Venue - Useful Info 
Congress Venue
Charles University (Universita Karlova)
Ovocný trh 3-5
Prague 1 - 116 36
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The University in Prague was founded by a charter issued on 7 April 1348 by Charles IV, King of Bohemia and King of the Romans, as the first Studium generale north of the Alps and east of Paris. Charles University is thus one of the oldest European universities. It was modelled on the universities in Bologna and Paris, and within a very short time it achieved international renown. It had four faculties: theology, liberal arts, law, and medicine. The academic community was comprised of teachers and students from the local area and further afield – but especially from the Central European region, for whom the University became an accessible and erudite Studium generale school. Charles’ son and successor Wenceslas (Václav) IV extended his influence over the University; in 1409 he issued the Kutná Hora Decree, by which he strengthened the status of Czech academic community members. Some of the masters and scholars left the Prague Studium generale in protest; this accentuated the University’s character as an institution with strong links to the Czech nation.
The City of Prague
The capital Prague is the most attractive tourist and meeting destination in the Czech Republic. The City of a Hundred Spires on the Vltava River is known to people from all over the world and ranks among the most beautiful cities in Europe.
The Old Town Hall with the famous Prague Astronomical Clock. The winding lanes of the Jewish Quarter, which you know from the novels of Franz Kafka, steeped in the legend of the Golem. Cafes enticing you to come and have a seat, boutiques and sight-seeing cruises on the Vltava. The Gothic Charles Bridge and Church of St. Nicholas in the Lesser Town, the most beautiful Baroque church in Prague. The Palace Gardens set away from the bustle of the city, Petřín with a lookout tower reminiscent of a small Eiffel Tower and Prague Castle … Each of Prague’s districts has its own characteristic atmosphere and unique charm. Prague presents itself to you as a changeable city, which likes to alternate styles: it is romantic and successful, ancient and modern, but above all it is a city that is cosmopolitan through and through, and is used to welcoming foreigners.
How to get there
Travelling by plane
The modern city airport, Ruzynì, is situated about 20 km northwest of the city centre. There are direct flights from most major European cities.
Facilities in the main building include a 24-hour money exchange office, a few ATMs, fast food places, several travel and accommodation agencies, rental car companies, a post office. There is also a 24-hour left luggage service in the Arrival Hall (the charge is about 40 Kè per piece of luggage).
Getting to the city centre:
Timetables are available at the airport information office in the main hall or on www.dp-praha.cz.
Bus & Underground
Catch a bus No 119 or No 254 from the airport to Dejvická metro station, then follow a green line (A) of underground railway to the centre (stations Mùstek or Muzeum). The trip takes about 45 minutes.
Bus & Tram
Bus No 100 will take you from the airport to Zlièín – the underground terminal stop of the yellow line (B) that leads to the town centre (Mùstek station).
Catch night bus No 510 (between midnight and 3.30) to the tram-bound at Divoká Šárka, then go by tram No 51 to Dejvická metro station or further to the city centre (Námìstí Republiky, Wenceslas Square).
Minibus
There are vans operated by Cedaz running from the airport (6 am – 9 pm) to Námìstí Republiky every 30 minutes for 90 Kè per person. Departure from Námìstí Republiky is between 5.30 am and 9.30 pm. Transport to any place of customer's wish within Prague is also possible: for 360 Kè (1-4 persons), 720 Kè (5 and more persons).
Taxi
Depending on the destination, a trip to the city costs up to 700 Kè per 2-3 persons Before entering the car check the price with the driver. It is not recommended to except a price over 700 Kè.
Travelling by train
Domestic services are provided by ÈD (Czech Railways). There are number of daily connections to Prague from major European cities.
Train Stations: Hlavní nádraží is the biggest and busiest railway station in Prague. There are a 24 hour left-luggage service, food stalls, information and booking offices.
Other train stations in Prague: Masarykovo nádraží, Holešovice Station, Smíchov Station
A supplement for fast express trains (rychlík) has to be paid. It is possible to buy plain tickets (jízdenka) or tickets with reservation (místenka) for a seat, couchette or sleeper.
It is necessary to make a reservation on the train marked with boxed or circled “R”, an “R” without a box means a reservation is recommended.
Information on rail connections are available on Tel: 02 / 242 242 00 or online www.cdrail.cz
Travelling by car
Only people older than 18 are allowed to drive a car in the Czech Republic. Wearing a seatbelt is compulsory, children under the age of 12 have to sit at the back. After a consumption of any alcohol driving is illegal.
Most foreign driving licences are honoured, Australian and New Zealand drivers should get an International Driving Licence.
If entering the Czech Republic by car you will need:
· a valid driving licence
· a vehicle registration card
· a hire certification
· Green Card (an international motoring certificate for insurance)
· a highway sticker (can be purchased at the border).
Other items you will have to carry at all times are: a first-aid kit, a set of replacement bulbs, a spare tire, red warning triangles.
The speed limit is:
· 130 km/h (81 mph) on motorways
· 90 km/h (56 mph) on dual and single carriageways
· 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas.
Relaying on car in Prague is not advisable, as it is very difficult to find a suitable parking place and break-ins are very common. Only residents having a parking card can park their cars in the central area of Prague. If you happen to visit Prague by car, the best places to leave your car are guarded parking lots, especially the underground ones. New or expensive cars are vulnerable to break-ins, so do not leave anything valuable inside the car visible from outside, including car radios. They get stolen quite often.
Travel by coach
The city main bus terminal is Florenc situated on the eastern edge of the New Town easily accessible by tube (yellow line B and red line C) and trams. The majority of internal coaches are run by ÈSAD. Information on bus connection is available on www.jizdnirady.cz
Numerous international coach services are run by Bohemia Euroexpress International (Køižíkova 4-6, Prague 8 - Florenc, Tel: 02 24814450, 24218680, www.bei.cz).
Generally, coach travel is cheap but long distance travelling can be uncomfortable and slower than going by train or plane.
To make sure you get a seat it is advisable to obtain your tickets in advance.
Travel Documents and Customs
A valid passport is a necessity when entering the Czech Republic. To confirm visa requirements you are advised to contact the Czech embassy or consulate before travelling.
Customs allowances per person are 2l of wine, 1l spirits, 200 cigarettes (100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, 250g of tobacco) and goods up to the value of 6 000 Kè for a person at the age over 15 (3000 Kè for a person at the age up to 15).
Buildings and landmarks
Prague Castle is the most popular sight visited in Prague. It is the largest ancient castle in the world (570 m long, on average 128 m wide, area 7.28 hectares).
Constructed in the 9th century by Prince Bořivoj, the castle transformed itself from a wooden fortress surrounded by earthen bulwarks to the imposing form it has today. Rulers made their own additions so there is a mixture of styles. Prague castle has had four major reconstructions, but it keeps its classical facelift it took on in the 18 century during the reign of Maria Theresa.
The castle has three courtyards and it has always been the seat of Czech rulers as well as the official residence.
Step into the Old Town Square in Prague and journey back in time, 600 or 700 years. As you stand in awe, the dramatic history of Prague permeates the air.
The Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) is one of two main squares in Prague (Wenceslas Square is the other, just 5 minutes walk away).
With its ancient buildings and magnificent churches, this is one of the most beautiful historical sights in Europe.
The Old Town Square dates from the 12th century and started life as the central marketplace for Prague. Over the centuries buildings of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles were erected around the market, each bringing with them stories of wealthy merchants and political intrigue.
The most notable sights on the square are the Old Town Hall Tower & Astronomical Clock, Tyn Church and St. Nicholas Church.
Charles Bridge (Karlův most) is a 14th century stone bridge linking the two sides of Prague. This magnificent structure, one of the city's finest attractions, is the main pedestrian route connecting the Old Town with the Lesser Town / Prague Castle.
From Charles Bridge visitors can enjoy fairy-tale views of Prague. The wide expanse of the Vltava River flows beneath it, flanked on both sides by elegant buildings. And Prague Castle towers above in its eminent position. Here you are truly in the centre of the city
