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Prague’s Florenc to Undergo Billion-Crown Makeover

A major transformation is coming to Florenc, one of Prague’s key transportation hubs. The project has attracted unprecedented international interest, with 157 architectural studios from 33 countries competing to design four new residential and commercial blocks. The winners are expected to be announced this autumn. The project focuses on a strategic site west of the Florenc bus station, a key transit point in Prague. The area is bordered by a major roadway, a railway line to the south, and Na Florenci Street to the west. The current competition builds on a previous urban design contest that established the layout of streets, building blocks, and height regulations. Four Architectural Competitions for Four Blocks At the end of last year, Penta Group launched four parallel architectural competitions for the planned blocks. The development will be primarily residential, but will also include shops, offices, and potentially a hotel. “This new district will bridge the heart of Prague—bustling with business and tourism—with Karlín, a neighborhood known for its livability and work-life balance,” said David Musil, head of Penta Real Estate, about the Florenc 21 project. City officials and representatives from Prague 1 and Prague 8 have also praised the investor’s approach. A jury of...

 by Prague Morning Mar 07, 2025

Czech Republic to Lift Defence Spending to 3% of GDP by 2030, PM Says

The Czech government has decided to gradually raise its defence spending to 3% of gross domestic product by 2030, from around 2% now, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on Wednesday. Defence expenditure should rise by 0.2% of GDP each year starting in 2026, when it should reach 2.2%, he said. Fiala has said defence spending must grow to meet new geopolitical realities. “Increasing defence spending is important for security, it is necessary and essential,” Fiala said, adding it was also an opportunity for the economy. European leaders have been moving quickly to plan higher defence spending after the return of Donald Trump as U.S. president raised fears in Europe that it can no longer be sure of U.S. protection. Czech defence spending reached 2% of GDP in 2024, in line with its commitments as a NATO member. The government faces a general election in the autumn, and the main ruling parties are trailing in polls to the party of former prime minister Andrej Babis, who has said spending at current targets already means more money going to defence due to rising GDP.

 by Prague Morning Mar 06, 2025

Farmers’ Markets Return to Prague – How Much Will You Spend This Season?

Spring is arriving in Prague, and with it, the return of farmers’ markets across the city. These markets, known for their fresh local produce, handmade goods, and artisanal specialties, are once again welcoming visitors. One of the first markets to open this year was the Budějovická Farmers’ Market, which began on Tuesday, February 25. The market will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. above the entrance to the Budějovická metro station. Around ten stalls were already set up on opening day. Visitors can find traditional farm-fresh products, along with butcher’s specialties. Prices this year include: Jitrnice or jelita (blood sausages): 27 CZK per 100 grams Pork shoulder: 35 CZK per 100 grams Sausages: 42 CZK per 100 grams Smoked sausages: 47 CZK per 100 grams Other offerings include fresh eggs from free-range farms (M size: 7 CZK each, L size: 8 CZK), pastries like vanilla cream donuts (45 CZK), poppy seed bread (25 CZK), and larger loaves such as light buttermilk bread (72 CZK per 500g) or whole-grain walnut bread (90 CZK per 320g). Kulaťák Farmers’ Market Returned on March 1 Another eagerly awaited market is the Kulaťák Farmers’ Market at Vítězné náměstí in...

 by Prague Morning Mar 05, 2025

Celebrate St. Patrick’s at Manifesto Market: Three Days of Irish Fun!

Manifesto Market is gearing up for a St. Patrick’s Weekend celebration, with three full days of Irish vibes, live music, whiskey tastings, Guinness games, and festive food and drinks. Friday, March 14: Tullamore D.E.W. & Irish Beats The weekend kicks off with a Tully Toast and live Irish music from 7:00 to 8:00 PM, featuring violin and guitar. Whiskey lovers can join a tasting with a brand ambassador from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, sampling Tullamore D.E.W.’s Original, Honey, 12YO, and 14YO varieties. DJ Žhelička will keep the energy going with Irish beats from 8:00 to 10:00 PM. Saturday, March 15: Rugby & Guinness Takeover Sports fans can catch the Six Nations match between Italy and Ireland at 3:15 PM, followed by a Guinness party from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Expect a lively atmosphere with a live drummer, Guinness hostesses, and fun games, including foosball and a hook and ring challenge at the Guinness Game Zone. Sunday, March 16: Irish Karaoke & More Guinness Fun The celebrations continue with Irish karaoke hosted by Gabriele Felici from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. The Guinness party runs from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, featuring more games, live drummers, and giveaways. The Guinness Game Zone will stay...

 by Prague Morning Mar 05, 2025

US Tariffs to Hit Czechia and Slovakia Hard – S&P Global Warns

Czechia, Slovakia, and other Central European countries could face serious economic setbacks as the United States plans to impose 25% tariffs on imports from the European Union, according to a report from S&P Global. The German auto sector, a key driver of Central Europe’s economy, is expected to be particularly affected. Although the Trump administration has yet to confirm the start date for these tariffs, their implementation could hamper economic growth across the region and exacerbate existing budgetary issues, S&P Global warned on Monday. Czech and Slovak Economies at Risk Despite limited direct trade exposure to the U.S., the economies of Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Romania are heavily tied to the German auto industry, which would suffer from reduced American demand, S&P Global said. Machinery and transport equipment exports to Germany account for over 10% of total exports in these countries, making them vulnerable to any downturn in the sector. Central European economies are among the most export-dependent in the EU. According to Eurostat’s 2023 data, exports make up 92% of Slovakia’s GDP and 69% of Czechia’s GDP—both well above the EU average. Romania is the only exception, with 39%. Growth Slowdown Expected According to Nicholas Farr, an analyst...

 by Prague Morning Mar 05, 2025

European Chip Centre Starts Operation in the Czech Republic

The European Union has begun operation of five state-of-the-art prototyping lines for the production of cutting-edge chips, including one of the most advanced in the world. This initiative will enable startups, corporations, and universities to produce test samples of their chip designs locally, eliminating the need to outsource to custom manufacturers like TSMC in Taiwan. The project, with a budget of €3.7 billion (over CZK 92 billion), includes a new semiconductor hub in the Czech Republic, set to launch in March. The center will be led by a key figure in the local semiconductor industry and will also contribute to developing a European processor. Czech Semiconductor Center to Open in March The newly established Czech Semiconductor Center, based in Brno, will be part of the EU’s Chips Act, an initiative designed to strengthen Europe’s position in semiconductor development and production. The center will operate in collaboration with the Brno University of Technology (BUT), Czech Technical University (CTU), the South Moravian Innovation Center (JIC), the National Semiconductor Cluster, and companies like Onsemi and Codasip. The center’s primary mission is to provide access to five European prototyping lines and specialized chip design software. These resources will help accelerate the development of new...

 by Prague Morning Mar 04, 2025

Czech Lunch Prices Keep Climbing – But Prague Isn’t the Most Expensive

Czech restaurant prices continue to rise, with an increasing focus on healthier food choices. The average lunch menu in Czech restaurants now costs 193.90 CZK, marking an annual increase of nearly 4%. Surprisingly, Prague is not the most expensive region—that title goes to South Bohemia, followed by Central Bohemia, Pardubice, and Liberec. The cheapest lunches can be found in Olomouc and Zlín. According to the Barometer FOOD survey, 65% of Czechs have recently shifted towards healthier eating habits. Lunch Prices on the Rise, but Growth Slows According to the latest data from Edenred, the cost of a lunch menu has risen by up to 4% compared to 2023. “Between August and November, the average price fluctuated between 191 and 192 CZK. Another trend worth noting is the increase in transactions, with restaurants recording the highest number in December since September 2020,” said Aneta Martišková, a member of Edenred’s management team. Regional Differences – South Bohemia Leads in Prices Regional variations in lunch prices are noteworthy. South Bohemia has the highest lunch prices, with an average of 213.60 CZK—an increase of over 20 crowns since the beginning of the year. This is significantly higher than the 5 to 10 crown increase...

 by Prague Morning Mar 04, 2025

Czech Foreign Minister Responds to U.S. Suspension of Military Aid to Ukraine

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský has addressed reports from several reputable American media outlets indicating that U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered a suspension of all military supplies to Ukraine. While the White House has neither confirmed nor denied this information, the decision reportedly affects artillery shells, missiles, vehicles, and other equipment, including supplies agreed upon during former President Joe Biden’s tenure. In response, Minister Lipavský emphasized Europe’s responsibility in safeguarding its own security. He noted that President Trump’s commitment to ending foreign conflicts aligns with his campaign promises, suggesting that Europe’s defense against Russian imperialism now rests primarily on its own shoulders. “Our government has increased defense spending and will continue to do so to ensure the security of the Czech Republic,” Lipavský stated. “We will also persist in negotiations with our partners, including Ukraine, to achieve lasting peace in Europe.” This development has raised concerns among European leaders about the potential impact on Ukraine’s defense capabilities and the broader security landscape in Europe. The suspension of U.S. military aid underscores the necessity for European nations to bolster their defense strategies and collaborate more closely to maintain regional stability. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out...

 by Prague Morning Mar 04, 2025

Casanova in Czechia: The Final Chapter of the Legendary Seducer’s Life

The name Giacomo Casanova has become synonymous with philanderers, seducers, and lovers of all pleasures. The renowned Italian adventurer spent the final years of his life at Duchcov Chateau (Ústí nad Labem Region). But why did he spend his last years there? Giacomo Casanova was born on 2 April 1725 in Venice into a family of actors. Although he did not come from the nobility, his intelligence, charisma, and ability to move among the elite allowed him to establish connections across Europe. His life was filled with love affairs, travels, and encounters with figures such as Voltaire, Mozart, and Empress Catherine the Great. Besides that, he worked as a diplomat, spy, philosopher, writer, and violinist. His charm was said to be irresistible, as evidenced by the more than 130 women he mentioned as his lovers in his memoirs. Giacomo Casanova arrived in Duchcov after being exiled from Venice, thanks to his friend Count Josef Karel of Waldstein, who offered him the position of librarian at his chateau in 1785. By then, Casanova was famous across Europe not only for his romantic escapades but also for numerous scandals and conflicts due to his fiery temperament. It was in Duchcov that Casanova...

 by Prague Morning Mar 04, 2025

Museum of Memory of the 20th Century to Open in Prague’s Hradčany

The Museum of Memory of the 20th Century is set to move into its new home at Dům pážat on Kanovnická Street in Prague’s Hradčany this fall. The long-awaited permanent exhibition, focusing on 20th-century history, is scheduled to open in 2026. Designed to be interactive and engaging, the exhibition aims to attract school groups and young visitors. Delays and Costs of Reconstruction Renovation work began early last year to accommodate the museum’s needs. Initially, the project was expected to be completed this spring, but progress was delayed due to an archaeological survey, pushing the opening timeline further. The total cost of reconstruction is estimated at 70 million CZK. Established in 2019 by Prague City Hall, the Museum of Memory of the 20th Century was created as a registered institute with the primary mission of documenting and commemorating the crimes of totalitarian regimes in the Czech lands. The next phase involves setting up technological infrastructure for the exhibition. A major focus will be on interactive elements, making history more accessible to younger visitors. “We expect frequent school visits. The museum will provide an alternative educational space, reducing reliance on traditional classroom settings. The exhibition will offer customized tour routes designed specifically for student...

 by Prague Morning Mar 03, 2025

Powder Gate Turns 550! Visit the Iconic Tower for Just 55 Crowns

The Powder Gate, one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks, is celebrating a major milestone this year. As part of the anniversary festivities, Prague City Tourism has planned a year-long program, with the main events kicking off in March. The celebrations will mark a key moment since the tower’s foundation stone was laid, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the historical monument in new ways. Discounted Entry and Special Multi-Ticket Offer From March 19 to March 23, holders of the Lítačka card can visit the Powder Gate for a symbolic entry fee of just 55 CZK. Additionally, a special multi-ticket for 220 CZK will grant access to four historic towers along the Royal Route: the Powder Gate, Old Town Bridge Tower, Lesser Town Bridge Tower, and the Old Town Hall Tower—all managed by Prague City Tourism. “The 550th anniversary of the Powder Gate is a great opportunity to highlight its historical importance through an engaging program,” said Jiří Pospíšil, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Tourism. “We want Prague residents to experience and appreciate their city’s heritage, which is why these events are tailored especially for them.” Exclusive Anniversary Events and Special Collectibles The anniversary program will feature exclusive collaborations with...

 by Prague Morning Mar 03, 2025

This Winter in Prague Was One of the Hottest in Nearly 250 Years

With an average temperature of 2.8°C, this past meteorological winter in Prague’s Klementinum ranked among the warmest 13% of winters since temperature records began in 1775. Compared to the 1991–2020 average, this winter was 0.5°C warmer, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ). However, February itself was relatively typical, with an average temperature of 2°C, ČHMÚ stated in a press release. This year’s winter at Klementinum ranked between 30th and 32nd out of 250 recorded winters. The warmest winter ever recorded at the site was in 2006/2007, when the average temperature reached 5.8°C. In contrast, the coldest winter occurred in 1829, with an average temperature of -6.1°C. More recently, the winter of 2010/2011 was slightly colder than usual, averaging 0°C. “That was the last winter when the average temperature remained at or below freezing. This winter ranked between 99th and 102nd coldest overall,” ČHMÚ reported. Looking at this February, meteorologists ranked it between 101st and 104th out of 251 Februarys recorded since 1775, placing it in the warmer half of historical data. However, it was still 0.7°C colder than the 1991–2020 average for the month. The warmest February ever recorded at Klementinum was last year, with an average temperature of...

 by Prague Morning Mar 03, 2025