Prague 1 welcomes U Horské brány Street—a short but historically significant stretch created as part of the ongoing transformation around Masaryk Station.

Running from the intersection of Hybernská and Opletalova streets, this street sets the stage for broader pedestrian and cyclist connections toward Vítkov and Žižkov as future renovations extend from the center toward Florenc.

In the long term, as development progresses around the Masaryk Station brownfield, U Horské brány Street will offer a safe, car-free route from the center to the outer neighborhoods.

The new street is expected to alleviate congestion by eventually providing a bypass to the heavily trafficked U Bulhara intersection.

For now, it offers a more practical benefit—a new public parking lot, Prague’s first in the city center in over twenty years, located beneath the main road at the street’s endpoint.

Discovering History Underfoot: The Legacy of Horská Gate

The name U Horské brány, or “Mountain Gate Street,” wasn’t selected by chance.

Before The Cloud One hotel construction, archaeologists from Archaia uncovered remnants of a road and fortifications dating back to Prague’s New Town era. This discovery included the foundations of the original Horská Gate, built in the mid-14th century as part of the city’s fortifications, providing access to Kutná Hora.

It’s even said that Frederick the Palatine fled through this gate following the Battle of White Mountain. It was also through this very passage that Swedish forces entered Prague in the last days of the Thirty Years’ War.

What’s Next?

Penta’s next phase aims to expand development from Masaryk Station toward Florenc, planning to hold architectural competitions by the end of the year for future urban blocks and facilities.

This ambitious redevelopment also includes the area’s bus terminal, which Penta gained through its purchase of ČSAD Praha Holding

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Alessandro Testa, an Italian Associate Professor at Charles University in Prague, has spent his career navigating the complexities of academic life across Europe.

His latest achievement? Landing a visiting professorship at one of the world’s most prestigious universities—UC Berkeley.

For Testa, this achievement is the culmination of a dynamic and far-reaching career, shaped by both mobility across Europe and a deep-rooted connection to key institutions like Charles University.

Born and raised in Italy, Testa’s academic path has taken him through some of Europe’s most renowned universities, including those in Florence, Rome, Estonia, and Paris, where he trained in anthropology, history, European ethnology, and religious studies.

After earning his PhD in social anthropology in 2013, Testa’s career trajectory led him to long-term, intensive research engagements in Estonia, Austria, Spain, and the Czech Republic. It was in Prague, however, where Testa found a strong base to further his research and teaching, and it is from here that he will now make the leap to Berkeley.

Reflecting on his upcoming move, Testa says, “Landing a position at Berkeley is a very important achievement for me. It’s a validation of the years of work I’ve put into my research, and I couldn’t have done it without the support and foundation I built across Europe, and at Charles University more in particular.”

Testa’s career is a study in balancing both academic mobility and scholarly rootedness. While he has conducted long-term ethnographic fieldwork across Europe, Prague has been a central hub for his work. “Prague has been more than just a stop along the way,” Testa notes. “It’s been a place where I could truly develop my ideas and lead projects that reflect my interests in European culture and history. Moreover, it is a city I am profoundly attached to – a city that I love.”

His extensive body of work, which spans themes from ritual studies to cultural heritage and the secularization in Europe, has positioned him as a leading thinker in his field. His contributions include five authored books, five edited volumes, and around 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, alongside numerous reviews, reports, and other writings.

Published in eight languages, his research has reached a global audience through over 200 keynote talks, invited lectures, and conference presentations in more than 30 countries. His expertise has been sought by top institutions, including Harvard University, the Sorbonne, and the Max Planck Institute.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the way rituals and collective memories shape identities and societies,” Testa explains. “My work at Charles University has allowed me to approach these topics with a focus on Central and Eastern Europe, which is a region rich in cultural and historical complexity.”

Fluent in seven languages, Testa’s ability to engage with diverse academic communities and social environments has enhanced his research. “Language is crucial in my field,” he says. “It’s not just about communicating but truly understanding the nuances of different cultures and societies.”

As Testa prepares for his next chapter at Berkeley, his career exemplifies how academics can blend international mobility with deep, long-term engagements at key institutions. “I’ve had the privilege to work in many places, but I’ve always kept a few key bases—Prague, Vienna, and Italy especially,” he reflects. “It’s this balance between movement and stability that has allowed me to grow as a scholar.”

With Charles University as a springboard, Testa is now poised to continue exploring these themes on a global stage. “It’s exciting to think about the opportunities ahead,” he says, “but no matter how rewarding my experience in the U.S. will be, I know already that after my visiting professorship in Berkeley, I will probably want to return to Europe and continue my path here.”

A newly released report from Prague’s Technical Road Administration (TSK) sheds light on the car congestion situation in the Czech capital.

According to the data, there are now almost as many vehicles in Prague as there are residents. For every 1,000 people in the city, an astounding 940 vehicles are on the road, creating a significant traffic burden.

Sharp Rise in Vehicle Numbers Over the Decades

Vehicle numbers in Prague have risen dramatically. Compared to the 336,000 vehicles recorded in 1990, today’s statistics show more than 1.3 million registered vehicles in the city, of which 1.04 million are passenger cars. This increase represents nearly a 300% growth over 34 years.

To put things into perspective, in 2010 there were around 699,630 passenger cars in Prague, and by 2020, this number had surged to 925,716. Now, the data reveals that for every 1,000 inhabitants, 750 are passenger cars, resulting in an average of 1.3 people per car.

Passenger Cars Dominate Prague’s Roads

Passenger cars account for 91% of the total distance driven across the city. On an average weekday, they cover approximately 21.1 million vehicle kilometers. The total distance for all types of motor vehicles reached 23.2 million kilometers, showing the significant impact of private cars on Prague’s road network.

Barrandov Bridge: Prague’s Busiest Road

The city’s busiest road remains Barrandov Bridge, which sees an average of 142,000 vehicles daily. Close contenders include Jižní spojka and Strakonická street, with sections between Barrandovský most and Dobříšská recording daily traffic of around 125,000 vehicles.

Barrandovský most, known locally as “Barranďák,” also ranks as the city’s busiest bridge, followed by Hlávkův Bridge with 67,000 vehicles and Radotín Bridge with 62,000 vehicles passing each day. Tunnel routes experience similar traffic, with the Dejvice tunnel leading at 96,000 vehicles daily, followed by the Brusnice, Zlíchov, and Bubeneč tunnels.

Intersection Hotspots and Traffic Trends

The city’s most congested intersection is located at 5. května – Jižní spojka, where 214,000 vehicles pass daily. Additional busy intersections include Chodovská and Barrandovský most, which both see heavy traffic. The Barrandov Bridge and Strakonická intersection records nearly 191,000 vehicles daily.

Shift to Outer Roadways as City Center Traffic Decreases

Interestingly, while some areas are experiencing higher vehicle counts, traffic entering the central areas of Prague has declined by 3.4%, with an average of 250,000 vehicles entering daily in 2023.

In contrast, the outer city ring has seen a 4.1% increase in traffic, with 346,000 vehicles now passing along this route, most of which (302,000) are passenger cars.

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Period poverty has become an urgent issue in the Czech Republic, and many schools are stepping up to tackle it.

Starting after the autumn holidays, free menstrual products will be provided in the bathrooms of 60 schools nationwide, thanks to an initiative by the People in Need organization.

The program began with pilot installations in select schools last year, such as Mojžíř Elementary School in Ústí nad Labem. Despite initial hesitations, the school joined People in Need’s Reproductive Health of Girls and Women initiative, which aims to assist students facing economic hardships.

Period poverty is a very real concern for many families, as observed in People in Need’s social and educational programs.

Adéla Pospíchalová, Head of Educational Services for the organization, shared a common scenario: “Some families, like single mothers with multiple daughters, struggle to allocate even a few hundred crowns a month for hygiene products. Even two-parent households, where both parents work, can sometimes find themselves near the poverty line.”

In addition to the schools already on board, People in Need delivered menstrual baskets to 60 schools across the Czech Republic over the autumn holidays.

Schools in regions like Liberec, Karlovy Vary, Ústí nad Labem, Pilsen, Olomouc, and Central Bohemia (including Prague) are now stocked to provide essential items to students in need.

One city taking further steps is Ostrava, which has pledged to provide free menstrual supplies in all primary schools starting January next year, fully funded by the city.

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The Czech Republic signed a treaty with the Vatican, ensuring religious freedom and recognising Catholic marriages. It needs parliamentary approval to take effect.

The Czech Republic signed a treaty on Thursday regarding its relations with the Vatican, becoming one of the last European Union countries to do so.

The document was signed Thursday in Prague by conservative Prime Minister Petr Fiala and the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Fiala called it a “balanced” document that “fully respects our legal order.” The full text was not expected to be made public until after the treaty is ratified.

Among its provisions, the country guarantees the freedom of thought, conscience, and religious belief and recognizes Catholic marriages. It also gives a legal ground for the Catholic Church to provide religious services in hospitals, prisons, military, and police forces.

To come into effect, the document still needs to be approved by both houses of Parliament and ratified by President Petr Pavel.

The Vatican has signed a similar treaty with 25 EU member states and a total of 64 countries worldwide, the Czech government said.

Fiala’s coalition government, sworn in following the 2021 general election, said in its policy statement that it was ready to negotiate and approve such a treaty.

The lower chamber of Parliament rejected the treaty in 2003, arguing the Catholic Church would receive preferential treatment over other churches and that it would be disadvantageous for the country, considered one of the most atheist in the European Union.

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Charles Bridge Museum together with the City of Prague is holding St. Martin’s celebrations on Monday 11th November.

The celebration will start at 11:11 am. On this day, Czechs traditionally roast a goose and at exactly 11:11 they open the first bottles of young wine, called St. Martin’s (Svatomartinské víno).

St. Martin was a Roman Catholic saint, the bishop of Tours, who lived from 316 – 397. The most-repeated story about his life says that while he was a soldier, he encountered a scantily dressed beggar at the gate of the city of Amiens.

He cut his military woolen cloak in half and shared it with the freezing man. The following night, he had a vision of Jesus Christ, surrounded by angels and arrayed in the half of the cloak. As a consequence of this experience, he received baptism, left the army, and became a monk.

People in the Czech Republic associate the feast with the onset of winter and snow. There are many proverbs in Czech that feature predictions for the winter weather. According to the most popular saying, the first snowfall of the season can be expected on this day since Martin may arrive on his white horse.

St. Martin’s celebrations are particularly popular with children, who create colorful handmade lanterns. After darkness falls, kids participate in lantern processions and sing songs. The candles in the lanterns flicker, and the kids’ eyes are brimming with excitement.

It is traditional to eat roast goose because a flock of geese betrayed St. Martin’s hiding place when he was trying to avoid being made a bishop.

In Prague, it is customary to drink young wine called St. Martin’s wine (Svatomartinské). The Prague Botanic Garden annually offers the tasting of young wine from St. Claire’s vineyard.

Lively celebrations take place on the Vltava river bank, in Náplavka, and include music, traditional culinary delights, fantastic wine, and breathtaking views of the city.

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A slice of Osaka has arrived in Prague’s Holešovice district with the opening of Okonomiyaki Izakaya Matsuri, a brand-new Japanese eatery specializing in okonomiyaki, a savory pancake often referred to as “Japanese pizza.”

Located at Veletržní 820/73, Okonomiyaki Izakaya Matsuri introduces locals and expats alike to authentic Osaka street food in a unique sports-themed setting.

Okonomiyaki: Japanese “Pizza” with a Twist

For those unfamiliar, okonomiyaki is a popular street food in Japan, particularly in Osaka. Its name translates loosely to “grill as you like,” allowing for a range of toppings and customization. The dish starts with a pancake-like base made from flour and eggs, topped with white cabbage and then cooked to crispy perfection.

A signature tangy sauce and Japanese mayonnaise complete the dish, and diners can add their choice of ingredients such as seafood, pork, or even cheese.

Chef Hiroki Komiya: From Osaka to Prague

The culinary expert behind Okonomiyaki Izakaya Matsuri, Hiroki Komiya, brings years of experience from Osaka, where he served as head chef of an okonomiyaki restaurant since 2017. His journey to Prague has an interesting backstory.

In 2022, a delegation from the Czech-Japanese Center in Ostrava visited Japan and had the chance to sample Hiroki’s cooking. Impressed by his skills and the rich flavors of his okonomiyaki, they invited him to showcase his talents at the Japanese Cultural Festival in Ostrava that year.

 

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The event proved a huge success, with Czechs embracing the unfamiliar dish. His passion for both food and sports culminated in the opening of Okonomiyaki Izakaya Matsuri in Prague.

In keeping with the fusion of cultures, you can also find a selection of both Japanese and Czech beers, available in bottles and cans.

While the kitchen is still being set up for full operation, food catering services ensure that guests can try okonomiyaki and other Japanese dishes until the kitchen is fully equipped.

For more details or to make a reservation, you can visit their website at www.okonomipraha.cz

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After nearly a decade of closure, the historic Hotel Evropa on Wenceslas Square reopens today as W Prague, joining the global W Hotels luxury network managed by Marriott.

The iconic Art Nouveau hotel, which closed its doors in 2013, has undergone extensive renovations, bringing new life to one of Prague’s architectural gems.

The reopening marks an important milestone for the local hospitality sector, which has recently seen other major hotel projects, including Penta’s Cloud One and the highly anticipated reopening of the former Intercontinental Hotel as the Fairmont Golden Prague next year.

Ferid Nasr, the hotel’s current owner and founder of Exim Tours, acquired the historic property from previous owner Julius Meinl in 2019. At the time, Nasr expressed a desire to restore Hotel Evropa’s original First Republic luxury character. Today, the building stands as a protected landmark after its meticulous transformation.

Following the extensive reconstruction, W Prague boasts 161 rooms, including an exclusive presidential suite, along with a range of amenities: multiple restaurants and cafes, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, an indoor pool, fitness and wellness centers—all open to both hotel guests and the public.

Prague’s hotel landscape continues to evolve, with further luxury brands expected to enter the market. The Sir Hotels chain is slated to open in Prague next year, while Puro Hotels plans its debut for 2026.

Other recent entries include Zleep Hotel and Alcron Hotel, now rebranded as Almanac X. Cushman & Wakefield also reported the recent openings of Andaz Prague and The Julius, which follows an apartment-style concept, while the extensive reconstruction of Falkensteiner Hotel was completed in 2022.

A Storied Past

Originally built in 1872 by architect Josef Schulz in the Neo-Renaissance style, Hotel Evropa underwent a transformation in the early 20th century to adopt the Art Nouveau design, making it one of Prague’s most notable architectural landmarks.

Restaurateur Karel Šroubek purchased the hotel in 1924, renaming it after himself and setting a new standard in luxury and fine dining that attracted the city’s elite.

Among its notable guests was British businessman Nicholas Winton, who operated from the hotel as he organized the rescue of Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Europe before World War II.

In 1951, the hotel was nationalized and rebranded as the Grand Hotel Evropa. Under government ownership, it began to deteriorate and lost much of its former splendor. Following the Velvet Revolution in 1989, the hotel returned to private ownership but experienced several changes in management.

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Internationally renowned soprano Angela Gheorghiu is set to perform in Prague on November 16, promising a memorable evening for opera enthusiasts in the Czech capital.

Known for her magnetic stage presence and exceptional vocal range, Gheorghiu’s appearance is one of the most anticipated events in Prague’s cultural calendar this season.

Gheorghiu’s career has taken her to the world’s most prestigious stages, including Covent Garden, the Vienna State Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera, where she has portrayed iconic roles such as Violetta in La traviata, Mimì in La bohème, and Tosca.

Hailed as one of the world’s premier sopranos, her performances are celebrated for their emotional depth and technical brilliance.

Born in the small Romanian town of Adjud, Gheorghiu discovered her love of music at an early age and went on to study at the National University of Music in Bucharest under the esteemed teacher Mia Barbu.

She made her international debut in 1992 at Covent Garden, where her performance as Mimì captured the world’s attention.

Since then, her career has included acclaimed recordings, awards, and performances at key global events, including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee and the Nobel Peace Prize Concert.

Info: 

• When: 16th November at 7:30 pm,
• Where: Obecní dům (Smetanova síň)
• Tickets here

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In the coming months, airline ticket prices are set to rise across Europe. Due to new European Union regulations, airlines will soon be required to use more environmentally friendly fuel, a switch that will impact ticket prices and tour packages.

From January 1, 2025, travelers flying out of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Switzerland can expect higher ticket prices.

At community level, the European Union has established ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the aim of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. An intermediate stage envisages a reduction of 55% by 2030.

To contribute to these objectives, from 2025 all flights departing from EU airports will be obliged to use a minimum quota of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This requirement falls within theReFuelEU Aviation initiative, aimed at decarbonising the aviation sector.

The fee, based on flight length and fare class, is expected to range from €3 to €15 per one-way ticket.

Tourism Experts Question New Fuel Mandates

The new regulations have stirred debate among industry professionals. Some argue that airlines should have more autonomy over fuel choices and pricing. “The market should remain open, allowing airlines to decide which fuel they use and how they price it,” said Jan Papež, vice-chairman of the Czech Association of Travel Agencies. Papež also believes the fare increases are unlikely to deter travelers.

However, these fare hikes will also impact travel packages. Jan Bezděk, spokesperson for CK Fischer, noted, “The average price for a week-long tour, typically around 21,000 crowns, will likely increase by approximately 500 crowns per person.”

Looking Ahead: Gradual Increases Expected

Airfare prices are not only set to rise in 2025 but may continue to increase annually. A second price hike is projected for 2027, when emission allowances are expected to extend to households. These changes underscore the EU’s commitment to sustainable fuel adoption.

Under the new mandate, airline fuel suppliers will need to ensure at least a two percent share of sustainable fuel in 2025, gradually rising to 70 percent by 2050. Economist Petr Bartoň clarified that this increase will not apply uniformly across all flights.

“These are averages, so we won’t see a fixed percentage increase on every route,” he explained. “Initially, some fares will rise as airlines adjust, but with technological advancements and potential price drops in sustainable fuel, the overall impact on ticket prices may stabilize.”

Bartoň also mentioned that for less popular flights, where airlines struggle to fill seats, price increases may not be as pronounced. He remains optimistic that market investments in alternative fuels may help bring costs down sooner than anticipated, potentially achieving the 70 percent goal ahead of 2050.

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On October 28, 1918, the independence of Czechoslovakia was proclaimed by the Czechoslovak National Council in Prague, following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire during the First World War.

The birth of Czechoslovakia

Throughout the 19th century, the rise of nationalist movements, mounting ethnic tensions and repressive religious and ethnic policies, such as the forced Magyarization of Slovaks, pushed the cohesion of the multi-national Austro-Hungarian Empire to its breaking point.

Despite cultural differences, the Slovaks shared similar aspirations with the Czechs for independence from the Habsburg state, and by the start of the 20th century, the idea of a “Czecho-Slovak” entity, advocated by Czech and Slovak intellectuals began to emerge.

During the First World War, Tomáš Masaryk, Edvard Beneš and Slovak astronomer Milan Rastislav Štefánik founded the Czechoslovak National Council who worked to secure Allied recognition. During that time, more than 90,000 Czech and Slovak volunteers formed the Czechoslovak Legions in Russia, France and Italy, where they fought against the Central Powers.

Following the Pittsburgh Agreement of May 1918, which prescribed the intent to create an independent Czechoslovakia, the Czechoslovak Declaration of independence was signed by Masaryk, Štefánik and Beneš on October 18, 1918, in Paris.

The independence of Czechoslovakia was officially proclaimed ten days later in Prague in the Smetana Hall of the Municipal House.

A temporary constitution was adopted, and in November 1918, Masaryk was declared president of the First Czechoslovak Republic.

Several ethnic groups and territories with different historical, political, and economic traditions were blended into the new state structure when the full boundaries of the country, encompassing Bohemia, Moravia, Slovakia and a small part of Silesia, were finally established in the Czechoslovak Constitution of 1920. Carpathian Ruthenia was later added by the Treaty of Trianon in June 1920.

Consisting mostly of territories inhabited by Czechs and Slovaks, the new state also included areas containing majority populations of other nationalities, particularly Germans (22.95%), but also Hungarians (5.47%) and Ruthenians (3.39%).

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On October 28, 2024, Czechia commemorates Independence Day, marking the founding of an independent Czechoslovakia.

This year, the holiday falls on a Monday, and many stores across the country will be impacted by legal closures. According to Czech law, retail stores with a sales area over 200 m² must remain closed on this day. Here’s what you need to know about which stores will be closed, which will remain open, and alternative shopping options.

Where to Expect Store Closures

Retail chains with large locations, including supermarkets and hypermarkets, will be closed on Monday, October 28. This includes major chains like Albert, Billa, Globus, Kaufland, Lidl, Penny, and Tesco, as well as Tesco Expres outlets.

However, small stores with a sales area under 200 m², as well as certain essential locations, will continue operating. This includes:

• Airports and train/bus stations: Stores in transit hubs will remain open.
• Pharmacies: Pharmacies are exempt and will stay open.
• Gas stations: Most gas station shops, including select Tesco at fuel stations, will open from 9:00 to 17:00.

Online shopping remains an option, with platforms like Rohlík.cz, Košík.cz, Albert Online, and Billa Online available for holiday orders. Tesco Online services, however, will not be operational, as they source deliveries from closed hypermarkets.

Which Supermarkets Will Open on October 28?

A few selected locations and outlets in key transit areas will be open on October 28. These exceptions include:

• Albert at OC Mercury near the bus station in České Budějovice: 8:00 – 18:00
• Billa at Václav Havel Airport in Prague: 7:00 – 21:00
• Billa at Prague’s main train station: 7:00 – 21:00
• Billa at Brno’s main train station: 7:00 – 21:00
• Billa Stop & Shop and Viva Billa OMV stores in Prague: Open 24/7

The Makro wholesale chain also remains open, as it’s considered a wholesaler and is not subject to the same restrictions.

Shopping Centers: Partial Openings with Limitations

Some shopping centers in Prague will open but with restrictions. In line with the law, stores larger than 200 m² within these centers will be closed:

• Nový Smíchov: Open from 9:00 to 21:00, but only stores under 200 m² (e.g., Tesco and Luxor will be closed).
• Westfield Chodov: Operating with regular hours (9:00 to 21:00), but only stores within the 200 m² limit.
• Palladium: Open from 7:00 to 22:00, although large stores such as Albert, DM drogerie, Datart, and Sportisimo will not operate.

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