight journey, allowing passengers to travel efficiently while sleeping. A person arrives at the destination in the morning rested and refreshed and has the whole day at his disposal. The price of the ticket includes accommodation, so the night train saves money on the hotel. Another advantage and saving of time and money also stems from the fact that the train usually stops right in the center of cities. Therefore, it is not necessary to travel frequently to and from the airport.

“The history of railway transport in the Czech Republic dates back to the 1820s. It serves us now and has huge potential for the future. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but thanks to its dense rail network, it offers many options for travel. You can get practically anywhere by train. In addition, this line has another added value – through it we can support tourism in the regions much better. The set also includes a cycle wagon and will stop in Děčín and Ústí nad Labem, among others. In practice, this means that cyclists and hiking enthusiasts do not have to go all the way to Prague. They can enjoy, for example, a cycling trip on the Elbe trail or a walking adventure through Hřebenovce through Czech Switzerland, the gateway to which is the city of Děčín,” says František Reismüller, director of the Czech Tourism Office – CzechTourism, adding: “Due to the size of the wagons, this mode of transport also offers much more space, and thus comfort. As part of our mission, we certainly want to continue to support similar projects that connect the modern world and strengthen the sustainability of tourism both in the Czech Republic and across Europe.”

“On the occasion of the first run of the night train, we brought representatives of the Dutch and Belgian media and fourteen Belgian travel agencies that specialize in selling train travel or are considering including this product in their offer. In addition to Prague, which is of course still the biggest attraction, we presented them with Pardubice and Mělník as alternative options for a trip by train from the capital. The next press trip will take place in May, when we will show its participants how tourists can spend an active vacation in the Ústí Region. Travelers from the Netherlands and Belgium often look for this type of vacation. For example, roughly 7% of Belgians and almost 11% of Dutch people who come to the country spend it on bicycles,” adds Petra Palečková, director of the foreign representation of CzechTourism Benelux.

Tourists from Belgium and the Netherlands are among the foreign visitors who come to the Czech Republic in greater numbers. Last year, a record 261,820 Dutch people chose the country as their holiday destination, about 5 pp more than in 2019. On average, they spent 3.73 days here, and the reason for their trip was mainly recreation. A total of 62% of them went to Prague. When it comes to accommodation, they mainly chose some of the collective accommodation facilities.

Compared to the pre-covid period, the number of Belgians fell by 14 p.p., and a total of 94,034 arrived. On the contrary, the length of their stay increased slightly. On average, they spent almost four days in the Czech Republic. Like the Dutch, they came to the country mainly for recreation and lived in one of the collective accommodation facilities. Again, they most often headed to the capital, with 67% of them choosing it as their destination.

Both Dutch (42%) and Belgians (69%) most often arrive in the Czech Republic by plane. The second most popular means for tourists from the Netherlands (39%) and Belgium (22%) is a car or motorbike. As another mode of transport, the Dutch (13%) and Belgians (4%) choose a motorhome, and the same two percent use the train when traveling to the Czech Republic.

European Sleeper is not a traditional carrier. The organization was founded in the Netherlands as a cooperative that wants to restore night trains. Small investors supported the start of the company with half a million euros. In the next round, membership shares in European Sleeper were sold for 2 million euros and the number of members grew to 3,500. This created a community of fans of night trains, which is actively involved in the cooperative’s activities. In the following years, it plans to launch a new line connecting Amsterdam, Brussels, and Barcelona.

The Czech secret service has scored a major success, uncovering a Russian network attempting to influence elections in various European states. The Prague government followed this revelation with sanctions on two individuals, including a pro-Russian Ukrainian politician.

Czechia’s counterintelligence service, known by the acronym BIS, has achieved a considerable success, breaking up a Russian network in the country that was seeking to exert influence on upcoming European elections and foment anti-Ukraine sentiment.

Speaking on Wednesday afternoon, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala revealed something of what BIS had discovered about the Moscow-financed suspects and detailed in a 300-page report.

See the rest here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International

Brian Goodman is an author and an associate professor at Arizona State University. He has spent the past two decades immersed in a project that bridges American and Czech literary worlds, delving into the shadows of the Cold War.

Brian’s book, “The Nonconformists: American and Czech Writers across the Iron Curtain,” has been making waves since its publication last year by the prestigious Harvard University Press. The book has garnered acclaim for its insightful analysis and meticulous research, even earning high praise in venerable publications like the Times Literary Supplement.

But what makes Brian’s work truly remarkable is the depth of his research. He ventured into the heart of the Czech Republic’s past, spending countless hours in the communist secret police archives and interviewing writers and former dissidents in Prague to bring the stories of these writers to life in full detail. For example: Why did one the most significant American authors of the 20th century Philip Roth become interested in Prague?

See the rest here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Zdeněk Rerych, Gambit Cafe

If you’ve spent a day or two in Prague, you’ll know that the city is dotted with cafes, from the small and cozy places offering good coffee and traditional Czech desserts to the luxury cafes in Prague’s historic city center usually frequented by tourists. But, increasingly clients want more than just good coffee and so some Prague coffee houses are offering a special program to go with it.

For those looking for more than just a cup of good coffee there is a wide variety of cafes to choose from in Prague. One where you are served by a robotic arm, another where your image is printed onto the foam of your cappuccino, a café where your order arrives on a model train or one which offers a wall of roses for selfie-lovers.

There are several where you can play board games but there is only one coffee house in Prague reserved for lovers of chess and you will find it in the trendy district of Karlín.

See the rest here.

Authors: Daniela Lazarová, Václav Müller, Source:Český rozhlas

Photo: Galerie hlavního města Prahy

An exhibition called New Realisms opened in Prague City Gallery on Wednesday, offering a fresh perspective on visual culture and art in Czechoslovakia between 1918 and 1945. It presents works by well-known artists, such as Otto Guttfreund and Jan Zrzavý, alongside artists from the German, Slovak and Hungarian-speaking minorities. I discussed the exhibition with one of its curators, Ivo Habán, and I first asked him to explain the term New Realisms:

“The term New Realism is connected with the overall atmosphere in Europe after World War I. It was connected with ideas about the possibility of new life and fairer society and there were paintings depicting for instance ‘new Adam and new Eve’.

See the rest here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Amanita Design

The Czech independent studio Amanita Design has won the award for Excellence in Visual Art at the prestigious San Francisco Independent Games Festival for their new game Phonopolis. The hand-crafted adventure, set in a dystopian city made of cardboard, was inspired by George Orwell’s 1984. I discussed it with Amanita’s producer Lukáš Kunce and I first asked him about the inspiration behind the game:

“The inspiration for Phonopolis for the artists and the creative team behind the game comes mainly from the interwar artistic movements, like Constructivism, Futurism and Suprematism, as well as the entire Avant-Garde movement. It can not only be seen in the visuals but it can also be heard in the music by Tomáš Dvořák aka Floex, as well as in the sound design.

See the rest here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

The rapid growth of generative AI is influencing many areas of life and there is no doubt that it will play a role in campaigning in the European elections. So are Czech parties preparing to harness the potential it affords and will Czech voters be able to recognize AI-driven disinformation?

A survey among Czech political parties shows they are gradually starting to make use of the benefits AI offers. The Pirate Party, which is the main driving force behind the digitization of the state sector, argues that not to use the technologies of the modern day and age is to fall behind. The party says it uses AI wherever it is useful – to produce texts, generate images, edit photos and videos –while fully respecting ethics and clearly labelling AI generated content. The SPOLU coalition (Civic Democrats, Christian Democrats and TOP 09) also says it uses AI to subtitle videos and analyze data, but insists that their election campaign will be conducted in a fair manner. Jakub Skyva is spokesperson for the SPOLU coalition.

See the rest here.

Authors: Daniela Lazarová, Jana Karasová

H.E. Ms. Maria-Antoaneta Barta, Ambassador of Romania, organized “Sous le ciel de Prague” – an exceptional concert in an unforgettable atmosphere: Medeea Marinescu and Emy Dragoï – Acordeon Jazz performed at Café Lucerna, one of the emblematic places of the Czech capital, on the evening of March 15, 2024, chansonettes and traditional Romanian songs, in the concert dedicated by the Embassy of Romania to the Francophonie Days.

The show, organized with the support of ICR Prague, impressed the large audience present. We thank the artists for a unique concert, which will remain in the memory of the cultural events in Prague.

On the occasion of Saint Patric and National Day of Ireland , H.E. Mr. Alan GIBBONS – Ambassador Ireland host a reception at Kaiserstejnsky palac.

In front of many Ambassadors, government officials, members of the Czech Parliament and Senate, and distinguished guests, H.E. Mr. Alan GIBBONS, Mr. Martin Dvořák – Minister for European Affairs greeted the guests.

Here are selected sections of the Ambassador and the minister’s speech.

The photography exhibition “Behind the Curtain” by Jindrich Svatek presents a part of his works created between 1983 and 1991. Capturing the Prague Jewish community, during the totalitarian regime, when all religious communities were under the scrutiny of the State security.

The photographs were limited to events when, according to Jewish religious law were allowed. The photographs capture occasions such as weddings, funerals, Hanukka, and Purim parties or services on weekdays or Sundays.

The result is a remarkable historical document and a collection of artistically high-quality photographs.

We appreciate the support of the Jewish community of Prague and Druckvo, splo. S.r.o that make this exhibition possible.

The exhibition is open till 29.5.2024 at Jeruzalémská Synagogue – Jeruzalémská 1310/7, Prague 1

Every day from 10 am to 5 pm, except Saturdays and Jewish Holidays.

The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová, took part in the 9^th international conference of heads of parliaments of the countries of the Danube Region in Vienna. The main topic of the meeting was regional security. According to the Speaker of the Chamber, the participants can contribute to this in particular by supporting Ukraine, Moldova, and the policy of gradual enlargement of the EU to the countries of the Western Balkans.

Another topic discussed was the connection between education and the effective defense of democratic values and institutions.

“The security of the Danube will depend on the development of Russian aggression against Ukraine. Moldova also fears a similar development as there. It is therefore necessary to prevent the Russian aggressor in his imperialist efforts through the coordinated action of the international community.

The best way to achieve this is to persevere in supporting both tested countries and at the same time work on the gradual expansion of the European Union to the states of the Western Balkans,” said the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová, during the joint meeting.

In addition to the key issue of regional security, the international conference in the Austrian capital was also focused on the topic of education in connection with democratic governance, the effective defense of the institutions of the modern rule of law, and liberal values.

“The Russian-led disinformation campaigns have been threatening the internal cohesion of the Danubian states for a long time. Therefore, it is necessary to further strengthen our resilience and keep in mind the diversity of threats we face. I am convinced that the EU’s military and civilian missions aimed at solving hybrid threats are, in this regard, very effective tools for our active support of countries such as Ukraine, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina,” added the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Markéta Pekarová Adamová.

Part of the European Union’s Strategy for the Danube River is EU member and non-member states whose territories extend into the Danube River basin. Austria currently chairs the group.

The opening of the new Mongolian Gobi exhibition and the opening of the 93rd main season of the Prague Zoo will be attended by the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and the Minister of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia, Bat-Erdene Bat-Ulzii, on Saturday, March 23.

The festive event will start at 1 pm at the top station of the cable car.

Prague Zoo will open the long-awaited exhibition of Mongolian fauna called Gobi. In it, Převalský’s iconic horses will find a home, returning to the Troy area after three years. Visitors can also look forward to manulas, who have earned the nickname “the grumpiest cat in the world”, a number of other interesting mammals and reptiles, as well as the mythical Olgoi chorchoi. The opening of the Gobi will take place at 1 pm near the cable car’s upper station, preceded by the opening ceremony of the main season at 11 am at the Education Centre, which will traditionally be attended by famous faces. The varied program will conclude at 3 pm with the presentation of the world’s rarest ducks, Paran’s guinea fowls, near the boatbill exhibition in the Bird Wetlands.

Visitors will enjoy live music, a festive parade, and free face painting for children.

From Saturday, the Prague Zoo will also extend its opening hours – its gates will not close until 6 p.m.

Prague Easter Markets are open daily from 16.3.2024 to 7.4.2024, from 10 am till 10 pm.

The best known market is at the Old Town Square – Producers, craftsmen, and sellers offer typical Easter goods and gifts at dozens of decorated stands. Several types of eggs will be available to buy. In addition to blown eggs, also wooden and wire ones. There will also be ceramics with spring flowers and typical young animals, as well as tablecloths and blankets with flower motifs.

The center of events at the market is a traditionally decorated birch tree, under which there is a cultural program in the afternoon. Professional and amateur song and dance ensembles will appear here, as will national and folk groups from various parts of the Czech Republic and other countries.

The unmistakable magic of the Easter holidays is also created by special foods. Visitors will enjoy popular gingerbread or Czech sausages.

and Wenceslas Square offers a wide range of traditional Easter goods – hand-painted eggs, Easter bunnies and chickens, whips, Easter pastries (hot cross buns, Judas buns, lamb-shaped pastries), Easter decorations, candles, hand-made products, wooden toys, products made from twigs.

The smell of traditional hot foods and drinks, the sale and demonstration of crafts before your eyes – all this helps create an atmosphere that you certainly won’t want to miss.

Photo: Patrik Uhlíř, ČTK

The Brno Zoo organized a spring welcoming event a few days early at the weekend, with a special program that included feeding the animals. In the picture, the zoo’s Kamchatka bear getting his share.

Source: ČTK

Photo: Jana Karasová, Czech Radio

As the world watched the orchestrated re-election of Vladimir Putin as Russia’s president for the next six years, Russian nationals in Prague gathered on Wenceslas Square in a symbolic show of support for the “Noon against Putin” protests at home. Many of them did not get the chance to vote.

Russians opposed to the Putin regime, took to the streets in cities around the world on Sunday in a symbolic show of support for Kremlin opponents at home. In Prague several dozen Russian nationals assembled on Wenceslas Square holding up banners reading “Putin is not my president”, “Prague against Putin” and “End the war!”. The organizer of the event, Anton Litvin, said it is important to show the world that not all Russians support what is happening.

See the rest here.

Authors: Daniela Lazarová, Jana Karasová

Photo: René Volfík, iROZHLAS.cz

The ruling coalition has accused opposition leader Andrej Babiš of undermining the government’s support for Ukraine through his “pacifist” language and putting at risk Czechia’s security. At a special session of the lower house on Tuesday the prime minister said the opposition should make clear whether it sides with the free West or with Putin.

Although Czechia has been one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, in recent months the opposition has been increasingly vocal regarding the need for peace talks. Growing tension between the ruling parties and opposition leader Andrej Babiš reached a head last week when Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský labelled him “a security threat” and Babiš asked his close associates for a dossier on Lipavský and his family, using extremely vulgar language. He sent the mail to the wrong address and its contents ended up in the media. The ruling parties slammed Babiš for communist-era practices and called a session of the lower house to clarify the country’s security interests.

See the rest here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová, Sources: ČTK,Česká televize

Photo: Daniela Honigmann, Radio Prague International

People in Need is one of Czechia’s most well-known NGOs, providing humanitarian relief to crisis-affected regions and implementing long-term development projects and educational and human rights programmes around the world. It has been 30 years since it adopted its current name on 21 March 1994, so on the occasion, I spoke to the non-profit’s founder and director, Šimon Pánek, to find out about its beginnings and how it got its name.

It’s been 30 years since Člověk v tísni (People in Need) got its name, but the organisation has been around a couple of years longer than that. Could you tell us briefly about its very beginnings and how you got started?

“Soon after communism fell, conflicts popped up like mushrooms in many of the multi-ethnic former communist countries. Because communism, besides everything else, pretended that we have a new, stronger, better identity – the socialist or communist identity – not Czech or Slovak, or Croat or Bosnian, or Russian or Chechen. So unfortunately, along with newfound freedom, conflicts appeared.

See the rest here.

Author: Anna Fodor

Photo: X/Martin Baxa

The National Library of the Czech Republic is currently working on getting a project off the ground that will provide mobile units that would be sent to Ukraine to help preserve cultural artefacts endangered by the war. The head of the National Library Tomáš Foltýn, told me more about the endeavour

“We started this project around 2016/2017 when we were creating and updating our strategy for the Czech National Library. An integral part in this strategy concerned the long term preservation of our physical collection. One of the parts of the strategy was also the creation of a mobile unit aimed at conserving and restoring our physical collections.

“The war in Ukraine is ongoing, and we were starting to think about how we could help the cultural institutions of the country. We were talking with the Czech Ministry of Culture about different ideas, and we thought about creating an ‘arc’, a unit where we can restore and conserve the physical collections, or a unit aimed at digitizing the masterpieces of Ukrainian libraries. The Czech Ministry of Culture ended up loving the idea.”

See the rest here.

Author: Amelia Mola-Schmidt

Photo: Radek Petrášek, ČTK

Organizers of the upcoming 2024 Ice Hockey World Championship have unveiled the gold, silver and bronze medals that will be awarded to the winning teams. The trophies, produced by glassmakers in the north Bohemian town of Nový Bor, are made of crystal glass, which resembles a piece of ice scratched by skates.

Preparations are in full swing for the Ice Hockey World Championship that will get underway in Prague and Ostrava in May. Glassmakers from the Kolektiv Ateliers in the north Bohemian town of Nový Bor are currently working on a set of medals for the winning teams. They have to produce at least 40 pieces of each metal in case some of the medals break.

See the rest here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Klára Stejskalová, Radio Prague International

Hradec Králové, which lies on the confluence of the Labe (Elbe) and Orlice rivers in north-east Bohemia, is one of the oldest and historically most significant Czech cities. For centuries, it was one of the dowry towns of Czech queens. At the turn of the 20th century, Hradec Králové was remodelled by the pioneering Czechoslovak architects Jan Kotěra and Josef Gočár, who turned it into a modern and progressive city, which became known as the Salon of the Republic.

The first written evidence of Hradec Hrálové comes from 1225, when the settlement of Hradec was mentioned in the deed of the Bohemian King Přemysl Otakar I. In 1306, Hradec became a dowry town ruled by Bohemian queens. Hence its name Hradec Králové, which literally means “the castle of the queen”, explains local tourist guide Lucie Nováková:

“The local royal castle was therefore home to queens, namely Elizabeth Richeza of Poland and later Elizabeth of Pomerania, the last wife of Charles IV. During the reign of George of Poděbrady, the town was one of the most important and beautiful Renaissance seats, but this happy period was brought to an end by frequent fires, plague epidemics and the Thirty Years’ War.”

See the rest here.

Authors: Ruth Fraňková, Zdeňka Kuchyňová