The Czech Republic is a country that attracts a large number of tourists every year. Someone likes tours of the province, someone likes visiting the capital of the country - Prague. We will talk about it: what is special in the city, what it is famous for, what you can bring with you from a trip and give it to friends and relatives.
History
The first mention of the life of the Slavs in the territory of the modern city falls on the VI century. n e. In the 10th century, Prague became the capital of the Czech state; at the end of the same century, a market square was built. Thus, for more than ten centuries, the city has been pleasing local residents and visitors with its originality and rare beauty as the capital of the state.
Of the interesting facts about the Czech Republic, it is worth noting that it is completely surrounded by mountains, and they are located in several countries at once (Germany, Austria, Slovakia). There are more than eighty-seven airports in this country, of which six are international. In addition, it is worth noting that there is no sea at all.
Another interesting fact is that the Czech Republic is the largest car manufacturer in central Europe. Here, more than 1.2 million cars are produced annually.
City on the river
Of the features of the geographical location, it can be noted that the city is located on the banks of the Vltava River. It is located on five hills separated by a river. Thus, thinking about what you can bring from Prague as a gift, you can stop paying attention to those souvenirs that depict the Vltava. After all, this river is also a peculiar symbol of the city, which means that magnets and mugs with its photographs will certainly be among other souvenir products. As for the latter, as part of the functioning of the tourism industry, things are doing very well here.
Thanks to the beginning of the reforms, tourism turned out to be one of the fastest growing industries in the city. For a couple of years, the city has become a real magnet for travelers who ask at the end of the tour one question: “What souvenirs to bring from Prague?”. Of course, the answers to this question can be given a variety of, so let's start again. What is Prague known for and what do tourists most often want to take away from it? We will tell you about this in this article.
What gifts are most often brought from Prague?
Of course, those that are considered a symbol of the city, and of the country itself. The Czech Republic has long been known as the country of crystal and glass; it is these two words that most often characterize it in the eyes of foreigners. Crystal from the Czech Republic is highly regarded and known throughout the world. The history of its production dates back several centuries.
Bohemia is a historical region of the Czech Republic, in which the production of glassware began more than four centuries ago. Czech glassblowers originally used glass from Venice, but it was not suitable for carving because of its fragility. Then the craftsmen created a material of greater strength. In the 17th century, Czech crystal appeared . Now it is the best crystal in the world. Works from Bohemian glass delight with their color tints, luxurious finishes and a combination of gold and silver. Tourists, thinking of what to bring from Prague, reviews of which are always overwhelmed with positive emotions, often choose products made of Bohemian glass.
Pomegranate Products
Another souvenir that often appears on the list of what tourists bring from Prague is pomegranate stone and articles made of it. Pomegranate is one of the symbols of the Czech Republic.
This is a deep red mineral. According to ancient legend, this is not a stone, but the frozen blood of fire. Oddly enough, but the legend has much in common with the truth - garnets are nothing but petrified pieces of lava. Mineral gives a good mood and activity. The stone protects from nightmares that come at night, heals the heart and makes a strong memory. Legends say that a person wearing a garnet has power over other people.
Today in the Czech Republic you can buy the most incredible products from this mineral - rings, bracelets, earrings, pendants. And in the Czech museum of the city of Turnov you can see with your own eyes how pomegranates are processed and jewelry made from it. So, when deciding which souvenirs to bring from Prague, be sure to pay attention to the numerous options for jewelry made of this stone, which are sold everywhere.
Czech beer
It is quite difficult to name any sort of beer from existing in the country - these are centuries-old traditions and pride of the country. All types are good in their own way, so it is difficult to answer with one name the question of which beer to bring from Prague.
The brewer's profession is considered respected and in demand in this country, and the history of the drink has more than a thousand years. The first mention of beer appeared in Czech chronicles of the eleventh century. In almost every town and small village in the Czech Republic, beer is brewed, and there are a great variety of drinks. They connect generations and are transmitted in the form of recipes through the centuries. And due to the fact that craftsmanship is also inherited and developed, recipes that the brewers share with the heirs are improved. Therefore, the quality of the drink is also growing.
When deciding what can be brought from Prague, be sure to pay attention to the foam product. It will help to determine the classification of beer that exists at the moment.
All types of drink are divided into four groups by type of malt:
- světlá - prepared from light malt, one of the most common types;
- tmavá - gourmet and for an amateur, prepared on the basis of dark malt;
- polotmavá - golden brown, produced on the basis of dark, light and caramel malts, used in different proportions;
- řezaná - is a combination of dark and light varieties of the drink (2: 1).
Do your family and friends love beer? Then the question “what can be brought from Prague as a souvenir” is not at all worth your while! The only problem is the choice, for the assortment is truly great. Subgroups of beer classification in the Czech Republic:
- stolni - most often from barley malt, wort density up to 6%, table;
- výčepní - density 7-10%, malt also barley;
- ležáky - beer with a density of 11-12%, barley malt;
- speciální - density up to 13%;
- portery - dark varieties with a density of 18%;
- pšeničná - at least one third of wheat malt;
- beer with a low alcohol content (less than 1.2%);
- nealkoholická - alcohol content not higher than 0.5%;
- yeast and fermentation beer - a variety with the addition of additional wort;
- flavored - herbs, flavors identical to natural, herbal supplements;
- z jiných obilovin - an extract from grains other than barley and wheat.
And at the end of the conversation about beer, you can offer to visit the famous Czech "beer triangle". Ceske Budejovice - Brewery Budejovice Budvar; the city of Antinus - the factory "Antinus Platan"; Třebo - Regent Brewery.
As a souvenir, you can bring other edible things. Let's try to find the answer to the question of what to bring from Prague from food.
Karlovy Vary waffles
A traditional and very popular treat. The original recipe of 1800 was very different from the one that exists now. The first bakery for the production of multilayer wafers sprinkled with sugar, originated in 1867. Since then, they are loved and in demand not only during walks, but also as a souvenir from Prague. What else to bring, if not one of the symbols of the Czech Republic, amazing in taste and just very tasty waffles?
Now you can try several types of fillings for such products: chocolate, nut, vanilla. Waffles are especially tasty when served freshly prepared and warmed. But even after transportation, they perfectly retain all their taste and remain one of the ideal gift options from abroad.
And now the main question for those who think what to bring from Prague from food. Where can I buy famous paychecks, and what types of toppings can be offered? You can find waffles in:
- waffle cafe;
- street kiosk: waffles can still be hot (just the most delicious option);
- in the supermarket (such products are better packed: each of ten wafers in a separate bag and all together in a box).
Fillings for waffles can serve:
- hazelnut;
- almond;
- hazelnut;
- cinnamon;
- mogul;
- coconut;
- white and milk chocolate;
- orange;
- liquor;
- Strawberry;
- assorted.
What to bring from Prague as a souvenir if you plan to choose something inedible?
A great gift can be the hero of the animated series "The Mole" - a little molehill. Mole (Czech. Krtek) - the main character in a series of cartoons created in the Soviet era in the Czech Republic. The artist Zdenek Miler painted almost all the episodes; The cartoon was first shown in Prague in 1957. The first series, devoted to the processing of flax, gave a start to the legendary animated series.
When you find yourself in the Czech capital and see a variety of souvenirs, the question “What to bring from Prague (Czech Republic)” will not seem so difficult for you. You will see a funny little mole in any store in the city, and your heart will certainly not resist his charm. And for someone, the image will bring pleasant memories related to childhood - in the USSR, the cartoon was often shown on TV.
Crafts and crafts
What to bring from Prague as a gift to lovers of all folk? Of course, something related to the traditional crafts of the Czechs. A great option is folk souvenirs. In stores under the guise of Folk Art, you can see many options for every taste. Embroidered tablecloths, jewelry, craftsmen’s art, Czech accessories - all that’s left is to choose what you like. Unusual wooden toys will also not leave indifferent the person to whom you present them. Gift shops in the center of Prague are a real paradise for the shopaholic. It is here that you can always find the answer to the question that excites many tourists: "What to bring from Prague as a gift?"
Where could I buy?
And now you can focus on where to get all of the listed rarities, which they usually take with them when returning from a trip to Prague. For example, if you go to the Havel market, there you can see a lot of interesting and, most importantly, tasty. Prices start at seventy rubles or more, and all that is required of you is to find what you like the most. “What to bring from Prague?” According to tourists, in this city every little thing can act as a great souvenir for friends and relatives.
The Havelsky market is located at the intersection of Havelskaya and Melantrikhova streets, at the entrance to the church of St. Gavla. On Christmas Eve, a traditional Christmas market is held here, therefore, once in Prague on this holiday, be sure to look at the intersection of these streets. Understanding what to bring from Prague during this period is always quite simple: souvenirs from Christmas markets.
Initially, there was a German settlement on the market site, founded at the beginning of the 13th century. In 1232, the Fruit Market opened at the place of settlement, and in 1287 the quarter became part of the Old Town. Trade ranks expanded, and soon flowers, vegetables, apiary honey and other products began to be sold on the market. Now the Havel market is known primarily for its souvenir products. Located on the popular tourist route, between Wenceslas and Old Town squares. Of the metro stations, the closest is Mustek.
Do not know what to bring from Prague as a gift? Take a look at the so-called flea market. Now there are three of these in Prague, and there really is something to see. We will tell you more about them.
The calf
Located on the street near Electra in Vysočany. It works every weekend and has a paid entrance. Area - 50 thousand square meters. km When you find yourself in this market, the question “what to bring from Prague” will probably be resolved by itself. The kolbenka can offer everything to choose from - from new products and familiar souvenirs to rare antiques and vintage rarities that cannot be found in ordinary stores.
How to get to the market on Kolbenova? The most convenient way is to go by tram number 16. You should get off at the stop “st. Kolbenova. " Or take the subway. You need a yellow line, the desired station is called Kolbenova.
As mentioned above, you can buy here not only antiques and vintage; new mobile phones, spare parts, household chemicals and even cosmetics ... Eyes run wide!
Market on Tylov Square
More compact and less crowded than Kolbenka. Open from March to November, visitors are expected on the last Saturday of each month. It has a long history, was opened at the beginning of the 19th century and resembled the flea markets of European capitals.
What to bring from Prague after visiting this market? Of course, souvenirs, gifts, something unusual. The choice is quite large, and you can always use it.
The market is located at: Tylov Square, 3. It is named after one of the authors of the Czech anthem, playwright, actor and writer J. Tyla. The market got its modern name in 1952.
In recent years, Tylova Square began to accommodate spring carnivals, known in the Czech Republic and Moravia since the 13th century. The festive atmosphere is supported by folk games and fun. The procession culminates when everyone present in the square is included in special masks in it - by the way, the mask can be bought right there in the pavilions.
Nearby is the metro station “I.P. Pavlova Square”, several trams will easily take you here from any district of the city.
Market on the Embankment
Fans of antiques should look at the market located between the Palacky and Zheleznichny bridges on the embankment. There are no crowds of buyers, and more like an art cafe in the fresh air. Products are also allowed to be photographed, having previously obtained the permission of the owner.
Features in the location - it is concentrated on the embankment of the Vltava River - provide the market on the Embankment with a constant presence of customers. Food products are always sold without chemicals. Products for gardeners, along with everything else, are an additional guarantee of high site attendance. The products of local farmers and their support through purchase is one of the features of this particular market.
Finally
Prague is one of the most visited and fabulous cities in Europe. Millions of tourists from Russia and the whole world come here to see the best Gothic sights. In addition, you need to stock up on souvenirs so that the memory of this wonderful land called the Czech Republic forever lives in your heart. Using this knowledge and focusing on a wide range of offers, you will always find what to bring from Prague as a souvenir.
We hope that the article was interesting for you, and you were able to find the answer to all the necessary questions. Have a nice trip and great shopping!