Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, lies in the heart of Europe and ranks amongst the most impressive historical cities in the world. The city has always played an important part in the history of the nation, country and Europe. Since medieval times, Prague has been distinguished as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Prague is not only a centre of cultural movements dating back for centuries (Art from every period in history can be found here), it also exhibits a unique collection of historical monuments, dominated by Prague Castle.

Since 1992, the historical core of the city (866 hectares) has been listed in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Register as a town with a unique and lively blend of Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau and Cubist architecture. Prague was one of nine European cities awarded the title European City of Culture in 2000. Prague has around 1.2 million inhabitants. Since May 1st , 2004 the Czech Republic has been a member of the European Union. Prague remains the greatest tourist magnet.

Among many historic and cultural attractions the most important and interesting are:

• The Prague Castle with the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral
• The Charles Bridge from 1357
• The Baroque Saint Nicholas Church
• The Astronomical Clock on the Old Town City Hall at the Old Town Square
• The Gothic Church of Our Lady before Tyn  at the Old Town Square
• The Gothic Old New Synagogue of 1270
• The Old Jewish Cemetery
• The Powder Tower, Gothic tower of the old city walls
• The Neo-Renaissance National Museum with large scientific and historical collections
• The National Theatre with golden roof, at the banks of the Vltava River

For more information, visit the website www.praguewelcome.cz.