PRAGUE

          Prague has a population of over one million people. It is not the biggest city in Europe, but it is certainly one of the most beautiful. It is built on seven hills on the banks of the River Vitava. Fifteen bridges cross the river. The most famous is Charles Bridge, which joins Prague Castle and the old town. The view of the castle from the river is very famous.

            Prague didn’t become the capital until October 1918. After World War I, when Czechoslovakia became an independent country. Twenty years later, in 1938, it lost its independence again before World War II. After the war, in 1948, the Communist took control. In 1968 the people tried to free themselves. They fought the soldiers in Wenceslas Square, but they were not successful. Communist rule did not end until 1989.

            The people say Prague is the most beautiful city in the world! They call it ‘The Golden City’ and ‘The Mother of Cities’ because it still has many beautiful medieval buildings and statues. Perhaps the most popular building is the Old Town Hall with its amazing 15^th century astronomical clock.

            People also call Prague ‘Europe’s School of Music’. There are man concert halls, and every May there is a famous music festival; Prague Spring’. There are also twenty theatres and many old pubs, wine bars, and restaurants.

            There is no modern underground, but traffic is still a problem. It is often better to walk and feel the atmosphere of the pretty little streets.

Taken from: UPT Bahasa Inggris Universitas Bengkulu “I will provide you with a key to a better future”