AuthorMartin Hladík

Photo: Jolana Nováková, Czech Radio

In the winding streets of Prague’s Lesser Town visitors may notice dozens of historic buildings adorned by house signs – lions, golden goblets, violins, suns and many more. Many of these signs are older than the house numbers themselves and once served in their place.

Before Empress Maria Theresa introduced house numbering in the 18th century, the house signs in the Lesser Town below Prague Castle served a practical purpose: they helped people – and the postal service, which was already operating in the 16th century – to find the right address.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: CzechTourism

According to the Czech Tourist Authority – CzechTourism, just short of 30,000 Chinese tourists travelled to Czechia in the first quarter of 2025 – a year-to-year increase of roughly 39%. The surge is largely attributed to the successful TV reality show ‘Divas Hit the Road’, whose latest series is filmed entirely in Czechia.

Filming of ‘Divas Hit the Road: Bond of Hearts’ – the 7th series of the program – took place primarily in central Prague, featuring sights like the Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, or Prague Castle.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Aerofilms

On Monday 11th, it was announced that the Czech Film and Television Academy has selected a documentary, director Klára Tasovská’s ‘I’m Not Everything I Want to Be’, as the Czech entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. The choice of a documentary is a first for the Czech academy.

The Czech Film and Television Academy have announced their candidate for the USA’s 98th Academy Awards (the Oscars), to be held in March 2026, specifically for the category of Best International Feature Film.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Letní Letná

Up on Letná Hill, overlooking the Vltava, the spectacular programme of this year’s Letní Letná international festival of new circus and theatre was inaugurated on August 13th. It runs until the end of the month. The festival attracts acts from across the world and thousands of visitors each year, who come to Letná Park for whole days full of fun, as the festival’s executive director, Ivana Pěkná Vrbíková, explained to Danny Bate.

For people who are not familiar with the Letní Letná Festival, could you introduce it for us? What would you say is the spirit of this festival?.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Iva Roháčková, iROZHLAS.cz

The most promising generation yet. Such is the conclusion of the Czech Athletics Federation following the European Athletics U20 Championships in Tampere, where Czech athletes won a record-breaking number of medals. Following a dry spell, this unprecedented junior success signals a brighter future for Czech athletics.

The Junior European Athletics Championship in Tampere, Finland, finished on Sunday, and the post-tournament conclusions have been very favourable to the Czech delegation, which amassed its all-time best of nine medals.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International

In this episode of Prague Off the Beaten Track, we visit Divoká Šárka—one of Prague’s wildest landscapes, filled with rocky cliffs, meadows, and forests. Just a short tram ride from the city centre, this nature reserve blends ancient history, dramatic scenery, and local legends. From swimming in spring-fed pools to hiking past medieval hillforts, it’s a perfect escape into nature without leaving Prague.

Divoká Šárka lies in Prague’s Liboc district, covering more than 250 hectares of gorges, meadows, and woodlands.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Boglarka Bodnar, EPA / Profimedia

Two days after his outing at Sziget Festival in Hungary, world music star Post Malone took the stage at Prague’s Letňany on Tuesday. The lively showman famously dabbles in a variety of genres, from hip-hop and pop, to rock and country. The latter was top of the order, dominating both the stage design and a good part of the 25-record set list.

The American singer arrived to the third European stop of his ‘Big Ass’ stadium tour one day in advance, and was spotted around the centre of Prague by fans.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Česká Yoyo Asociace z.s.

After 11 years, the World Yo-Yo Contest returned to Czechia. At the Cubex Centre in Prague, close to 300 competitors contended in 8 categories for the most elusive titles in yo-yo. The annual event provided a blistering show, but little in the way of surprising results.

The sport of competitive yo-yo has enjoyed a growing worldwide popularity, no less so in Czechia.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Zoopark Chomutov

Chomutov Zoo is one of the youngest Czech zoos, but it can boast being the largest by area, stretching over 112 hectares. The zoo has over 1,000 animals of 161 breeds, 14 of them endangered species. Many of the animals can be viewed moving around freely in open spaces.

Chomutov Zoo, located on the outskirts of Chomutov, north of Prague, was officially established in 1975, but as many other zoos established in the regions, the foundations for it were laid much earlier, around 1932, when it started out as an entertainment park with animals.

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Author: Anton Kaimakov

Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International

In this Prague off the Beaten Track episode, we start at Prague’s busiest railway hub—Hlavní nádraží—but head somewhere unexpected. Just beyond the platforms lies the Žižkov Highline, a short walkway born from a temporary art project that’s now a functional shortcut between districts.

The journey begins in perhaps the most “on the beaten track” spot in Prague—its main railway station, Hlavní nádraží.

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Photo: Jiří Čondl, , Czech Radio

Authorities in Šumava National Park have launched an intensive search for several wolves believed to have escaped from their large natural enclosure at the Srní Visitor Centre. The centre has been temporarily closed and the residents of nearby villages have been warned to exercise caution until the crisis is resolved.

Wolves returned to the Šumava mountains after more than 140 years at the start of the millennium.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Vladislava Wildová, Czech Radio

Ratibořice Château stands in Babiččino údolí (Grandmother’s Valley), north of Česká Skalice in the Hradec Králové Region. This national cultural monument has welcomed visitors ranging from Austrian Chancellor Metternich to Russian Tsar Alexander I. Its history and extensive natural landscape attract visitors from all over Europe and beyond.

The Ratibořice Chateau is famous as the residence of Princess Vilemína Zaháňská, a wealthy heiress with great influence and a non-conformist woman, who many in Czechia know from Božena Němcová’s book Babička (Grandmother).

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Luboš Pavlíček, ČTK

Five seasoned carvers took on the task of creating new sculptures for the fairy-tale alley during last weekend’s symposium in Bystřice pod Pernštejnem. Visitors were able to watch the new statues come to life right before their eyes. These new creations will join the existing sculptures of the Grim Reaper, Noonwraith, Water Goblin, and Miner—figures that have adorned the village surroundings since last year.

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Source: Fisher Center

Bedrich Smetana’s third opera Dalibor explores themes of national pride, freedom, and resistance against oppression. Although he was hugely proud of the work, it failed to win recognition during his lifetime.

Bedřich Smetana’s opera Dalibor, completed in 1868, is a brooding, Romantic tale of knightly honor, love, and rebellion set in the 15th century.

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Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International

In this summer edition of Czechast, host Vít Pohanka visits the South Bohemian village of Holašovice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like a storybook come to life. He speaks with Julia Kňažková, a local guide and heritage expert, about the village’s ancient roots, charming architecture, and sometimes overwhelming popularity with tourists. This episode explores how the community balances preservation with everyday life — and how its future may depend on the next generation.

Known for its beautifully preserved Baroque rural architecture, Holašovice has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Kristýna Barchini, Czech Radio

The legendary statue of Samson is leaving the South Bohemian capital of České Budějovice for the first time ever. Since 1990, the original has been stored inside the city’s town hall, a couple meters away from its original location. Now it is travelling to Prague Castle, where it will become part of the exhibition ‘Vltava: famed and flowing’.

For almost three centuries, the water-spouting statue of Biblical strongman Samson wrestling a lion stood atop the fountain on the central square of Přemysl Otakar II in České Budějovice.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

On the occasion of the 58th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, H.E. Ms. Rina PRIHTYASMIARSI SOEMARNO, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Czech Republic, Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, hosted a reception at her beautiful residence.

The honored speaker was Mr. Eduard Hulicius, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

A cultural show from each ASEAN country followed the ceremony.

Don’t miss the Karaoke videos at the end.

Happy Birthday, ASEAN countries.

The 15th  edition of Prague Pride, an annual festival celebrating the LGBTQ community, took place in Prague on Saturday, 2^nd August 2025.

The theme for this year is ‘Where My Home Is’

Tens of thousands of people, including several Ministers, Czech politicians, members of Prague’s diplomatic community, and big commercial companies and organizations, took part in the parade, which ran from the lower part of Wenceslas Square via the Republic Square, Dlouha st., Old Town Square, and Parizka st., to Letná Park.

The diplomatic community had a great representation from almost all embassies.

The celebrations continued at Letná park, with live music and other events, until 10 pm.

Watch the video and the pictures from this colorful event.

Due to their extraordinary size, strength, intelligence and willingness to cooperate with people, elephants have been irreplaceable helpers in Asia for millennia. Today, they are threatened mainly by the loss of their natural habitat. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

A symbol of strength, wisdom, and majesty – on Saturday, Prague Zoo will celebrate World Elephant Day. Our Indian elephants will receive playful enrichment in the morning, and at 2 p.m., visitors can look forward to a special elephant bathing. There will also be guided meetings or an original art workshop – making paper from elephant dung. On Sunday, Prague Zoo, together with the Czech National Bank, will celebrate World Lion Day.

Saturday in the Valley of the Elephants of Prague Zoo will bring not only a rich program celebrating some of the largest animals on the planet, but also the atmosphere of Asian culture. During the popular guided elephant bathing, visitors will learn why bathing is important for octopuses or which of our Indian elephants is the greatest lover of water. Elephants will also be able to be observed during guided meetings.

Not only young visitors can learn interesting facts about the life of elephants, their influence on culture, the history of breeding and protection thanks to information and game stations. Indian elephants are currently threatened mainly by loss of habitat and fragmentation of the area, which causes the isolation of populations. The population in Asia is rising sharply and rural areas are gradually turning into cities.

Gulab, Shanti or Lakuna. Interested parties can playfully get to know Indian elephants at Prague Zoo. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Sunday will belong to another inhabitant of India at Prague Zoo – the Indian lion. Prague Zoo will celebrate World Lion Day in cooperation with the Visitor Center of the Czech National Bank. In addition to a commented meeting directly with our lion couple, a varied program is also prepared for visitors at the Archa Theater. It will include creative workshops, quizzes for prizes and lectures that will reveal the unexpected connection between the world of finance and the world of animals. The lion portrait can be found on the Czech five-thousand-czech banknote, for example, but it also reigns, for example, on the Congolese banknote. Rwandan banknotes feature a gorilla, while Indonesian banknotes feature an orangutan. Another iconic animal from Prague Zoo – the Przewalski’s horse – also holds its place in numismatic history. A commemorative silver coin in his honor was issued in 1987.

Celebration of World Elephant Day

• Main program in the Valley of Elephants

at 10:30 a.m. commented handover of an enrichment element to female elephants

at 11:30 a.m. commented handover of an enrichment element to a male elephant

at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. commented meetings with female elephants

at 2:00 p.m. commented bathing of elephants

at 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. tours of the breeding grounds – by prior arrangement

• Accompanying program

at 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. information and game station (Valley of Elephants)

o get to know our elephants

o elephants in culture

o art workshop for children

at 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. making paper from elephant dung (Paper mill in the lower part of the area – at the beginning of the Geotrail)

The lion, the king of animals, appears not only on Czech coins and banknotes, but together with the Light Bearer, it is also the patron saint of the Czech National Bank. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

World Lion Day in cooperation with the Czech National Bank

• 10:00–16:00 commented meetings with lions every hour (Pavilion of Predators and Reptiles – outdoor exhibition)
• 10:00–16:00 Czech National Bank stand (Archa Theatre)
• 10:00–16:00 game and information stand Get to know Indian lions (near the Pavilion of Large Turtles at the lower cable car station)

Illustrative phoro: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz

On October 3rd and 4th, Czechs will head to the polls in a parliamentary election. For the first time ever, Czech citizens based abroad will have the possibility to make use of the postal vote. However, the deadline to sign up is less than three weeks away and the number of registered voters comes way short of expectations.

When the Czech parliament passed the bill enabling the postal vote in August last year, reactions were mixed, and expectations were high.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: U.S. Army Air Force / U.S. Department of Defense

This could have been just another story of an ordinary family of Czech expatriates in the United States. However, a series of circumstances led Czech-American Joseph Stiborik to leave an indelible mark on history as a crew member of the Enola Gay aircraft that dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima 80 years ago, on August 6, 1945.

The origins of Joseph Stiborik’s family were only conclusively proven a couple of years ago – initially, he was believed to be a descendant of immigrants from Žďár nad Sázavou.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: TV Barrandov

In August 1955, Karel Zeman’s groundbreaking film Journey to the Beginning of Time premiered in Czechoslovakia. Blending live action, animation, and model work, it captivated audiences and sold to more than 70 countries — a remarkable feat for a film from a communist country during the Cold War. Seventy years later, it remains a celebrated milestone of world cinema.

Seventy years ago, Czechoslovak audiences first saw Karel Zeman’s Cesta do pravěku, known internationally as Journey to the Beginning of Time.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: 2K Games

The Mafia franchise is one of the most commercially successful Czech-made game series ever. ‘Mafia: The Old Country’ will be its fourth instalment, with a storyline going back to the roots of the Sicilian Mafia – a prequel to the first release 23 years ago. The brand new game is launching on August 8.

Czech video game developer 2K Czech, creators of the Mafia franchise, have finalized its soon-to-be newest release: ‘Mafia: The Old Country’.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Kinga Cichewicz, Unsplash

How can food improve our internal sleep cycle? Whether the bad effects of an irregular sleep schedule can be mitigated by diet and exercise is currently under investigation by a team at the Czech Academy of Sciences.

After five days of commuting and working, it’s all too tempting to sleep in at the weekend.

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Author: Danny Bate, Eva Kézrová

Photo: Pavel Novák, Czech Radio

Bohuslav Martinů, one of the great 20th-century composers, will be the focus of the 35th Bard Music Festival, which gets underway at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, on Friday. Subtitled Martinů and His World, it’s the first time this renowned festival has been dedicated to the Czech composer’s life and music. The program will showcase Martinů’s wide-ranging work, from chamber pieces and orchestral scores to two operas, including a world premiere. I spoke with Aleš Březina, director of the Bohuslav Martinů Institute and co-curator of the festival, about the vision behind the event.

This is the first time the prestigious American Bard Music Festival will be dedicated to the work and life of Bohuslav Martinů.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Ondřej Šebestík, Czech Radio

When Czech Railways announced plans to scrap the legendary “Knödel Express” running between Berlin and Prague, the news made international headlines and fans lamented its departure as the “end of an era”. Those addicted to its old-world charm can now take some comfort. Due to modernization delays, the cult dining cars will continue to offer the familiar service for some time longer.

For fans of rail travel, the scenic four-hour long journey between Prague and Berlin was one of the most enjoyable train rides in Europe.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Julien Delfosse, Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Czech racing driver Roman Staněk is on a hot streak in the Formula 2 championship, one step below the elusive Formula 1. The 21-year-old secured his maiden feature race win and first pole position in two consecutive weeks, propelling him into 8th in the overall standings.

On the weekend, Roman Staněk qualified in first place for the feature race around the Hungaroring, in the outskirts of Budapest.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Simona Kubičková, Zoo Jihlava

Jihlava Zoo, officially recognized as a zoological garden since 1982, is nestled in the picturesque valley of the Jihlávka River, not far from the city center. The grounds feature wooded slopes, rocky outcrops, meadows, and water features, creating a rich and varied environment for its 260 animal species, including many endangered ones. The zoo specializes in felines, primates, and reptiles.

The zoo’s early history goes back to 1957 when Oldřich Vávra, a member of the Jihlava city council responsible for culture, came up with the idea of founding a small animal park for children to enjoy.

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Author: Zdeňka Kuchyňová, Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Kira Tripulska, Divadlo MA

The 6th annual theatre festival ‘Summer Grébovka’ kicked off on Monday with the highly anticipated production of ‘To be Marlene Dietrich’. The story of the legendary German actress and singer is the work of Theatre MA, who are staging plays at Grébovka until August 29th.

In a career, spanning nearly seven decades from the Berlin Golden Twenties to the apex of Classical Hollywood cinema, Marlene Dietrich was not only a trailblazer on the movie screen, but also a respected humanitarian figure during World War II.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Elena Horálková, Czech Radio

Bára Dočkalová is a Prague-based author, teacher and researcher, whose literary output captivates young Czech readers and this year won her a prestigious Magnesia Litera award. She spoke to Danny Bate about receiving the award and the ideas behind her victorious book Kost, as well as sharing her perspectives on teaching English in Czechia and how drama and music can make the language a lot more fun.

Bára, you are a person with many strings to your bow.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Patrik Uhlíř, ČTK

A vibrant parade featuring over two hundred dancers, musicians, and capoeira fighters lit up the first weekend of August in Brno, delighting thousands of onlookers. The streets pulsed with the infectious beats of samba drums, the shimmer of sequins, and the swirling colors of carnival costumes as Brazil Fest 2025 brought a touch of Rio to the heart of Moravia.

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Photo: Správa železnic

Under reconstruction from 2023, Praha–Bubny station is now welcoming trains and travellers. A spacious and light modern edifice replaces the old station from the 1920s, a key part of the planned improved railway connections to Václav Havel Airport and Kladno.

Holešovice, the busy district of Prague north of the city centre, has gained a shiny new railway station.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Blanka Křížová, Masaryk University Brno

Gregor Mendel’s original microscope, used in his ground-breaking pea plant experiments, is now on display at London’s Science Museum as part of the Future of Food exhibition. Lent abroad for the first time ever by the Mendel Museum in Brno, the rare instrument highlights the roots of genetics in the context of today’s food and sustainability challenges. Ruth Fraňková discussed the exhibition with its curator Rupert Cole:

What is the Future of Food exhibition about and why did you choose to include Mendel’s original microscope in it?.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Ústav fyziky atmosféry AV ČR

Exactly 30 years ago, the newly independent Czech Republic launched its first satellite, Magion 4, into space. It lifted off from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia, joining the historic line of Czechoslovak satellites.

The Magion 4 satellite was launched on August 3, 1995, as part of the international INTERBALL scientific mission.

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Photo: Aerofilms

For this week’s Sunday Music Show, we’re celebrating the life and music of Karel Fiala, the charismatic Czech singer and actor, who was born on August 3rd 1925. His legacy is forever tied to one of the most popular films in Czech cinema: the unconventional Western ‘Lemonade Joe or The Horse Opera’ (Limonádový Joe aneb Koňská opera).

The film Lemonade Joe, from 1964, is a parody of Western movies that blends grotesque humour, moral satire, and numerous catchy tunes.

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Photo: Michal Polášek, Czech Radio

The Cyril and Methodius Chapel at Radhošť unexpectedly united the Beskydy Society with an American family. The people who take care of the chapel received an email from New York with photographs of a miniature of the chapel and a remarkable story.

In the 1950s, a yard sale in Brooklyn, New York, took place at an old church where they were cleaning out the basement, and a small model of a chapel was found.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

On the occasion of the 26^th Anniversary of Enthronement of His Majesty The King Mohammed VI, H.E. Ms. Hanane Saadi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Czech Republic, hosted a reception at the residence’s beautiful garden.

Mr. Jiri Kozak, the first deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic, was the honored speaker.

Mr. Vaclav Klaus, the former President of the Czech Republic, and his spouse, Livia, were the honor guests.

Watch the video with the speech of H.E. Ms. Hanane Saadi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Czech Republic, and of Mr. Jiri Kozak, the first deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic.

Long live the King!          عاش الملك!

On July 31, 2025, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová participated in the World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments and the Summit of Speakers of Parliaments in Geneva. The main topics discussed included global parliamentary cooperation and the role of women in military conflicts. In her speech, the Speaker particularly emphasized the strengthening of democratic institutions and also appealed for the protection of the most vulnerable in Putin’s aggressive war against Ukraine. The Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies in Geneva called for international assistance to victims of Russian aggression against Ukraine

Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Markéta Pekarová Adamová participated in the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference, organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in cooperation with the UN, is usually held once every five years and represents the most important meeting of parliamentary leaders from around the world. The central theme of this year was global inter-parliamentary cooperation.

“We cannot call our world truly just while millions of people continue to live in oppression. Strengthening the role of parliaments, protecting free and democratic elections and ensuring the independence of the judiciary are the cornerstones of stability. Only if citizens trust their institutions will they choose dialogue over violence, hope over despair and cooperation over conflict,” said the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová, in her speech.

The World Conference was preceded by the 15th Summit of Speakers of Parliaments. In their speeches, they focused primarily on the issue of the safety of women and girls in contemporary armed conflicts and wars.

“One of the most horrific impacts of Putin’s barbaric war is the twenty thousand Ukrainian children who have been unlawfully deported or forcibly taken from their homes by Russian forces. As women in top parliamentary positions, we have a moral responsibility to speak out and act. Our country will continue to support Ukraine, including addressing the urgent needs of the most vulnerable,” emphasized the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová.

Sumatran tiger Achilles during one of the first trips to the outdoor enclosure of the Pavilion of Predators and Reptiles. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Prague Zoo introduced a new male Sumatran tiger. Nine-year-old Achilles arrived from the English Howletts Wild Animal Park to join four-year-old female Surya, with whom he could father cubs in Prague. The London native is a charismatic beast – he likes to observe his surroundings from elevated platforms, he backs up into the water when bathing so as not to get his front paws wet, and according to his former keepers, he likes the scent of Chanel Coco perfume best of all. Above all, however, he is Prague’s hope for the reproduction of the critically endangered tiger subspecies.

“Achilles is a beautiful and promising male Sumatran tiger; exactly the kind of person we were looking for our Surya within the European breeding program. He is still getting used to his new home, but from now, he can be seen in the Predators and Reptiles Pavilion. Surya will soon be in heat, and that is when our new pair of tigers could meet for the first time,” says Prague Zoo Director Miroslav Bobek.

Achilles “hunts” his gift in the form of food enrichment – a willow wicker deer filled with meat. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Achilles was born on June 27, 2016 in London as the younger brother of the tigress Cinta, who is also known to visitors to Prague Zoo. Since 2018, he has lived in Howletts Wild Animal Park, from where he arrived in Prague this June. He then underwent mandatory quarantine upon arrival. Today, he was welcomed with a willow wicker doe stuffed with meat.

“This is a calm male who has lived with females in the past, but has never produced offspring. The problem was allegedly in both cases in the health of the female. He should be able to breed with Surya, who has also not had a cub yet. It is high time for her to do so,” says mammal curator Pavel Brandl.

Achilles is still getting used to his new environment. His adaptation is taking place slowly, but peacefully. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

There are only 128 purebred Sumatran tigers registered within the European Association of Zoological Gardens (EAZA). Only twelve cubs have been born in the last year, so the hopes placed in Achilles are highly justified.

In addition to the aforementioned qualities, Achilles is very inquisitive and gentle, but he will not deny the beast if it has to share food. He prefers to enjoy beef or venison and is particularly fond of heart, liver and kidneys. On the other hand, he does not like goat meat and absolutely hates poultry. It enjoys tearing meat hanging from a rope, the aforementioned perfume enrichment, and in the summer it likes to sunbathe while cooling itself with bloody popsicles.

The Sumatran tiger is the smallest living tiger, usually growing to a weight of 90 to 120 kg. It is the last surviving representative of the “island tigers” from Indonesia, which used to live on Sumatra, Java, and Bali. While tigers on Java and Bali were exterminated in the last century, the only tigers on Sumatra have survived to the present day. Estimates of their number are difficult, averaging between 400 and 600 individuals. Their population is still declining at a rate of about 10% per decade.

The Sumatran tiger Achilles likes to explore the vegetation in the enclosure and also loves the raised wooden bunks, from which he has a good view of the surroundings. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

The greatest threat to Sumatran tigers is the conversion of their natural habitat to oil palm or acacia plantations and hunting, which involves both direct poaching of the tigers themselves for their skin or bones, and the reduction of their prey. These are ungulates – sambar deer, wild boars, muntjacs and other species of animals including macaques and porcupines. Sumatran tigers are also victims of conflicts with farmers.

Prague Zoo has been breeding tigers almost since its beginning. A year after its opening, in 1932, a hybrid of an Ussuri and Bengal tiger, a male Bengali, and a female Indian tiger Mitau, arrived from the Hagenbeck Circus. The first Sumatran tigers inhabited the Prague Zoo in 1958, and the first cub was born here in 1971.

The nine-year-old Sumatran tiger Achilles is a great hope for the Prague breeding of this rare subspecies. It is difficult to predict, but if all goes well, the four-year-old Surya could become pregnant this year. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Photo: René Volfík, iROZHLAS.cz

Prague Pride is a week-long festival that is soon to begin on July 28th. In addition to the pride parade through the city on Saturday 2nd, the festival offers a rich programme of cultural and social events, from film screenings to picnics in the park. Danny Bate spoke to Lenka Hronová, parade production lead and head of production for Prague Pride, about the programme.

How many years has the Prague Pride Festival now been happening?.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Photo: René Volfík, iROZHLAS.cz

For Lenka Králová, a transgender woman, podcaster, and activist, Prague Pride is the most important event of the year. She says the annual parade and week‑long festival show that “there is nothing to be afraid of” when it comes to LGBT+ visibility. In an interview with RPI, she shares why she believes Pride still matters and what visitors can expect this year.

For many in Czechia’s LGBTQ+ community, Prague Pride has become a key moment of visibility, celebration, and solidarity.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Khalil Baalbaki, Czech Radio

At the presidential summer residence in Lány, an envelope thought to contain the last words of first Czechoslovak President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk will be opened on September 19th. Current President Petr Pavel will attend the ceremony, revealing the contents of the never-before-seen letter.

The envelope with the “President liberator’s” message, has been in the hands of the Czech National Archive since 2005.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Jana Volková, Czech Radio

The 110th World Esperanto Congress is taking place from July 26th to August 2nd in the Moravian capital of Brno. This celebration of the international auxiliary language offers a diverse programme of activities for over a thousand attendees. To learn about the congress and the historical connections between Esperanto and the Czech lands, Danny Bate spoke to Marek Blahuš, a computer scientist at Masaryk University, polyglot and devoted Esperantist.

How large is the Esperanto-speaking community in Czechia?.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Prague Castle Administration

The Theresian Institution of Noble Ladies takes up approximately one-fifth of Prague Castle’s panorama. Its roof and façade are now set to undergo reconstruction, as part of a 180 million crown plan – the largest investment at the Prague Castle in the last two decades. The works should be completed by 2026.

According to the Prague Castle Administration, the Institute is now entering the second stage of renovations, which will bring the most apparent visual changes.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: archive of Palacký University

The flickering lights of fireflies used to be a familiar part of summer nights in the countryside. Yet these elusive insects are disappearing, along with many others. To raise awareness about fireflies and the challenges they face, the Czech Entomological Society named them Insect of the Year 2025. I spoke with entomologist Tomáš Dvořák from the Czech University of Life Sciences about what makes fireflies so special.

First of all, why did the Czech Entomological Society choose the firefly as the Insect of the Year for 2025?.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

The zoo in the Moravian city of Olomouc is located just outside the city on Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill). One of its priorities is the preservation of endangered species like the Rothschild giraffes. But visitors can also take a safari train ride into the enclosures of kangaroos or wolves. Members of our team visited the site to find out more.

The black-and-white ruffed lemurs are one of several lemur species kept at Zoo Olomouc.

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Author: Till Janzer

Photo: ČTK / imago stock&people / Hindustan Times

President Petr Pavel on July 27th paid a personal visit to the Dalai Lama, who is celebrating his 90th birthday. The Chinese embassy has expressed its disapproval of the meeting.

On Sunday 27th, on his journey home after a busy presidential trip to Japan, Petr Pavel stopped off in India, where he met with the Dalai Lama.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Ondřej Hájek, ČTK

The oldest known group photograph in Czechia, and possibly the world, is housed at Velké Březno Chateau near Ústí nad Labem. Taken in 1839, the daguerreotype features the aristocratic family of Count Karel Chotek along with relatives and friends. The historic image was recently added to UNESCO’s national Memory of the World register.

Karel Chotek was a high-ranking nobleman who served as the Supreme Burgrave of the Kingdom of Bohemia, one of the most influential positions in the country at the time.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Petr Sznapka, ČTK

Central Europe, including Czechia, is experiencing unusually cold and rainy weather this summer, thanks to a high pressure area that has settled over northern Scandinavia.

July temperatures in the country are even lower than currently reported from Norway or even Greenland.

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Source: ‘Zakázaný Bůh: Likvidace’ / Czech Television

In the summer of 1950, the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia launched Operation Ř, a targeted campaign aimed at the liquidation of female religious orders. Nuns were forcibly evicted from convents, separated by age, and transported to factories and remote locations, where they were forced to work under horrific conditions.

Seventy-five years ago, in July 1950, the Czechoslovak regime launched Operation Ř.

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Photo: Mirekwanek, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

One of Czechia’s most respected alternative bands, Už jsme doma, are celebrating their 40th anniversary this July. The avant-garde punk group, which rose to prominence after the Velvet Revolution in 1989, marks the event with a special concert this Tuesday at Prague’s Lucerna Music Bar. To mark the occasion, we’ll be playing some of the biggest hits from their long and rich career.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: StockSnap, Pixabay, Pixabay License

Moving away from traditional forms of propaganda aimed at eulogizing its political regime, China is now hiring influencers to bolster its image abroad. The Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS), which conducted the investigation, found that in Central Europe, Czechia is the country most targeted by China on social media, with two known state-paid bloggers.

The targeted media strategy of the Chinese government in Central Europe, including Czechia, dates back to 2013 when state-funded news outlet CRI launched its Czech-language service, first out of the V4 countries.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo illustrative: Lars S. Madsen, Alamy / Profimedia

Conservationists have spotted golden jackals in the protected landscape of Pálava in southern Moravia, capturing them on a camera trap. These wild canids have already been recorded in other parts of Czechia, and experts say their numbers are likely to grow.

Jackals are medium-sized, long-legged animals with long muzzles, bushy tails, and erect, pointed ears.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International

Writer-director Dužan Duong made a big splash at this month’s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival with his debut Summer School, 2001. Dubbed the “first Czech-Viet” movie, it recreates aspects of the 34-year-old’s own childhood, much of which was spent around an outdoor market near the border with Germany. When we met recently the conversation took in the making of Duong’s breakout film, his own background and Czechia’s large and thriving Vietnamese community.

You moved here to Czechia at the age of four.

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Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: archive of Czech Ministry of Culture

The ashes of Czech author Milan Kundera and his wife Věra will be buried in the “Circle of Honour” at Brno’s Central Cemetery. On Wednesday, the city council revealed the levitating tombstone design, which should be ready by the end of July 2026.

The appearance of the grave was the subject of an international design competition.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Isabella Fattore, Radio Prague International

Two hours away from the hustle and bustle of Prague, there lies a quaint village called Horažďovice, and just a short drive away, there lies an even quainter farm, where its inhabitants grow much more than crops. On the spot of land that once housed the local flour mill, where centuries of villagers used to gather to process their grain, something else is now thriving – art.

This place is called ArtMill, center for regenerative arts, where a community of artists, farmers, and activists work together with the local ecosystem.

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On the occasion of the National Day of the Arab Republic of Egypt (Anniversary of the Revolution of July 1952), H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Mostafa AFIFI, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, hosted a reception at the beautiful residence garden in Prague- Vinohrady.

The honored speaker was Mr. Jiří Kozák, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

Watch the video with the speech of H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Mostafa AFIFI, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Czech Republic, and Mr. Jiří Kozák, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, and highlights from the culture program.

On the occasion of the 215^th anniversary of the Independence of Colombia, and in gratitude for your support in the process of opening the Embassy of Colombia in the Czech Republic, H.E. Mrs. Solangel Ortiz Mejía, hosted an event at the Hotel NH Collection Prague Carlo IV.

Watch the video with the speech of H.E. Mrs. Solangel Ortiz Mejía, the Ambassador of Colombia to the Czech Republic, and highlights from the culture program.

Happy Independence Day, Colombia – Feliz Día de la Independencia, Colombia

On the Occasion of the 98th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. FENG Biao, and the Defense Attaché of the People’s Republic of China, Senior Colonel JIANG Lei, hosted a reception at the Chinese Embassy in Prague.

The honored guest was Colonel (GS) Jan Husak, Ph.D., director of the Foreign Activities at the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic.

Watch the Video with the speech of Senior Colonel JIANG Lei, the Defense Attaché of the People’s Republic of China to the Czech Republic.

Photo: Michal Kamaryt, ČTK

Heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22nd, at the age of 76. The frontman of Black Sabbath leaves behind a lasting impact on music and culture, no less so in Czechia. Local stars drew inspiration from the band’s legendary hits, as Czech fans of the rock singer continue to celebrate his memorable performances both on and off stage.

Ozzy Osbourne’s Black Sabbath was formed in 1968, the very same year Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia and crushed the Prague Spring liberalization movement.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Miroslav Duschek, Czech Radio

Each summer, the UNESCO-listed village of Holašovice in South Bohemia transforms into a lively celebration of Czech heritage. Thousands of visitors come for the Peasant Festival, where handmade crafts, folk music, and traditional costumes take center stage. And at the end of August, the historic village green will host a unique outdoor performance of Smetana’s opera The Bartered Bride.

Nestled just 20 kilometers west of České Budějovice and not far from Český Krumlov, the picturesque village of Holašovice is a perfectly preserved example of South Bohemian folk baroque architecture.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Jana Karasová, Czech Radio

Beer is famously one of Czechia’s top exports with a great deal of historical, cultural, and economic significance. Along with the beverage itself, the distribution of ingredients and diffusion of know-how has allowed brewers from all corners of the world to take a stab at their own Czech-style lager. As it turns out, with remarkable success.

The art of Czech beer-making has left a visible global impression, whether it be on artisanal microbreweries or on large industrial productions.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International

In this episode of Prague Off the Beaten Track, we visit Kajetánka—a hidden gem in Prague 6 that once housed a monastery and vineyard. Today it’s a peaceful park with historic surroundings and hardly any tourists. If you’re looking for a quiet place to wander or have a picnic, this might be your new favorite spot.

When you step into Kajetánka in Prague 6, it’s hard to believe you’re still in a European capital.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Vladislava Wildová, Czech Radio

The Hrádek u Nechanic Castle, a national cultural monument, is often referred to as a piece of England in eastern Bohemia. This charming building was constructed between 1839 and 1857 by František Arnošt, Count of Harrach, a member of the Jilemnice family line.

The romantic neo-Gothic building resembles a stone butterfly with outstretched wings.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Martin Balucha, Czech Radio

For the 14th year in a row, the glass trophies for the winners of the Tour de France were made by Czech company Lasvit. Though the shape remains unchanged since 2011, each edition brings fresh innovations—this year with a new emerald green glass and a crystal ring embedded into the design. Designed by Slovak-born Peter Olah, the trophies are produced in the Ajeto glassworks in Lindava and reflect a fusion of tradition and cutting-edge craftsmanship.

The collaboration between Lasvit and the Tour de France began in 2011 thanks to a personal connection between Peter Olah and the Czech company based in Nový Bor.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Lucie Suchánková Hochmanová, Czech Radio

The increasing cost of living is changing the appetites of Czech home buyers. In their search for flats, a growing number are now considering the purchase of micro-apartments – sized between 16 and 30 square meters. In the last quartile, demand skyrocketed by 56% according to an analysis by real-estate platform Sreality.cz.

The demand for more frugal living comes amid a continuing inflation of housing costs, and time is of the essence for many buyers.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

The zoo in Zlín, eastern Moravia, is one of the most visited in Czechia. Highlights include its ray petting pool and jaguar feeding. A rescue centre for illegally captive lions is also soon to open on the vast site. RPI’s Ferdinand Hauser visited Zlín Zoo and learned about the institution’s attractions and conservation programmes for our series Protecting endangered species: stories from Czech zoos.

A Wednesday morning at Zlín Zoo.

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Author: Ferdinand Hauser

Photo: klimkin, Pixabay, Pixabay License

The 36th annual Czech Open Chess and Games Festival is well underway and will run until August 3. Around four thousand players from almost all over the world will compete there. In addition to chess, registered competitors will also take part in checkers, Scrabble, Rubik’s Cube solving, and more.

The 36th edition of the Czech Open International Chess and Games Festival, which is taking place from July 17 to August 3 at Ideon, has approximately 4,000 registered attendees.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Katarína Hudačinová, Kunsthalle Praha

An exhibition titled The Call of the Forest, currently on display at Prague’s Kunsthalle, invites visitors to leave behind the noise of the city and step into the quiet, contemplative world of the forest. Created by the Czech-born, New York-based artist duo Kristýna and Marek Milde, it explores the deep and often overlooked connection between people and trees.

Developed over the course of more than two years, The Call of the Forest includes a selection of new, ongoing and earlier works spanning animation, installation, sculpture, and sound.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Jana Samcová, Czech Army

The new SPYDER air defense system, ordered from Israel four years ago for nearly 14 billion crowns, promises longer range, missiles targeting multiple objectives, and a technological leap for the Czech army. It is expected to be ready for the autumn military trials.

The SPYDER system for the Czech army, which can shoot down enemy aircraft, larger drones, or cruise missiles, is nearly ready.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Radek Petrášek, ČTK

A two-day event on July 19th and 20th called Pod praporem Bergowa (‘Under the banner of Bergow’) attracted hundreds of fans of the popular computer game to Trosky Castle. Visitors could visit a period camp, take pictures with replica weapons, or have refreshments in a medieval field kitchen.

The ruins of the castle in the Bohemian Paradise natural region (Český ráj) play a crucial role in the popular game.

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Photo: Dominik Jůn, Radio Prague International

Josef “Pepa” Vomáčka is a Prague-based bon vivant and “man about town” – a renowned and much-beloved figure across the Czech capital’s cultural scene. Pepa turned 80 this month and Dominik Jůn spoke to several of his friends and associates to mark the occasion:

It is not an exaggeration to say that no Prague gala opening, or premiere, or “večírek” or “vernisáž” is truly considered complete these days without Pepa Vomáčka’s gregarious presence.

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Author: Dominik Jůn

Photo: APF Czech Radio

The atmosphere across Czechoslovakia immediately after World War II was full of tension, pain and a desire for revenge. Yet the public attitudes of the political leaders of the time also fundamentally influenced the direction of the country – and their attitudes were not peaceable and forgiving.

On April 17th 1945, the Košice government called on citizens to take ruthless revenge against the “German executioner’s assistants”.

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons, public domain

In today’s edition of our Sunday Music Show, we highlight the compositions of František Ignác Tůma, a Czech composer from the late Baroque period known for creating some of the era’s most imaginative works.

František Ignác Tůma spent most of his life in Vienna, initially serving as music director for Franz Joseph, Count Kinsky, and later holding a similar position for the widow of Emperor Charles VI.

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Photo: Xavier Amedeo Pallas, Radio Prague International

Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský symbolically received a collection of art pieces from Jan Masaryk’s former London residence, on Thursday afternoon. The roughly 30 works of art were bought out at auction by one of Masaryk’s former secretaries, after his tragic death in 1948. Radio Prague International spoke to Ivan Dubovický, host of the ceremony and cultural anthropologist at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

After more than 75 years in private possession, Jan Masaryk’s London apartment art collection has now been donated to the Czech state.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Hana Řeháková, Radio Prague International

Three years after a devastating fire stopped the popular boat trips down the river Kamenice, boating through Edmund’s Gorge is set to recommence on July 19th. The initial trips will be limited to a maximum of fifty people daily.

Bohemian Switzerland is the magnificent national park that sits on Czechia’s northwest border with Germany.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International

US academic Chad Bryant explores the recent history of Prague through the prism of diverse personalities in a book just launched in Czech. Prague: Belonging in the Modern City blends the stories of socialists, dissidents, Jews, Germans and Vietnamese with fascinating facts about the development of the metropolis from the late days of the Habsburg Empire to the present time. I spoke to Bryant when he was in town for the launch of the Czech translation.

You’re a professor of history at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

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Author: Ian Willoughby

On the occasion of French National Day, celebrated on July 14 as a commemoration of the 1789 Bastille Day, H.E. Mr. Stéphane Crouzat, Ambassador of France to the Czech Republic, and Ms. Jennifer Zeitlin-Crouzat hosted a special reception at the beautiful garden of Palais Buquoy, the French Embassy in Prague.

The honored guest was the President of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Petr Pavel.

Watch the speech of H.E. Mr. Stéphane Crouzat, Ambassador of France to the Czech Republic, and of the President of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Petr Pavel. And highlights from the culture program.

Happy National Day, France – Bonne Fête Nationale, France

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Indonesia and the Czech Republic, H.E. Mrs. Rina P. Soemarno, the Ambassador of Indonesia to the Czech Republic, organized a Celebratory Concert of the Trinity Youth Symphony Orchestra. At the beautiful Národní Dům Na Vinohradech.

The honored speaker was Mr. Eduard Hulicius, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

Trinity Youth Symphony Orchestra (TRUST) is a non-profit organization under the tutelage of Trinity Optima Production, one of Indonesia’s leading recording labels, as part of their corporate social responsibility program, and is directed by Dr. Nathania Karina as their music director and resident conductor. TRUST has over 150 members, consisting of Jakarta’s finest young talents, ranging from 10 to 35 years old, and holds at least three public concerts every year.

Watch the speeches of H.E. Mrs. Rina P. Soemarno, the Ambassador of Indonesia to the Czech Republic, Mr. Eduard Hulicius, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, and highlights from the concert of TRUST with the Soprano Bronislava Smrzova Tomanova, and under the conductor of Dr. Nathania Karina.

Ms. Indhira Banares, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Philippines in the Czech Republic, is leaving us after 6 successful years for her next position.

We wish Indhira a lot of success in her new position. We will miss her and hope to meet her again soon.

President Petr Pavel will meet with Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Japan next week, the Office of the President of the Republic informed journalists on Wednesday.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Purida Buranond, Radio Prague International

From traditional Thai massage studios to cultural festivals, Thai nationals are quietly establishing a foothold in the Czech Republic. Though still a small community, their presence is growing – and with it, a vibrant effort to keep Thai culture alive far from home.

This growing presence made me reflect on my own journey.

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Photo: Kateřina Kohoutová, Czech Radio

The Krkonoše National Park in the northeast of Czechia is facing a serious challenge: an invasive plant known as lupine is taking over its meadows. To combat the spread, park authorities recently called on visitors for help, encouraging them to pick the plants while they are still in bloom.

Lupinus polyphyllus, or large-leaved lupine, is native to North America.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Adam Pluhař, Technical University of Liberec

At the Technical University of Liberec, a T-shirt has been developed with the ability to identify micro-sleep thanks to sensors in the fabric that detect slow breathing. With a connected alarm system in place, the innovation aims to combat the effects of driver fatigue, which causes up to one fifth of all road accidents according to experts.

Author of the breakthrough garment is Michal Martinka from the University’s Department of Clothing Technology.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Colours of Ostrava

Colours of Ostrava, the biggest international music festival in Czechia, is this year bringing Iggy Pop, Sting, Snow Patrol, The Chainsmokers and many more acts to the Silesian city. Before the 2025 edition’s start on July 16th, Danny Bate spoke to the festival’s spokesman, Ondřej Bambas, to find out more.

Colours of Ostrava, this incredible festival that gets larger every year, has been going on now since 2002.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Kristýna Rothová, ZOO Plzeň

Lemurs that survive only near a remote lake in Madagascar, snakes that hunt with spider-shaped tails, fish from Mexico extinct in the wild, and solitary Indian rhinos. These are just some of the rare and endangered species visitors can see at the nearly 100-year-old Pilsen Zoo and Botanical Garden. We went there to speak to the animal’s caretakers.

The zoo currently houses over 1,100 species, with around 6,500 animals, attracting about half a million visitors annually.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Joe Cavaretta, Polaris / Profimedia

Ice hockey’s pre-eminent trophy is travelling through the hometowns of last seasons’ winning squad, the Florida Panthers. Its stops will also include Pardubice, the birthplace of Tomáš Nosek, and Havlíčkův Brod, where Vítek Vaněček hails from. The Stanley Cup’s victory tour last came to Czechia with Plzeň-born Pavel Francouz in 2022.

Last month, the Florida Panthers secured their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory, and it was not without Czech contribution.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Illustrative photo: Erin_Hinterland, Pixabay, Pixabay License

The Czech Senate has approved a major reform of the country’s criminal code, including a significant shift in drug policy. Key changes include looser rules on cannabis possession and home cultivation, as well as the medical legalization of so-called magic mushrooms.

To discuss its impact, I spoke with Jindřich Vobořil, former national anti-drug coordinator and current chairman of the Rational Addiction Policy think tank.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Source: Atelier HRA

Giant mirrors made of polished sheet metal will decorate the entrance to the Žižkov Tunnel on Tachov Square from September.

A popular piece of Prague architecture is the tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists that runs under Vítkov Hill, connecting the districts of Žižkov and Karlín.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Václav Šálek, ČTK

A hundred years after her discovery, hundreds of people in Pasohlávky near Brno watched the inflation of the eight-metre model of the Venus of Dolní Věstonice.

The small statue is one of the most famous and most significant finds ever unearthed in the Czech lands.

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Photo: Film Servis Festival Karlovy Vary

The main prize at this year’s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival was won by Better Go Mad in the Wild by Slovak director Miro Remo. During Saturday’s closing ceremony other top prizes went to filmmakers from states ranging from Iran to Bangladesh.

The Grand Prix Crystal Globe at the 59th Karlovy Vary was won by Better Go Mad in the Wild, a portrait of eccentric Czech twins living in isolation in the countryside.

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Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Anaïs Raimbault, Radio Prague International

The annual festival of street art called Za dveřmi, or Behind the Door, is currently underway in Prague, filling the city with acrobats, musicians, actors, and jugglers.

The main festival venue is once again located in Holešovická tržnice, with additional stages at Mariánské náměstí, Holport Holešovice, and, for the first time, also on Štvanice Island.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Illustrative photo: Honza Ptáček, Radio Prague International

Foreigners make up approximately 25% of Prague’s population, and that number is expected to increase. But is the city building fast enough to meet demand? I spoke with Zdeňka Havlová, a researcher at the Prague Institute of Planning and Development (IPR Prague), to figure out how many new units Prague needs to build to meet this demand, and more.

There are about 350,000 foreigners living in Prague as of 2025.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Julie Suchá, Czech Radio

Dozens of medical students from around the world gathered in Pilsen this summer to take part in an intensive course in experimental surgery. The program gives them valuable hands-on-training in a wide range of surgical techniques performed on live pigs.

The International Summer School of Experimental Surgery, organized by the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, is now in its twelfth year and more competitive than ever: out of nearly 70 applicants, only 33 were accepted.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Eva Kézrová, Czech Radio

A group of researchers at the Czech Academy of Sciences developed a method of recycling rare earth minerals used in batteries for electronic vehicles. China has long been considered to hold a monopoly over mining and refining these elements. With this new discovery, Czech scientists pave the way for a potentially more sustainable and independent practice within Europe.

Research at the IOCB – Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry – focused primarily on neodymium magnets, the strongest permanent magnets known, commonly used in cars, phones and turbines.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas, Eva Kézrová

Photo: Famózní Pes/YouTube

A brand new psychological horror game titled “Brno Transit” is in the works at the studio of Czech game developer Spytihněv. Scheduled to come out at the end of 2025, the computer game simulates the experience of an apprentice metro driver in a fictional setting of the Brno subway.

Brno Transit promises a distinctively simple aesthetic, reminiscent of early-2000s graphics that often resurface in horror games.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas

Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International

They’re in the middle of Prague’s historic core, yet many visitors never set foot on them. This episode of Prague off the Beaten Track takes you to two islands, nestled in the Vltava River, that are easily overlooked green spaces that offer history, views, and a welcome escape from the city’s busy streets.

You don’t have to leave Prague’s historic core to get off the beaten track.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Michal Bernátek, Brno Observatory and Planetarium

The annual Festival of Planets in Brno has unveiled a brand-new inflated planetary model: the Lithosphere – a vision of Earth stripped of its water. It reveals the ocean floors and shows the tectonic plates on which the continents rest.

The Festival of Planets, established in 2019, is a hugely popular annual event organized by the Brno Observatory that draws science fans from around the country and beyond.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Tomáš Vodňanský, Czech Radio

The historic building of Prague’s main train station is one of Czechia’s foremost Art Nouveau landmarks. Reconstruction has been ongoing here since 2021, and is now nearing completion with its southern wing also set for a revamp. This includes halls and lounges used by emperors, presidents, and other state officials.

The structure, also referred to as the Fanta building, after its architect Josef Fanta, replaced the original Neo-Renaissance train station in 1909.

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Author: Xavier Amedeo Pallas