Deloitte, a financial consulting firm, has reported a 1.2% decrease in apartment prices during the first quarter of this year compared to the previous quarter. The average price per square meter stood at 92,200 CZK. This decline can be attributed to reduced demand resulting from inflation, higher mortgage rates, and increased real estate costs due to high energy expenses and ongoing construction projects. Despite the decrease, apartment prices remain 70% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Among the regions analyzed, the most significant drop in average apartment prices was observed in Liberec, where prices decreased by 15.6% compared to the last quarter of 2022. Ostrava and Pardubice experienced price reductions of 12.6% and 11.2%, respectively. Conversely, Usti nad Labem saw an average price increase of 4.4%, while Zlin observed a rise of nearly 5%. In Prague, overall prices remained relatively stable, with a slight increase of 0.2%. However, price fluctuations varied across different areas of the capital. Prague 8 witnessed a 5.5% increase in prices, followed by a 3.8% increase in Prague 3, and a 2.8% increase in Prague 9. On the other hand, the city center experienced significant price declines, with a substantial drop of 18% in Prague 1 and 12%...
In a recent development, the Czech government has made the decision not to impose a ban on kratom and cannabinol HHC, two substances that have sparked controversy in recent times. The decision was motivated by the government’s belief that a prohibitionist approach would be impractical. Instead, their focus will be on safeguarding the well-being of both children and adult users. Experts have welcomed this decision, asserting that these substances pose less risk compared to other drugs. Kratom, obtained from a tropical plant, and cannabinol HHC, derived from hemp, have been sought after for their medicinal properties but have also been subject to abuse. These substances are available in various forms such as oils, tinctures, tablets, or powders. While the government’s resolution not to prohibit kratom and cannabinol HHC was not reached unanimously, it has stimulated ongoing debates concerning the most effective means of regulating these substances. Some experts suggest the establishment of clear guidelines for their sale and control, while others advocate for an outright ban. The government’s decision echoes a growing inclination toward more progressive drug policies, particularly in Europe. Numerous experts and policymakers argue that prohibitionist measures have proven ineffective and have led to unintended consequences, including an...
On Thursday, 20 July, an open-air summer cinema will open on Mariánské náměstí in the heart of Prague. The twist? It’s a ‘silent cinema.’ A ‘silent cinema’ is a similar concept to a ‘silent disco’ in that the audio for the event is not pumped through speakers but through headphones to each person who attends. This means that the screen will not generate lots of noise into the night, and is also a fun twist for those who wish to attend. The cinema will work till the beginning of September. The first movie is going to be screened at 21:00. Entrance is free, but you can not book a seat in advance. The schedule of screenings is as follows: – 20, 21 and 22 July – 17, 18 and 19 August – 31 August, 1 and 2 September. The audience will be shown mainly Czech and European films from different years. Their full list and descriptions can be found here. The events are organized by the City Library of Prague as part of the summer cultural season.
This summer Prague will dress again with the colors of Colombia during the celebration of the 2nd Colombian week. It will take place from the 22nd of July until the 05th of August. Various cultural, sports, gastronomic and other events will take place, which will introduce you to Colombian culture and traditions and will also introduce interesting personalities of the Colombian community living in the Czech Republic. The futbol tournament will be the first event of our Colombian week. The objective of our tournament is to bring together all the Latin people and the other communities living in Prague through football. The countries participating are Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela. On July 29th you can join a party at (A)VOID floating gallery, with multiple activities: DJs playing Colombian music, while the Colombian group La Parranda will light up the party. Visitors can find also typical Colombian food and drinks that will bring you closer to Colombia. “An ode to daily actions on the streets in Colombia that are extraordinary cultural manifestations and that are expressed through the body, objects, ornaments or ceremonies and that help us to understand our Colombian identity,” describes the organisers. And you probably know that Colombian coffee is one of the most...
by Magdalena Kicińska An animal rights group handed over to the new Czech Minister of Agriculture, MarekVýborný, a petition for the introduction of mandatory camera systems at slaughterhouses. According to the Statista Research Department, the average Czech eats 86 kg of meat per year. Many likely do not ask themselves: how did what I eat get to me. Dramatic recordings of the unloading of animals at the slaughterhouse in Český Dvůr recently stirred Czech public opinion. The video uploaded by Zvířata nejíme shows the unloading of animals from a transport as workers pulled incapacitated or injured cows by the ears or poked them with an electric drive. State Veterinary Administration has already started an investigation about this particular case and is carrying out a general inspection of all slaughterhouses in the Czech Republic. “I know that many people do not want to know what the inside of the slaughterhouse and the process look like. It’s psychologically understandable that he’s running away from it. However, it still seems very important that they have the opportunity, that is, to make these recordings and share them,” said Lucas Vincour from Zvířata nejíme which initiated the petition said. Vincour, accompanied by two colleagues from...
The Czech gastronomic world can rejoice as the government has decided to pay Michelin for its inclusion in the culinary guide. “Michelin stars and other gastronomic recognitions not only add value to restaurants but also serve as a tool to promote the Czech Republic internationally, boost tourism, and generate revenue for the country,” said Tomáš Karpíšek, head of the Ambiente gastronomic group. The issue has raised controversy due to the state of public finances but the government said the 50 million crown fee for the next five years would be well-invested since it would attract more tourists to the country. The cost is to be divided between the state, regions and the private sector. The debate surrounding Michelin stars in the Czech Republic has been intense in recent days. Some argue that Michelin focuses solely on expensive establishments in the capital. They claim that most Czech society stands to gain nothing from it, making it unworthy of sending any money to the company. Others argue that the Michelin Guide enhances the country’s visibility to more sophisticated tourists who seek more than cheap alcohol, thus bringing in additional revenue. They emphasize that the gastronomic guide has the potential to attract people from...
Children of foreigners with long-term residence in the Czech Republic now have access to public health insurance, the authorities have announced. In line with an amendment that the government of the Czech Republic approved, significant changes for children of foreigners with long-term residence are brought, with insurance premiums for them being paid by their parents at the rate equal to minimum insurance contribution. “The approved amendment brings significant change for children with a long-term residence permit in the Czech Republic, as it ensures their inclusion in the public health insurance system,” the statement of the EU Commission reads, welcoming the changes. As the Commission explains, until such a change entered into force, children of foreigners with long-term residence in Czechia had the possibility to be insured under the commercial insurance system. However, the insurance companies were not obliged to insure them. Consequently, some of the children, mainly those in poor health, became uninsurable, which was highly inconvenient for them. In addition, the limitations that were imposed on the reimbursement for health services were low in the system of commercial insurance, and for this reason, children were able only to use a limited number of facilities. The Migration Consortium was one of...
By Sarah Buser, Jessica Foshee, Ellie Millikan In Prague, the number of tourists rises every year. Local business owners and the tourist office predict this summer to be exceptional in terms of the number of visitors. Summer is in full swing, and more and more tourists are coming to the city. The number of tourists has reached 80 percent of the pre-pandemic level, says Barbora Scherf, spokeswoman for Prague City Tourism. Tourists from Asian countries have also returned. Almost six million tourists came to Prague in 2022, and this year, it is likely that even more visitors will arrive in the city with cobblestone streets. The tourists are catching up. Michal Dziendziura confirms what the statistics show. He works as a tour guide in Prague and is the owner of Prague Free Tour Company. He started his business eight years ago, and through the years he has seen tourism grow. His business project has been a great success, and now his tours attract about 40,000 people every year. Since he started to work as a tour guide in 2015, every year, the effective number of tourists visiting Prague has been higher than the predictions, apart from the pandemic years 2020 and 2021, Dziendziura says. This is good for his business....
As early as September, Popeyes, an American chain of fast food restaurants selling fried chicken, will open its first restaurant in the Czech Republic. By the end of the year, two more branches will be opened – in addition to the first one in the center of Prague, one will be added in the center of Brno, and another location will open just outside Prague. This will create strong competition for the three biggest chains in the Czech Republic – KFC, McDonald’s, and Burger King. The first Czech customers will welcome Popeyes with a location in Wenceslas Square, but the exact address is still being kept secret by the company. However, according to Marek Blažević, who is in charge of the brand in the Czech Republic and Poland, it will be a two-story, 700 sqm restaurant in the heart of the city. “We deliberately chose Wenceslas Square. It is the place where all the important events take place – Christmas or Easter markets, museum night, and other public events. Without exaggeration, I expect it to be the busiest Popeyes restaurant in the world,” says Blažević. “The first three customers in line will receive vouchers for a free chicken sandwich for a whole year. The next 100 customers will then get a...
Originally it was supposed to be a one-off event. But when the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand opened the garden of her residence to the public for the first time in 2019, the interest was unexpectedly high and a tradition was born. People came to Pod Hradbami Street in Prague 6 to taste Thai specialties prepared by the ambassador’s personal chef, sip Thai Singha beer and listen to Thai music. Or indulge in a traditional massage, buy souvenirs and learn about travelling in Thailand. This year, the event will be held under the auspices of H.E. Phasporn Sangasubana, in cooperation with the Thai Business Centre in Prague and the Prague office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand on Saturday, July 15 from 2pm to 6pm. The programme remains similar to the previous editions: entry is free and the garden of the residence can only be accessed from Milady Horákové Street near the Prašný Most public transport stop. Due to the enormous interest in previous years, the organizers point out that the number of participants is limited and will be held in the spirit of the motto: “First come, first served.” Just visiting the garden of the residence (near which...
The Prague City Technology Company (THMP) has been installing new tram stop shelters throughout Prague over the past few months. Since the project’s commencement in 2021, numerous old tram stop shelters have been replaced. However, some of these newly installed shelters are already being… dismantled. According to THMP, the reason for this is “digitization”. Czech daily iDnes reported that JCDecaux owned the tram stop shelters until mid-2021. Afterward, the city of Prague obtained them, and THMP initiated their modernization in December 2021 by placing the first redesigned tram stop shelter in Velká Ohrada. The shelters’ shape was designed by studio Olgoj Chorchoj. They are made of dark aluminum and feature a screen that displays the stop’s name, current time, and departure information. The primary purpose of these shelters is to standardize the appearance of Prague’s tram stops and provide easier navigation for passengers. The initial design also includes electrical connections for passengers to charge their phones. Additionally, tram stops with high traffic volumes are equipped with digital screens that display additional information, such as potential traffic accidents. Prague paid 834.8 million CZK, including VAT, for the installation of the new tram stop shelters, with dozens already in place. The goal...
In April, the recently deceased writer transferred his personal archive to the Moravian Library Milan Kundera is no longer with us. The globally acclaimed Czech writer, and author of the Unbearable Lightness of Being, passed away on 11 July in Paris at the age of 94. The news was first reported by the Moravian Regional Library of Brno. That institution is also now linked to the great author’s legacy after back in April of this year, he decided to transfer his own personal archive consisting of some 4000 books and 25 boxes of handwritten notes. The donation served as the basis of the creation of the Milan Kundera Library, which is part of the Moravian Library of Brno. And the city was chosen as the host of this important legacy because it was the birthplace of Mr Kundera. Brno’s famous son Milan Kundera was born in the Moravian region’s main city – Brno – in 1929 in the family of a musicologist. graduated from the Grammar School in his hometown, after which he went to study in Prague. He then became famous in the Czech capital as a writer, with his first novel The Joke being made into a movie only two years...
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