Step into the enchanting city of a hundred spires – Prague! Beyond its fairy-tale skyline, there’s a tapestry of history, quirky tales, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Join us as we unearth 20 fascinating Prague facts that will make you fall in love with this Bohemian beauty all over again!
1-5 Fun Facts About Prague
1. As the largest city and cultural hub of the Czech Republic, Prague boasts a population of 1.3 million, with approximately 12% of Czechs residing in the capital.
2. Not one, but two wars kicked off because someone got yeeted out of a window in this city.
3. During World War II, the former Czechoslovakian president, Emil Hácha, suffered a heart attack when informed by Hitler about the imminent invasion of Czechoslovakia and the bombing of Prague.
4. From 2005 to 2010, Prague was home to a unique brothel where men paid a one-time fee of $23, while women and couples were granted free entry. The catch? All the steamy action was filmed and streamed online for a paying audience.
5. Prague Castle holds the title of the largest ancient castle globally, with a complex dating back to the 9th century. Serving as the residence for Bohemian kings, Roman emperors, and Czech presidents, the castle spans over 70,000 square meters, encompassing palaces, churches, and gardens. With over 1.8 million annual visitors, it remains a prominent tourist attraction.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Prague
6. Ever wondered about Superman’s roots? The superhero’s creators drew inspiration from the golem, a Jewish legend about a clay protector defending Prague’s Jews. Forget Krypton – Prague’s where the real superhero saga began!
7. Interestingly, the Czechs refer to Prague as “Praha,” derived from a Slavic word meaning threshold.
8. The narrowest street in Prague is only 20 inches (50 cm) wide. Due to its small size, it has traffic lights on both sides. They aid in preventing people from meeting in the middle and attempting to pass each other. Vinárna ertovka is the name of the street.
9. The Nazis, during their occupation, had plans to preserve the Jewish quarter of Prague, intending to establish an “exotic museum of an extinct race.”
10. Prague Zoo holds the distinction of being the fifth-best zoo globally. Founded in 1931, it covers 58 hectares and is home to over 5,000 animals from 650 species. The zoo focuses on conservation, successfully breeding endangered species like the Przewalski’s horse, the Asiatic lion, and the Malayan tapir. Designed to replicate natural habitats, the zoo includes areas such as the Indonesian Jungle, African Savannah, and the South American Pavilion.
11-15 Surprising Facts About Prague
11. Prague boasts the world’s oldest moving clock, located in the Old Town Square tower. Built-in 1490, this intricate timepiece not only displays the hour but also showcases the month, season, and star constellations. Legend has it that to safeguard its uniqueness, town councilors blinded the clock’s creator, ensuring he couldn’t replicate it elsewhere.
12. If Prague were a film, it’d be a blockbuster. Renowned as a popular filming location, Prague has featured prominently in films like Mission Impossible (1996), Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Casino Royale, Amadeus, Spider-Man – Far from Home, Jojo Rabbit, Anthropoid, and The Gray Man.
13. The city hosts over 150 museums, galleries, and historic houses, including the Kbely Aviation Museum, the largest aviation museum in Europe, which is among the many free attractions in Prague.
14. Surprisingly, over 50% of Prague’s area is green, providing a refreshing contrast to its historical urban landscape.
15. Czech people, particularly those in Prague, hold the world record for beer consumption, averaging 180 liters per person annually. And get this – they outdrink the Austrians (the runners-up) by almost double. Cheers to that!
16-20 Awesome Facts About Prague
16. In Prague, the unique combination of beer and spa is a reality. Visitors can immerse themselves in beer baths while enjoying unlimited beer from a separate keg. The high hop oil content in beer is believed to open pores, ease stress, stimulate metabolism, and boost immunity.
17. The oldest pub in Prague, ‘Pivovar u Fleku,’ has been serving and brewing beer since 1499, adding to the city’s rich beer culture.
18. Despite their beer consumption, the citizens of Prague are surprisingly fit, ranking as the 11th fittest city in the world according to a 2021 Reebok study.
19. Speaking of unique structures, Prague boasts the Dancing House. Originally named Fred and Ginger after the iconic dancers, this controversial piece of architecture looks like a pair of twirling partners. Who says buildings can’t dance?
20. Prague holds an Alpha-global city status, signifying its deep involvement in global trade, financial power, and robust infrastructure, placing it among the world’s most influential cities. The highest-ranking cities in this classification are London and New York.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading about 20 Interesting Prague Facts.
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