Praha

Praha is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, located in central Bohemia along the Vltava River. It serves as the political, cultural, and economic center of the country.

The history of Praha spans more than a thousand years. It grew as a royal seat in the medieval period, and the 14th century under Charles IV marked a high point with the founding of Charles University (1348) and the construction of Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral.

The historic center developed around the Charles Bridge and the Old Town, which together with the adjacent districts form a dense core of architectural landmarks. Notable sites include Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Hall, and the Jewish Quarter.

Praha exhibits a broad range of architectural styles, from Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque, Rococo, and Cubist. The Historic Centre of Praha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its preserved urban layout and façades.

Today Praha is a major European center for government, education, culture, and commerce. It hosts several universities and research institutes, theaters and museums, and a growing technology sector. The economy relies on services, tourism, and creative industries.

The city has a well-developed public transport network with metro, trams, and buses, and is served by Václav Havel Airport Prague. The city proper has about 1.3 million residents, while the wider metropolitan area is home to roughly 2 million.