Jakub Vágner, a renowned figure in Czech sport fishing, has achieved a new milestone, catching the largest catfish ever recorded in the Czech Republic with a rod. The fish measured an impressive 2.64 meters, breaking the national record. The remarkable catch took place in the Vranovská přehrada (Vranov Reservoir) near the city of Znojmo (South Moravia). According to Vágner, the fight to reel in the massive fish lasted for about half an hour. “The bubbles rising to the surface were as big as plates,” Vágner said, still visibly excited after the catch. “I’m trembling with excitement. I’ve dreamed of catching this fish for so long, and now it’s in my hands,” he added. “Setting a Czech record is nice, but the real joy comes from knowing that such incredible fish live right here in our waters. We don’t have to travel to Spain, Italy, or France to find them.” After the fish was measured, Vágner chose to release it back into the water, where it swam away slowly. This achievement surpasses Vágner’s previous record, set in June 2024, when he caught a 261-centimeter catfish in a different Czech waterway. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
On October 7th, Prague officially opened the most modern eye clinic in the Czech Republic, located on the border between Jinonice and Stodůlky. The clinic boasts five state-of-the-art operating theatres equipped with cutting-edge lasers, 19 specialized examination rooms, and comprehensive ophthalmology services. The clinic plans to add a dedicated children’s orthoptics department and an exercise room for young patients. Housed in the Technopark building, which was repurposed in 2021 for this project, the new clinic is a five-story complex spanning nearly 9,000 square meters. The transformation began in spring 2023 under the leadership of world-renowned eye surgeon Pavel Stodůlka. “The clinic occupies the top two floors, covering 2,652 square meters. It currently features five operating theatres, specialized exam rooms, 19 consultation rooms, six instrument measurement rooms, and four patient zones capable of accommodating up to 360 people. Additionally, 162 parking spaces are available, including 13 for electric vehicles,” said Jiří Mikšík, head of the construction department. The clinic is headed by Associate Professor Drahomíra Baráková, one of the country’s most respected eye surgeons. The clinic specializes in a wide range of treatments, from cataract surgery and laser vision correction to retinal surgeries and aesthetic procedures. In addition to ophthalmology, we offer...
This year’s Signal Festival will present 22 installations, 7 of them exclusively in the Gallery Zone. Program and routes of Signal Festival Signal Festival offers a very clear festival app that can be downloaded from the Apple Store and Google Play. The app includes the full program, an interactive map of the festival and other useful information. Where can I buy tickets? Online tickets can be purchased on the Signal Festival website or on our app. Tickets can also be purchased on site. Cash and credit cards are accepted at the festival. Signal Festival is in the Prague Castle area! This year’s festival is special because it takes visitors through the grounds of Prague Castle. In order for this experience to run smoothly and be safe for visitors, it is important to adhere to and respect the requirements from both Prague Castle and our festival organizators. Passage through the Prague Castle grounds (the route Third Courtyard → Supreme Purcracy → Na Opyši street, towards the Old Castle Steps leading to Malostranská Street) will be open in both directions only until 10 pm. Visitors are advised to start the Hradčany route, after 10 pm, from the Prague Castle Riding Hall or...
The Prague 1 district is preparing to negotiate with Prague’s city leadership to increase the tourist tax. Currently, the law sets the maximum fee at 50 CZK (approximately €2) per person per night, but local officials believe this amount is inadequate. The last increase in tourist tax came in 2021 when it rose from 21 CZK to 50 CZK per night due to a change in legislation. However, officials argue that this rate is still too low compared to other European cities. Why the Current Fee Falls Short According to a report from the district’s Finance Committee, in collaboration with Prague City Tourism, the average residence fee in EU cities is around €7 per night. This is three times higher than the current limit in Prague. Representatives believe aligning with European standards will not only generate more income but also streamline fee collection, which is a key revenue source for Prague 1. “This fee helps offset the costs of tourism. Visitors create waste, use local public transport, roads, and other services, all of which impact the city’s budget. Increasing the fee will provide more resources for maintaining cleanliness and improving city services,” said Giancarlo Lamberti (TOP 09), chairman of the Finance...
Czech President Petr Pavel swore in two new ministers on Tuesday as part of a reshuffle of the government following the decision of junior coalition partner, the Pirates, to leave the Cabinet. Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s government retains a majority in Parliament’s lower house even without the Pirates, with four other parties remaining in the coalition. The president appoints and dismisses the government ministers at the request of the prime minister. The crisis began on September 24 when Fiala announced the dismissal of Regional Development Minister Ivan Bartos, head of the Pirates. He said he had lost trust in Bartos’s ability to deal with problems linked to a new digital system for issuing building permits. The Pirates said the move was in breach of their coalition agreement. Two other ministers representing the Pirates offered their resignations. But Fiala refused to accept the resignation of Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky. The vocal supporter of Ukraine’s efforts to fight Russia’s invasion then opted to leave the Pirates and stay in the government. Fiala eliminated the post of the minister for legislation which had been occupied by the other member of the Pirates party who resigned. The changes came after a major opposition party...
The Divadlo na Vinohradech is one step closer to its much-anticipated renovation. The Prague City Council approved a public tender for securing construction supervision during the restoration of this historic theater, which will include a comprehensive modernization of its stage technology. The tender for the actual construction work was announced earlier this summer, and work is expected to begin in the first quarter of next year. “The approval of the renovation project marks a significant step in ensuring its future and preserving its legacy. In the long run, this is also a vital move in supporting Prague’s cultural scene. I firmly believe that this investment will elevate the city’s cultural offerings and attract new visitors,” said Jiří Pospíšil, Prague’s Deputy Mayor. The estimated value of the public contract for construction supervision is CZK 45 million (excluding VAT). As for the construction itself, the expected cost of the renovation is CZK 2.212 billion (excluding VAT). The renovation plans include expanding the underground area behind the theater to include a rehearsal hall, which will also serve as a smaller venue with a capacity of 150 to 200 seats. Once the renovation is complete, the theater will offer increased comfort for audiences, a fully...
An unusual incident took place on the afternoon of September 29 in Brno. A foreign passenger, reportedly Russian-speaking, was caught riding a tram without a valid ticket. When asked to pay a fine, the man decided to flee in an unexpected manner—by slipping through a narrow tram window. Before making his daring escape, the man had handed his passport to the ticket inspectors so they could issue a fine receipt. However, in his haste to get away, he left the document behind. Despite his quick getaway, his passport remained with the ticket inspectors, who later handed it over to the police. “Fare dodgers often try to escape, but this is the first time someone has done so through a window,” said Hana Tomastíková, a spokesperson for the Brno Transport Company. Although the man successfully evaded the inspectors at the scene, his escape was in vain. The transport company has already issued a receipt for the fine based on his passport details and will pursue payment. Meanwhile, the local police are investigating and are working to track down the individual. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Los Angeles-based comedian and musician Morgan Jay is set to bring his unique blend of humor, music, and improvisation to Prague on May 13, 2025. As part of his “The Goofy Guy Tour,” Jay will perform at the iconic Kino Lucerna, offering Prague audiences an evening of laughs and musical talent. Morgan Jay has built a reputation for his distinctive style, combining comedy with live music and improvisation. His performances focus on authenticity, human connection, and shared experiences, allowing him to engage audiences in a truly interactive way. Jay, known for his appearances on MTV, NBC, and Comedy Central’s Wild’N’Out, has established himself as a rising star in the comedy scene. His work has earned him awards and recognition at prestigious comedy festivals, including being named the face of the 2023 Just For Laughs comedy competition. With a strong following on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Morgan Jay has also released two comedy specials on YouTube, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry. Tickets for the Prague show will be available on the Ticketmaster network starting from October 11, 2024, at 10:00 am, with prices starting at 590 CZK. VIP packages are also on sale. Fans can...
Flora Metro Station in Prague is preparing for a significant reconstruction. The scope of this renovation will be comparable to the recent upgrades at Jiřího z Poděbrad station. This announcement was made on Monday, October 7, by the Prague Public Transport Company (DPP). A tender for the construction project has already been announced, with a total contract value of CZK 1.16 billion. The selected contractor will be responsible for replacing the old Soviet-era escalators with modern alternatives, installing elevators, and updating the ventilation and lighting systems, as well as the tiles, electrical wiring, and other technical equipment. Additionally, the electrical substation located at the station will also undergo modernization. The renovation work is expected to last about 10 months. During this period, passengers will not be able to access the station, as trains will pass through without stopping. According to DPP representative Daniel Šabík, the reconstruction is set to begin shortly after the tender results are finalized, which is anticipated to occur in early 2025. Specific dates have not yet been determined. The necessity for replacement arises not only from wear and tear but also from economic considerations. Modern escalators are more economical due to their lower speed, lighter weight, and...
For two weeks, a light installation by German visual artist Franz John will illuminate the facade of the Goethe-Institut in Prague. Inspired by Franz Kafka’s letters, this new work, titled Das Gassenfenster (Window to the Street), will light up the evening sky from October 10 to October 24. The public can witness the lighting starting at 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 10. The opening ceremony will also feature a scenic reading of Kafka’s texts, performed by renowned translator Věra Koubová. The installation will be visible at the Goethe-Institut building on Masarykovo nábřeží 32. According to the institute’s spokesperson, Tomáš Moravec, the installation seeks to embody Kafka’s complex reflections on human connection and alienation. Kafka’s letters contain vivid imagery, such as when he wrote to his friend Oskar Pollak: “You were, among many other things, something like a window through which I could see the streets. I couldn’t do it myself…” In another letter, Kafka mused: “People are bound together by ropes, and it is already bad when the ropes loosen around someone and he falls a little deeper than the others into the empty space. But it is terrible when the ropes break around someone, and he then falls.” Franz...
The Czech Ministry of Health is preparing significant new regulations for electronic cigarettes, which could drastically impact the vaping market in the country. The proposal aims to ban all e-cigarette flavors except for traditional tobacco. This move, however, has sparked widespread criticism from addiction specialists, manufacturers, and users alike. Experts argue that banning flavors may have unintended consequences. They warn it could lead to an increase in people returning to smoking traditional cigarettes due to a lack of appealing alternatives. E-cigarette manufacturers and users are also concerned that the ban could disrupt the market, with some fearing it may drive customers away entirely. Manufacturers have noted that e-cigarettes without flavors are rarely sold, which could effectively end their business in this sector. Former national anti-drug coordinator Jindřich Vobořil has been critical of the proposed ban, stating, “Electronic cigarettes are a less risky alternative to traditional smoking, and many smokers switch to these products precisely because of the variety of available flavors.” Defining Which Flavors to Ban The debate is now shifting towards which specific flavors should be restricted. Some, including Zdenka Němečková Crkvenjaš (ODS), chair of the parliamentary health committee, have suggested limiting only “candy” flavors. However, Minister Válek acknowledged...
The redevelopment of the historic Nuselský Brewery is drawing to a close, promising a new district that blends history with modern living. The project will feature over 120 apartments, along with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. The transformation of the former brewery site has reached a critical stage, with Metrostav, the construction company leading the project, reporting that more than three-quarters of the work is complete. The focus is now on finishing the facades and interiors, ensuring the blend of historic charm and modern design remains intact. The brewery complex covers an area equivalent to three football fields and comprises seven buildings, the oldest dating back to the late 17th century. Once the reconstruction is finished, the development will offer apartments ranging from small studios to spacious lofts over 100 m². The ground floors will be home to retail spaces, including cafes, restaurants, and even a Czech Post office. A key feature of the new district will be a small public square that connects the site to the surrounding area. A new footbridge over the Botič stream will link Nuselský Brewery with Křesomyslovová Street, providing better access for residents and visitors alike. A Time Capsule Discovery During the...
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