First Impressions of the Czech Food Culture
Halley Crane
An American's perspective on how beer and pub culture signifies the collective spirit of Czech society. This foodie travels to the land where beer is cheaper than water, and investigates the culinary culture of a land far different than her own.
Prague City Hall approves 2015 budget
Daniela Lazarová
Prague City Hall has approved its 2015 budget with expenditures projected at 56.3 billion crowns and revenues of 42.1 billion. The difference will be covered by state funds. The lion's share of expenditures will be used for transport, which includes the construction of the Blanka tunnel expected to open in about two months' time, the reconstruction of two Prague bridges and general road maintenance. This year's budget includes a brand new chapter –expenditures relating to the development of social housing. Up until now City Hall operated on a provisional budget.
Prague inspired by Vienna to slash price of annual travel pass, says councillor
Councillors have just approved a cut of around 25 percent in the price of yearly passes for Prague's public transport system. The move, which comes into effect in July, should encourage residents to leave their cars at home and make greater use of the city's underground rail network, trams and buses. However, opponents say compensating for the price cut will hit other parts of the city's budget.
Director of Moving Cities: my job was to get to dancers to absorb surroundings and just "be"
Last year British film director Jevan Chowdhury launched an exciting new project, entitled Moving Cities, capturing the spirit of modern cities through dance. Prague was the fifth location filmed, after capitals such as London and Paris.
Police say escalator accident on Prague metro caused by technical error
A police investigation into an accident on an escalator in the Prague metro last year has ruled out foul play. The police who investigated the matter as a possible endangerment of public safety, have concluded that the accident happened due to a technical error, and have closed the case without filing charges. The accident happened on November 27th of last year when one of the escalators on Jungmanova metro station unexpectedly went into reverse operation causing a human pile-up. Three women ended up in hospital.
Ministry comes out against demolition of building on Wenceslas Square
The Ministry of Culture has for the first time come out against plans to demolish a building on the corner of Wenceslas Square and Opletalová St. in central Prague. Czech Television reported that it had issued a binding opinion that knocking down the building, which dates from 1880, would be unacceptable from the perspective of monument preservation. The ministry made the move as part of an appeal process launched by preservationists against a decision to allow its demolition taken by City Hall in 2010.
Making a mark: an online map by students at University of Economics highlights Prague's best street art
In today's Arts Jan Velinger talks to Nicole Princlová, one of the people behind artspotting, an interactive online project highlighting Prague's street and public art.
Some 400 people attend anti-Islamic gathering in Prague
Ruth Fraňková
Some 400 people are attending a protest against Islam at Prague's Old Town Square on Saturday, organized by the group We Do Not Want Islam in the Czech Republic. After the gathering, the protesters are set to march to the seat of the Interior Ministry at Prague's Letná. Among those who attended the protest were a number of politicians, including Tomio Okamura, leader of the controversial Dawn Party, and Jana Volfová, head of the non-parliamentary Czech Suverenity movement. Around forty people have also attended the gathering in support of the minorities.
Future of historic Werich Villa decided after years of speculation
After years of speculation regarding its future, the famous Werich Villa on Prague's Kampa, once the home of the famous Czech actor Jan Werich, is set to get a new tenant. The Prague authorities have just decided to rent the historical building to the Jan and Meda Mládek Foundation, which will turn it into the Voskovec and Werich Arts and Social Centre in honour of the great Czech acting duo.
Rare iron age burial site discovered in Prague
Chris Johnstone
Archeologists says they have found a rare burial site in Prague dating from the seventh or eighth century BC. The two graves apparently belonged to highly placed members of society given the rich hoard of effects found in the burial chambers. The effects include the remains of the burial carriage and equipment used by horses during the iron age. Only one similar burial site to the latest discovery at Letňany has been made previously in Prague and that was more than a century ago.