The emergence of the Czech state. All about the Czech Republic

Entities of the Czech State

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1.3 Formation of the Czech State

Slavic population in the territory of the Czech Republic Frankish chronicles of the XI century. Designated by the term "bohemians" Several tribes settled here. Czechs lived in the Prague Basin, in the region of the city of Zatec - Luchians, in the north of the Czech Republic - Lemuzy, in the region of Melnik - Litomerzhitsy and Pshovans, in the Eastern part of the Czech Republic - Harvats, in the southern part - Dulebs.

In the X - XI centuries. among these tribes, the tribal system is disintegrating and Rennefeudal relations are being formed. Tribal leaders, nobles and other powerful personalities seized common tribal property and, with the help of squads, turned entire villages, clans, tribes into their property and forced them to work for themselves and maintain their yards and squads.

The feudal lords were also constantly at war with each other, trying to annex neighboring territories, thus, the unification of territorial and ethnic units took place, this process was especially intensive in Central Bohemia, where the princes of the Přemyslid dynasty ruled.

Speaking of the Premyslians, we can say that the dynasty originates in Great Moravia at the end of the 9th and beginning of the 10th centuries. The first mention in the sources of a prince of this kind (872) was Prince Borzhivoi, to whom the Czechs, Luchians, Lemuzy, Litomerians obeyed.

In 884, Borzhivoy submitted to Svyatopolk of Moravia.

In 885, Borzhivoy and his wife converted to Christianity, because. he understood the importance of Christianity for strengthening power.

In 895 Bohemia became part of Moravia.

After the great Moravia fell (906), its tribes and the principalities that were part of it began to separate and form independent associations. The Czech Republic - fighting for its independence, fought more than once with the weakened Moravia. After the collapse, the Czech Republic became economically stronger than it was under the rule of the Mojmirovichs and part of the rule of the Přemyslid dynasty.

Prince Borzhivom is mentioned in the chronicle of Kozma of Prague, written in 1102. There is no complete certainty that the chronicle is telling the truth, since Kozma collected information two hundred years ago and the likelihood that many of the data may be unreliable and non-existent is quite high.

After the reign of Borzhivy, the Czech Republic was ruled by his grandson Vaclav. In later historiography, Wenceslas is very popular. He ruled from 921 to 935, planting Christianity in his country, exacting ordinary requisitions from his subjects, and conducting armed conflicts with opponents.

The fact is that at that time elements of paganism were still strong in the country. As a result of a conspiracy in 935, Wenceslas was killed, and subsequently canonized as a martyr for the Christian faith.

Boleslav I, having ascended the throne, refused to pay tribute to the German king and for 14 years successfully repelled the onslaught of Otto I. However, in 950 Boleslav nevertheless recognized dependence on the German king and helped him defeat the Hungarians and annex Silesia and the Principality of the Vislans to his possessions with Krakow. There is also information in some sources that Boleslav took possession of Moravia and part of Slovakia.

Inside the country, Boleslav introduced a new coin - a silver denarius, which lasted until 1300.

Under Boleslav I and his successors, the system of state administration changed significantly. Tribal leaders and elders of the clans, if they did not obey the prince, were exterminated. The state was divided into regions governed from princely castles, where, in addition to service people, headed by the burggrave, there was a garrison and servants.

Decrees emanating from the Prague Castle, which was the center of the Czech Republic, were in force throughout the country.

The prince appointed his warriors to important administrative positions - the chief burggrave, the supreme chancellor, the chief clerk, etc., rewarding them with lands with peasants, villages, fortresses, which they first used as fief possessions, and then began to be inherited. This is how the feudal class was formed.

The first state tax "tribute from the world" was established and zemstvo duties were established.

Bolesław I decided to establish the Prague Bishopric, but died in 972 before he could fulfill his intention.

The prince was his son Bolesław II, who received official regalia for the bishop of the Prague diocese in 973.

The bishopric strengthened the power of the Přemyslids, and the church completely submitted to the prince. He appointed and dismissed priests, collected church tithes from believers, founded three monasteries and was called "Pious".

Military campaigns Boleslav II captured part of the Upper Puddle and Galician land.

In the center of the Bohemian basin stood the castle of Libice, where the political center began to take shape. The castle was owned by Prince Slavnik, who considered himself equal in nobility to the Přemyslids and did not obey them. He also, like Boleslav, minted his own coin and independently established relations with foreign rulers.

The Přemyslids saw this as a threat. In 982, a conflict arose between the Přemyslids and Slavnikovs.

In 995, the squad of Boleslav II captured Libice, destroying the Slavnikovs, Boleslav II united the entire Czech Republic under the rule of the Přemyslids.

He was succeeded by Boleslav III (999 - 1003), under which the Czech state entered a period of crisis.

The German emperor Henry II forced the Czech prince to recognize vassalage.

And the Czech prince Vratislav II (1061-1092) for loyalty to Emperor Henry II received the title of king, however, without the right to inherit.

In the XI century. the early feudal centralization of the Czech state weakened, the country entered a period of feudal fragmentation. The territory of the state broke up into extreme. The center of each extreme was a city. All the main judicial, administrative and financial positions in the management of the extreme were in the hands of local landowners, in whose favor special incomes were received. Local feudal lords also made up the military militia. They also discussed the affairs of the extreme at the extreme congresses (regional diets). All positions in the central government and the court were also replaced by the feudal nobility. The princes of the Czech Republic were powerless to resolve issues of war, peace or finance without the feudal nobility, who sat in the diets and in the council under the prince. The 11th-13th centuries were a time when the feudal property of large and small landowners, as well as churches, continued to expand and strengthen. Already in the X century. the right to use wastelands and forests, including the clearing of novi and the founding of new villages, depended on the feudal lords. Founding these villages, the feudal lords populated them with dependent peasants and forbade the neighboring population from using communal lands. Free Peasants - Grandfathers Soviet Historical Encyclopedia. -- M.: Soviet Encyclopedia. Ed. E. M. Zhukova. 1973-1982, who owned land plots on the basis of inheritance law and occupied by their specific gravity at the beginning of the 11th century. still a prominent place among the peasants, were thereby placed in a hopeless situation. Ruined as a result of the prohibition to use communal lands, the dedics became dependent on the feudal lords, to whom they were obliged to pay all kinds of dues. An important role in the ruin and enslavement of the grandfathers was also played by the direct seizure of their lands by feudal lords and forcible enslavement.

However, the specific system in the country is not being developed. By the end of the XII century. the Moravian Margrave and the Bishop of Prague were again forced to acknowledge their submission to the Bohemian crown. Fragmentation manifested itself not so much in the direct disintegration of the state into politically separate parts, but in the growth of the privileges of the aristocracy and the entire nobility. The feudal lords secured hereditary rights to lands, expanded immunity privileges, etc. The most concessions were wrested from the central government Catholic Church: the subordination of the clergy only to the church court, the right to tithe, etc. An indicator of the increased importance of the Czech Republic in international affairs was the receipt by the prince of the royal title in 1158. The emperor's supreme power over the Czech king was minimal. Relations developed in different ways - from alliances to military conflicts, which went with varying degrees of success. But in general, they were more like a relationship between partners than overlord and vassal. The Imperial Golden Bull of 1212 recognized the special status of the Czech Republic and the Holy Roman Empire: the Czech representatives were required to attend only those Reichstags that convened near the borders of the kingdom; if the dynasty fades away, the Czechs have the right to elect a king themselves, without outside interference, and so on.

The descendants of Vratislav were already fighting for the throne. At the same time, the Czech Republic's fief relations with the empire had a number of features. Imperial laws were not in force in the Czech Republic, but the empire recognized as the rulers of the country only those persons who were elected by the combatants and who had real power.

The end of the XII century was marked by a period of decline not only of the Czech state, but also of the German Empire, which allowed the Czech state to maintain its independence.

In 1306, the Přemyslid dynasty died out, the Czech feudal lords elected John of Luxembourg (1310-1346) as king, obtaining a number of new privileges from him, including exemption from regular taxes. In 1317, the powers of the established at the end of the 13th century were expanded and strengthened. estate representation - the Sejm, in which the nobility, clergy and cities were represented.

Chapter 2. Development of law in the Czech Republic during the Middle Ages

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Czech Česká republika

Czech Republic - video

The total area of ​​the country is approximately 79 thousand square kilometers. Large "water arteries" of the Czech Republic - the rivers Laba, Vltava, Morava, Odra. The relief of the country is dominated mainly by low mountain ranges. The highest point is Mount Snezhna, which is a little over 1,600 meters above sea level.

The Czech Republic has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold and very humid winters. Due to the fact that the territory of the country is surrounded on all sides by mountains, the weather here is quite stable. IN winter period the mountains are covered with stable snow cover, so many popular ski resorts are open at this time.

The population of the country is approximately 10.5 million people. Of these, 95% are native Czechs, and the remaining 5% are immigrants. Among foreigners there are Ukrainians, Slovaks, Vietnamese, Russians, Germans, Gypsies and Hungarians. Religiously, there are both believers and atheists in the Czech Republic. Among believing citizens, the largest group of co-religionists is Catholics, the second largest group is Protestants. There are also followers who support the Czech Reformed Church (separated from the Vatican in the 20s of the last century). On the territory of the state, they mainly speak Czech, but Russian can also be used as a literary language.

In the Czech Republic, the development of industry is at a fairly high level. The machine-building industry, metallurgy, fuel and energy, light, chemical and food industries are the most developed here.

The monetary unit of the Czech Republic is the crown. After the collapse of Czechoslovakia, the value of the crown on the world market fell markedly, but this moment its course has grown significantly, unlike some other monetary units post-Soviet states.

A number of humanitarian organizations operate in the Czech Republic. For example, the Czech Red Cross is an organization that focuses mainly on providing social and medical assistance to the population of the country.

Sports are good in the Czech Republic. The national football team is famous for its achievements in Europe. Well, of course, the country's hockey team is also known all over the world - one of the strongest teams on the planet. Until recently, the republic was a leader among not only European, but also world countries in such a sport as decathlon. Also here, athletes show excellent results in sports such as rowing and tennis.

Sights of the Czech Republic

One of the many attractions in the Czech Republic is Orlik castle, built in the 13th century as a small fortress to defend the crossing of the Vltava River. By appearance The castle resembles an eagle's nest and is located on top of a high cliff.

The largest collection of tapestries, the armory, which displays medieval tools, can be seen in castle Hluboka over the Vltava. Around the castle there is a beautiful english park with small hunting lodges. The castle with a park is the most famous and visited attraction in the Czech Republic.

At the intersection of two largest rivers Czech Republic Labe and Vltava on the territory of an ancient Slavic fortress is located Melnik castle, which was built by representatives of the Přemyslid family. Subsequently, the castle became the residence of the chosen ones of Czech nobles.

40 kilometers from the capital of the Czech Republic is Dobris castle built in the eighteenth century in the Gothic style. This is one of the most famous royal hunting castles.

Another attraction of the Czech Republic is Cesky Sternberk - castle, built in the first half of the XIII century and to this day is the property of the descendants of its founders.

In the northern part of the country is natural Park, which is called Czech Switzerland . This is a natural park where there is everything for a wonderful holiday and travel - a dense forest, high cliffs, deep canyons and fast mountain rivers.

Another natural park is located in the northeast of the Czech Republic and is called Czech paradise. The area of ​​the park is about 95 square kilometers. The shape of the Bohemian Paradise resembles an isosceles triangle with the cities of Jicin, Turnov, Mlada Boleslav at its peaks. Since 1954, the reserve has been under state protection. The name of the park was given by the tourists themselves, who visit it with pleasure. Here you can go rafting down a mountain river, ride a horse or go along tourist routes.

1. The time difference between Czech cities and Moscow is 3 hours. The days off of the week are Saturday and Sunday.

2. Czechs are a people who are not averse to having a good time on holidays. When traveling around the cities of the Czech Republic, keep in mind that it is customary to celebrate such holidays as Czech Independence Day (October 28), Statehood Day (September 28), Saints Cyril and Methodius Day (July 5) and Jan Hus Day (July 6).

3. In the cities of the republic it is forbidden to leave garbage on the streets. If you do not follow this rule, you may be punished with a large monetary fine.

4. In major cities bars, cafes and restaurants open at 9 am and close at 11 pm. In small towns, these establishments can start working from 11 or 12 noon. Shops in the Czech Republic are open from 8 am to 5 pm, and supermarkets are usually open around the clock.

5. Tourists in the Czech Republic should pay special attention to the fact that here, when meeting, a woman is the first to give a hand to a man, and also male representatives should be the first to enter the open door.

6. In cafes or restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip in the amount of 5-10% of the total order value. You can also leave a small amount of money for the guide or taxi driver. If you are not satisfied with the quality of the service provided, you can not leave a tip - in the Czech Republic this is considered the norm.

7. Czech taxis are among the most expensive among Eastern European countries. Be careful when paying with drivers - they can take advantage of the passenger's inattention and incorrectly give change.

8. In the Czech Republic, every small village brews its own beer, so there are a lot of beers here. Experienced lovers of this foamy drink advise taking the first sip as large as possible in order to feel all the subtleties of the beer taste and aroma.

9. People living in the Czech Republic are very fond of animals. Almost every Czech family has its own pet. Special bins for animals have been installed on the streets - thus, local authorities monitor the cleanliness of the sidewalks.

10. Tourists should always carry an identity document with them, as representatives of the local police may at any time require it to be presented. If you are traveling within the city, then a copy of such a document will suffice.

Czech Republic on the map

The Czech Republic is one of the most interesting tourist centers in Europe. The average income from tourism here reaches 5.5% of GDP, and no wonder - in a relatively small area there is a huge number of cultural and historical monuments of different eras.

The country from time immemorial lay at the intersections trade routes, which allowed her to absorb a great many unique traditions, brightness and unusual music schools.

Amazing nature and mild continental climate allow you to find here thousands of opportunities for an unforgettable vacation.

Climate and weather

As in any other country located in the center of Europe, the climate in the Czech Republic is temperate. Light frosts are possible only in winter. Little snow falls, which will serve as a guarantee of the absence of slush in the off-season. However, in the mountains there will be plenty of snowdrifts for winter sports - snow lies in ski resorts for about six months. Summers in the Czech Republic are usually warm.

Nature

The nature of the Czech Republic will easily surprise even the most experienced tourist with its incredible diversity. The borders of the country are represented by a chain of impenetrable mountain ranges. Traveling deep into the Czech Republic, one can observe mountain passes of unique beauty, replaced by vineyards, and endless meadows with crystal lakes. In short, the Czech Republic is ideal for lovers of sweet romance.

Attractions

The sights of the Czech Republic are really diverse. It is not surprising that it is among the ten most visited countries in the world. It has everything that the soul of an inquisitive tourist can aspire to: ancient cities with memorable architecture, magnificent nature, reserves and unique healing springs… It is pointless to list all the sights of this country - it can take several days. Let's try to briefly dwell on the most popular.

Prague. The capital of the Czech Republic has every right to be called the main attraction of this country, because it is the most beautiful city in the world. " Old city» is the most attractive sector of the capital for tourists. It is in it that most of the attractions are located, the most popular of which are:

• Prague Castle,
• jewish quarter,
• golden duck,
• St. Vitus Cathedral,
• astronomical clock in the town hall.

Kutna Hora is another city on the must-see list. When locals say "Kutná Hora", they first of all mean Church of All Saints. In this peculiar church, the symbol of the city, the remains of about 40 thousand people have been preserved.

When choosing a tour to this country, do not forget about Brno! This is the second largest city in the Czech Republic, the main attraction of which is Church of St. John. This ancient building is remarkable in that it houses an old, but still noteworthy organ. And the painted ceilings of the church are still his unique feature. In addition to the above church, it is worth visiting the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, Capuchin Square, the Old Town Hall and Spielberg.

Karlovy Vary- worldwide famous resort, where for many centuries the entire Czech nobility improved their health. Two large factories are also located here - Jan Becher and Krusovice. Is it worth introducing the drinks they produce - Karlovska Becherovka and the delicious beer Krusovice?

Nutrition

There is something to try in the Czech Republic! Czech cuisine is really hearty and very varied. In a whole network of restaurants nestled along Prague's cobbled streets, you are sure to find a dish that will suit your taste. These are various varieties of fried meat, and fragrant sausages, and liver pates that melt in your mouth ... In Czech menu there are also baked fish and juicy vegetable salads. Does it make sense to talk about the famous Czech beer? This national intoxicating drink should be singled out in order to reveal this topic as much as possible.

Accommodation

Like any other country open to tourists, the Czech Republic has to offer huge selection variety of hotels. Starting from the heart of the country, Prague, and to the very borders, a whole network stretches hotels, hotel complexes, and villas And apartments suitable for rent. By the way, rental accommodation is considered the most acceptable for tourists. Many travel companies offer a wide range of services for booking both small provincial houses and luxury apartments in the center of the capital. Walls steeped in history will tell you more than neat, freshly painted and well-groomed hotel rooms.

Entertainment and recreation

Agritourism. This type of entertainment was born relatively recently, but has already gained enviable popularity among sophisticated and not very tourists. In the Czech Republic, only foreigners adhere to the strategy of rest on farms, among which houses in the border region with Austria and Germany are more in demand.

By the way, Czech farmers make every effort to make such a holiday as comfortable and interesting as possible. Fishing, camping, hiking or horseback riding... There are even luxury farms equipped with tennis courts, their own golf courses and other entertainment unusual for the province.

Water tourism. The Czech Republic can also offer excellent water recreation. Rich in deep crystal clear lakes, it will allow you to go yachting, boating, rafting, canoeing, water skiing and even plunge into the world of windsurfing. In addition, the Czech Republic is true paradise for lovers of fishing. There are enough rivers and lakes on the territory of the country, ideal for professional fishing.

Children's rest. The Prague Zoo is the most popular among the most young tourists. The institution is located in one of the most prestigious districts of Prague - in Three. Here, wildlife lovers will be able to observe exotic animals for this area. Elephants and hippos, tigers and cheetahs, harbor seals and giant tortoises, giraffes and other equally amazing species are displayed behind an ornate fence. Prague Zoo.

Winter recreation is a real pearl in the sea of ​​what tour operators can offer you here. The Czech Republic has an amazing number of sports centers that can give you the opportunity to try your hand at skiing and snowboarding. Most Popular ski resorts in the Czech Republic today is Spindleruv, Giant Mountains, Harrachov And Mlyn.

Purchases

Going to the Czech Republic, do not forget to calculate the budget for shopping trips. This is fully amazing country can offer you a really wide selection of luxury boutiques and branded clothing stores. Fans of "wild" shopping will appreciate the whole network of discounters with European perfumes and cosmetics. In addition, the country still has small and cozy shops, coffee houses and bakeries that attract with national flavor.

Traditional souvenirs for tourists are considered to be bohemian crystal, lace, beer mugs, embroidered clothes.

Transport

The most affordable and easiest way to get to the right place here is to take an international or long-distance bus and get on the road. However, it should be noted that European public transport is expensive. By the way, a bus trip from Prague to Brno will cost 5.4 € and take no more than two hours. Same route by train costs a little more - 6.2 € and takes more time - from three hours.

You can book a ticket for a bus or train via the Internet on specialized sites.

Taxi in the Czech Republic are free, from 5 € per 1 km and another 10 € the taxi driver will take for landing.

Connection

Mobile communication in the Czech Republic is no less accessible than in the CIS countries. Optimal for tourists will be cooperation with the operator mobile communications Vodafone. You can buy a SIM card with a balance of 200 crowns for about 8 € at any newsstand.

It should be noted that other operators offer a wider range of services and provide a better service, but have a fairly aggressive price.

Safety

Any, especially novice tourists, should pay attention that money, valuables and documents should be kept in a hotel safe or in a proper bank branch. Despite the fact that the Czech Republic is a safe country, cases of robbery are still possible in it. As a rule, gypsies and laborers trade in such illegal business. In order to protect yourself from such precedents, avoid night walks in the gypsy quarters, and carry photocopies of securities and documents with you.

Recall that the availability of medical and property insurance is mandatory for every tourist entering the country.

Business climate

Modern economic policy in the EU countries involves state intervention in the market environment. It is believed that this contributes to the economic growth of the country. The conditions for business development in the Czech Republic are quite favorable. the government is pursuing a quite adequate policy that does not prevent the emergence of entrepreneurship. One of the most attractive advantages for Czech businessmen is a minimum of bureaucracy. Tax cuts for growing small business owners are another undeniable advantage in this market segment.

Real estate

Real estate in the Czech Republic has become quite attractive for permanent investment. By the way, the cost of a new well-equipped two-room apartment near the center of Prague ranges from 55 to 130 thousand €. Provincial real estate costs a little less, by about 5 thousand €. It is noteworthy that utility bills in the Czech Republic are cheaper than in the CIS countries.

• When buying expensive souvenirs, keep receipts that you will need when crossing the border to prove that you are not exporting antiques.
• The good news is that when you buy more than 100 € in Tax-free Shopping supermarkets, you can get back up to 22% of the amount spent.
• Tipping in the Czech Republic is usually generous - from 10% of the total amount.

Visa Information

The Czech Republic is part of the Schengen countries. If there is a valid Schengen visa on the pages of your passport, you can cross the borders of the country without any obstacles by any type of transport.

Visas to the Czech Republic are divided into three main types: transit, long-term and short-term. A transit visa is issued to people whose purpose is to visit a certain country, which can only be reached through the territory of the Czech Republic. A long-term visa will be required if your task is to stay in the country for a long time. A short-stay visa is the best option for tourist trips.

The package of documents for issuing a visa is standard, however, its submission is carried out only by appointment. The term for issuing a visa is about five working days.

The Embassy of the Czech Republic can be found at: 123056, Moscow, st. Yu.Fuchik, 12/14.

Czech Republic- a state in the center of Europe with a crazy concentration of attractions for one square kilometer in the literal sense of the word.The country borders on Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Poland. Territory Czech Republic is divided into three regions: Bohemia (west), Silesia (northeast), Moravia (east).

Tourist Czech Republic

Most interesting cities Czech Republic
Prague- the capital of the Czech Republic, the most beautiful and romantic city in Europe.
Brno- the largest locality V eastern region Czech Republic(Moravia).
Krumlov- one of the oldest Czech cities, where the castle of the same name is located.
Opava- major city Czech Republic with a high concentration of historical values. It is located almost on the border with Poland.
Karlovy Vary- the highest concentration of health resorts, historical sights and simply beautiful cobbled streets with colorful houses.
Jesenik- a well-known winter resort town.
Kutna Hora- historical value Czech Republic, where the Cathedral of St. Barbara, silver mines and many other interesting buildings are located.
Pilsen- the largest city in the west of the country, the birthplace of the most famous in Russia and not only Pilsner Urquell foamy drink.

Useful information for tourists:
- tips in restaurants, taxi driver and guide are 10% of the check amount
- museums and attractions, where admission is not free, do not work on Mondays and the day after the holidays
- The sale of entrance tickets to the museum ends one hour before the closing of the museum. Almost all museum complexes open from 9 am to 6 pm. Opening hours of the Jewish Museum, located in Prague from Sunday to Friday. Saturday is a day off.
- V Czech Republic it is forbidden to smoke at public transport stops, as well as in the premises of educational institutions, public institutions. For violation of this prohibition, a fine of 1000 kroons
- emergency numbers: fire safety service - 150; health care- 155; police - 156
- there are a lot of ticks in the country - carriers of borreliosis and encephalitis. Local residents try to vaccinate themselves and their loved ones in the spring, and tourists should be extremely careful, choose paved sidewalk paths for walking and avoid lawns and walking on tall grass.
- Czech- a country where it is allowed to carry drugs, but in limited quantities
- do not know Czech or English - you can try to communicate with the locals in Russian, most of the old-timers remember the language perfectly and can speak it fluently with tourists from Russia.

"Mobile" communication in the Czech Republic
IN Czech Republic you can buy a SIM card from the Vodafone mobile operator. The cost of a SIM card is 200 kroons, which are credited immediately to the account (the so-called credit for calls). You can buy a SIM card in Prague in close proximity to Wenceslas Square. Calling to Russia follows the following scheme: +7, then the codecity, then the subscriber's number. IN Czech Republic call code +420. Trafika kiosks are installed in Prague to replenish the account. The nearest such kiosk is located near Wenceslas Square at the Mustek metro station.

Currency transactions in the Czech Republic
The country that is part of the EU has its own currency - Czech crowns. The exchange rate in each bank is different. BUT! You should not be fooled by an attractive exchange rate - most private exchangers set a commission fee for currency exchange, often the commission reaches ten percent of the exchange amount. Usually the commission is indicated on the stand, but it can be written in very small letters, which you can’t immediately make out, and when the exchange has passed, it will be very difficult to return the money back. In many exchangers, far from Czechs work, but people of Asian appearance. Therefore, it is worth, having come to the bank, the first thing to ask about the commission and its percentage. You can exchange currency in any, even a three-star hotel, however, the rate is not very profitable. Also exchange offices work at railway stations, at the airport.In Prague, you can exchange currency at souvenir sellers. Usually, good "currency traders" who will not be deceived and exchanged without any commissions are known by the guides.

Czech traditions and holidays
The formation of the culture of this wonderful country has been going on for several centuries. The traditions of neighboring countries also actively influenced it. Czech Republic countries.
The hospitality of the local people is amazing. Moreover, this is not a simulated quality, the desire to show oneself from the best side. The Czechs are really very friendly, hospitable, constantly smiling and trying to help every tourist who has applied. Many old-timers still remember the Russian language, so it will be easy for a tourist who does not know Czech or English to communicate with a local resident whose age is from 45+. Young people, almost young and old, are fluent in English language, so going on a tour of Czech Republic you can take an English-Russian phrase book with you. In general, the Czech language is not so difficult - before traveling to replenish your vocabulary, you can learn a couple of frequently used phrases in order to feel comfortable and respond with your own courtesy to the courtesy of local residents.
IN Czech Republic love to celebrate holidays. Moreover, it does not matter whether it is a religious event (Catholic or Orthodox) or a secular one.Here's what you should really visit while in Czech Republic, so this is a local wedding, taking place according to all Czech traditions. Impressive and amazing performance!
The Czechs have a special attitude to national holidays - they not only honor them, but also celebrate them according to all traditions and rules. December is one of the busiest months of the year, with Saint Barbara's Day (December 4th), Saint Nicholas' Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
IN Saint Barbara's Day locals cut off a rowan twig and put it in the water. If the branch blooms for Christmas, then the next year will be successful for the family.
St. Nicolas day - it's like International Children's Day, celebrated around the world on June 1, only in Czech. On this day, children's events, matinees, concerts and competitions are held throughout the country.
Christmas traditions
Christmas without carp is not Christmas. It is this opinion that the Czechs hold, who cannot imagine a holiday without carp in any form of cooking. The fish is stewedbaked, stuffed, fried, made aspic. Generally in Czech Republic more than a dozen dishes led by carp. It is believed that every self-respecting housewife should without fail cook this fish for Christmas.
An interesting fact: on the eve of the Catholic holiday, the shops begin an active sale of carp, well-fed, fattened, selected. But he swims in aquariums, barrels, mini-pools, bathtubs right on the street near the entrance to the store. Moreover, the containers with water and fish are not fenced in any way - you can touch, look, get the fish. Many Russian tourists a fish left unattended and properly controlled causes at least surprise and a logical question: "Don't they really steal?". We explain. No. They don't steal. It would never occur to local residents to steal. They have it in their upbringing and mentality. By the way, many shopping centers have self-service terminals for paying for purchased goods. This is done so that a person does not stand idle at the box office, but can independently scan the cost of the goods and make a payment for it. We asked the security service a logical question: “And if they don’t pay for all the goods?”, The security guards answered with a smile: “We trust our customers.” That's it!

How to get to Prague from Moscow

Get to Czech Republic If you have a Schengen visa, it will not be difficult. The country is located on the mainland, not fenced off by seas and oceans, so you can safely travel by car, especially when it comes to residents of Moscow, the Moscow region and other not remote regions.
By private vehicle
You can give yourself a lot of pleasure and go to Czech Republic by private car. The distance from Moscow to Prague is about 1600 kilometers.
By plane
If the principle "quickly and comfortably" applies, then it is optimal to choose an air flight. Fly to Prague (the capital Czech Republic) can be from Moscow in two hours with a "tail". The flight is organized by several airlines: "Aeroflot", " Czech Airlines". Daily from Moscow, these airlines serve up to six flights to Prague and back.
On average, the cost of a ticket in the "peak" season is 9,000 rubles on a direct flight from Moscow to Prague. If you choose the option with a transfer, you can get 1,400 rubles as a "bonus". The only caveat is the increased flight time (minimum - 4 hours, maximum - 19 hours). Therefore, if you want to get to Prague quickly, then the best option would be a direct flight to Prague from Moscow.
The cheapest tickets can be bought in February, June and July.

Transport in the Czech Republic

Urban transport connection
Municipal transport links in the Czech Republic are very well developed, operate smoothly and are in high demand among local residents. For travel by public transport, a single ticket is provided, it is purchased at the box office at metro stations or in special kiosks located at many bus stops.A single ticket allows you to freely travel around the city on any type of public transport. The only condition is the validity period of the travel card, the countdown of which starts from the moment the ticket was validated. The fares are quite affordable. If you plan to travel by metro, by tram toduring the day, it is better to buy a daily pass. By the way, controllers are a regular phenomenon in public transport, and fines for an expired travel card are significant. It's better not to risk it.
Public transport runs exclusively according to the schedule. And for daylight hours - one schedule, and for the night - another. You can get acquainted with the movement of transport literally at every stopping point.
IN Czech Republic intercity transport links are well developed - you can move around the country by rail, by regular buses or by plane.
Rail connection
The cheapest and most comfortable way to get around Czech Republic there will be a railroad. IN Czech Republic well-developed railway communication, led by the management company Ceske Drahy (abbreviation - CD). Trains depart to all regions of the country from Prague several times per hour.
The country has three types of trains running between cities:
- InterCity, EuroCity (sometimes you can see the abbreviation "IC", "EC" on the cars). The fare is not cheap, but it is very comfortable, convenient and fast.
- Rychlik, Express (abbreviation - R, Ex) - the fare is average, the speed of movement is high.
- Osobni (abbreviation - O) - they drive very slowly, but they are also cheap.
Ticket offices at railway stations are open only during the day!
Intercity buses
Bus passenger transportation is well developed in Czech Republic. This method of transportation is used by the locals themselves. There is nothing surprising - dozens of transport companies offer passengers comfortable, convenient, modern buses, on which traveling is a pleasure.
Every city has at least one bus station where you can buy bus tickets. Buses run strictly according to the schedule, and the trip will bring a lot of pleasant emotions and will not tire you in any way.Bus tickets can be purchased from the driver directly at the entrance to the bus or on online services. Seats are not indicated on the tickets, so the passenger can sit anywhere.
The main bus carrier in the Czech Republic is CSAD, which operates both domestic and international flights. In Prague, you can take the bus of this company from the Florenc bus station.You can also contact the CSAD information window, which is open from 6 am to 8 pm on weekdays, on Saturday from 6 am to 4 pm, on Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm. In the information window, you can immediately purchase a ticket for travel.
No less popular in the Czech Republic is a motor transport company that provides bus transportation around the country, Student Agency, vehicles which are characterized by impeccable comfort, as well as incomparable service. By the way, route tickets are often cheaper at Student Agency than with other carriers. Buses leave Prague from the Zlicin metro station. Tickets, where the landing places are indicated, are sold there, in a special kiosk near the metro station.
How much are travel tickets in the Czech Republic
The cost of a ticket is influenced by several factors, firstly, the class of the car, and secondly, the distance. But you can save a lot by purchasing "weekend" travel SONE +. The advantage of this pass is that it allows you to travel around the country on any type of train without restrictions throughout the weekend. By the way, this species travel ticket valid even in areas on the borders of neighboring countries of the Czech Republic. For trips on weekdays, you can buy a Sitova jizdenka ticket.By the way, students have the opportunity to get significant discounts on travel in public transport. Children under the age of six can ride for free. A 50% discount will be given to children under the age of fifteen. And for students, a ticket will cost one and a half times cheaper than for ordinary passengers.
Car rent
During a long stay in Czech Republic The best option would be to rent a vehicle. To rent a car, two conditions are required: age - from 21 years old and driver's license new sample.
Attention! Rules of movement on the roads of the Czech Republic!
Traffic Laws Czech Republic slightly different from the rules established in Russia.
Eg, maximum speed movement in the city - 50 km / h, on the highway - no more than 90 km / h, on high-speed motorways the maximum allowable speed is 130 km / h.In the city, the tram has an advantage while driving, and this must always be remembered - in every city, the tram service is developed with a bang.
For unhindered movement around the country by car (even rented), you must pay a transport tax. You can do this at any gas station, after which you will be issued a special permit card, which must be kept and not lost, but it is best to immediately stick it on the windshield. The coupon is valid for a year. Its absence entails the imposition of a very impressive fine on the driver.
Gas stations are located at the entrance to cities, as well as on highways at a distance of approximately every fifty kilometers. But unlike gas stations in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, operating around the clock, in Czech Republic they are open until nine in the evening and then they close.
Cycling in the Czech Republic
Bicycle riding is very common in Czech Republic. More than 37 thousand kilometers of bicycle paths have been laid across the country. Prague has the largest length of cycling routes. In other regions, there are no fewer bike paths than in Prague. Routes are laid, which locals call "greenway" mainly along reservoirs, rivers, railways. Traveling through Czech Republic By bike, you can explore a lot of historical places, including pilgrimage and trade routes, routes, monuments of architecture and history. You can rent a bike at any of the numerous rental points located literally in every city.

Holidays in the Czech Republic

Czech- a country with incredible tourism potential. Each city is a real treasure of the country. Only Prague with its cobbled streets, breathtaking architectural monuments drives you crazy, and what can we say about Karlovy Vary, Brno, which are beautiful regardless of the time of year and the weather outside the window. Numerous castles, manors, caves deserve special attention, which are unrealistic to explore even for a week-long vacation in the country.

Accommodation in the Czech Republic
The hotel chain is well developed in the country. Moreover, you can stay without fear even in three-star hotels, private boarding houses, renting apartments or apartments. A distinctive feature is the high level of service, regardless of the "star" of the hotel, spacious, comfortable, clean rooms, reasonable prices, even in four and five-star hotels. Most hotels have free Wi-Fi, parking (though paid). For large families with children, it is most profitable to rent apartments. Apartments, even the most presentable, are also distinguished by low cost.

Main Czech sights

Castles of the Czech Republic
This is the main pride of the country - only in the territory Czech Republic there are more than 2.5 thousand castles that have been perfectly preserved to this day! In every region Czech Republic has its own castle attraction, with history, legends.Today, many castles host a variety of festivals, theatrical performances, concerts, costume shows and knightly battles. And each of the events is aimed at revealing the story Czech Republic with its color, features and traditions.

Czech cities according to the Must See principle
IN Czech Republic probably one of the highest concentrations ancient cities which are definitely worth visiting when visiting this wonderful country.
Czech krumlov
One of the most famous cities South Bohemia , where historical buildings in the Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic styles are located. Krumlov Castle is not inferior to Prague Castle in its significance and is included in the UNESCO list. The "Krumlov" ensemble includes more than forty buildings, palaces, five courtyards and a wonderful garden with centuries-old green spaces.
In the immediate vicinity of Krumlov, there is an interesting landmark, opened in 2012 and awarded the title of the best Czech landmark of the new generation - the Observation Tower with a suspended structure made of wood, starting from the ground, stretching over Lake Lipno and rising to the very top of the tower.
Telc - Czech "Venice"
In the region of Moravia there is unique city on the water, surrounded by two artificial reservoirs and a canal. The central object of Telč is considered to be an ancient fortress, built in the Middle Ages and preserved in its almost original form to this day. Arriving in Telč, you should definitely visit the Palace with many halls, distinguished by chic decoration and incredible beauty and entertainment.
Jindrichuv Hradec - acquaintance with the castle of the 13th century
This city is the third largest and most important castle complex, built in the 13th century. The main attraction of the complex is the palace with the most valuable paintings, the church of St. John, the interior of which is decorated with rare frescoes, as well as the Minorite monastery. The city annually hosts festivals of folklore and classical music that are significant for the country.
Brno - the largest concentration of spiritual values
The central object of the city is the Gothic castle of Spielberg, founded in the 13th century and still striking in its charm. The castle is located on the top of the mountain, so the view from its central point is amazing. By the way, the city of Spielberg is depicted on almost all Czech coins.
While in Brno, you should definitely visit the Moravian Gallery - the second largest and most important Czech museum.And in Brno there is a very beautiful Cathedral of St. Paul and Peter, the Catholic Churches of St. Jacob, St. Michael, the majestic Town Hall, the Basilica of the Virgin Mary and many other equally significant historical sights.
Kutna Hora
It was here that active silver mining took place in the 14th century. And in the city there is the famous Chapel of All Saints, built in the 15th century. While in Kutná Hora, you should definitely get acquainted with the Vlašsky Dvor - a complex of buildings dating back to the 13th-14th centuries (it was here that the residence of Czech kings was in the old days). Kutna Hora is also famous for its mint, the Silver Museum located in the Stone Palace, the Cathedral of St. Barbara (outwardly, the cathedral is practically no different from the French Notre Dame de Paris).
Memorial complex "Terezin"
It will be interesting for Russian tourists to visit the Terezin memorial, where during the Second World War there was a Jewish ghetto, in which, according to estimates, there were about 140 thousand people. During the hostilities, only 17 thousand people survived. Terezin was liberated by Soviet troops on May 9, 1945. Terezin today is memorial Complex dedicated to the victims of the concentration camp.

Czech cuisine

National cuisine Czech Republic: not for losing weight and that's a fact! "Puffy" - that's what you can call the kitchen Czech Republic where meat, flour, fried dishes predominate. Portion sizes are a foodie's dream. But with such an abundance of food, its high calorie content, the locals are distinguished by a slender and fit figure! By the way, many Czechs consider most national dishes to be snacks. Yes Yes. It is appetizers for the most important dish, or rather a drink - beer. Brewing is so developed in the Czech Republic that for the production of this foamy drink, the country can be safely recorded on the podium. Hundreds of varieties, flavors and aromas. Delicious beer is served to the table in any restaurant and cafe. Moreover, many tourists note that it is in cafes and bars that the most delicious beer, the most delicious pork knuckle and dumplings are. Therefore, when walking around the Czech city and looking for the "most-very" restaurant, pay attention to the cafe on some quiet street. IN Czech Republic the quality of food, the level of service in the institution, the degree of serving dishes are not determined by the status of the catering establishment.

Shopping in the Czech Republic

Czech one of the most attractive countries for shopaholics after Germany. In every city you can find stores of famous world brands. Pleased with a wide range, reasonable prices. IN Czech Republic the TESCO supermarket chain is well developed, where, by Russian standards, the price tag for most goods and food is simply ridiculous. Be sure to pay attention to the "red price", as you can literally buy excellent things and interior items for next to nothing.
Most retail outlets are open from 9 am to 6 pm. Hypermarkets and grocery stores open until 9pm and open at 6am. On weekends, pre-holiday and holidays, the opening hours of stores are reduced by several hours, but not critically. By the way, many hypermarkets, especially in large cities, operate around the clock.
On the eve of Catholic Christmas, national holidays most boutiques and shopping centers, for example, in the same one in Prague, work as usual. But on Christmas itself, almost everything is closed - the locals really honor this holiday and try, despite the huge flows of tourists, to celebrate the church holiday with their families.

How it all started
The second name of the Czech Republic is Bohemia. It originated from the ancient Celtic tribe of Boi, who inhabited the territory of modern North Bohemia in prehistoric times. Then the Celts were replaced by the German tribes of the Marcomanni, and in the 5th century they were replaced by the Slavs, from whom the modern Czechs descended.
The Slavic state, which reached its peak by the beginning of the 11th century and was called Great Moravia, has a very strange fate. Firstly, none of the historians can say exactly where the capital of this state was located. Secondly, despite the fact that Great Moravia had a rather impressive territory (it included Slovakia, Bohemia, as well as part of present-day Austria and Hungary), by the beginning of the 10th century this state had collapsed. Great Moravia was a Christian country, its baptizers, just like in Rus', were the apostles Cyril and Methodius.

"I see a golden hail!"
Thanks to the efforts of the first Czech princely dynasty, the Přemyslids, in the period from the 10th to the 14th century, a new unification of the country takes place. One of the most significant figures of this dynasty was Prince Wenceslas I, who was later canonized and considered the heavenly patron of the Czech Republic. The emergence of the capital of the Czech state, the city of Prague, is associated with the same period. According to an old legend, this event was predicted by Princess Libuse, the mythological founder of the Přemyslid family. Looking from the steep bank of the Vltava River at the place where Prague is now located, she prophetically exclaimed: “I see a golden city, its glory will ascend to the stars!” Of course, a legend is a legend, and historians, as always, have their own opinion on this issue: they believe that Prague became the capital after Prince Přemyslidovich-Borzevoy moved his residence here.
Despite the fact that Bohemia (namely, as the Czech Republic was called in the old days) had its own princely dynasty, it was part of the German Empire. The situation changed in the second half of the 12th century, during the reign of Prince Přemysl Ottakar II. He managed not only to get out of the subordination of the German Empire and establish autocracy in Bohemia, but also to expand the boundaries of his possessions, adding Austria, Styria, Carinthia and Krajina to the Czech lands. True, the triumph of Přemysl did not last long: the prince died in the war for the German crown that followed these events.

Luxembourg
Following Přemysl Ottakar II, another representative of the Přemyslid family, Prince Wenceslas III, was killed in the Czech city of Olomouc. The dynasty has ceased to exist. The question of who should rule next was soon resolved: in 1310, the wedding of 14-year-old John of Luxembourg took place to the 18-year-old daughter of Wenceslas III Eliska (Elizabeth). Despite his young age, which, however, was in the order of things, John annexed Cheb and a significant part of Silesia to Bohemia. All together, the new regions began to be called the lands of the Czech crown.
John of Luxembourg was a good king, but he had one fatal weakness for himself: he loved to fight. When there were no wars and skirmishes in his own state, he went after them to other countries. Naturally, this passion did not lead to anything good: in 1346, John died at the Battle of Crecy, opposing the British on the side of the French.
The throne passed to John's son Charles IV, who was crowned Holy Roman Emperor. The personality of this ruler is so interesting that it deserves a separate discussion. Charles was a more practical and less ambitious ruler than his father, and took a keen interest in all the political affairs of his country. The biography of Charles IV is full of interesting facts. So, for example, few people know that the Czech king had a completely different name: at birth he was called Wenceslas IV, but since he was brought up at the French court, they began to call him Charles there. Incidentally, this fact is the reason why Charles IV is sometimes confused with his son, also named Wenceslas IV.
Charles IV came to the throne, almost a child. He did not know the Czech language at all, and he was immediately surrounded by many evil advisers who wanted to usurp power, formally leaving the young king to rule. However, despite his age, Karl turned out to be a very subtle and intelligent politician. Having unraveled the plans of his treacherous henchmen, he learned the Czech language in a very short time and took the reins of government into his own hands.
Charles IV is called the father of the Czech people. Indeed, this wise and enlightened ruler did a lot for his country, and the times of his reign became the zenith of the power and prosperity of the Czech Republic. It was under him that the first on the territory Central Europe Charles University, built Charles Bridge and the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, as well as many churches and monasteries throughout the Czech Republic. In those days, Prague was considered the third city of the Christian West after Rome and Constantinople. A gilded plaque on the Old City Hall reads: "Prague the head of the empire." The emperor came up with a plan for the Prague New Town and personally supervised the construction; Karlštejn Castle and Karlovy Vary Spa were also named after Charles IV. Among the merits of Charles should be attributed to the beginning of winemaking in the Czech Republic.

Period of the Hussite Wars
After the death of Charles IV, his eldest son Wenceslas IV became the owner of the Czech crown. The period of his reign was marked by economic, national and religious conflicts. The prerequisites for these conflicts arose under Charles IV. The fact is that, being a very pious person and, moreover, having influential friends in Vatican circles, Charles actively supported the clergy. At the end of his reign, it had such wealth and privileges that it could not but cause discontent among the population of the country.
In order for these public sentiments to develop into something more, an ideological leader was needed. And such a person soon appeared. Jan Hus, a teacher of theology at the University of Prague, became them. In his sermons, which took place in the Bethlehem chapel, Hus condemned the corruption of the clergy, called for depriving the church of its property and subordinating it to secular power, demanded reform of the church, and opposed German dominance in the Czech Republic. Further fate Jan Hus is known to everyone. At first he was excommunicated, but despite this, he continued to secretly preach in Czech towns. Then, by decision of the church council, which was held in the German city of Konstanz, Hus was sentenced to death. The execution of Hus took place on July 6 (now this day is public holiday Czech Republic). Every Czech first-grader knows the last words of the great reformer, which he uttered after last time offered to abandon their ideas: “I will not renounce!” The execution of Jan Hus was the spark that ignited the flames of the 20-year Hussite wars. This revolution left a deep mark on the history of the country, but did not lead to any significant results. By compromising with the Reformationists, the church fulfilled only social, not religious, demands.

Habsburgs
In 1526, Archduke Ferdinand I of Habsburg became King of Bohemia. This dynasty was destined to rule the country until 1918. The emperor who left the most visible and striking mark in the history of the Czech Republic was Rudolf II. Of course, this was a man with an extraordinary and interesting character. He kept a lion as a pet and was an art lover and mystic. Rudolph amassed a very large collection of paintings, including works by the geniuses of the Italian Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael. Rudolf's passion for everything connected with the supernatural led Prague to become the world capital of alchemy for almost thirty years. Magicians and alchemists flocked here from all over Europe in the hope of obtaining the patronage of the emperor.
Rudolf II was the only representative of the Habsburg dynasty who wished to move to Prague (the rest of the Habsburgs ruled the country from Vienna). As once under Charles IV, and during the reign of Rudolf, the capital of the Czech state became the cultural center of the Holy Roman Empire. Many Baroque buildings were built here, including the Loreta Church and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. In 1611, under pressure from relatives, Rudolf II was forced to abdicate in favor of his brother Matthias. The fact is that the emperor suffered from a severe form of syphilis, accompanied by dementia.
Subsequent representatives of the Habsburg family began to pursue a policy of tightening the screws: one after another, all the liberties for which the loyal and democratic Rudolf II was so generous were canceled. In 1618 political situation in the country escalated so much that it resulted in an event called the “Second Prague Window Throwing”: a group of 27 Bohemian nobles threw two imperial governors and their secretaries out of the windows of the royal palace. This uprising was one of the reasons for the beginning of the Thirty Years' War Protestant Bohemia rebelled against Catholic Austria. The decisive battle in this war was the battle of the White Mountain, which the Protestants lost. More than 30,000 Protestant families were forced to leave the country, and Prague for many years turned into a country town. In the history of the Czech Republic, a "dark era" of economic and cultural stagnation began. During this period, the official language of the state becomes German, all key positions in the state pass to the Germans, they also occupy a leading position in the economy. Many Czech nobles and intellectuals are leaving the country.

Awakening the nation
The reign of the Austrian Archduchess Maria Theresa was marked by the awakening of national identity, the whole country was engulfed by peasant uprisings. Under the emperors Joseph II and Leopold II, Czech culture was revived: performances in the Czech language were staged in theaters, and the works of the historian Frantisek Palacky were published. Well aware of the threat created for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Emperor Franz Joseph is trying to stop the revolutionary mood in the country, but he fails to do so.

World War I and the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
Already during the First World War, such prominent political figures of the Czech Republic as T. Masaryk, E. Beneš and M. Stefanik found refuge first in Switzerland and then in Paris. They manage to convince the allies of the need to create an independent Slavic state between Germany and Austria.
At the end of the war, on October 28, 1918, a significant event took place: the Czechoslovak Republic was proclaimed in Prague. On November 14 of the same year, its first president, Tomasz Masaryk, was elected. In 1935, Eduard Benes replaced him in this post.

The Second World War
However, the newly formed state did not last long. After the conclusion of the so-called Munich Treaty of 1938, Nazi Germany seized Sudetenland Czechoslovakia, populated mainly by Germans. On March 14, 1939, Slovakia declared its independence, and the very next day, fascist troops invaded the territory of the Czech Republic. More than 300,000 Czechs and Slovaks died in the camps of the Third Reich, and 200,000 Czechoslovak Jews were killed by the invaders.

The period of communism and the "Prague Spring"
On May 5, 1945, the Red Army liberated the Czech Republic from the German invaders. Shortly after the Second World War, the Czechoslovak Republic fell into the sphere of influence of the USSR. The democratic parties failed to resist the communists, who received 40% of the vote in the 1946 elections.
Among the many attempts to reform or improve the communist system was the famous "Prague Spring" (1969): in response to the attempt of the Czech communists, led by Alexander Dubcek, to build "socialism with a human face", the Warsaw Pact countries sent their troops to the territory of Czechoslovakia.

Regime change and the collapse of Czechoslovakia
Mass protests and demonstrations that swept the country in the late 80s of the twentieth century were called the "Velvet Revolution". It was followed by a general strike leading to regime change. The playwright and former dissident Vaclav Havel became the new president of Czechoslovakia.
On January 1, 1993, due to "insurmountable contradictions", the Czechoslovak state was peacefully divided into two independent republics Czech Republic and Slovakia. These states have always adhered to different political courses: while Slovakia was guided by the policy of Moscow, the Czech Republic was equal to European countries. The Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999 and became a member of the EU in 2004. On December 21, 2007, the Czech Republic joined the countries that are members of the Schengen Agreement. This means that with a Czech visa you can freely travel to other cities and towns. European states included in the above agreement. By train or by renting a car. The latter option, of course, is better, because it allows you to independently develop an interesting route option for you, change the scenario during the trip and generally feel free from any schedules and whims of strangers during your own vacation. It is best to drive around Germany and Austria, combining a visit major cities with small provincial in order to fully experience the flavor of local life.