Dear students
Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic; welcome to the historical core of the old continent; welcome to one of Europe’s most celebrated and beautiful capitals.

Our city is a cultural, historical, social and political center of Central European activities. It is Prague Castle, the seat of the President of the Republic, which dominates over the city. The Castle was founded at the end of the ninth century. The historical parts of the city were mostly built and developed during the reign of the King and Emperor Charles IV who, among others, founded the university in Prague in 1348, making it the first one north of the Alps. Under Charles IV, Prague was the capital of the Holy Roman Empire.

Besides being the seat of the President, Prague also houses the Parliament, Cabinet and other supreme state bodies of the Czech Republic. The capital is also the seat of the highest dignitaries of the church and of other significant national and state institutions. Prague is a venue of important local and international political, cultural, social and scientific events, congresses, conferences and festivals among which the Prague Spring Music Festival is ranked as the most popular.

Following the fundamental political and social changes in 1989, Prague is again becoming a significant place for tourists from all over the world. Since that year the tourist infrastructure has been rapidly developing and its quality can now be compared with those in traditional European cities of democratic countries.

We would like to recommend that while you walk through our town, you do not fail to see the Prague Historical Center, which is included in the List of UNESCO World Historic Heritage. Single buildings were founded in different past centuries and currently they stand one next to the other in a harmony intensifying the magic of the town. Franz Kafka said once: ”Old Town Prague is the most beautiful decoration on Earth of all times”. We hope that after your stay in Prague you will understand , at least a bit, what he meant.

Today Prague is an ideal place for foreign investors’ activities, which are important and are supported both by the state authorities and by the City. One such successful project with foreign participation is, among others, the construction of the multifunctional building Myslbek, or the Dancing House called “Ginger and Fred” (picture on the previous page).

The significant position of Prague in the cultural sphere of our continent has been acknowledged also by the honorary title „European City of Culture of the Year 2000" awarded to our city. Prague is currently one of Europe’s most popular City break destinations.

Prague is not only a tourist attraction but also an important European Business Center. The Czech Republic is now one of the fastest growing economies is Europe.

Enjoy your stay in Prague as much as possible. You may know that during the last ten years Prague has become one of the most visited cities in Europe, especially due to its unique, incomparable atmosphere.

Your Prague hosts