Photo: Archive of Jiří Klůc
Among the lesser-known stories of World War II are those of American soldiers captured after the D-Day landings in Normandy. In June 1944, hundreds of American paratroopers who had jumped behind enemy lines on D-Day, ended up in German captivity. Surprisingly, many of them would later have unexpected connections to Czechoslovakia.
Leonard Gaj currently lives in New York State and recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
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Photo: Hana Řeháková, Radio Prague International
Alois Ullmann was a key figure in the Sudeten German social democratic movement. He fled to Great Britain during the Nazi regime but later returned to Prague. After being imprisoned in concentration camps, he worked to rebuild his party, Seliger Gemeinde, but was thwarted by the expulsion of Sudeten Germans. He later organized the resettlement of Sudeten German anti-fascists, known as “Aktion Ullmann.”
Thomas Oellermann: “When we talk about Czechoslovakia and the Czechoslovak Republic during the interwar period, we are talking about a state with significant minorities, the largest of which was the German minority, known as the Sudeten Germans.
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Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Michal Lukeš, Director General of the National Museum, said that museums need to seek out new themes and innovative ways to present their collections so that visitors enjoy their experience and find information that is interesting and relevant to them.
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Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Mathis Elias-Jean, Radio Prague International
In response to the Czech Railway Administration’s proposal to replace the famous railway bridge over the Vltava at Vyšehrad, an advisory mission of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the International Council on Monuments and Sites visited Prague last December to review the plans themselves. Their report, now published and submitted to the Ministry of Culture, has instead recommended the reconstruction of the listed bridge.
You were previously involved another report about the Vyšehrad bridge.
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Author: Danny Bate
How do plants know how to shape themselves without anyone telling them how? Lukáš Fiedler thinks the answer lies in a powerful plant hormone called auxin. From collecting beetles in a small South Bohemian village to conducting cutting-edge research at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), his journey is fuelled by curiosity about how plant cells communicate, self-organize, and respond to signals.
Watch the new series, Science Without Borders, from Radio Prague International and the Czech Centre Vienna in collaboration with Czexpats in Science and Tschechisches Zentrum Wien.
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Author: Vít Pohanka, Barbora Navrátilová
Photo: Archive of Jan Trčka
As Europe commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, another fierce conflict rages at its borders. Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression, fighting a war that many see as pivotal for the future of European democracy. Among those defending the West’s ideals on Ukrainian soil are Czech volunteers, including Jan Trčka, a legionnaire widely known by his nom de guerre, “Santa.”
Jan Trčka arrived in Ukraine on the third day of the invasion, making him the longest-serving Czech volunteer currently on the frontline.
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Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International
Antonín Kokeš is the man behind Antonínovo pekařství, a successful chain of bakeries. The Moravian-born entrepreneur is also the owner of Albi, a company best-known for the board games that can be found in many Czech homes. We discussed both those businesses and much more at Kokeš’s latest venture, a new branch of Antonín’s Bakery due to open on May 1 in a grand building on Prague’s Náměstí Míru.
You’ve said in the past that your grandfather was your role model in business.
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Author: Ian Willoughby
Photo: Muzeum východních Čech Hradec Králové
Archaeologists in Eastern Bohemia have announced the chance discovery of a rare treasure near the north-eastern town of Trutnov. Hidden in a forest, the 7-kilogram hoard includes nearly four kilos of gold coins, worth over CZK 7.5 million.
The sensational discovery took place in early February when two hikers were walking on the southwest slopes of Zvičina Hill, located at the foothills of the Krkonoše Mountains.
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Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Vít Šimánek, ČTK
The Kbely Aviation Museum is one of the best in Europe thanks to the quality of its collections and the number of exhibits. This year, visitors will see for the first time, among others, the Aero L-29 Delfín, the Mil Mi-8P “Hip” medium multi-role helicopter and the Avia Av-14FG twin-engine propeller aircraft.
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Source: Světozor 22. 5. 1874
U Apolináře Hospital, originally known as the Royal Provincial Maternity Hospital, first opened its doors on April 22, 1875. Designed by renowned architect Josef Hlávka, its iconic red-brick building is one of the oldest maternity hospitals in Europe. Hlávka, known for his attention to detail, designed the facility to be not only functional but also aesthetically striking. The red brick façade lends the building its distinctive historic character.
At the time of its opening, the hospital was designed to handle up to 3,000 births annually.
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Photo: Petr Horník, SOČR
Close to the age of 50, Antonín Dvořák embarked upon a music testimony of his relationship with God and an attempt to answer the most fundamental issues of human existence.
Given the emotional depth of this work, it is somewhat surprising that Dvořák’s decision to write a mass for the dead was not motivated by the death of someone close to him, or by a premonition of his own demise.
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Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Josef Kopecký, Czech Radio
Celtic symbols and festivals remain surprisingly popular in Czechia. But how much did 19th-century historians really know about the ancient Boii who once lived here? František Palacký’s classic history offers a revealing glimpse into early efforts to understand the region’s pre-Slavic past.
The journey begins in the rolling hills near Nasavrky, where a reconstructed Celtic oppidum now stands.
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Author: Vít Pohanka
Source: T Hansen, Pixabay, Pixabay License
With the rise of AI, the European Union introduced regulations to standardize some rules for its use. The so-called Artificial Intelligence Act introduces significant changes for all companies and employers using AI systems across the EU. So, what does this new legislation seek to accomplish, and what is Czechia doing to implement it?
Under the AI Act, it is completely forbidden to use artificial intelligence to manipulate public opinion or to create databases with biometric data, such as people’s facial features.
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Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Škoda Museum
April 1945 marked the final month of Allied bombing raids on Czechoslovakia. Among the targeted cities were Kladno, Chomutov, Karlovy Vary, and most notably Plzeň. In today’s episode of our series How did WWII end in the Czech lands?, we recall the last bombing raids on this West Bohemian city with historian Karel Foud.
Plzeň had been a consistent target of Allied attacks throughout the war due to the presence of the Škoda Works.
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Author: Klára Stejskalová, Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Masaryk University Model United Nations
From April 11–13, one of the largest Model UN (MUN) conferences in the Czech Republic was held in Brno. The event saw approximately 200 participants this year. While there, I spoke with one of the invited speakers, former Slovak ambassador to NATO, Peter Bátor. Acting as the former advisor to the former Slovak president Zuzana Čaputová, among other Slovak presidents, Bátor has years of experience engaging with both Czech and Slovak youth. But how has that changed over the years?
First, let’s talk about the place for young people in politics.
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Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Sekyra Group
Rohan City, a planned neighbourhood east of Prague city centre, is set to include a series of streets that honour both nationally and internationally famous thinkers.
Located on a big bend of the river Vltava, Rohan Island is today an island only in name.
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Author: Magdalena Hrozínková, Danny Bate
The President of the Republic, Petr Pavel, sent a telegram of condolence to the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, on the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Your Eminence,
It is with deep emotion and sorrow that I received the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Pope Francis was a figure of fundamental influence not only for the Catholic Church but for the entire world. His kindness, unwavering commitment to truth, and boundless love for people were a gift to all. He was a respected spiritual leader whose sincerity, strength of spirit, and natural humility touched countless people.
Your Eminence, on behalf of the citizens of the Czech Republic, on my own behalf and on behalf of my wife, I would like to express my most sincere and deepest condolences.
In respect
Petr Pavel
President of the Czech Republic
African brush piglet piglets stand out with their stripes, as is the case with other pig species. Photo Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo
For the first time in the history of Prague Zoo, African bushpigs were born here. A total of three piglets of these Central African forest pigs can be seen in the Dja Reservation pavilion. Eight-year-old female Jasna is taking exemplary care of her young ones born yesterday and regularly breastfeeds them. However, it should be remembered that the piglets have not yet overcome the critical period.
“We promoted African bushpigs as ‘golden piglets’ at Christmas, and now we have their young; for the first time ever at our zoo,” says Prague Zoo Director Miroslav Bobek. “The three ‘golden piglets’ are very active, even digging in the substrate, and arouse extraordinary interest among visitors, which even turns into enthusiasm.”
African bush pigs were bred at Prague Zoo from 2001 to 2016 in the African House, but they were always only males. Breeding was resumed in the Dja Reservation pavilion at the end of 2022, while the Prague Zoo only acquired the female last summer.
Brush piglet piglets often stay close to the exhibition glass, so they can be observed in the Dja Reservation pavilion from a distance of just a few centimeters. Photo Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo
“The male Štěpán and the female Jasna did not hesitate and during their first day together last September, we observed their mating. Thanks to regular weighing, we then discovered that Jasna was continuously gaining weight,” says curator Jan Mengr, adding that the piglets were born directly in the exhibition yesterday shortly after midnight. “The birth went smoothly and we saw them sucking their mother’s milk on the night-time camera footage,” he adds.
Although it is natural for female bush pigs to chase away males before giving birth and to be aggressive towards them, this situation did not occur here. Jasna, on the other hand, tolerates three-year-old Štěpán for now and remains calm even in his presence. Visitors will therefore see the entire family of baboons in the exhibit. The sex of the three cubs is not yet known.
The only change compared to the usual regime is the separation of the troop of Brazza’s monkeys, who normally share the exhibit with the baboons. The monkeys will temporarily use only the outdoor enclosure.
The little “golden piglets” were born at Prague Zoo for the first time. The female gave birth directly in the exhibition and, due to her calm nature, the breeders do not disturb her at all and let the breeding process proceed as naturally as possible. Photo Monika Dolejšová, Prague Zoo
African baboons can be found in the wild in West and Central Africa from Senegal to Uganda in the east and Angola in the south. These brightly colored even-toed ungulates mainly inhabit deciduous and mixed forests up to an altitude of 4,000 m above sea level. They got their name from their elongated earlobes topped with a brush of longer hairs. Although this species is considered relatively abundant, it is also a favorite target of bushmeat hunters. In some countries, it is also persecuted by farmers because it damages their crops. Among other things, the brush pig is also threatened by the loss of natural habitat due to logging and the expansion of human settlement.
Photo: Thorsten Wagner, ČTK / imago stock&people / W2Art
On April 21st, it was announced to the world that Pope Francis had passed away in the Vatican, at the age of 88. Many Czechs have been affected by his death, and political and religious leaders in Czechia have expressed condolences and shared their memories of the late pontiff.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina in 1936, Francis was elected pope in 2013, following the shock resignation of his predecessor, Benedict XVI.
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Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Jolana Nováková, Czech Radio
In memory of victims of excessive speed on Czechia’s roads, the iconic astronomical clock on Prague’s Old Town Square stopped for thirteen minutes on Wednesday morning. Events and meetings across the country are also taking part in the initiative through thirteen-minute postponements.
The astronomical clock, the iconic symbol of Prague that stands on Old Town Square, stopped its ticking for thirteen minutes at 11 AM on April 23rd.
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Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Otto Ballon Mierny, ČTK
Simona Monyová was a successful Czech novelist who authored around thirty hugely popular fiction books for women focusing on interpersonal relationships and domestic violence. It was only after her husband stabbed her to death in 2011 that her readers realized how much of her writing was autobiographical. A film series about her life now aims to highlight the plight of women caught up in a spiral of violence.
Good looking and self-confident, Simona Monyová appeared to be living a success story.
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Author: Daniela Lazarová, Tomáš Kremr
Photo: Tomáš Kremr, Czech Radio
The town of Hrušovany near Brno plans to renovate a unique villa designed by the pioneering modernist architect Adolf Loos. The municipality bought the dilapidated building five years ago, aiming to turn it into a cultural centre. It has now announced a public collection to fund the reconstruction.
Adolf Loos designed the villa in 1914 for Viktor Bauer, the renowned Brno industrialist and the director of the local sugar refinery.
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Author: Ruth Fraňková, Tomáš Kremr
Photo: Thibault Maillet, Radio Prague International
The destruction of monuments during armed conflicts in various countries prompted the National Heritage Institute to take preventive action in the case of Český Krumlov. The Institute has asked UNESCO to register the castle among the cultural assets granted enhanced protection. The nomination was submitted by the Institute in February, and a decision is expected in December.
If the nomination is accepted by the relevant UNESCO committee, the two monuments will be under “enhanced protection in the event of armed conflict” in Czechia.
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Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Petr Sznapka, ČTK
In the village of Lukavec in the Nový Jičín area, fifteen horse riders set out on the traditional Easter Monday ride around newly planted fields. According to an old custom, they asked for blessings for their fields and families.
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Can the social sciences shape international policy? Dagmar Vorlíček believes they must. From researching military institutions in Czechia to studying ethics in health data, her work bridges disciplines and reminds us that taking the human element into account is vital in shaping international policy today.
Watch the new series, Science Without Borders, from Radio Prague International and the Czech Centre Vienna in collaboration with Czexpats in Science and Tschechisches Zentrum Wien.
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Author: Barbora Navrátilová, Vít Pohanka
Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International
Helena Lukas, daughter of the major Czech photographer Jan Lukas, escaped to the West with her family in the mid-1960s. In New York the Lukases were part of a Czech cultural elite in exile that included such names as Jiří Voskovec, Ferdinand Peroutka and Alexander Hackenschmied. Helena Lukas is currently in Czechia preparing an exhibition of her father’s work that will open in the town of Dobrovice next weekend.
Your dad, Jan Lukas, was born in 1915.
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Author: Ian Willoughby
Photo: DPP
Prague’s metro system is, for many people, one of the jewels of the city, and it has fans all over the world. Its three lines (the green A line, the yellow B line and the red C line) are iconic, and they give the impression of being fixed. But what people may not know is that actually plans are in place for a fourth line, the blue-coloured D line. But why? Why does Prague need another metro line?
When did this whole idea of giving the Prague Metro another line originate?.
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Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Masaryk University Model United Nations
Over the weekend, one of the largest Model UN (MUN) conferences in the Czech Republic was held in Brno. The event saw approximately 200 participants this year, doubling in size consecutively from previous years. Typically, similar events are held in capital cities across the world; Brno is leading the charge to show that other cities can hold prominence in political representation.
The Masaryk University Model UN is completely student-run, adding to the uniqueness of the event.
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Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Šárka Rusnáková, Radio Prague International
The popular cruise ship Arnošt of Pardubice is once again taking passengers along the Elbe River after a three-year renovation. The overhaul cost eighteen million crowns.
Last weekend, the eye-catching white and red boat Arnošt of Pardubice returned to the waters of the Elbe (Labe), journeying from Pardubice upstream to Kunětice and then downstream to Srnojedy.
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Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz
Prague’s famous St. Vitus Cathedral, symbol of Czech statehood and home to the Czech crown jewels, is getting a new organ that will better resound through the monumental house of prayer. The instrument, which is being financed from a public collection, will put the finishing touch to the cathedral’s glory more than 700 years after work on it started.
The Cathedral of St.
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Author: Daniela Lazarová
Illustrative photo: Tomáš Adamec, Czech Radio
To mark the opening of the Czech Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Prague has launched a dedicated Japanese-language website aimed at promoting the Czech capital to Japanese travelers.
“In 2024, over 53,000 Japanese tourists came to Prague, which is quite a lot,” says Štěpánka Váchová from Prague City Tourism noting, that this number represents a 29 percent growth year-on-year.
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Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Jan Malý, IPR Praha
Prague is an expanding city. By 2050, projections expect that up to 2 million people could live in Czechia’s capital. To make this transition easier for its residents, the city is investing heavily in its public infrastructure. The latest exhibition at the Center for Architecture and Urban Planning (CAMP) shows the extent to which the city is investing in its future. I spoke with the director at CAMP, Štěpán Bärtl, to find out more.
“So, we’re standing in the middle of a new exhibition called ‘Prague Tomorrow: Connected City.
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Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Source: DendroNetwork
Czech scientists have developed a network of monitoring stations across the country’s forests, allowing researchers, state officials, and foresters to track the health of trees in real time. Their next goal is to expand the system to cover all of Europe.
Since 2016, scientists have been installing special sensors at various sites throughout Czechia.
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Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Embassy of the United States
In May 1945, Western Bohemia was liberated by US forces under the command of General Patton. Few veterans who took part in the liberation effort are still alive to tell the story. Czech historian Jiří Klůc was able to locate a number of them in the United States.
The 97th Infantry Division, nicknamed “Trident division” because of its shoulder patch (a vertical trident in white on a blue background), took part in some of the heaviest fighting involving Western Allied forces in the final weeks of World War II on the territory of Czechoslovakia.
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Photo: The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
BBC Music Magazine announced its annual awards at a gala evening on Wednesday, with the winners chosen by public vote. The Czech Philharmonic took home the Orchestral Award for its recording of Má vlast (My Country) by Bedřich Smetana, conducted by Semyon Bychkov.
The recording of Má vlast was released last March to mark the 200th anniversary of Bedřich Smetana’s birth and the Year of Czech Music 2024.
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Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Miloš Turek, Radio Prague International
Unlike most episodes of Prague Off the Beaten Track, this one doesn’t take you to just one place. Instead, it takes a step back to look at the bigger picture—because before we head out to places like Libeň, Karlín, or Jižní Město, it helps to understand how Prague became what it is today.
The city we know wasn’t built all at once.
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Author: Vít Pohanka
What makes you unique? Scientist Hana Marvanová studies parent-of-origin effects—how the genes we inherit from our mother and father don’t always express equally. As a PhD student at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology in Vienna, she co-authored a paper in Nature hat uncovered a missing piece in this genetic puzzle. But how did she go from studying anthropology to cutting-edge molecular biology? That and more, in our latest Science Without Borders interview!
Watch the new series, Science Without Borders, from Radio Prague International and the Czech Centre Vienna in collaboration with Czexpats in Science and Tschechisches Zentrum Wien.
See more here.
Author: Barbora Navrátilová, Vít Pohanka
Photo: Masarykovo muzeum v Hodoníně
World War II was longer for the Czechs than for most European nations. The Czech lands were occupied by Nazi Germany from as early as March 15, 1939, and the first Czech town was liberated from the Nazis on April 12, 1945, less than a month before the German surrender. That town was Hodonín in South Moravia.
The town of Hodonín, located about 50 km from Brno, lies on the right bank of the Morava River, which forms the Czech-Slovak border in the Lower Morava Valley.
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Author: Libor Kukal, Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Klára Škodová, Czech Radio
This week’s Sunday Music Show is a celebration of a colourful life cut short by illness. After a long battle with cancer, singer Anna Julie Slováčková passed away on April 6th, at the young age of 29. The singer became famous, above all, as a musical performer and actress.
The daughter of actress Dagmar Patrasová and saxophonist Felix Slováček, Anna Slováčková began her career in 2014, appearing in the musical The Snow Queen, in which she starred as Gerda.
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Photo: Budweiser Budvar
In 1895, a significant chapter in the Czech brewing industry began. This distinctly Czech company was established in response to the Czech-German rivalry in Budějovice and the dominance of the German Měšt’anský Pivovar.
Czech national brewers, led by August Zátka, established a brewery that continued the long-standing tradition of Budějovice beer production.
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Photo: František Tichý, Czech Radio
Once the industrial powerhouse of Czechoslovakia, Ostrava is reinventing itself. In the latest episode of Czechast, geographer Jan Hradecký from Ostrava University shares how the city is embracing its industrial heritage while reconnecting with nature.
Ostrava, the third-largest city in Czechia, has long been synonymous with coal, steel, and heavy industry.
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Author: Vít Pohanka
Illustrative photo: Tomáš Adamec, Czech Radio
To mark the opening of the Czech Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Prague has launched a dedicated Japanese-language website aimed at promoting the Czech capital to Japanese travelers.
“In 2024, over 53,000 Japanese tourists came to Prague, which is quite a lot,” says Štěpánka Váchová from Prague City Tourism noting, that this number represents a 29 percent growth year-on-year.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Miloš Turek, Radio Prague International
National park directors are sounding the alarm over amendments to the National Parks Act proposed by MPs. According to them, the amendments would set nature protection back 30 years. The Ministry of the Environment also disagrees with some of the proposals.
Most of the amendments to the National Park Act were put forward by Civic Democrat Member of Parliament Jan Bureš.
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Author: Jakub Ferenčík, Ľubomír Smatana
Photo: Michaela Danelová, iROZHLAS.cz
Prague plans to disallow the parking of shared electric scooters under its upcoming shared transport system. Residents of the city center have long complained about their use, particularly by tourists, leading to the move to drastically limit their use.
Prague has been preparing a new system for regulating shared transport vehicles since 2024.
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Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Archive of Dominik Lutz
Dominik Luks is a top resilience and strength coach who trains MMA fighters and works with Czechia’s top athletes. His desire to overcome limits has led him to break three world records in just over a year.
You could say that Dominik Luks has already reached the top.
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Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International
Perhaps the only time Czech rock bands have made a significant splash internationally was in the early 1990s, when groups like the Ecstasy of St. Theresa were covered in the UK music press. EOST, who made the independent charts in England, were the vanguard of a local iteration of the shoegaze genre then in vogue in London. And that scene is the subject of the new book Šeptej nahlas: Český shoegaze mezi Východem a Západem (Whisper Aloud: Czech Shoegaze Between the East and the West) by music journalist and academic Miloš Hroch. I spoke to the author at our Prague studios.
Miloš, you were born in 1989, pretty much the time that this music genre was starting.
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Author: Ian Willoughby
Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International
Legend has it that eggs were needed for the construction of Charles Bridge. But the people of Velvary brought boiled eggs and became a lasting target of ridicule.
The legend of Charles Bridge, the iconic Prague structure, tells us that eggs were needed for its construction, as they were added to the mortar mixture to strengthen it.
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Author: Barbora Navrátilová
Photo: Petr Neugebauer, FEL ČVUT
In Abu Dhabi, a team of Czech scientists came third at the world’s first racing competition for autonomous drones – drones that fly without direct human control, but rather through on-board programming and AI.
Drones are a common sight these days, usually accompanied by a pilot controlling them from a location on the ground.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Austria-Forum, Wikimedia Commons, public domain
Sloka may seem like a humble Czech word, referring to the verse of a song or a stanza of poem, but it has a very distinct origin. It’s also a testament to how individuals can have a big impact on a language, if the conditions are right.
Josef Jungmann (1773 – 1847) was a leading figure in the Czech National Revival, a movement that wanted to promote and raise up Czech culture, society and language, to counteract the strong influence of German.
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Photo: Prague Beer Fest
Prague Beer Fest is returning for another year, running from midday on Friday 11th of April to midnight on Saturday 12th. Danny Bate spoke to Miroslav Brada from the team behind the festival, to find out what’s new this year and how the international celebration of beer works.
This will be the seventh annual Prague Beer Fest.
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Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International
Jeffrey Martin, a pioneer in the field of 360-degree photography, has been living in Prague for a quarter of a century. Recently his company Mosaic launched a 15-terapixel open-source data set of high resolution street view imagery of the city. How is this incredibly detailed mapping carried out? And who are the many users already accessing the resource, which is free for non-commercial use? I spoke to Martin, who is from the US, in a small park near his office in the Smíchov district.
What brought you to Prague?.
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Author: Ian Willoughby
This year marks the 31st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The commemoration period, known as Kwibuka (Kinyarwanda for “Remembrance”), serves as a time for Rwandans and the global community to come together, reflect on Rwanda’s tragic history, and draw lessons to promote lasting peace both in the region and worldwide.
H.E. Mr. Richard MASOZERA, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Czech Republic organized a Commemoration ceremony at the Chamber of Deputies.
The honor speakers were Ing. Jan Bartošek – Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, And Mr. Jiri Kozak – First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Commemoration was attended by many Ambassadors, diplomats, and friends of Rwanda.
Watch the Video with parts of the Commemoration ceremony.
H.E. Mr. Metin Feyzioğlu, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Czech Republic, and Mrs. Birgül Feyzioğlu hosted, at their beautiful residence a lecture “Istanbul-three Cities, Three Stories” by Lukáš Kubín to discover the ancient world through his eyes, to explore why history matters and to understand the profound importance of Istanbul in shaping our human experience
It was a very interesting lecture in a very friendly and tasty atmosphere.
Watch highlights of the event.
In our Summer Magazine ( June 2025 ), we will bring you a full article written by Lukáš Kubín.
The Czech National Pavilion welcomed an exceptionally rare visitor. The Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visited the Czech Pavilion as the first international pavilion at EXPO 2025. Over the weekend, the World Expo exhibition grounds on Yumeshima Island also opened to the public for the first time ever as part of a trial run for around 90,000 people. Preliminary figures are reported by Japan News. The Czech Pavilion was only open for half a day on Sunday due to the Prime Minister’s visit. Despite this, 10,000 people passed through it in this short time and 1,200 beers were sold within a few hours.
“I am truly delighted that Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba chose the Czech pavilion for his visit, which reflects the theme of sustainability and CLT technologies, the use of which he has long supported in the construction industry. The Prime Minister highlighted the architectural sophistication of the building and expressed his belief that the Czech pavilion will become a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. He also appreciated the rich program of cultural and business events, which he believes will contribute to further deepening cooperation between the Czech Republic and Japan. Finally, he enjoyed traditional Czech cuisine during lunch in the CTP Lounge on the roof of the pavilion, thus concluding his visit,” says Ondřej Soška, the Commissioner General of the Czech participation in EXPO 2025, describing the details of the meeting.
The Prime Minister was accompanied to the visit to the Czech national pavilion by his wife Yoshiko Ishiba, the president of the Japanese construction company Daisue Kazunori Murao, and the Czech Honorary Consul in Sakai Kazumasa Kuzumura. As part of the visitor’s tour (permanent exhibition), the Prime Minister left his signature on the wall as a memento and drew a popular Japanese character, Oba Q, for visitors. He also praised the mascot of the Czech participation, René. Lunch included kulajda, stuffed dumplings with smoked meat, buns with shodó and Pilsner lager.
A test run was also held throughout the EXPO area over the weekend. Thanks to it, the Czechs received valuable feedback from visitors and are working on implementing the suggestions. However, a number of participating countries did not open their pavilions over the weekend because the final inspection had not yet taken place or they had not received the final inspection decision, or they were continuing with preparations for the opening. The Czech Republic received the final inspection decision last week and is in the first half of countries that have a final inspection pavilion, despite the fact that this is an exceptionally demanding construction that has no parallel in Japan. The EXPO 2025 World Exhibition begins on Sunday, April 13, 2025, and will last for the next six months.
About the Czech Pavilion at EXPO 2025
In December 2022, the Office of the Commissioner General announced an open anonymous architectural competition for the design of a national pavilion for EXPO 2025 after more than twenty years. 38 teams applied, from which the expert jury headed by the world-renowned architect Eva Jiřičná selected the winning design in the shape of a glass spiral by Apropos Architects in March 2023. The supporting structure of the building is made of modern wooden panels, while the facade is made of art glass, which has a tradition of several centuries in the Czech Republic. The National Pavilion will offer a dignified backdrop for the Czech participation in EXPO 2025, which will take place from April to October 2025 on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay. The pavilion houses a permanent exhibition, a multifunctional auditorium, facilities for business meetings, restaurants, a CTP lounge, and in front of the pavilion, there is a relaxation area with a sea view for visitors. The pavilion was successfully approved at the beginning of April 2025 and is the largest wooden building of its kind without a metal supporting structure in Japan.
About the Czech participation in EXPO 2025
The Czech Republic will participate in the EXPO world exhibition for the sixth time as an independent state. The position of Commissioner General has been held since September 2022 by Ondřej Soška, who won the tender of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with his concept and theme “Talent and Creativity for Life”. The Czech Republic will present itself in Osaka not only with what the Japanese know very well and have long admired, such as Czech glass and classical music, but also with Czech innovations, nanotechnologies, promising startups and talents from the regions.
More information can be found on the website of the Czech participation in the EXPO 2025 World Exhibition. You can also follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
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Jane Goodall, who celebrated her 91st birthday this month, named Gaia after the Greek goddess of the earth and a young chimpanzee living in Gombe. Today, Gaia is the last animal in a family line that dates back to the very first troop that Jane Goodall studied and became close to in Tanzania in the 1960s. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
On Saturday, April 12, it will be one year since Gaia was born. The name of only the second lowland gorilla cub in the Dja Reservation pavilion was chosen and given last year by world-renowned primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall. Gaia is a tenacious cub, barely a year old, who most often plays with her sister Mobi, who is a quarter of a year older. The celebrations at the Dja Reservation will begin on Saturday at 10 a.m., with Gaia receiving a gift at 3 p.m.
“The birth of both gorilla cubs and Jane Goodall’s visit were extraordinary moments for us. Jane, who, by the way, celebrates her birthday just a few days before Gaia, has left a huge impression on visitors and employees of Prague Zoo. Every time I go to see Gaia, I remember Jane’s enthusiasm and tirelessness. I think that this legacy of hers, which is present here not only in Gaia’s name, is an inspiration to many of us,” says Prague Zoo Director Miroslav Bobek.
Almost a year old, Gaia is already tasting adult food with gusto, while still drinking breast milk from her mother, Kijivu. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Gaia is increasingly confident in walking on the ground and climbing ropes and parkos. When she is not sleeping or resting on her mother Kijiva’s back, she plays with her sister Mobi.
“Unlike the older Mobi, she is more cautious and still stays close to her mother. While Mobi is more like our little devil – Gaia’s little angel,” says Martin Vojáček, head primate keeper. “They wrestle with each other in play and then both laugh loudly with their mouths wide open until all their teeth are visible,” describes Vojáček.
Both cubs can still be easily distinguished. Mobi, who is a quarter of a year older, is bigger and his mother Duni still maintains her “hairstyle” by pulling out hair from her head. Kijivu, on the other hand, does not interfere with her fifth cub for the first time. At first, Gaia caught up with her sister unusually quickly in development and watched all her progress, but recently she has shown a rather mild nature and stands out for her calmness even compared to the previous cubs.
The games of gorilla sisters are currently one of the most attractive spectacles at Prague Zoo. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
In addition to her mother and sister, she has also established a relationship with her father Kisum, who likes to play gently with the cubs, and also with the oldest member of the group, Kamba, who is happy to accept the interest of both cubs. Unlike Mobi, Gaia does not yet seek out play with their roommates – the Cape gerbils.
Although Gaia will be breastfed for approximately three years, she is already happily tasting everything like an adult. “She especially enjoys sweet vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes or carrots. However, she is still reluctant to accept food directly from us keepers. She often sleeps during feeding time. As she grows, however, her habits will gradually change and Gaia will get used to the daily rhythm of life of the entire troop.”
The first cub of the female Kijivu was the famous Moja, the first gorilla born in the Czech Republic. Kijivu is now an experienced and patient mother. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Prague Zoo invites visitors to celebrate Gaia’s first birthday in the Dja Reservation pavilion on Saturday, April 12. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will always be commented meetings with gorillas on the hour, and at 3 p.m., the keepers will prepare special enrichment for the gorillas. In the African class, not only young visitors will be able to make Gaia’s wish and play educational games about the protection of gorillas in Central Africa.
In general, the best time to observe lowland gorillas is around 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when they are feeding. In nice weather, they also visit the outdoor enclosure.
Photo: Post Bellum
Fifty years have passed since Václav Havel wrote his open letter to Gustáv Husák, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, titled “Dear Dr. Husák.” But is the document merely a relic of the past, or does it still hold significance in understanding the former totalitarian regime and the value of democracy today?
The Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes and the Archive of the Security Services hold approximately 21 kilometers of archival materials, managing 755 archival collections.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Václav Pancer, ČTK
The Eggenberg golden carriage, one of the Czech Republic’s rarest historical artefacts, will leave Český Krumlov castle after more than 350 years. It is being loaned to Eggenberg Castle in Graz, Austria where it will be one of the highlights of the Ambition & Illusion exhibition.
The rare golden carriage will leave its home in Český Krumlov to present the Eggenbergs’ legacy on the premises of the family seat.
See more here.
Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Barbora Němcová, Radio Prague International
This year’s season at the state castles, chateaus, and other monuments managed by the National Heritage Institute (NPS) will begin on Saturday, April 5. Visitors can look forward to new guided tours, and, starting in mid-April, Easter traditions and fairs. The 2025 season will be extended through the autumn holidays and will run until November 2. To find out more about what visitors can expect from this year’s season, I spoke with the Institute’s spokeswoman, Blanka Černá.
About one hundred sites across Czechia are opening for this year’s season at the state castles and chateaus.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Juan Muttoni, Radio Prague International
Would you live on a houseboat floating on the Vltava River in Czechia’s capital? Our team visited a couple who are lucky enough to do just that. Join us as we discover this unique experience that Prague has to offer.
The interior of the home is spacious and includes a guest room, a master bedroom, a similarly large bathroom with a shower, and even an internal terrace with a built-in grill.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Petr Kubát, Czech Radio
Pablo Picasso, one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century, is drawing visitors to Český Krumlov. A new exhibition at the Monastery Gallery offers a rare look not only at his artworks but also at the life of the man himself.
Český Krumlov is famous for its picturesque architecture and beautiful cobbled streets.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Ludmila Křesťanová, Czech Radio
Teachers at a Prague primary school are changing how the Czech language is taught to foreign children, and have produced new textbooks that implement their method.
In today’s interconnected and multicultural world, Czech primary schools cannot count on all their young pupils being familiar with the Czech language.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Illustrative photo: U.S. Air Force / Wikimedia Commons, public domain
Allied pilots targeted strategic locations in Czech cities during the Second World War. How do veterans recall these missions? What significance did they hold for them, and how do they view them now? I explore this and more in our next episode of our series on the end of the Second World War.
From 1944 onwards, residents of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia increasingly witnessed Allied bombers in the sky—American bombers by day and British bombers mainly by night.
See more here.
Illustration photo: René Volfík, iROZHLAS.cz
As EXPO 2025 in Osaka opens this coming Sunday, the acclaimed Prague-based contemporary circus company La Putyka is putting the final touches on a unique production for the Czech National Day. Blending tradition, modern performance, and international collaboration, the show Strings will bring together the Czech Philharmonic, the Children’s Choir of Czech Radio, and 150-year-old marionettes from Novák’s family collection.
Czech artists are finalizing plans for their showcase event at EXPO 2025.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: kaicho20, Pixabay, CC0 1.0 DEED
Over 20 organizations, including the Czech office of the World Health Organization and the Czech Medical Chamber, are urging politicians to implement stricter alcohol controls in Czechia. The country has one of the highest alcohol consumption rates in the world, with an alarming 7,000 alcohol-related deaths each year. I spoke with Zsofia Pusztai, head of the WHO’s Czech office, to discuss the reasons behind this appeal.
First of all, why have you decided to issue this appeal for stricter alcohol controls in Czechia?.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
What happens when an elite ruling class suddenly loses its power? Historian Luděk Němec explores the topic of the dramatic transformation of the Czech aristocracy in the 20th century in in Vienna in this episode of Science Without Borders.
In a country where nobility is often viewed with skepticism, historian Luděk Němec uncovers why some noble families remained loyal to Czechoslovakia even after losing everything.
See more here.
Author: Barbora Navrátilová, Vít Pohanka
Photo: Michal Šafařík, Czech Radio
Ten years ago, Kateřina Snopková from Masaryk University’s Faculty of Medicine brought back samples from Antarctica. Now she has announced that they contained a new bacterial species.
Despite the geographical distance, Masaryk University in Brno has a close connection with Antarctica.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Jaroslav Svoboda, ČTK
Various folklore associations across Czechia took part in the traditional ritual of carrying away the Morana on Sunday. In Telč, a two-meter-high figurine, representing the death goddess, was cast into the pond by a vibrant costumed procession. This ancient Slavic pagan ritual marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring, and it continues to be observed in many parts of the country.
See more here.
Photo: CERN
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is the world’s largest laboratory for particle physics. It’s a unique place where scientists from around the globe work together to explore the fundamental mysteries of the universe. In an exclusive interview with Czech Radio, CERN Director-General Fabiola Gianotti spoke about the role of Czech scientists and engineers in this remarkable international collaboration.
CERN is a symbol of international scientific cooperation.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Monkey Business/ YouTube
Monkey Business is a Czech funk and pop band that was formed in Prague in 1999. It is one of the musical projects of multi-instrumentalist and producer Roman Holý. As of 2025, they have released a total of eleven studio albums. For this week’s Sunday Music Show, we will be playing you a range of their tunes.
See more here.
Photo: Paul-Henri Perrain, Radio Prague International
On April 6, 2015, Prague’s metro system took a significant step forward with the opening of four new stations on the A line: Bořislavka, Nádraží Veleslavín, Petřiny, and Nemocnice Motol. This extension greatly improved accessibility to the western parts of the city, offering faster connections for commuters and visitors alike.
The Nemocnice Motol station, located at the western end of the line, became a crucial link for thousands of patients and employees at the largest hospital in Czechia.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International
Born in France, Constantin Kinský studied there, and made a successful career in international finance. But when communism fell in Central and Eastern Europe, Constantin Kinský came back. With his late father, he returned to the family’s ancestral estate in Žďár nad Sázavou — my very own hometown — and set about reclaiming not just a chateau, but a legacy.
This episode of Czechast is about more than history.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Vaiva Bezhan, archive of Reza Bird
Reza Bird, an Iranian-American filmmaker and founder of Nxt Animal Project premiered his documentary Revolution 3.0 at the One World Festival in Prague. The documentary is autobiographical and shows us his journey of exile as an artist in Iran to then forging a new path for himself in L.A. The documentary highlights social media as a tool. Reza, along with other Iranians all over the world, uses social media footage to come together and fight back.
I wanted to ask how you feel about premiering the documentary here for the first time and showing it in front of an audience.
See more here.
Photo: AŽD Praha
The first-ever driverless train in Czechia started operating on the Kopidlno to Dolní Bousov line in the Mladá Boleslav region on Friday. This marks a historic milestone as Europe’s first autonomous train to carry passengers, with the first public rides scheduled to start on Saturday.
Czechia’s ground-breaking driverless train features a Czech-made, specially modified 811 series engine known as Edita.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Salvadori’s monitor lizards command respect, among other things, with their massive heads and strong jaws, equipped with long teeth. Their slender bodies are decorated with a distinctive black-and-yellow pattern. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
The Prague Zoo has recently welcomed Salvadorian monitor lizards. A young couple named Salva and Dorian have taken up residence in the Large Turtle Pavilion, which until recently was inhabited by adolescent Komodo dragons. After 17 years, the giant terrarium has returned to its original purpose and has been transformed into a densely green New Guinean rainforest. This reptile species, which is considered the longest lizard on the planet, is active during the day, so visitors have the opportunity to observe the new monitor lizards throughout the entire opening hours of the Prague Zoo.
Salvadori’s monitor lizards spend most of their lives in the treetops, where they move with surprising agility. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
“Salvadori’s monitor lizards are often cited as the longest lizards in the world. They could even surpass Komodo dragons in length, but the proportions of these slender tree lizards with a very long tail significantly reduce the impression of their massiveness. The traditional 470 cm has not yet been reliably documented, and until that happens, we will be content with stating their length with a more modest, although equally impressive 250 centimeters,” says Petr Velenský, curator of reptiles at Prague Zoo.
Salvadori’s monitor lizards lurk among the branches for prey and seize it with a quick lunge. They mainly hunt smaller mammals and birds, but they also do not disdain carrion or bird eggs. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
The one-year-old cubs of the future tree giants arrived from Fuengirola, Spain, but their total journey was much longer. The resumption of breeding at Prague Zoo is part of the plan of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Reptile Advisory Group (EAZA RTAG) to build a viable European population of this species. Not only Prague Zoo and Bioparc Fuengirola, but also zoos in Marwell, England, and Düsseldorf, Germany, joined forces to organize the transport of nine cubs from the USA, from the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. A European quarantine was held in Spain, and the monitor lizards traveled to their final destinations during March.
“In American farms, Salvadori monitor lizards are more common than in European ones. The arrival of young individuals from the United States is a welcome and important revival of the genetics of local individuals in human care,” explains Velenský.
The very long tail is probably the most distinctive attribute of Salvadori’s monitor lizards. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Although the Salvadori monitor lizard is not considered an endangered species, its population faces threats associated with the destruction of rainforests and the expansion of plantations in New Guinea. Another risk factor is hunting for meat and the illegal trade in animals. This species is still rather rare in zoos, and therefore, in addition to protection, human-assisted breeding also contributes to a better understanding of its biology and ecology.
UN Tourism and the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation of Lithuania have agreed on a shared vision for tourism development in the country for the period 2025–2027. In addition to accelerating digital transformation, innovation, and investments in the sector, the strengthened partnership will also focus on governance and destination management to ensure the continued growth of Lithuanian tourism.
The collaborative plans were set out during an official visit to Vilnius by UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, as he met with Minister of the Economy and Innovation Lukas Savickas, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Julius Pranevičius, members of parliament, and key tourism stakeholders.
“Lithuania has demonstrated remarkable resilience and vision,” said Secretary-General Pololikashvili. “The country’s leadership in innovation and inclusivity sets a strong example for the region and beyond. Our cooperation reflects the shared commitment to building a smarter, more sustainable, and more competitive tourism sector.”
You can read more here: https://www.unwto.org/news/un-tourism-and-lithuania-partner-to-boost-innovation-and-visibility?utm_source=news&utm_medium=crm
Photo: HZS Olomouckého kraje
Czech authorities declared a state of emergency near Hustopeče nad Bečvou on February 28 following a train crash that led to the spread of 1,000 tons of toxic benzene. Olomouc Governor Ladislav Okleštěk stated that the declaration was necessary to expedite the cleanup of the affected soil and water. But what could have been done better in dealing with the disaster?
Czech Environment Minister Petr Hladik commented that the situation at the accident site was worsening quickly.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Copernicus/European Union Space Programme
As the ice on the Lipno Reservoir in South Bohemia has gradually melted over the past few weeks, satellite images have revealed an unexpected sight. The original meander of the Vltava River, known as the “Heart of the Vltava,” has begun to reappear beneath the receding ice, offering a rare glimpse of the river’s natural shape.
The Vltava, often referred to as the Czech national river, is the longest river in Czechia, stretching about 430 kilometres from its spring to its confluence with the Elbe.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration/Wikimedia Commons, public domain
In February and March 1945, the Americans fought a bloody battle for the small Pacific island of Iwo Jima. The island of less than thirty square miles, was strategically located, a crucial “stepping stone” on the way to mainland Japan and securing overall victory in World War II. A number of our compatriots fought in the ranks of the American troops and helped make history.
You have probably seen the iconic photo of the Marines raising the American flag on Iwo Jima, even if you’re not very interested in World War II history.
See more here.
Photo: Jolana Nováková, Czech Radio
Soaring high above Prague’s rooftops, the Žižkov Television Tower is impossible to miss—and just as impossible to categorize. A product of late-communist engineering, this peculiar structure has been called everything from an eyesore to a masterpiece of high-tech design. But what many visitors don’t realize is that inside one of its iconic pods, perched 70 meters above ground, lies one of the city’s most exclusive places to spend the night.
Constructed between 1985 and 1992, the Žižkov TV Tower was originally built to improve broadcast signals in Prague.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Czechia, within the framework of the EU’s Ukraine Facility instrument, is investing 100 million euros (2.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International
Národní is a Czech adjective that translates to ‘national’. Just like in English, underlying the adjective národní is the Czech word for ‘nation’, národ.
English gets the words nation and national from Latin.
See more here.
Photo: Kristýna Maková, Radio Prague International
Every year, on May 1st — the Czech equivalent of Valentine’s Day — couples flock to Prague’s Petřín Hill to kiss beneath the statue of Czech romantic poet Karel Hynek Mácha, author of the iconic epic poem Máj. However, after more than a century, the historic monument is in need of restoration. To support the effort, the Prague City Gallery has launched a public campaign aiming to raise CZK 250,000. I discussed the initiative with Magdalena Juříková, head of the Prague City Gallery.
When was the statue of Karel Hynek Mácha created, and who was involved in its creation?.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Jiří Hofman, Czech Radio
Legiovlak created by the Czechoslovak Legionary Community, is a faithful replica of a legionary train from WWI, when the Czechoslovak Legions were engaged in war operations on the Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia. Over the past ten years, it has attracted over one million visitors.
Best described as a travelling exhibition about Czechoslovak Legionaries in World War I, Legiovlak annually hits the rails in April making stops at towns and cities around the country.
See more here.
Author: Daniela Lazarová
Illustration photo: René Volfík, Czech Radio
Unmanned aerial systems have become central to today’s battlefields, far beyond what many European armies expected. General Roman Hyťha, Director of the Armed Forces Intelligence Division at the General Staff, says the Czech military must adapt quickly—or risk falling behind.
Drones have become omnipresent in the war in Ukraine—used by everyone from small tactical units to top-level commanders.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
In the next episode of our series Science Without Borders, we go to Vienna to talk to Zlata Tabachová on how she uses mathematics and physics to rethink how the fundamental building blocks of society function.
Imagine a world where data helps us solve global challenges like climate change and food waste.
See more here.
Author: Barbora Navrátilová, Vít Pohanka
Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International
As part of our series on women in typically male-dominated professions, we spoke to Gabriela Jílková, one of Czechia’s best racing drivers and currently a development driver for Porsche’s Formula E team. She follows in the footsteps of Eliška Junková, the first woman in history to win a Grand Prix event.
Women in motorsport may not be as visible as men, but they can share the same love for the speed, the noise and the emotions of racing.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, public domain
The name ‘Casanova’ will most likely conjure up an image of an Italian adventurer, having numerous affairs with many women and getting into trouble with the law, not an image of a librarian in northern Bohemia. Yet this is in fact how the famous Venetian Giacomo Casanova ended up and lived out his final years.
To understand how the adventurer became the librarian, and to mark 300 years since Casanova’s birth on April 2nd 1725, Danny Bate spoke to Leo Damrosch, the Ernest Bernbaum Professor of Literature at Harvard University Emeritus, and author of Adventurer, a 2022 biography of Casanova.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic
What does it feel like to float in zero gravity? Thanks to a unique Czech project, 26 students got to find out—on board a specially modified Airbus A310 that performed a series of parabolic maneuvers over Central Europe.
The flight, led by astronaut-in-training Aleš Svoboda and joined by scientists, educators, and public figures, was designed not only to simulate the conditions of space but also to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Luboš Pavlíček, ČTK
The animals competed in several disciplines, trained and accompanied by their owners. Rabbit jumping originated in Sweden thirty years ago and has gradually gained great popularity. Czechia is currently one of Europe’s superpowers in this sport.
See more here.
Photo: Czech Television
Director Martin Dušek’s latest documentary looks at the issue of taste, primarily when it comes to how Czechs handle home construction/renovation and the urban landscape. A DIY approach is deeply ingrained and many refuse to hire architects, regarding their services – says a speaker in the film – as something “extra”. I caught up with Dušek shortly after producer Czech Television broadcast the film, which is called Journey to Disfantasy.
As in some of your previous documentaries, you yourself are an active kind of character in your new film? What is the appeal of that approach, of putting yourself front and centre?.
See more here.
Author: Ian Willoughby
Photo: Zdeněk Trnka, Czech Radio
The next stage of the reconstruction of the town’s House of Culture is taking place in Ostrov near Karlovy Vary. A group of North Bohemian restorers is dismantling unique glass chandeliers from the period of socialist realism. The dismantled luminaires will be transported to the restoration workshops in Nový Bor, where they will undergo thorough renovation.
The chandeliers, designed by architect Jaroslav Kraus, have had a long and turbulent history, during which they have survived numerous changes in political leadership but have also suffered significant damage.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: eSbírky, National Museum in Prague – Historické muzeum, Muzeum dělnického hnutí, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED
There was a time when telegrams were the pinnacle of modern communication. Their era definitively ended on March 31, 2010, when the very last telegram was sent on the territory of the Czech Republic. This historical artefact is now exhibited in the Pelhřimov Museum of Records and Curiosities.
The author of the last message was student Martin Jonáš, who sent the telegram shortly before midnight.
See more here.
In 2024, Czech veterinarians issued passports for around 72,000 dogs, cats, and ferrets, maintaining a steady level compared to 2023.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo repro: Jaromír Marek, ‘Interhelpo’
Czechast with Jaromír Marek, journalist and author who produced a TV documentary and a whole book about a story that takes us far from Central Europe—deep into the heart of Soviet Central Asia, to what is today Kyrgyzstan.
At the end of March of 1925, nearly exactly a hundred years ago that I am recording this episode, hundreds of Czechoslovak men and women packed up their lives and joined a bold, utopian project conceived by the Communist Party.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Klára Stejskalová, Radio Prague International
To get to know the country’s past, while also enjoying a nice day out in pretty surroundings, visiting a Czech castle is a good way to spend time in Czechia – whether you’re here for the first time, or are a long-term resident in search of new weekend plans. So, as Czechia’s historical attractions start to open again for their annual season, here’s our list of top five castles and chateaus that you can easily get to from Prague.
Czechia is a land rich in history, and its many castles are witnesses to that fact.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International
Forget chalkboards and textbooks. In the heart of the Czech Republic, a glowing globe powered by satellite data is transforming science education—one orbit at a time. Using a high-tech globe and real-time data from space, a group of educators in Žatec are helping to see the planet—and science itself—in a whole new way.
Near the historical center of the Czech town of Žatec, known more for hops than for high-tech science, something very interesting is happening.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
On the occasion of the Tunisian National Day, H.E Mrs. Yorsa Souiden, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia in the Czech Republic, hosted an Iftar reception, with special tradition Tunisian food at her beautiful Residence in Prague.
The previous President, Mr. Vaclav Klaus, and his spouse, and Mr. Jiri Kozak – 1st Deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic, were the honored guests.
Watch the video with the speeches of H.E Mrs. Yorsa Souiden, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia in the Czech Republic, and Mr. Jiri Kozak – 1st Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Award Ceremony, and part of the cultural event.
Happy National Day Republic of Tunisia
عيد وطني سعيد للجمهورية التونسية
eid wataniun saeid liljumhuriat altuwnusia
On the occasion of the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, H.E. Ms. Ayesha Ali – The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and her spousehost a reception at the beautiful Kaiserstejnsky Palac in Prague.
Mr. Jan Marian – Deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic, was the honored guest.
Watch the video with the speeches of H.E. Ms. Ayesha Ali – The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and Mr. Jan Marian – the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
Happy National Day Pakistan
پاکستان کا قومی دن مبارک ہو۔
pakistan ka qaumi dan mubark ho.
The collection inspired by Japanese workwear includes a complete set of clothing for the entire staff of the Czech pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Osaka. In these outfits, it will be possible to meet hostesses, restaurant staff, and other staff working in the pavilion. The collection consists of a bomber jacket, shirt, T-shirt, trousers, and apron, complemented by a special silhouette of the Prestige x Jan sneaker and a scarf with the motif of René, the pavilion mascot. It is then colored according to its function – light sand is for hostesses and visitors’ guides (permanent exhibition), and blue is for the gastronomic operation.
“The theme of the Czech participation at EXPO 2025 is Talent and Creativity for Life. I am very happy that we can collaborate with talented professionals from many areas, such as culture, design, art, F&B, or business, to promote the Czech Republic, who have a world reputation and help us present the Czech Republic more than 10,000 kilometers from home. One of such great talented people is Jan Černý, whom I would like to thank very much for the successful design of the uniforms that the staff of the Czech pavilion will wear every day,”comments directly from Osaka, Commissioner General of the Czech participation at EXPO 2025 Ondřej Soška, adding: “Although I told Honza that I would like to follow up on the Olympic collection and Paris and create a similar stir with something extravagant, he did it his own way again. And I am happy that, the uniforms go perfectly with the Japanese environment, respect Japanese minimalism, and are very original at the same time. They also subtly combine the elements that we use for our presentation – the mascot René, the designation of Czech Republic and Bystrém were observed, and the linden leaf from our logo, which refers to our national symbols, cut glass and Japanese origami, cannot be missed,”
Jan Černý approached the design of the collection comprehensively and put together a set that will serve employees in various weather and temperatures that will change in Japan during the six-month EXPO. The entire collection is perfectly combinable, significantly different, and recognizable among other visitors, mainly thanks to its uniform color and large print. Czech Republic on the back.
Thanks to the main inspiration of the collection, which is a dialogue between iconic Czech overalls and Japanese workwear culture, the main material is cotton, which is treated with special enzymes during washing to make it light and comfortable. The Prestige x Jan sneakers made of cognac-colored leather have perforations on the inside of the shoe to ensure ventilation even in higher temperatures.
“During my research, where I was dealing with the Czech culture of dressing, I came across an interesting parallel between our and Japanese culture. I discovered how close our beloved and hated overalls are to Japanese workwear (fashion inspired by workwear, which is very much rooted in the clothing culture in Japan). So, I let these two styles of workwear communicate and speak in my designs. This resulted in these uniforms, which may be reminiscent of Otík’s overalls from the movie My Little Village, the Center. However, when we place them in the international environment of the Expo in Osaka, this reference suddenly disappears, and the workwear silhouettes of my collection take on a completely different meaning. And that is one of the factors that I really enjoy about fashion, how much a change of environment and circumstances can change the meaning of the clothing itself,” summarizes the main inspiration for the collection, founder and creative director of the Jan Société brand Jan Černý.
When examining the collection more closely, it is impossible to miss the embroidered decorations on the chest, which refer to the much-needed pockets on work clothes. Here, however, they are elevated to the status of decor by the fact that the pockets are only slightly embroidered in their silhouettes. The garment is not decorated with artificial ornaments, but with elements that naturally belong to it. On the back, you will find the signature Jan label on all clothing items and also a large inscription Czechia, so we will be recognizable around the Expo area even from a great distance.
The silhouettes are oversized, the same for women and men, and are unexpectedly minimalist compared to Jan’s previous collections. “There’s a reason for that – it’s the focus on muted colors and clean silhouettes that can set us apart from other pavilions, which often choose very distinctively colorful and patterned outfits. Moreover, the Japanese almost never wear patterns, they rely on minimalism and loose silhouettes, and that’s why this Jan Société collection could be a hit,” adds Jan Černý .
The uniform collection is washed and feels human, as if someone has worn them before. Another strong connection to inspiration can be seen in the design of the apron, which, thanks to the cutout at the bottom, resembles the iconic dungarees .
“I am happy that with this collection I can destroy the completely outdated ideas about hostesses at business events, where everyone immediately imagines a young lady in heels and a skimpy mini dress, standing there as a victim at a table for the attention of businessmen. The world really doesn’t work like that anymore, and I myself don’t accept that women should be presented in these inferior roles. At the same time, such an outfit would not only be inappropriate on a global scale, and especially in Japan, but it wouldn’t impress anyone either – the Japanese almost never wear tight clothes, they enjoy the freedom of oversized silhouettes and loose cuts. I think that thanks to the staff dressed in this way, we can also attract visitors and become a memorable pavilion,” adds Jan Černý.
In addition to the collection for the pavilion staff, Jan Černý also designed suits and costumes for the pavilion management. The Jan Société brand is also preparing for Osaka with its own presentation in the form of a conceptual fashion show.
About Jan Černý
Jan Černý is a Czech designer who creates contemporary men’s and genderless fashion with his brand Jan Société . He has already achieved great success at a young age. He completed an internship under the late designer Virgil Abloh at the Louis Vuitton atelier in Paris, was the creative director of the Czech brand Kara , was ranked in the Forbes 30 under 30 list, dressed celebrities such as Barbora Strýcová , Calin , Ben Cristovao and is part of the Czech young cultural scene that shapes the style of the younger generation.
In 2024, he designed the inaugural Olympic collection for Czech athletes, which was ranked among the three best collections in the world by Time magazine thanks to its modern aesthetics and innovative approach.
You can read more about the Czech Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, in our magazine : https://www.czechleaders.com/e-magazines/spring2025-issue/
Photo: Tomáš Fongus, Office of the President of the Republic
Czech President Petr Pavel is convinced that Czech troops should be part of the peacekeeping force in Ukraine after a peace agreement is reached. He said this during an interview with European Pravda, which was published on Saturday. The president also commented on the need to be pragmatic about Ukraine’s security concerns and the ways to think about guaranteeing long-term peace.
In the interview with European Pravda, President Pavel said that Czechia is already participating in the so-called “Coalition of the Willing”—a group of countries that are discussing a possible peacekeeping force on the ground in Ukraine after a full ceasefire is agreed upon.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
