Prague’s City Hall has approved a plan to explore the possible return of the statue of Johann Graf Radetzky von Radetz to Malostranské náměstí.

The monument, which originally stood on the square from 1858 to 1919, would be a replica since the original statue is preserved in the Lapidarium of the National Museum. If restored, the statue would be positioned near the tram stop, as trams currently run through the original site.

The proposal is controversial and did not receive unanimous support, particularly from the Pirate Party coalition members.

The Prague City Council discussed the restoration proposal on Monday and agreed to collaborate with the Gallery of the Capital City of Prague to evaluate the technological and financial aspects of producing a replica of the Radetzky statue.

“This step by the Council marks a crucial part of our efforts to return the statue of Marshal Radetzky to its rightful place,” said Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09).

“Restoring this monument will not only commemorate a significant historical figure but also honor the Czech soldiers who fought bravely under his command. We have taken great care to respect the site’s historical integrity and minimize any impact on the archaeological layers. The restoration will offer substantial artistic and historical value and contribute to the cultural development of our city.”

The City of Prague has also consulted with the Italian Embassy, which has no objections to the monument’s return, citing its historical significance. If the statue is restored, it would be accompanied by educational texts that provide an objective account of Marshal Radetzky’s role in history.

Not all city officials are on board with the proposal. Magdalena Valdmanová, vice-chair of the Pirate Party’s representative club, expressed her opposition, stating, “As representatives of the Pirate Party, we cannot support this plan. It is a topic that unnecessarily divides society. Instead of focusing on the future, we are reinterpreting the past. We see no added value in restoring monuments that celebrate controversial historical figures.”

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Prague’s famous FAMU Film School has once again been included in The Hollywood Reporter’s prestigious annual list of the 15 Best Global Film Schools, alongside institutions such as the London Film School and France’s La Fémis.

The US weekly described FAMU as one of Europe’s top-tier film schools, which offers one-year intensive programs and two and three year master’s degrees in directing, cinematography and editing, including accredited programs in English.

The Hollywood Reporter described the FAMU as one of Europe’s top-tier film schools, offering one-year intensive programs and two- and three-year master’s degrees in directing, cinematography and editing, including accredited programs in English.

The magazine noted that the school’s alumni include Milos Forman, Vera Chytilová, Jirí Menzel and Jaromil Jires, “who created a new dark and funny take on life behind the Iron Curtain”.

FAMU was founded in 1946 as one of three branches of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague.

In the 1960s and 1970s, several young directors from Yugoslavia were FAMU students (Rajko Grlić, Srđan Karanović, Emir Kusturica, Goran Marković, Goran Paskaljević and Lordan Zafranović).

All of these directors would become very successful in the following decades, prompting the coinage of the term Praška filmska škola (“Prague film school”), or Praški talas (“Prague wave”), which is sometimes considered a prominent subgenre of the Yugoslav cinema.

Today, FAMU continues to uphold its reputation as one of the most prestigious film schools in Europe, with a focus on comprehensive training programs that are designed to meet the evolving demands of the film industry.

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A girl attacked her classmates with a knife at an elementary school in the western Czech town of Domazlice, injuring two, police said on Tuesday.

“At the moment, our forces and resources are at the Komenskeho 17 elementary school in Domazlice, because according to initial information, one of the pupils there attacked her classmates with a knife. Two children were injured and their parents have already been informed. We apprehended the suspected girl within minutes,” the police said on social media X in the morning.

The two injured children were not in life-threatening condition and were taken into care by paramedics, the police said, adding that one child who was in shock was also handed over to medics.

“Currently there is no danger to anyone and a large number of police and criminal investigators are working on the scene,” the police added.

The school said on its website that it suspended classes in the upper grades of the school due to “an extraordinary event.”

“Students were instructed to leave school safely. All children are safe. Classes in the lower grades are continuing as scheduled,” it said.

Responding to the incident, Education Minister Mikulas Bek said on X that violence in the school environment is “completely unacceptable.”

“We are in contact with our colleagues from Domazlice and are ready to provide them with all support,” he said.

Police said they were investigating the incident on “suspicion of committing a violent crime or an otherwise criminal act.”

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This summer was the third hottest on record at Prague’s Klementinum observatory since measurements began in 1775.

The average temperature from the start of June to the end of August was 22.6 degrees Celsius. Only the summers of 2018 and 2019 were hotter during this period.

Compared to the historical average from 1775 to 2014, this summer was 3.6 degrees Celsius warmer in central Prague. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) reported this on Monday via the X social media platform.

August alone saw an average temperature of 23.5 degrees Celsius at Klementinum. Compared to the average from 1991 to 2020, this represents an increase of 2.5 degrees, placing this August as the fourth warmest out of 250 recorded since 1775.

When compared to the average from the beginning of measurements to 2014, August was even 4.3 degrees Celsius warmer.

Meteorologists have noted that six of the warmest summers in Klementinum’s recorded history have occurred in this century, with five of those in the past decade.

The hottest summer at Klementinum since 1775 occurred five years ago, with an average temperature of 22.9 degrees Celsius. The summer of 2018 was slightly cooler, by just two-tenths of a degree. This summer ranks third on the list.

In contrast, the coldest recorded June-to-August period in central Prague was in 1844, with an average temperature of just 16.4 degrees Celsius.

“For those who may remember, a more recent cool summer was in 1978, which had an average temperature of 17.6 degrees Celsius, making it the 23rd to 26th coldest summer overall,” the ČHMÚ added. The coolest summer in this century was in 2005, with an average temperature of 19.6 degrees Celsius.

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The Czech Republic is making a bold move into space exploration, with plans to invest billions of crowns into projects aimed at launching its own satellites and even sending a Czech astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS).

Aleš Svoboda, a seasoned military pilot, is poised to become the first Czech to reach the ISS. In just a few years, he will gaze down on Earth from an altitude of 350 kilometers. “Aside from being a childhood dream, this mission is a natural progression in my career,” Svoboda shared.

Before reaching orbit, Svoboda will undergo intense endurance training in Germany, including survival courses designed for emergency landings in harsh environments like deserts or mountains. This rigorous preparation will cover everything from winter survival tactics to advanced diving skills.

Svoboda’s mission is set to take place within the next five years. Currently, scientists are selecting the research projects he will participate in, which could range from 3D printing to pioneering cancer treatment methods, according to Václav Kobera, the coordinator of the Czech Space Journey project.

The cost of sending a Czech astronaut to the ISS is estimated at around two billion crowns. However, Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS) argues that the investment is worthwhile, pointing out that other countries have seen up to an eightfold return on similar investments.

The Czech Republic is no stranger to space endeavors; forty years ago, the nation launched its first satellite and sent an astronaut into space. “It was a tremendous honor for me,” recalls Vladimír Remek, the first Czechoslovak in space.

The country is well-positioned to make significant contributions to space research, drawing on a pool of top scientists, innovative companies, and groundbreaking ideas.

An example of such innovation is the creation of the “Pepek,” the first Czech liquid rocket engine, developed in Brno on a surprisingly modest budget. “It’s a fully functional rocket engine,” explained its designer, Marek Otevřel.

Even young Czechs are making waves in space exploration. A team of high school students recently won an international competition with their proposal to remove debris from space.

Their winning project involves launching a small cube-shaped satellite, roughly the size of a coin, into orbit. From Earth, they will fire a laser at the satellite to study how the beam interacts with the atmosphere. “This laser could help us direct space debris back into the atmosphere,” said Simon Klinga, the leader of the LASAR team.

The Czech military is also eyeing space, with plans underway to develop a network of surveillance satellites.

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Looking for a fun and affordable way to enjoy the apple season? We’ve got the best spots for you to pick your own apples this year!

With the apple-picking season in full swing, many are looking for the perfect orchard to visit. Some of the most popular destinations include Libčany in East Bohemia, Starý Lískovec in the South Moravian region, and Skrbeň in the Olomouc region.

At these orchards, you can expect to pay around CZK 19 per kilogram, a great deal compared to supermarket prices.

Prices may vary depending on the specific orchard, but you can be sure of getting fresher, higher-quality apples directly from a local grower. Plus, you’ll enjoy the unique experience of picking the apples yourself.

When to Go Apple Picking

The apple harvest in the Czech Republic typically begins in August, peaks in September, and concludes in October. This makes right now the perfect time to head out and enjoy apple picking. Before you go, it’s a good idea to contact the orchard for the most accurate information on prices and to check the weather, which can affect picking conditions.

Here are some of the top orchards for self-picking apples:

Central Bohemia and Prague:

Bílé Podolí, Kutná Hora
Bříství, Nymburk
Pchery, Kladno

South Bohemia Region:

Lhenice, Prachatice

Liberec Region:

Sychrov, Liberec
Doubí, Liberec

Olomouc Region:

Skrbeň, Olomouc
Dětřichov, Olomouc

South Moravian Region:

Starý Lískovec, Brno
Velká Bílovice, Břeclav

For more locations and details, you can visit websites like KupníSila.cz

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The Czech opposition party, ANO, is the favorite to win local elections across the country later this month, new polling has found.

According to a survey by the Kantar CZ and Data Collect polling agencies for Czech Television (ČT), the party of former Czech prime minister, Andrej Babiš, is expected to amass up to nearly half of the vote in some regions.

In second place in several regions is Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s “Spolu” coalition comprising his Civic Democratic Party (ODS), KDU-ČSL, and TOP 09.

Support for the ANO movement is strongest in the Moravian-Silesian region in the east of the country where 49.5 percent are expected to vote for the party. Similarly, in neighboring Olomouc, the ANO garnered 45 percent, while in the northwest region of Ústí, Babis’ party enjoys support of 47 percent.

Other regions with high opposition support include Zlín at 43.5 percent and Central Bohemian and Vysočina, both at 41.5 percent.

The party’s support is weakest in the South Bohemian region, with just 13.5 percent of decided voters backing it.

Regional elections in Czechia are due to be held on Sept. 20-21 when all 675 seats in the country’s 13 regional councils are to be contested.

ANO currently holds the most seats of any party with 172, followed by Fiala’s ODS and the Pirates party with 99 seats each.

The next Czech parliamentary election must be held before the end of October 2025.

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In the second week of September (7-15th) European Heritage Days (EHD) will be held in the Czech Republic.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to visit interesting sights that are otherwise inaccessible!

European Heritage Days’ goal is to make the most interesting monuments of all kinds available to the general public, i.e. architectural, archaeological, sacral, technical, as well as museums, galleries and libraries and even other areas in which incredibly extensive collections of movable cultural heritage are kept.

In the context of the European Heritage Days various accompanying events – lectures, concerts, town festivals, as well as competitions and other cultural programs are held.

The event will take place under the patronage of the Association of Historical Monuments of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia.

About 800 state-protected sites are expected to join the event. Most of them (but not all) will be free of charge for the days of the festival. These are not only castles, palaces, churches, monasteries, museums, theatres, old houses, gardens and villas, but also industrial buildings – factories, mills, breweries, craft workshops and mines.

In 2024 the main theme of the festival will be ‘Sights unite the world’. A rich accompanying program awaits visitors – classical music concerts, unusual excursions, exhibitions, markets, creative competitions and much more.

The list of participating venues can be viewed on the official website of the event.

In buildings that are usually accessible to the public and where admission is charged, special programs shall be offered during these days (such as special guided tours, concerts, exhibitions, etc.).

Dozens of cities and municipalities are preparing composed programs for their citizens and tourists.

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This year’s event takes place on Friday 20 September following our addition to the UN Calendar of International Days.

For the first time, World Cleanup Day has been added to the official UN calendar of international days and weeks.

The event brings together citizens, governments, and organizations to confront the global waste crisis, promoting a vision of a sustainable, waste-free world.

“We are excited to join this global initiative again this year, even though the date falls on a weekday,” says Miroslav Kubásek from Ukliďme Česko, representing the event organizers.

“With its inclusion in the UN calendar, World Cleanup Day will now be held on the fixed date of September 20th, which this year is a Friday. However, participants can still register their cleanups for the following weekend or later in the autumn. Thanks to our partners, we have provided organizers and volunteers with durable bags and gloves for waste collection, just as we did in the spring.”

“If you’re interested in organizing your own cleanup event on September 20th or later in the fall, simply register at www.UklidmeCesko.cz. Volunteers can still request cleaning supplies, including bags and gloves, until the end of August,” adds Radek Janoušek from the organizing association.

Hand in hand with cleaning up the mess, there will also be a traditional photo competition, with categories including ‘Youth’, ‘Report’, ‘Video’, and ‘Curiosity’. Those taking the most successful cleaning photos can look forward to valuable prizes from HP, the partner of the autumn photo competition. The winner of the public vote will receive an iPhone XR from Swappie.

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In response to rising costs, major Czech grocery chains are now offering substantial discounts on fruit and vegetables. Here’s a look at how you can take advantage of these deals.

Kaufland is spearheading the initiative with its new “Don’t Feed the Basket!” campaign.

The chain is setting up dedicated discount stands in all its stores, featuring reduced-price fruit and vegetables. According to Kaufland, “The so-called discount displays will be gradually installed in all stores. These displays will showcase discounted items from the fruit and vegetable sections. Initially, the stands will feature originally packaged goods from Kaufland’s suppliers, with discount details and final prices clearly labeled on the packaging.”

Similarly, Lidl has rolled out its own savings program. Through the “With Lidl We Save on Food” initiative, Lidl offers bundles of fruit and vegetables, such as three kilograms for just CZK 25.

Additionally, Lidl stores have special corners dedicated to discounted items that are approaching their expiration dates.

Billa has recently joined the trend with its “We’re Not Throwing Away” campaign. This program provides bags of fruit and vegetables intended for immediate consumption.

According to spokeswoman Dana Bratánková, “These items are often at a higher ripeness level, which would typically lead to their removal from shelves during standard checks. However, they remain suitable for use in preparing hot dishes, salads, or drinks to boost fiber intake.”

Lastly, Penny has partnered with the Nesnezeno app to offer a unique deal. For CZK 79, customers can purchase a package of fruit, vegetables, baked goods, or refrigerated items that are set to expire that day.

Some Penny locations even offer these boxes for sale directly, without the need for the app.

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The Sberatel / Collector fair is the biggest fair for collectors in all fields in Central and Eastern Europe.

The 24th edition will be held in Prague at PVA Expo Letňany on 6 and 7 September. Over 230 dealers, auction houses, and postal authorities from around the globe will gather in the Czech capital for this significant event.

“Every year, our fair draws around ten thousand visitors, with more than a third coming from abroad. We expect an even bigger turnout this year, as economic uncertainties like war and inflation have sparked greater interest in collecting as a form of investment among Czechs. It’s safe to say that Czechs are becoming a nation of collectors,” said Jindřich Jirásek, the fair’s director.

Attendees will have the chance to buy and sell an array of rare items, from family heirlooms to exclusive collectibles. A popular feature of the fair is the free valuation service, where experts assess the value of stamps, coins, autographs, and other curiosities.

“Every year, someone brings in an unexpected gem,” said Jirásek. “In previous years, we’ve seen items like the valuable St. Wenceslas ducats, which were later auctioned for tens of thousands of crowns. Once, a woman surprised us all by presenting a meteorite to a mineral and gemstone expert. Valuing such rare finds can be incredibly challenging.”

Highlights of the Collector Fair

The event will feature a vast array of fascinating items. Collectors can expect to find commemorative banknotes, coins, historical securities, and autographs. Among the most anticipated pieces is the autograph of recently deceased actor Alain Delon, which is likely to be a highlight of the fair.

Another unique item on display will be the world’s longest postage stamp, issued by the Philippine Post Office in June of this year. This distinctive 125-peso stamp measures an impressive 200 millimeters, surpassing the previous record of 184 millimeters held by a Kyrgyz stamp from 2023.

Arguably the most significant exhibit at this year’s fair will be an address label from the Titanic’s mailroom, now part of a Czech collector’s private collection.

The label, stamped just four days before the ship’s ill-fated voyage, bears the name “TITANIC” and that of the postal clerk “O.S. WOODY.” This rare artifact is one of only thirty known worldwide, adding immense historical value to the fair.

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A new bridge is set to be constructed in Prague’s Za Elektrárnou Street, with work expected to begin in 2028.

This bridge will span the Troja-Podbaba canal, replacing the current structure, which is insufficient due to its low height.

Alongside the bridge, a significant transformation of the surrounding area is planned, including a new pier, seating steps along the water, improved pedestrian paths, and an extension of the Stromovka Park into a river biocorridor.

The project’s completion is scheduled for 2029.

“The outcome of the first architectural competition organized by the Waterways Directorate of the Czech Republic has been very successful. I am pleased with the winning proposal, which features an innovative architectural and urban traffic design for the bridge connecting Stromovka to Císařský ostrov,” said Lubomír Fojtů from the Directorate of Waterways of the Czech Republic.

 

He added, “The jury, composed of representatives from various organizations and experts, chose this design, and I believe we will soon finalize the design documentation. We aim to start construction by 2028.”

The architects from Nemec & Taller Architektur emphasized the advantages of the new bridge’s design, particularly its ability to handle high traffic both on and under the bridge.

They propose relocating facilities such as a pavilion, a small refreshment stand, and restrooms away from the bridge structure itself, distributing them across a larger area to reduce congestion.

The new bridge is designed to be simple, low-maintenance, and sturdy enough to withstand potential ship impacts.

The clearance height for ships will be increased to seven meters, compared to the current bridge’s four meters, significantly improving navigational access for larger vessels.

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