AuthorMartin Hladík

Photo: Jolana Nováková, Czech Radio

Art therapy is a discipline using artistic means and creativity to support self-development, personal growth and healing. The World Festival of Therapeutic Arts, due to take place in Prague at the end of September, is expected to attract both professionals and fans from around the world.

Inattention, poor concentration or ADHD disorders are increasingly common among teenagers in today’s hectic world, just as burnout is an increasingly common diagnosis among older people.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Štěpánka Budková, Radio Prague International

The administration of the Krkonoše National Park have launched a project to bring back the rare silver fir to the local forests. For the first time ever, they’ve begun collecting grafts from these majestic trees to protect them and preserve their genetic diversity for the future.

Abies Alba, commonly known as the European silver fir, is a large evergreen coniferous tree native to the mountains of Europe, including the Krkonoše Mountains in north-eastern Czechia.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Štěpán Ron, Czech Radio

Today, seeing female specialists perform life-saving surgeries or lead ground-breaking medical research feels entirely natural. However, not long ago, women faced significant obstacles in entering the field. It was only in 1902 that the first woman, Anna Honzáková, received a medical degree from Prague’s Charles University. More than a century later, Jarmila Heissigerová is among the many women who have followed in her footsteps—she heads the largest teaching eye department in the Czech Republic and is a professor at Charles University.

At just 16, Jarmila Heissigerová was diagnosed with what doctors initially believed to be an incurable eye disease that could lead to blindness.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: René Volfík, iROZHLAS.cz

Property damage due to extreme weather events in Czechia has been increasing for a long time. According to the Czech Association of Insurance Companies, last year was another confirmation of this trend. Due to the autumn floods, as well as other intense storms and precipitation, covered damages reached more than CZK 36 billion. But this is not a Czech specialty—insurance companies all over the world are dealing with it.

When floods swept away part of the village of Jeseník in the Olomouc Region last autumn after record torrential rains, it was a human and financial tragedy for the inhabitants.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík, Jan Kaliba

Photo: Abaca Press / Alamy / Profimedia

As the US announce suspension of military aid to Ukraine, Czechia must prepare for potential escalation and increased Russian influence efforts, warns political scientist Jiří Pehe. In an interview, he outlined the key security challenges Czechia faces and the role it must play in European defense.

According to political scientist and commentator Jiří Pehe, Russia will undoubtedly use the current situation to intensify its efforts to destabilize European democracies.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Blanka Mazalová, Czech Radio

Prehistoric mammoth hunters who moved across the Czech lands roughly 30,000 years ago are being tracked today by Olomouc scientists. By mapping ancient deposits of worked flint, they have found that the hunters could move over distances of one hundred kilometres or more.

While easy to ignore, small stones can reveal a great deal about our ancient ancestors.

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Author: Danny Bate

Unique remains of a 14th-century street surface have been discovered behind the Green Gate in Pardubice.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Illustrative photo: Jiří Matoušek, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Social scholarships, which provide financial aid for studying at university, are a vital source of income for academically aspirational students from low-income families. Only five hundred students currently receive them in Czechia, but this now looks set to change.

While the tuition fees may be covered by the state in Czechia, going to university still involves a lot of costs for Czech students.

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Author: Danny Bate

An extensive security operation in recent days has seen Prague police officers and the foreign police checking four hundred taxi drivers, and imposing fines of more than 300,000 crowns, Prague police spokesman Richard Hrdina reported on Tuesday.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Tomáš Vodňanský, Czech Radio

Ondřej Pilný is a professor of English and American literatures at Prague’s Charles University, where he also heads the Centre for Irish Studies. As he explains in our interview, his career path was greatly shaped by a series of coincidences that led him to Dublin in his student days. Pilný also discusses literary links between Czechia and Ireland – and says low pay prevents him and his colleagues from doing valuable work in their field.

You’re the director of the Centre for Irish Studies at Charles University.

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Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Jan Stárek – Kashitu School

There are many forms of development aid and cooperation, but some come with added value: bringing not just finances and jobs, but know-how and new friendships. A group of Czech volunteers are engaged in one such project in Kashitu, Zambia.

A group of Czech volunteers, mostly university graduates in architecture and construction, are building a secondary school campus for 250 people in the district of Kashitu, a rural area of Zambia.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Tomáš Sedláček, an economist, philosopher, and former advisor to President Václav Havel, has been appointed as the new director of the Václav Havel Library.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz

Prime Minister Petr Fiala has urged a boost in military aid to Ukraine in light of the European leaders’ summit in London. He stated that this is the only way to prevent an aggressive Russia from advancing just a few hundred kilometers from Czechia. Fiala added that lasting peace in Europe can only be achieved through a well-armed continent, which will require increasing defense spending to at least 3% of GDP.

In the context of Friday’s heated meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said that Europe is facing a great historical test:.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Eduardo Verdugo, ČTK / AP

Czech tennis player Tomáš Macháč has claimed his first career ATP title after defeating Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich 7:6, 6:2 in the final of the Mexico Open in Acapulco.

Following the victory, he moved up to 20th place in the ATP ranking, once again replacing Jiří Lehečka as the Czech number one.

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Photo: RomanM82, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

In their Latin language, the Romans had the word castellum, which meant ‘fortress’. This is straightforwardly the origin of English castle, but in Czech it has taken on a religious meaning.

Along with Slovak kostol and Polish kościół, the Czech word kostel refers to an ordinary church building.

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Photo: Jaromír Svoboda, National Theatre archive

Hello and welcome to RPI’s Sunday Music Show with me RF. On March 3, 1875, Georges Bizet’s Carmen had its world premiere at the Théâtre de l’Opéra-Comique in Paris. The opera triggered shock and disapproval for breaking away from the conventions of the time. Today, however, Carmen is considered one of the most significant and beloved works in the operatic repertoire worldwide.

Carmen was first performed in the Czech lands in 1880 in German at the Estates Theatre in Prague.

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Photo: Archive of Jan Šrubař/ Podhorská jednota Radhošť

Nowhere else in Europe has a chairlift been running longer than the one to the Pustevny mountain saddle, in the Moravian-Silesian Beskydy Mountains. It was put into operation on March 4th 1940.

The oldest chairlift in Europe, which has been running for eighty-five years, in the Beskydy Mountains dates from 1940.

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On the occasion of the Japanese Emperor’s 65th birthday and the National Day of Japan the Ambassador of Japan to the Czech Republic H.E. Mr. Kansuke NAGAOKA held a reception at the Marriot Hotel Prague.

In front of the President of the Senate RNDr. Miloš Vystrčil, and many Ambassadors, government officials, members of the Czech Parliament and Senate, and distinguished guests, H.E. Mr. Kansuke NAGAOKA and RNDr. Miloš Vystrčil greeted the guests.

Here are selected sections of the Ambassador’s and of the President of the Senate speeches at the event.

One day after the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the discussion addressed Ukraine’s most pressing challenges and opportunities in the years ahead.

The debate organized by the Strategeo Institute and the Anglo-American University in Prague took place at AAU’s campus, bringing together leading experts, diplomats, and students for a thought-provoking exchange on three critical topics:

1. Strategic Shifts in the US international policy and their impact: The Ukrainian and the European reactions 
2. Security Architecture: NATO, EU Integration, and Security guarantees 
3. Economic Recovery and Western Investment: Building a Resilient Post-War Economy

   The Debate was moderated by Jan Macháček, with a distinguished panel of speakers who explored not only Ukraine’s future but also the broader implications for Europe’s security, economy, and identity.

   Several powerful messages emerged throughout the discussion.

   Jiří Schwarz, President of Anglo-American Universityand Director of CETA – Center for Economic and Market Analyses,made a striking statement while wearing a traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt (vyshyvanka):

“Ukraine doesn’t owe anything to anybody!”

Daryna Semergei, a Ukrainian student and panelist, expressed deep gratitude for the continuous support from ordinary people over the past three years—both materially and emotionally. She emphasized the critical importance of mental support in particular.

Tomáš Kopečný, Czech Governmental Envoy for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, offered a stark assessment of transatlantic relations:

“The U.S. is done with Europe! Let’s face it.”

He elaborated: “The only deterrence is a well-trained Ukrainian military, equipped by Ukrainian and European defense industries, along with American defense products paid for by Europeans and Ukrainians. The U.S. is done with Europe. It’s hard to accept, especially for those who have dedicated their lives to integrating into NATO, believing it would guarantee lasting peace. But the U.S. doesn’t care.”

Kopečný also highlighted the immense support Ukraine has received from Czech citizens: “We’re talking about high hundreds of millions of euros donated by ordinary Czech citizens. That is something I believe is changing the identity of a nation in the long term.”

Petr Krogman, an entrepreneur in Ukraine’s agricultural sector and President of the Czech-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, reminded the audience:

“Where the rule of law is functioning, you can’t have a deal with Putin!”

He further stressed: “The normal style of Russia is accusing you of what they are doing!” and added,

 “We are simply buying security!”

The debate attracted a diverse audience of diplomats, experts, academics, media and students, including many Ukrainian students studying at AAU. Among the invited guests ( some of them attended) were ambassadors and diplomats from Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Bulgaria, Taiwan, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

Closing Reflections

A lively Q&A session concluded the event. Milena Jabůrková, Vice President of the Confederation of Czech Industry for Digital Economy and Education, posed a crucial question to the panelists:

“What should we do for our survival as Europe?”

Among the many detailed responses, Tomáš Kopečný’s answer resonated strongly:

“Simply support Ukraine!”

This debate underscored the complexity of Ukraine’s path forward but also highlighted the unwavering commitment of its allies and supporters.

We extend our gratitude to all participants and attendees for their valuable contributions and engagement.

You can find full Audiovisual recording at: https://www.strategeo.cz/en/node/59

While Harapan tries to reach the furthest branches of the park, his mother is always ready to lend a helping hand. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

He will celebrate his first birthday in May, but already now, the young Sumatran orangutan at Prague Zoo is taking his first steps towards independence. Until recently, Harapan observed the world only from the safety of his mother’s arms, but now visitors to the Indonesian Jungle can watch as “Hari” learns to climb or taste solid food.

Although twelve-year-old Diri still carefully watches over her first cub, she also gives him more space to learn and discover. “Harapan will gradually gain self-confidence and, perhaps, in the fall he could be frolicking in the branches, similar to the older four-year-old Kawi on the island opposite,” says Martin Vojáček, chief primate keeper at Prague Zoo.

The name Harapan means “hope” in Indonesian. Every newborn cub is a rare and promising addition. In the wild, all three species of orangutans are critically endangered and their numbers are constantly declining. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Although he can be breastfed for up to four years, Harapan already has baby teeth and is also very interested in solid food. He prefers to taste crunchy granulate for leaf-eating primates, but he will also appreciate vegetables, nuts, mango, and papaya. Food is offered to him not only by his mother but also by the breeders, to gain his trust. This will be important in the future, for example, due to regular checks on his health.

The young of these largest tree mammals are dependent on their mothers for several years. “Orangutans have the longest interbirth interval. Unlike gorillas or chimpanzees, the orangutan mother has to manage everything herself. In groups, the young can learn skills from other members of the group, but the offspring of solitary orangutans have to manage on their own, which is why their development is slower than, for example, gorillas,” explains Martin Vojáček.

The favorite vegetables of the orangutan cub Harapan include tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and fennel. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

People can observe orangutans every day on the upper floor of the Indonesian Jungle pavilion. They are active throughout the opening hours, which will be extended by an hour from March 1st – the gates of the Prague Zoo will now close at 5 p.m.

The speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová met with the Speaker of the Saxon State Assembly Alexander Dierks, in Prague. They discussed the results of the recent elections to the German Bundestag and closer Czech-Saxon cross-border cooperation in transport. They also agreed on the importance of investments in the further development of strategically important semiconductor infrastructure.

“First, we discussed the current post-election situation in Germany and its broader political and economic impacts with the Speaker. We also talked about the Via Vindobona project, specifically the construction of a high-speed line between Prague and Dresden. A key part of this route is the Ore Mountains Tunnel, the implementation of which at the federal level is essential for the successful completion of the entire project. I greatly appreciate Saxony’s support, which will contribute to a faster and more convenient connection of our countries,” said the Chairwoman of the Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová, after the meeting.

She also emphasized the importance of Czech-Saxon cooperation in the field of investment, science and research: “This cooperation is crucial for the future of our economies, especially in such strategic sectors as semiconductors and microelectronics. The Czech Republic already plays an active role in the European Alliance of Semiconductor Regions and we are ready to further support the implementation of further investments with high added value. These investments will strengthen our competitiveness and innovative potential throughout Europe,” added the Chairwoman, Markéta Pekarová Adamová.

After the meeting in the Chamber of Deputies, Chairman Dierks headed to the upper chamber of the Czech Parliament to meet with the President of the Senate, Miloš Vystrčil.

Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz

The international order is undergoing its biggest change since the fall of communism and Europe must respond to it fast, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said in an address to the nation on Monday. He said Europe must pull together and put “both money and weapons on the table” in defense of its values.

“We are living in groundbreaking times that have placed new challenges ahead of us,” the Czech prime minister said in an address to the nation on the 3rd anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Romana Kostohryzová, Czech Radio

The talented puppeteer, actor, juggler, watchmaker and war invalid was born on February 24th 1775 in Libčany near Hradec Králové. Kopecký was born into a family of nomadic comedians and from his early years travelled with his parents around the Czech countryside.

Matěj Kopecký trained as a watchmaker, married and became a burgher in the town of Mirotice.

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Real estate prices in Czechia increased by an average of nearly 11 % in 2024, while property sales surged by 34%, and new developments saw a 51% rise, according to data from the Czech Banking Association and Flat Zone.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Pavel Vlach, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Dozens of observant Jews will soon gather in the small South Moravian town of Holešov to honor Rabbi Shabtai ha-Kohen, or Shakh, on the anniversary of his death, more than three centuries ago. I spoke with Jakub Schwab, a tour guide and cantor in Brno, to understand what makes Shakh so important to the Orthodox Jewish community.

“Rabbi Schach was a 17th-century scholar.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

The Czech government has released the first CZK 900 million for its affordable rental housing program, Prime Minister Petr Fiala (Civic Democratic Party) announced.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Czech Embassy in Canberra

Sent out from the heart of Europe, Czechia’s diplomats represent the country all over the world, including on the far side of the globe. As part of our new series on Czech Women Pioneers, we take a look at Czechia’s female ambassadors, who may still be breaking new ground today in their respective missions to different countries. The first women only began to be appointed to the high office after the fall of communism, such as the first female ambassador to the United States, Rita Klímová, who took up the role in 1990.

You currently hold the position of the Czech Republic’s ambassador to Australia, and I think first and foremost people would be interested to know, how did you get there? What were the necessary steps from your early life in Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic to where you are now?.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Tomáš Vodňanský, Czech Radio

The Prague-based, American-born writer, poet and columnist Michael March died on February 23rd. His death was announced by his wife Vlasta. Mr. March had lived in Prague since 1996, and was the founder and president of the international Prague Writers’ Festival, responsible for bringing many big names in the literary world to the Czech capital.

Born in New York in 1946, and later a graduate of Colombia University, life gradually led Michael March eastwards.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International

UK businessman Guy Barker is behind a project set to bring a new terrace to the roof of Prague’s 19th century Rudolfinum. His Arcona Capital, a real estate investment company active in a number of EU countries, is a sponsor of the Czech Philharmonic, which calls the magnificent building home. When we met at Arcona Capital’s offices, Mr. Barker also discussed a notable development it is involved with in Kyiv – and what led him to move to Prague.

You’re one of the founders of Arcona Capital.

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Author: Ian Willoughby

Any peace agreement must be negotiated with Ukraine and accepted by that country, and negotiations must begin by acknowledging who is the aggressor and who is the victim, President Petr Pavel said in a video address to the Ukraine and Partner Countries Conference hosted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev on Monday.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Luboš Pavlíček, ČTK

Two artificial icefalls on rocks more than 40 metres high opened to the public for the first time this winter season. They are located in the village of Vír in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands in the deep valley of the Svratka River, which provided ideal conditions for the creation of this project.

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Photo: Pomáháme Ukrajině, z.s.

On February 24th 2022, the world was shocked by the Russian military’s sudden invasion into Ukrainian territory as part of a so-called “special military operation”. Three years later, the fighting continues, and many Czechs are still actively supporting Ukraine’s efforts with their time and money. Danny Bate spoke to one such volunteer, Jiří Pospíšil from the organisation Pomáháme Ukrajině, about his work, which takes him close to the war’s front lines.

Could you tell us about the work that you’ve been doing? Your organisation that you work with to get supplies to Ukraine, how does it function, and what does the job involve?.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Jaroslav Hoření, Czech Radio

A new ranking of Czechia’s micro-regions has revealed an unexpected winner when it comes to quality of life. According to a study by Česká spořitelna and the data platform Europe in data, the small town of Turnov, in the Liberec region, has come out on top, and well ahead of Prague.

Plzeň, in western Bohemia, recently made headlines as the highest-ranked Czech city on the Numbeo quality of life index, surpassing Prague and even international destinations like Oslo, Madrid, Dubai, and Berlin.

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Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Hana Slavická, Radio Prague International

Czech President Petr Pavel reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Speaking at a gathering in Prague’s Old Town Square, he emphasized that international law must not be compromised and that aggression should not be rewarded. He urged that Ukraine and Europe must have a seat at any peace negotiations.

Addressing thousands of attendees in the center of Prague, President Pavel reminded the crowd that Ukraine sought sovereignty after the Cold War, but Russia violated agreements, annexed Crimea, and later launched a full-scale invasion.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Tomáš Vodňanský, Czech Radio

Czech Radio is mourning one of its prominent music personalities – conductor of the Czech Radio Sympohony Orchestra Vladimír Válek, who led the ensemble for an incredible 26 years.

Born on September 2, 1935 in Nový Jičín, Válek studied trombone and viola at the conservatory in Kroměříž and later conducting at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava and at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague.

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Photo illustrative: Kelly Cree, Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Violent crimes committed by under 18s have increased by 25% in Czechia over the past two years, leaving the country worried about its children. What could be the cause? And the solution?

Czechia has been shocked once again by a horrific crime committed by a minor, following the murder of two women by a sixteen-year-old on February 20th in the city of Hradec Králové.

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Author: Danny Bate

Photo: e-Sbírky, National Museum, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED

Jacob Mikanowski is a historian, author, and journalist who has written the book Goodbye, Eastern Europe: An Intimate History of a Divided Land. A Czech translation of the book has been published in early 2025. Mikanowski takes us through Czechoslovakia’s uniquely complex but, at the same time, intriguing history. From its diverse ethnic roots at the time of its founding to Alexander Dubček’s “socialism with a human face” and the Velvet Revolution, we look at Czechoslovakia’s trajectory and what remains of it in the political memory of the citizens of the Czech successor state. So, what is the legacy of Communism in the region? Was Václav Havel alone in advocating for a reformed socialism? And is there really something unique about the inherent essence of citizens living in post-Communist Europe?

In Goodbye Eastern Europe, you mix personal reflections with historical analysis.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Sabina Vosecká, Czech Radio

The gifts that Czech presidents receive from visiting foreign heads of state and on their own travels abroad are carefully catalogued and either stored or exhibited at Prague Castle. Now, for the first time ever, the administration of President Petr Pavel is showing them to the public.

The exhibition at Rožmberk Palace gives the general public the chance to view the protocol gifts that President Pavel has received on official visits since taking office in March 2023 as well as gifts of a personal nature, that he sometimes gets when he appears in public.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) / CAMP

Prague is one step closer to its long-awaited Vltava Philharmonic Hall. Architects and city representatives have recently presented the final design to the public. The project documentation should be completed by autumn, with a building permit application to follow.

Designed by the Danish architectural studio Bjarke Ingels Group, the Vltava Philharmonic Hall is set to become a new cultural symbol of Prague.

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Photo: Ondřej Hájek, ČTK

Hundreds of Czech farmers joined pan-European protests against food imports from outside the European Union on Thursday. They are calling for the cancellation of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, an end to duty-free imports from Ukraine and significant cuts in red tape.

Honking horns, pile-ups and short tempers marked Thursday’s protest ride of tractors in many parts of the country.

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Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International

Vyšehrad, perched on a rocky hill above the Vltava River, is one of Prague’s most historically and culturally significant sites. Often overshadowed by Prague Castle, this ancient fortress has long been steeped in myths and legends. But beyond its medieval walls and scenic parkland lies Vyšehrad Cemetery—Czechia’s national pantheon, where some of the country’s most remarkable figures rest.

The origins of Vyšehrad stretch deep into Czech history.

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Author: Vít Pohanka

The Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan, HE. Mr. Yashar Teymur Oglu Aliev, opened an exclusive exhibition devoted to two distinguished forms of applied art, both recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage: the Azerbaijani carpet and the Czech crystal.

The exhibition is in collaboration with the Azerbaijani Cultural House in Prague, is a unique cultural tradition and exquisite craftsmanship embodied in these artistic expressions.

The exhibition features handmade works by “Azerkhalcha” and Halama”.

Watch the video with the speech of H.E. Mr. Yashar Teymur Oglu Aliev, the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Czech Republic, Ms. Leyla Begim – head of Azerbaijan Center in Prague, Mr. Robert Halama from Halama Glass and Ing. Radomil Dolezal – CEO of CzechTrade.

And enjoy the video with talented artists.

On Monday, February 17, 2025, at Prague Castle, the President of the Republic, Petr Pavel, received the credentials of the new ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary:

• H.E. Mrs. Ángela Marianna Vigliotta Mella, new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Dominican Republic, based in Vienna.
• H.E. Mr. Mohammed Hindawi, new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Jordan, based in Vienna.
• H.E. Mr. Yashar Teymur Oglu Aliev, new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan, based in Prague.

Photo: Tomáš Fongus

H.E. Mrs. Ángela Marianna Vigliotta Mella, new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Dominican Republic, based in Vienna.

H.E. Mrs. Ángela Marianna Vigliotta Mella, new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Dominican Republic, based in Vienna.

H.E. Mr. Mohammed Hindawi, new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Jordan, based in Vienna.

H.E. Mr. Mohammed Hindawi, new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Jordan, based in Vienna.

H.E. Mr. Yashar Teymur Oglu Aliev, new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan, based in Prague.

H.E. Mr. Yashar Teymur Oglu Aliev, new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan, based in Prague.

Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz

Czechia’s leaders have responded to statements by US President Donald Trump, in which the president called Ukrainian head of state Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections”. President Petr Pavel said that to hold such a view “requires a dose of cynicism”.

Relations between the USA and Ukraine are deteriorating fast, following comments made by US President Donald Trump about his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Bernard Gotfryd, Andy Warhol at the Jewish Museum/Wikimedia Commons, public domain

From February 24th, Czech art fans will have the chance to view some of the work of the twentieth-century artist Andy Warhol. A collaboration with the Warhol museum in Medzilaborce, Slovakia, ‘The Living Dream of Andy Warhol’ will run for two months at the Gočár Gallery in Pardubice.

The bright colours and recognisable images of Andy Warhol’s pop art are famous the world over, but the American artist and director’s connections to Central Europe are less well known.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Jan Čadil, Czech Ministry of Defence

The world of aviation has long captured the imagination, but the profession is still dominated by men. That said, the field has come a long way since the first Czech woman pilot, Božena Laglerová, became the thirteenth woman pilot in the world in 1911. Fast forward one hundred years, the field is still overrepresented by men. Major Kateřina Hlavsová is one of the other exceptions, having been the only woman in her class at flight school. How did she make her way into the military? And what is it really like to be a military jet pilot in the modern era as a woman? Join us as we delve into the daily life, the training, and the unique challenges faced by a woman pilot in today’s Czech Air Force.

Let’s talk about the beginnings first.

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Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Petr Štefan, People In Need

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Czech humanitarian organizations have supported at least 3.6 million Ukrainians with aid worth over CZK 6.9 billion. The estimate includes donations from Czech donors and international institutions.

Humanitarian organisations in Ukraine are involved in everything from restoring water and heating networks, repairing tens of thousands of houses, and even building school shelters.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Mikuláš Vochozka, Czech Radio

Work is underway to reconstruct the roof of the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul in Vyšehrad, one of the most significant landmarks of Prague. The new slate tiles are being imported specially for this purpose from the US and Spain and will be laid according to the original design by the building’s chief architect Josef Mocker.

The impressive twin towers of the basilica standing tall on a hill above the Vltava River and the adjacent Vyšehrad cemetery, the final resting place of many famous Czechs, including author Karel Čapek and composer Antonín Dvořák, attract millions of visitors to Vysehrad every year.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International

Many European leaders have been aghast at American moves to unilaterally agree a Ukraine “peace deal” with Russia and their concerns have only been intensified by an explosive speech by the US vice-president that some say signals a sundering of the transatlantic alliance. What does the Trump administration’s approach mean for Czech defence policy? And how likely is conscription to return? I discussed those questions, and more, with Jan Kofroň of the Institute of Political Studies at Charles University’s Faculty of Social Sciences.

I’d like to start with the speech that the US vice-president, JD Vance, made on Friday at the Munich Security Conference.

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Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Michaela Danelová, iROZHLAS.cz

The post-war expulsion of Sudeten Germans from the Czech borderlands changed the face of the region. Homes and property were confiscated, and hundreds of thousands of German graves were forcibly abandoned. Some municipalities are struggling to preserve the legacy, but most have given up on the task. Now, thanks to a multi-million crown subsidy from the Ministry of Regional Development, that could change.

The village of Radonice, once part of the so-called Sudetenland, was predominantly German before World War II, and although most of the graves in the local cemetery now are those of former Czech inhabitants, there are still quite a few old graves bearing German names.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International

Strahov Stadium is an imposing relic of the past. Once the largest stadium in the world by area, it has seen a remarkable evolution—from a stage for nationalistic gymnastics festivals to a propaganda tool of communist mass exercises, from a rock concert venue to its current uncertain fate. Despite numerous proposals to repurpose it, Strahov remains an enigmatic and largely forgotten part of the city.

Strahov Stadium’s origins date back to 1926, when it was constructed for the Sokol movement, a Czech national fitness organization inspired by Germany’s Turner movement.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Dominik Jůn, Radio Prague International

Ďáblice Astronomical Observatory, located in the north of Prague, has been welcoming stargazers since 1956. Built by local astronomy enthusiasts, it started as a small project and grew into an observatory with two domes. Led for many years by teacher Zdeněk Corn, it became an important place for astronomical observation and education. Today, it operates as part of Prague’s observatory and planetarium network. Dominik Jůn paid a visit.

The Sun is slowly setting, it is a beautiful clear sky, and I am in the northern Prague district of Ďáblice inside a long wooded park called Ďáblický háj, which is approximately 60 hectares in size.

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Author: Dominik Jůn

Photo: Veletov Maritime Museum

Half a century ago, it was the pride of Czechoslovakia’s maritime fleet. Now, the cargo ship Třinec, the last surviving Czechoslovak ocean vessel, is set to be scrapped. However, parts of the ship will hopefully be brought back to its homeland.

Despite being landlocked, Czechoslovakia once had a surprisingly significant maritime presence.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Jiří Štefl, Czech Radio

The buildings of the Association of Design Studios, known colloquially as ‘Prager’s Cubes’, are a set of modernist buildings in Prague’s New Town that are in desperate need of renovation. Thanks to popular support, that renovation is likely to happen in 2025.

Standing in the gardens of the Emmaus Monastery in Prague’s New Town, the three modernist office buildings known collectively as ‘Prager’s Cubes’ (Pragerovy kostky) are a striking contrast with the medieval abbey next door.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Czech Radio

The Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra has received three nominations for this year’s Anděl Awards, due to be handed out in April. Today’s edition of Sunday Music Show will profile one of the CDs, nominated in the Classical Music category. Called Forgotten Czech Piano Concertos, it contains works by 19th and 20th-century composers who have not achieved the same level of recognition as Dvořák or Martinů.

The album Forgotten Czech Piano Concertos is a result of many years of research and exploration by composer and organist Marek Kozák, who is interested in lesser-known Czech piano pieces.

See more here.

Photo: České centrum Mezinárodního PEN klubu

Karel Čapek founded the PEN Club with the intention of protecting freedom of speech and the press, becoming its chairman. He was succeeded by figures such as Ivan Klíma, Jiří Stránský, and the current chairman, Ondřej Vaculík.

On 15 February 1925, 38 Czech writers met at the Louvre café in Prague, and Karel Čapek shared information about the PEN Club in England with them.

See more here.

Photo: IPR Praha

On February 14th 1945, a deadly bombing raid claimed hundreds of lives when the city of Prague became an unexpected target of the US Army Air Forces. In this first part of our series ’80 years ago: How did WWII end in the Czech lands?’, we examine the events of that terrible day in Prague’s twentieth-century history.

Unlike previous conflicts, victory in the Second World War was decided not only on land and at sea, but also in the skies.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Photo: René Volfík, iROZHLAS.cz

The Jizera Mountains in north-eastern Czechia are a popular destination for cross-country skiers. But scientists have confirmed that ski wax used by amateur skiers is polluting the protected landscape area with PFAS—highly toxic and persistent chemicals.

Perfluorinated substances, also known as “forever chemicals,” do not break down in the environment.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková, Eva Kézrová

Photo: Danny Bate, Radio Prague International

Recently opened in Malá Strana, the Mozart Interactive Museum offers visitors a unique experience, using up-to-date technology and innovative styles of presentation to tell visitors about the life the Prague-loving musical maestro Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Danny Bate took a tour with its director, Eva Velická.

Well situated on Malá Strana Square and therefore on the popular route between Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, a new museum has opened to celebrate the life of a musical genius with tourists and locals alike.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

To celebrate the 2025 Chinese New Year of the Snake H.E Mr. Feng Biao – The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Czech Republic, organized a concert at the CVUT Congress Center in Prague of Classic & Traditional Chinese music performed by the talented Beijing Symphony Orchestra and Beijing Chinese Orchestra.

The guest of honor was the previous President Mr. Milos Zeman.

Watch the video with the speech of H.E Mr. Feng Biao – The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Czech Republic, and short moments from the performance of the Beijing Symphony Orchestra and Beijing Chinese Orchestra.

Happy Snake Year

On the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Serbia, the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia, H.E. Mr. Berislav VEKIĆ, and Mrs. Sandra VEKIĆ, Hosted a reception at the Beautiful Kaiserstejnsky Palace.

Mr.  Eduard Hulicius – the deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic, was the honored speaker.

The previous president, Mr. Milos Zeman, attended the event.

Watch the video with the speech of the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia, H.E. Mr. Berislav VEKIĆ, and Mr.  Eduard Hulicius deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic, And a short Video with greetings from Serbia’s Foreign Minister.

Happy Republic Day, Serbia

Special winter training for South African sea lions will take place only on Saturday, February 15. It will include an explanation focused on the family life of these pinnipeds. On the left is the female Daisy, on the right is Ronja. Photo Václav Šilha, Prague Zoo

Courting, partner coexistence, reproduction, but also harems and jealousy or, conversely, loyalty to the grave. Prague Zoo has prepared special Valentine’s commented feedings and animal encounters for the weekend. During them, visitors will learn many remarkable facts about “love” in the animal kingdom. Where and when such an explanation by a keeper or guide will take place will be possible to follow in the Prague Zoo mobile application. On Saturday, February 15, the zoo will also celebrate World Pangolin Day with their special feeding under the lights at 9:30 in the Indonesian Jungle pavilion.

The weekend after St. Valentine’s Day, visitors have the opportunity to venture into the world of animal romance, in the context of which almost twenty kept species will be introduced. Of the animals mentioned, the Humboldt penguins probably have the most interesting partner life, which would make for more than one soap opera. Their commented feedings on Saturday and Sunday at 11 am will be among the most tempting.

During the commented feeding of Humboldt penguins, the amorous escapades of the penguin Karlík (pictured on the left) will certainly be mentioned. Photo Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo

A list of all Valentine’s Day meetings will be available, among other things, in the Prague Zoo mobile application. This will be available for free download for both Android and iOS devices from autumn. In the application, you can set notifications for selected feedings, while the interactive map will recommend the fastest route to the given exhibition. Tickets to the zoo can also be purchased in the application, at a discounted price for online sales.

On Saturday, Prague Zoo will also celebrate World Pangolin Day. The most illegally traded mammals in the world are threatened with extinction, both in sub-Saharan Africa and in South and Southeast Asia. Prague Zoo was the only European zoo to successfully raise a cub, the famous Šiška, and followed up on this success last year with the birth of her sister Connie. In addition to pangolin feeding, Saturday’s program will also offer an educational station, where young and old visitors will learn about these fascinating creatures in a playful way and find out how they can help them.

Feeding and Animal Encounter Schedule February 15th and 16th

• 9:30 am Pangolin Feeding – Indonesian Jungle (Saturday only)
• 10:00 am Cape Wallaby Feeding – Africa House
• 10:30 am Wallaby and Red-necked Wallaby Feeding – Darwin’s Crater
• 11:00 am Penguin and Steamer Duck Feeding – Penguin Pavilion
• 11:00 am Przewalski’s Horse Encounter – Gobi
• 12:00 pm Lowland Gorilla Encounter – Dja Reserve
• 12:30 pm North Nubian Giraffe Encounter – Africa House
• 1:00 pm Indian Elephant Encounter – Elephant Valley (viewpoint near wolves and hyenas)
• 1:30 pm South African Sea Lion Training – Sea Lion Exhibit (Saturday only) on Saturday)
• 14.00 polar bear encounter – Polar Bear Exhibition
• 14.30 wombat and devil bear encounter – Darwin’s Crater
• 15.00 Sumatran orangutan encounter – Penguin Pavilion
• 15.30 short-tailed pangolin feeding – Indonesian Jungle
• 15.30 Indian gharial feeding – Čambal (Sunday only)

: In addition to the Valentine’s Day program, visitors can also look forward to a special pangolin feeding during daylight hours at 9:30 a.m. in the Indonesian Jungle Pavilion on Saturday, February 15. This will take place on the occasion of World Pangolin Day. Photo Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo

Photo: Archive of DPP

The Prague metro turned 50 years old last year! To mark the occasion, we explore a rather unusual station in the capital’s metro network. Classified as confidential for almost sixty years, Klárov was one of the best-kept secrets of the Communist era. Radio Prague International tells the story of this unique station, which to date, has never opened to the public.

‘Next station: Klárov!’ is an announcement that you will never hear.

See more here.

Author: Fred Byrne

Photo: Kristina Kellnerová, Radio Prague International

A recent article in The New York Times sparked a debate about ‘mlíko’ (milk), a traditional Czech way of serving beer, which is almost entirely made of foam. A Czech bartender explains what it is and whether he recommends it.

In much of the world, if you ordered a beer at a pub or restaurant and received a glass full of foam, you would send it back or refuse to pay for it.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Jolana Nováková, Czech Radio

Tucked away in the southwestern part of Prague, Prokopské údolí, or Prokop Valley, is a remarkable blend of history, geology, and nature. This protected landscape, part of the Czech Karst, offers visitors a chance to step away from the city’s busy streets and immerse themselves in a peaceful, rugged environment shaped over millions of years.

Despite being surrounded by urban districts, Prokop Valley remains a haven of tranquility.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Jiří Bartoš, Česká ornitologická společnost

The Czech Society for Ornithology has named the grey wagtail as the Bird of the Year for 2025. This decision aims to highlight the crucial role that natural waterways play in supporting this striking, long-tailed bird, as well as a variety of other wildlife, communities, and landscapes. To learn more about the Bird of the Year, I spoke with ornithologist Petr Voříšek.

I understand that the grey wagtail is a relatively common species in this region.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International

Martina Dvořáková was so tired of the gender imbalance in household labour in Czechia that she did something about it, creating a Fair Household audit. It’s a questionnaire that helps couples reflect on who does what in the home – and whether that division of work is truly equitable. I discussed several aspects of the project with Dvořáková, as well as why the term “feminist” continues to be frowned up in this country.

What is your own professional background? And what’s your own family situation?.

See more here.

Author: Ian Willoughby

Photo: Petra Štrymplová, Czech Radio

Tuesday marks exactly 120 years since the birth of Czech artist Zdeněk Burian, one of history’s greatest illustrators of prehistoric life. Long before the era of computer-generated imagery, Burian brought the ancient world to life with remarkable accuracy and imagination.

Zdeněk Burian, often considered the most prolific paleoartist in history, was born in 1905 in the Moravian town of Kopřivnice, a region known for its prehistoric archaeological finds.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Radek Petrášek, ČTK

The legendary Jizerská 50 is a four-day skiing event with eight competitive races. This year, over 8,400 participants, both professionals and amateur cross-country skiers, crossed the finish line at the stadium in Bedřichov in the Jizerské Mountains, in the north of Bohemia.

The winners of the 58th edition were Norwegians; Ole Jörgen Bruvoll was the fastest among the men, while Anikken Gjerde Alnaesová won the women’s race.

See more here.

Photo: Juan Pablo Bertazza, Radio Prague International

Dan Brown, author of international bestsellers like The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, has set his next mystery-thriller in Prague. Entitled The Secret of Secrets, it will see the return of academic hero Robert Langdon.

A post shared by Dan Brown (@authordanbrown).

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Kristýna Barchini, Czech Radio

Blažena Strachotová, the oldest living citizen of the Czech Republic, is 108 years old. Born on February 9, 1917, in Slavičín in the Zlín region, she now resides in České Budějovice. Throughout her long life, she has witnessed a number of significant events, including the presidencies of Masaryk and Beneš, as well as an aerial battle near her hometown.

Blažena Strachotová lives independently in an apartment in České Budějovice, with only the staff from a nearby facility bringing her lunch.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Oleg Rostowtsew, archive of Magdalena Kožená

In today’s Sunday Music Show, we present you the recording Czech Songs, sung by Magdalena Kožená. She is accompanied the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Simon Rattle. The selection presents a number of folk songs by Czech authors and artists with Czech roots.

Magdalena’s selection features Bohuslav Martinů’s Nipponari, which was inspired by Japanese culture, and his Songs on a Page gains deeper meaning knowing he wrote them in the USA, where he fled from the Nazi threat.

See more here.

Photo repro: Klára Stejskalová, Radio Prague International

Antonín Fajkus, a war veteran and fighter pilot from World War II, has died at the age of 101. A native of South Moravia, Fajkus spent most of his life in the U.S., and served in the legendary U.S. Air Force’s 40th Fighter Squadron, known as the “Red Devils”. His extraordinary story remained unknown to the public until last year.

Antonín Fajkus was born in South Moravia, in the village of Lipov.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková, Klára Stejskalová

Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

The cimbalom is an elaborate stringed instrument of the dulcimer family whose rich, inimitable sound is characteristic of the folk music of Central and Eastern Europe. The Faculty of Arts of the University of Ostrava will soon become the fourth place in the world to offer a BA study course in cimbalom music.

The cimbalom is not among the most popular musical instruments –and many people would be hard put to describe what it looks like.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Warhorse Studios

The highly anticipated Czech video game Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has taken the gaming world by storm. Released on February 4, after just a few days the medieval RPG quickly became the best-selling game on Steam and covered its development costs within the first day of sales.

According to Martin Klíma, Executive Producer at Warhorse Studios, the company that develops the game, its immediate success is primarily due to the team’s dedication to quality.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Illustrative photo: Jan Kubelka, Radio Prague International

Today, I am speaking with Lea-Ann Germinder, an AI researcher based in Missouri, US, who focuses on the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Germinder researches areas where AI technologies raise ethical concerns, particularly in how they impact privacy, decision-making, and bias. In addition to her work in Missouri and other projects, Germinder recently shared insights at the Academy of Science and Charles University in Prague. We’ll also explore how AI research is viewed in the US compared to Czechia, and how emerging AI technologies are influencing the world today.

Let’s begin with your areas of focus and research.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Michaela Danelová, iROZHLAS.cz

On February 10, 1975, the Kotva department store opened on Prague’s Republic Square, welcoming its first customers. It quickly became a favourite shopping destination, attracting both local residents and visitors from across the country.

At the time, shopping options in Prague were limited.

See more here.

Ondřej Soška  the Commissioner General of the Czech participation at EXPO 2025, organized a press conference on Czechia’s participation at the World EXPO 2025 at the beautiful Rudolfinum in Prague.

At the event, the participants review how the construction and preparation of the Czech National Pavilion are progressing, present details of the cultural program, and explain more about the concept of the Visitor’s Journey.

Presentation of a  unique Czech project Forest of Civilization, which significantly expands the Czech presentation at EXPO 2025. I

And possiblity to try the Kenka Puppet Game, which will travel with us to Japan in April, and visitors will have fun playing it at the Czech National Pavilion.

The press conference was attended by:

• Ondřej Soška – Commissioner General of the Czech participation at EXPO 2025
• Kansuke Nagaoka – Japanese Ambassador to Czechia
• David Mareček – Chief Executive Officer of the Czech Philharmonic
• Rony Plesl – Czech glass artist and designer
• Lucie Drdová – Curator of the Visitor Journey at Czech National Pavilion
• Aiko – Singer, representative of Czechia at the Eurovision music competition
• Přemysl Pela – Programme Director of the Czech Pavilion at EXPO 2025
• Marek Noga and Tomáš Rothschein – Management of the company Subfossil Oak, project Forest of Civilization
• EXPO 2025 Czechia team members and many others

Watch the video from that interesting event.

President Petr Pavel received the President of the Portuguese Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, at Prague Castle, and Prime Minister Petr Fiala met with the President of Portugal at Kramář’s Villa.

Watch the video: On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, President Petr Pavel received the President of the Portuguese Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, at Prague Castle. Together, they discussed mutual trade, security, cultural and scientific relations, cooperation in the EU and NATO, and the need to deepen transatlantic ties.

“Portugal is an example of a country where distance does not matter. We are similar in many ways, whether in terms of the size of the territory or the number of inhabitants, but above all in terms of values ​​and approach to solving problems concerning the current situation in the world,” said President Petr Pavel and added: “Together, we agree on the importance and further deepening of transatlantic ties for the security and prosperity of not only Europe but also the United States of America, on strengthening and making the European Union more efficient but also on expanding the space for bilateral cooperation.”

Ceremony of signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and Political Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic

After the meeting of official delegations, both statesmen visited the National Technical Museum, where, among other things, they viewed the Renault 21, which was donated by the then Portuguese President Mário Soares to the Czech President Václav Havel in 1989.

The joint presidential program will conclude with a tour of the Strahov Monastery.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala met with the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, at Kramář’s Villa on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The main topics of the meeting were defense-industrial cooperation, the ammunition initiative, EU competitiveness, and other geopolitical issues.

Both statesmen agreed at the outset that both countries have significant potential for further strengthening economic cooperation from research and development to the security and defense sector. In 2023, trade exchange reached more than 1.6 billion euros. Czech companies are very interested in further developing cooperation, especially in the areas of infrastructure or science and research.

“We have excellent economic relations with Portugal, which we want to further develop and strengthen in the future,” said Prime Minister Fiala after the meeting, adding that the Czech Republic and Portugal share many similar views, especially on the most pressing problems facing the EU today, such as the issue of competitiveness on the world market.

Photo: National Museum

For the first time ever, one of the world’s most famous fossils is coming to Europe. The fossilized remains of Lucy, a 3.18-million-year-old human ancestor, will go on display at Prague’s National Museum in August, giving visitors a unique opportunity to see these priceless relics up close.

Lucy, an Australopithecus afarensis, was named after Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by The Beatles, a song played repeatedly at the archaeologists’ campsite when her remains were discovered in 1974.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: APF Czech Radio

On February 5th 1875, Františka Plamínková was born, a woman who would go on to dedicate her life to political causes, most notably the rights of women in Czechoslovakia. Tragically, this activism culminated in her execution by the Nazis in 1942.

Františka Plamínková, it is safe to say, lived through great changes and turbulent times for the Czech nation.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Nadační fond Neuron

A team of Czech scientists have discovered in southern Albania the world’s largest underground thermal lake, and have named it Lake Neuron, after the foundation that funded the expedition.

Within the valleys of the mountainous borderlands between Greece and Albania, Czech scientists have for several years been exploring the complex situation underground.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Miloš Turek, Radio Prague International

Just a few steps away from Prague Castle and the grand palaces of Hradčany, Nový Svět (The New World) feels like a secret passage into a quieter, almost forgotten part of the city. With its winding cobbled streets, historic houses, and an atmosphere steeped in mystery, this charming quarter has long been a refuge for artists, writers, and dreamers—an off-the-beaten-path gem waiting to be discovered.

At first glance, it may seem odd to start exploring an off-the-beaten-track location near a famous landmark like Loreta, the Baroque pilgrimage site with its famous carillon bells.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Barbora Kvapilová, Czech Radio

The National Film Archive in Hradištek near Prague is a treasure trove of famous and lesser-known Czech films, but also contains a collection of family and amateur films. Over the years, the collection was enriched by private donors or came from the archives of public institutions that were closed down.

The Czech Republic has a rich film heritage administered by the National Film Archive since its establishment in 1943.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: Archive of League of Open Men

Alcoholic drinks are a constant presence in Czech life, with some, especially beer, achieving the status of a national symbol. Yet the ubiquity and normality of drinking alcohol can easily lead to a variety of problems. Danny Bate spoke to Petr Freimann from the national Dry February campaign (‘Suchej únor’), which is running for another year to help Czechs to take a month’s break from booze.

Could you tell me first about the context for the Dry February campaign? Why is it necessary in Czechia?.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Martin Brázdil, Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The Russian Orthodox Church has transferred ownership of it assets in Karlovy Vary to its Hungarian branch so as to prevent the Czech state freezing them. This includes ownership of the Church of Sts Peter and Paul which now falls under the Metropolitan Emeritus of Budapest and Hungary.

For years, Russia had a strong presence in the West Bohemian spa town of Karlovy Vary, where Russians owned homes, hotels and restaurants.

See more here.

Author: Daniela Lazarová

Photo: archive of Noah Breuer

Noah Breuer is an American artist with a personal connection to Czech history. His ancestors owned a textile factory in Dvůr Králové, which was confiscated during World War II, and most of his Jewish family perished in the Holocaust. In 2016, Breuer discovered fabric swatches from the factory in Czech archives, inspiring a series of artworks in textiles, paper, and glass that blend historical motifs with contemporary design. His works are currently on display in Břeclav at the exhibition Návrat (Return), organized by the non-profit Moravian Beauty. During his recent visit to Prague, I spoke with him about his family’s legacy and his artistic response to it.

Your family’s textile factory in Dvůr Králové was confiscated during WWII due to their Jewish origin, and most of your relatives perished in the Holocaust.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková

Photo: Guillaume Narguet, Radio Prague International

Trying to decipher the motives behind owning a football club is like putting together a colorful puzzle. Some clubs are owned by very wealthy businessmen, others by cities or even a foreign company. But they rarely, if ever make money and are definitely not a safe investment. So what motivates some rich Czechs to buy them? Football expert and editor-in-chief of Canal Plus Sport, Jiří Hošek, offers some insights.

According to Hošek, a football club is more than just a sports organization.

See more here.

Author: Vít Pohanka

Photo: Břetislav Tureček, Radio Prague International

Historic trains will probably not receive a red light after all with the arrival of the new European Train Control System (ETCS) signaling system. The system was designed to improve safety and efficiency across European rail networks, but some historic trains were blocked from operating with them. Under new conditions, these trains could now return to the main railway corridors.

“We are on ‘Locomotive Seven,’ made in 1917.

See more here.

Author: Jakub Ferenčík

Photo: Archiv Paměti Krkonoš a Ski muzea v Dolní Branné

Exactly 100 years ago, in February 1925, Czechoslovakia hosted the very first World Ski Championships. The event, called Rendezvous Ski Races at the time, was held in Janské Lázně in the Krkonoše Mountains. A series of events is taking place this week in the northern Bohemian town to mark the anniversary.

Some 240 competitors from 13 countries took part in the very first edition of the World Ski Championships held in February 1925 in the north-eastern Bohemian town of Janské Lázně.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková, Ferdinand Hauser

Photo: Jaroslav Svoboda, ČTK

The Jaroslav Hašek Cup, a competition for the furthest hot air balloon flight, started at dawn on February 1st in Kejžlice near Humpolec. The participants had the task of flying as far as possible from the take-off point within a time limit of nine hours.

The winner eventually covered a distance of 195 kilometers and landed in Nemanice in the Domažlice region, right on the border with Germany.

See more here.

Photo: DPP

To mark the 50 th anniversary of the Prague metro we explored some of its iconic stations. In conclusion, here is a look at what the new metro line D will look like.

In December of last year, a new milestone was reached for work on Prague’s new metro line D.

See more here.

Author: Fred Byrne

Photo: Petr Šmerkl, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Petr Muk (born on Feb 4, 1965) was a Czech pop singer and composer who grew up in communist Czechoslovakia but was influenced by Western bands like the English synth-pop duo Erasure, The Cure and Depeche Mode. At the time, recordings of Western music were secretly smuggled into the country by people lucky enough to be allowed to go abroad.

Muk started making music at the age of fifteen, performing with various underground punk bands.

See more here.

Illustrative photo: Michaela Danelová, Czech Radio

When in 1990, Minister of the Interior Richard Sacher issued an order to abolish all central departments of Czechoslovakia’s State Security organisation (StB), he brought to an end the more than forty-year period of one of the main instruments of Communist terror in the country. For many, this meant the end of an era of oppression, violence and fear.

“Dear fellow citizens.

See more here.

Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International

The Ministry of Culture has added Czech beer and brewing culture to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Czech Republic, a step towards its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Czechs may well feel that beer is an inseparable part of their country’s culture, and now it’s official.

See more here.

Author: Danny Bate

Photo: Jan Bachorík, Czech Radio

Archaeologists in Ústí nad Labem in northern Bohemia have made a unique discovery: a mammoth hunting camp from the Old Stone Age. The site, covered with thousands of animal bones, includes remains of at least 13 woolly mammoths and other Pleistocene fauna, along with artefacts crafted by prehistoric people.

The discovery was made last November during preventive archaeological research at the future site of the Judicial Palace.

See more here.

Author: Ruth Fraňková