Prague is a city in the Czech Republic. It was a city that has been closed from the rest of the world for decades. Today, travel around Prague and find out for yourself why the city is worth a visit.

The city is called by many names: Mother of Cities; City of a Hundred Spires and Golden City. Prague could have earned the moniker Mother of Cities when in 1918, it served as the venue for the proclamation of the union of Czech and Slovakia. Thus, the state of Czechoslovakia was formed.

In the 1948, the democratic country turned communist when the said party became the dominant political party that gained control of Czechoslovakia. In 1989, an “almost” bloodless Velvet revolution ended the 42 years of communism. In 1993, the Czechoslovakia federation was dissolved and two independent countries were formed – Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Today Czech Republic is a nation with a thriving tourism industry with over 4 million visitors a year. Prague is called the City of Spires because of the many fine samples of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque architecture that pepper the city. Prague was spared devastation during World War II and because of this; the city has preserved its many beautiful and historic buildings. It is easy enough to look and book hotels in Prague if you want to visit the famed city. However, learn a little of Prague’s culture to give you a general idea of what makes the Czech Republic and its people tick.

A large 95% of the total population speaks Czech. Its people are family oriented and the mindset of “family first” is inherent to them. The Czechs are strict on following and implementing rules and regulations and are careful planners with their work and personal life. In general, Czechs are efficient, logical and practical.

Czechs value their privacy. They are quite reserved and formal. Although polite, they would rarely be on a first-name basis with people outside their circle of friends and extended family. It is a rare occasion for a Czech to acknowledge and smile to an unknown person they meet while walking or commuting.

Christmas and Easter are the two favorite holidays in the Czech Republic. You might want to check out deals in hotel reservations to coincide with any of these two holidays. Christmas Eve dinner is always set for an even number of guests as odd number is bad luck. Everyone has to leave the table at the same time or the first one who does will die.

Food is mostly beef, pork, poultry and organ meats i.e. liver, brain and kidney. Meat is generally served with gravy and potato. Vegetables are staples and the more popular desserts are fruit dumplings, apple strudel and kolace.

When privileged enough to get invited to the home of Czech, bring a bottle of wine or flowers for the hostess. Make sure you give an odd number of flowers except 13. Arrive on time and make sure you remove your shoes when entering the house. Refrain from pointing at someone as it is a sign of rudeness.

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