10 interesting facts about the Czech Republic – a country with a rich history and culture

The Czech Republic is a country for everyone. You may be a couple in love, a solo traveler or a retired grandmother, but you will definitely love the Czech Republic. At any time of the year, it is able to surprise and bewitch everyone who is lucky enough to visit its territory.

There are not only standard tourist routes and sights from famous postcards, but also modern places for young people. And also in the Czech Republic there are famous resorts where you can relax not only morally, but also physically.

The history of this country began many years ago. And now everyone has the opportunity to walk around historical places, listening to the stories of the guide, and drinking the famous Czech beer.

For those who want to know more about the Czech Republic, we have prepared the 10 most interesting facts. Visiting a country already knowing some information is much more interesting.

10 Under Charles IV, Prague was the most influential city in Europe

Charles IV – the great king of Bohemia and emperor of Germany. Under his rule, not only Prague, but also many other cities actively grew and developed.. He ruled over 600 years ago, but his merits are still heard by contemporaries.

He significantly expanded the boundaries of the Czech capital and gave rise to the first university in Central Europe. He bestowed various privileges on all merchants who somehow contributed to the development of cities.

9. Prague is home to one of the oldest universities in the world

The greatest Czech king founded one of the oldest universities in the world. In 1348 the doors of the University of Prague opened.. Until now, it remains one of the most popular educational institutions in the world. Today, more than 50 thousand people study there.

Subjects are taught in Czech and English. In Prague, it is most often called Charles University. The place of the rector since 2014 has been taken by Tomasz Zima.

8. There are words in the Czech language that consist only of consonants.

The Czech language itself is very unusual and beautiful. It has incredible words, namely those that consist only of consonants. For Russians and other nations, too, this is unusual.

From these words they made a tongue twister. She writes like this – Stick your finger through the neck, literally translated as “Stick your finger down your throat“. This phrase is very popular in the Czech Republic and is even written on T-shirts. This tongue twister has been present in Czech grammar books since 1852.

But this is not the only tongue twister without consonants. Also known “Fart through the turf, first devour a handful of grains» which translates as “The mole farted across the turf, after first eating a handful of grains.

7. Vltava is the longest river in the country

The length of this river is 433 meters. The river was first mentioned in 872. The roots of the name lie in the Germanic language and translate as “wild water». For the country, this is not just the longest river, it is associated with many historical events..

Its waters are most dangerous during a flood. These days, she turns into an unbridled horse and sweeps away everything in her path. Throughout the river there are incredible landscapes with ancient castles. Many writers and artists come to these places for inspiration and write their brilliant works here.

6. Custom sculptures by David Cherny

Everyone, even the most sophisticated tourists, will have something to see in the Czech Republic. The capital of this country surprises tourists and residents with every corner, house and yard. But it is worth noting the non-standard sculptor – David Cherny, who became famous for his unusual works and won the love of the inhabitants of the whole city..

Each of his sculptures causes a scandal due to provocation and political overtones. Of his popular sculptures, the most famous are: a car on human legs, Baby Babies and pissing men.

You can look at his projects in the Kampa park, on the Zizkov TV tower and other public places. David raises very important questions and asks them to the world through art. He became famous for his courage and wit.

5. The Prague Astronomical Clock is the oldest working astronomical clock in the world.

The tower clock located in Prague is the oldest working astronomical clock in the world.. They are located in the Old Town Hall, on its southern tower.

By the clock, you can specify both modern and sidereal, Babylonian and Old Bohemian time. In addition, the clock face can be used to find out the time of sunrise and sunset, its position and the phase of the moon.

There are very strange figures on the dial of the watch, the strangest of which is the figure of death. In addition to time, you can also find out the date, day of the week and Christian holidays.

The clock was installed in 1402 after the King of Luxembourg granted the people of Prague the right to build their own town hall.

4. The Czechs hold the record for the love of beer

The people of the Czech Republic are very fond of beer.. This is not a stereotype and not a personal guess, but a real fact. Beer consumption per capita is over 160 liters per year. No wonder, because beer in the Czech Republic is cheaper than a bottle of water, and even children can be treated to this drink.

Czechs like to spend their free time in pubs, and you can buy alcohol even in a well-known fast food restaurant. The first brewery in the Czech Republic opened in 993.

Another fact that proves the addiction of this people to beer is that on its basis they cook a rather unusual, but very tasty stew.

3. 5 Nobel laureates

The Czech Republic is rich not only in architecture, history and traditions, but also in outstanding people. For example, among the Nobel Prize winners, five people come from this country.

The Nobel Prize is considered the most prestigious in the world and is awarded for a colossal contribution to science, society and culture.

One of the most famous cultural figures was the writer Yaroslav Seifert, who received an award for achievement in literature. Yaroslav advocated freedom of creativity, was president of the Writers’ Union, was engaged in translations, and worked as a journalist.

2. Famous spa resorts

People come to the Czech Republic not only for beautiful views and famous beer, but also for wellness treatments. It is in this country that the famous spa resorts around the world are located..

One of the most popular is Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad). There are used thermal springs that have healing properties.

The most common spa procedures are: mud therapy, mineral water baths and mineral water drinking course.

In the resort of Marianske Lazne, bathing in gas baths (with carbon dioxide), inhalation and saunas are added to these procedures.

These resorts are visited by people with gastrointestinal problems, with kidney diseases and during rehabilitation after serious operations and injuries.

1. Prague Castle – the largest castle complex in the world

Prague Castle is not only the biggest attraction in Prague, but also the most important castle in the country. Historically, it was the residence of Czech kings and princes. Today, the castle houses the President of the Czech Republic.

This building is on the list of the largest in the world. It is 570 meters long and 128 meters wide. Prague Castle is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. It is impossible to imagine this country without a city that has been on these lands since the XNUMXth century. Throughout its existence, the castle has performed important functions.