www.mice-cee.com 2014/2015

Great hotels & venues in Prague

MORAVIA: MORAVIA: Incentive Events in the Land Incentive Events in the Land of Wine, Music and Danceof Wine, Music and Dance

GO CZECHGO CZECHREPUBLICREPUBLIC

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PRAGUE’S HOTEL JALTA

OPENS A SPECIAL MUSEUMThe five-star Hotel Jalta at Wenceslas Square has opened a Museum of the Cold War in its anti-

atomic bunker. The museum can be visited not only by guests of the Jalta, but anyone with a

reservation. The renowned bunker, located in the hotel’s second basement, could hide up to

150 persons during the long standoff East-West standoff, when it served as headquarters for the

Warsaw Pact. The museum is expected to be a major drawing card, not only for locals, but MICE

and other tourists who grew up hearing about this famed landmark, and can now relish seeing it

in an entirely new role.

The addition of the Museum of the Cold War will compliment Hotel Jalta’s offers stellar conference

facilities, which encompass four halls, the largest of which accomodates up to 150 persons, and

theatre seating that spans 200 square metres. The Conference Foyer also offers an additional 186

square metres. The hotel’s location in the heart of city centre enables guests and delegates to visit

important historical sites along picturesque streets by foot. �

In December 2013, Czech Airlines renewed its regular connection between Prague, Czech Republic, and Bratislava and Košice in

Slovakia. The two-hour, five minute Prague – Bratislava – Košice run (including the stopover) operates every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with the number of daily

flights set to double as of March 2014 (except for Saturdays). In addition, there are two direct flights between Prague and Košice twice daily. „This doesn’t match the five daily flights that were schedueld during the 80s,“ according to Czech Airline’s press officer Dan Šabík. But it represents a big step forward for those planning MICE trips to CEE countries. �

Indian Film Industry Heads to the Czech RepublicTourism isn’t the only industry that has been

captivated by the Czech Republic. Producers

from Bollywood - where more films are made

than any other place in the world, including

Hollywood - are now flocking to use the

country premier scenery as backdrops for

future movie releases. Bollywood’s discovery

of the Czech Republic is expected to follow

the example of Switzerland, where a series

of films targeting viewers in the Indian

subcontinent has attracted an estimated

200,000 Indian tourists to that country,

transforming it into the third most popular

destination for Indian tourists.

Now that it has captured Bollywood’s

attention, the Czech Republic is trying to

emulate the Swiss, with the first filming

of various flicks expected to begin during

May and June. Milk and Honey Pictures,

for example, has a high-budget production

subtitled Bang Bang in the works. Director

Siddharth Ananda is eager to start production

at Orlík – a dam close to Prague – as well in

Český Krumlov and Kutná Hora, picturesque

nearby towns. „Indian filmmakers have

shown great interest in shooting films in

the Czech Republic and their interest is

conditioned by investment incentives for

the film productions,“ said Helena Fraňková,

State Fund for Cinematography head at

the Czech Film Commission. „If we manage

to secure the funding for these incentives,

we will have five interested parties from

large Bollywood film productions alerady

confirmed.“ �

N E W S F R O M C E E

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Czech Airlines: new connections between Prague, Bratislava and Košice

Best Western Central Europe (BWCE) added

two new 3-star hotels at the end of 2013

– the superior Best Western Hotel Vista

in Ostrava and Best Western Hotel Roca

in Košice. The chain owns sixteen hotels

in the Czech republic and five hotels in

Slovakia. BWCE is a regional organization

representing more than 70 hotels in Austria,

the Czech republic, Slovakia, Hungary,

Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro and

Macedonia. It is headed by Ivona Meissner of

Slovakia. �

Best Western Central Europe boosts presence in the Czech republic and Slovakia

By Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision, from Czech Film Commission

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N E W S F R O M C E E

GERMANY: Receives more than 70 million overnight staysFor the fourth year

in a row, foreign

visitors to Germany

in 2013 accounted

for more than 71.6

million overnight

stays in German mass

accommodation

facilities with ten or

more beds, according

to the German

Statistical Office.

This represents a

four percent growth

from a year ago.

The increase was credited mostly to increasing numbers of tourists from the UK,

Russia, Switzerland, Poland, and the Middle East. Most of the arrivals visited Bavaria

and Berlin. The number of foreign tourists who come to Germany has been rising

since 2009, thanks to an upsurge in visitors from Switzerland, Russia, UK, Poland,

Netherlands and China. �

AZERBAIJAN: Fairmont Baku Flame TowersIn Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts chain in 2013 opened

Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers, the luxury brand’s first development in the emerging

destination. Located within the highest part of the city in the heart of Baku’s vibrant

centre, this award winning complex lies within one of the three Flame Towers and ranks as

the tallest building complex in the country.

The hotel boasts the very best in local dining and entertainment, a state-of-the-art health

club, luxurious ESPA spa facility and 318 superbly appointed guest rooms, suites, and

serviced apartments. Guests can enjoy seven dining options at the hotel, from upscale to

casual outdoor fare, along with 24-hour room service.

Perfect for events and meetings, Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers offers over 2,500 square

metres of multi-use function space, including two ballrooms, nine additional meeting

rooms, outdoor venues and a business centre. �

BUDAPEST – MOSCOW

WizzAir, the largest low-cost airline in the CEE region announced a significant increase of flights on their routes between Budapest and the Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow. Between June 14 and September 14, the airlines will offer two flights per day, increasing the frequency of the flights between

these two cities and encouring the connection between these two countries.

BUDAPEST – MINSK

Another new connection is between Budapest and Belarus, following up on the Budapest-Belgrade connection. The flight by Belavia arrive in Budapest twice a

week, on Mondays and Thursdays. The aircraft will leave Minsk at 13: 45 local time and lands in the Hungarian capital after a flight of appx. 2 hours. Then, the flight continues to Belgrade, before embarking on the return journey in the late afternoon, at 18:35, arriving in Minsk at 21:30, thereby also linking Serbia to Hungary and Belarus. �

POLAND: MPI EMEC 2015 will be in Krakow!The MPI European Meetings and Events

Conference will be organized on February

1-3, 2015 in Krakow, Poland. EMEC is an

annual meeting organised by the Meeting

Professionals International, which brings

together more than 20 000 planners and

suppliers from more than 90 countries around

the world. So far, the conference has never

took place in Poland. �

HUNGARY: New flight connections

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According to the Czech Statistical Office, the

number of Prauge-based events has grown

by 20 percent in the last five years while

individuals participating in these events

has jumped by a whopping 40 percent. In

2012, that amounted to 570,000 delegates. These statistics

only include associated congresses that are international and

regularly rotate between at least 3 destinations. When other

factors are taken into account, the number of delegates who

attend the various MICE events – including corporate ones

– clocks in at around 800,000. Congress tourism generates

more than 20 million Czech crowns in the Czech capital,

with each delegate spending, on average, 350 euros per

event, more than three times the rate of ordinary tourists.

Further improvements in infranstructure and conditions of

future MICE events is likely to produce even greater returns.

Inernational visitors have long recognized Prague, not

only for its beauty, but its romantic charm, which makes

the Czech capital an easy sell as a major European congress

destination. Another strong selling point is that most

important historical sites in the city are easily accessible by

foot, including Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, National

Theatre, as well as a plethora of architectonic wonders

that are nestled beside one another along the picturesque

Romantic city increasingly popular as a congress destination

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In the last fi ve years, Prague has become increasingly popular as a congress destination, hosting more and more international events and delegates each year. In 2011, the number of events jumped from 19th to 14th among international visitors, according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). And in 2012 the City of a Hundred Spires ranked 11th internationally while climbing to 10th among European visitors. Prague’s recognition as a fashionable destination is attributable to the greater interconnectedness and cooperation between state institutions and businesses in the congress tourism space. � By Zuzana Adamson

mantic city increasingly pppppppppppoooopular as a congress dest

Prague:

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streets of Old Town, including Jewish synagogues and

the old Jewish cemetery. History aficianados can pick

from a wide range of architectural gems, including

gothic, baroque or Secession styles, all rife with

ambiance that can electrify any event. More

importantly, many quality five and four-

star hotels with conference capacity

are situated in the city’s historical

center, so delegates don‘t need to

waste time or money time with

transport. Another bonus is that

the charming historical city centre

is within easy walking distance.

And many cafes and restaurants in

the area as well as other sites offer both

networking and leisure activities.

Vistors who stay at hotels unable to

accommodate conferences can opt for one of the remarkable

historical venues such as Žofín island. Surrounded by the

Vltava River, it features Žofín Palace, a leading centre for

cultural and social life in Prague since 1837. The famous

meeting place of politicians, international congresses,

leading corporations, as well as favorite venue for balls and

concerts, Žofín Palace can accommodate up to 850 persons.

Another venue, similarly awash in history, is Slavic

House (Slovanský dům), which has hosted

noteworthy society and business activities

since 1797. Its extensive renovation in

2000 included modern facilities that

provided 1,200 additional square

metres. Unlike before, the venue can

now easily accommodate Czech and

international companies and their

conferences, gala dinners, balls and

business presentations. Slavic House

is close to Municipal House, which

offers an array of seccesion halls adorned

with artistic flourishes by Czech painters and

sculptors from the second half of the 19th century. The

largest facility, Smetana Hall, can host up to 432 people

in a meeting setting, 700 for cocktail events, and 1,149 for

presentations (theatre set.).

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Great Venues� BASTION PRAGUE RESTAURANTThe attractive locality of the restaurant and its culinary concept afford an uncommon gastronomic experience. The restaurant is named after a historic bastion, built as part of a fortification during the construction of the southern part of Prague Nové Město undertaken

by Charles IV in 1348. The Bastion Prague Restaurant offers international and modern Czech cuisine, and can accommodate up to 50 guests. In summer the capacity of the restaurant can be extended by a further 100 places by opening up a neighbouring space linked to the town walls. Its location offers extraordinary views of the Vyšehrad opposite and of Prague’s skyline. Suitable for company parties, wedding receptions, fashion shows, concerts and open-air film screenings. www.bastion-prague.cz

� VILLA RICHTER Restaurants at Prague CastleVilla Richter Restaurants is a unique complex set in the historical St Wenceslas’ vineyard of the Prague Castle, which offers a stay in the centre of Prague with unforgettable views of sights, a top standard of service and highly qualified staff. Villa Richter Restaurants is composed of two interconnected areas – Piano Nobile and Piano Terra – which can be utilized separately or as a whole for larger events. While offering guests the possibility of retreating from the rest of the world, we provide a wide range of services for organizing social and conference events with a capacity of close to 800 guests. For more information visit our website at www.villarichter.cz or e-mail us at sales@villarichter.cz

� HARD ROCK CAFEHard Rock Cafe Prague is a four-storey restaurant and special events venue situated in a historically significant and beautifully decorated building located in the heart of Old Prague. Offering more than just great food and exceptional service, it’s also a rock ‘n’ roll restaurant as well as museum of popular culture, with authentic memorabilia from rock

legends covering the walls. Hard Rock Cafe features 2 semi-private rooms, 2 vibrant bars, an exclusive 5-metre guitar-shaped chandelier, a concert stage and the capacity for groups of 15 to 650 guests. For more information, please visit www.hardrock.com/prague, e-mail Zuzana_Kazdova@hardrock.com or simply call at +420 224 229 529.

� ELEGANTESCreate your memories of Elegantes restaurant and start your evening with a signature aperitif cocktail in 1887 bar. Your taste will be prepared for a wonderful cuisine and excellent service, combining together to ensure a truly memorable fine dining experience. The refined ambience is enhanced by a strong connection to St. Thomas church. Moreover we are the only place where you taste the unique St. Thomas beer, brewed according to the oldest recipe. The menu represents an elegant European cuisine composed of seasonal and local ingredients. To make the dishes more tasteful Executive Chef Robert Loos grows his own herbs behind the restaurant with the assistance of Augustinian monks. Contact: Letenská 12/33, 118 00 Prague 1, Tel: +420 266 112 280, Fax: +420 266 112 234, Mail: restaurant@elegantes.cz, website www.elegantes.cz

4 GREAT RESTAURANTS IN PRAGUE

D E S T I N A T I O N P R A G U E

GREATEST BUSINESS PRINCIPLES II.

People are persuaded by reason, but moved by emotion, the leader must both persuade them and move them.

Richard M. Nixon

Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand.

Chinese proverb

Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work.

Thomas Edison

There is no security on this earth. There is only opportunity.

Douglas MacArthur

Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it‘s amazing what they can accomplish.

Sam Walton

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.

Vince Lombardi

There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.

Peter Drucker

I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.

Bill Cosby

Don’t be afraid to take a big step when one is indicated. You can’t cross a chasm in two small steps.

David Lloyd George

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D E S T I N A T I O N P R A G U E

Choose from

great dmc AGENCIES3

Prague Event Solutions

Martin Limberský,Managing Director

WHO WE AREPrague Event Solutions is Prague’s leading full-service event and

destination management company. We rely on our expertise in event management and organization, as well as our commitment to the principle of integrity. We utilize our local knowledge, as well as extensive listing of only the most reliable and professional vendors available.

WHAT WE CAN DOWe create individual moments of magic, which turn into lasting impressions. We have the expertise, talent, experience and creativity to conceptualize and co-ordinate any large or small-scaled event. We ensure that your prime objectives are met and that your audience and guests are astonishingly impressed. Our team delivers excellence, creativity and most of all, memorable and productive experiences for your attendees and guests.

REFERENCESMADONNA, MICROSOFT’S WORLD LEADERS FORUM, NASPERS INTERNATIONAL, ORANGE, SITA, KPMG, CARGILL, LUMENIS, KEMIN FOODS, RECALL, PFIZER, UNITED HERITAGE, SPIRENT, SAB MILLER, KIA, KEY SYSTEMS, THE BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP,NUTRICIA, TRANSMEDICS, ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT, HOSPIRA, ASAHI KASEIMEDICAL, INSPARO, COFACE, MEDISON, QUINTILES

CONTACT DETAILSPrague Event SolutionsPod Vilami 10140 00 Prague 4Czech RepublicT. + 420 603 751 268E: info@pragueeventsolutions.com

W: www.pragueeventsolutions.com

Kuoni Destination Management

Martin Cerha,Managing Director

WHO WE AREKuoni Destination Management Prague, established in 2001, is well known internationally as a

flexible and efficient DMC/PCO. Our experienced team of multilingual professionals is here to help you meet all of your service needs. Our services to our clients are supported by very well established relationships with local suppliers and hotels in all desired categories. We can also operate all kinds of unique projects in HUNGARY, SLOVAKIA and POLAND.

WHAT WE CAN DOOur core competence is developing, planning, and implementing meetings, seminars, conferences, company events, anniversaries, product launches, presentations, incentives, congresses, sports and more. We are based in the CZECH REPUBLIC and due to our Global Network we operate all over the world. Our business performance, purchasing power, flexibility and worldwide experience in the travel and tourism industry allow us to embrace even more markets and increase our portfolio of satisfied clients. We offer you a combination of authentic experience, innovative approaches and real passion.

REFERENCESMicrosoft, Deloitte, Novartis, Emerson, Texas Instrument, Cisco, HP, Bang & Olufsen, SEPG conference, Kaspersky, Toyota, Iveco, AGC glass, EOS, Egis, Sandoz, Ricoh, Ipsen, Pfizer, Ingelheim Boehringer, Bioderma, AstraZeneca, Abbott, Lundbeck, Janssen Pharmaceutica, Roche, Abdi Ibrahim, Novonordisk,World Hypertension League, Organon, Amway, Prudential Life Insurance, AIG, MSD, Kimberly Clark, Schiedel, FC Bayern, FC Barcelona, FC Chelsea, Manchester United, FC Everton, FC Liverpool, FC Arsenal, FC Sevilla, Viking river cruises, AHI cruises, Euroclassic and many other travel management companies, corporates, associations and so on.

CONTACT DETAILS

Spalena 4/82, 110 00, Prague 1 Czech Republicdmc.prg@cz.kuoni.comPhone: +420 224 990 190Fax: +420 224 990 199W: www.kuoni-prague.czwww.kuoni-dmceurope.com

OvationCzech Republic

Sylvie Neves,Managing Director

WHO WE AREOvation Czech Republic is part of Ovation Global DMC, a leading network

of Destination Management Companies providing Best-in-class DMC services to associations, corporations and agencies at 125+ locations throughout Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, North America and South America.Thanks to our industry experience and extensive local knowledge, we assist our clients to achieve their goals.

WHAT WE CAN DOMatching destination to customer objectives, Destination connections (who’s who), Event creative and design, Venue sourcing and accommodation management are some of the capabilities we deploy to ensure the relevant exposure and excellent delivery on-site.Our clients especially appreciate our ability to build and leverage the human capital in relationships.“People and relationships are the DNA of Ovation Group. Through our openness, passion and expertise we develop your vision and make it happen!”

REFERENCESABBOTT, AMWAY, DINERS CLUB INTERNATIONAL, DR. PEPPER, ERNST & YOUNG, FERRING, FUSE, MICOM, NOVARTIS, PROCTER & GAMBLE, AND MANY MORE…For testimonials and case studies please check: http://ovationdmc.com/testimonials/

CONTACT DETAILSOvation Czech RepublicKarla Englise 6150 00 Prague 5Czech RepublicT.: +420 255 725 460E: sylvie.neves@ovationdmc.com

W: www.ovationdmc.com

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WELCOME IN PRAGUE! YOU CAN CHOOSE FROM THE BEST HOTELS AND VENUES, WE HAVE ALL YOU NEED.

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&HOTELS VENUES

IN PRAGUE

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3

DESIGN HOTEL YASMIN

HOTEL JURYS INN PRAGUE

CAPACITY

Conference rooms m2 Theatre School U-shape Banquet Party

YASMIN I. 83 75 40 30 36 75

YASMIN II. 50 50 30 20 24 50

YASMIN III. 90 75 60 30 36 75

YASMIN I.+II. 133 125 90 50 60 125

YASMIN II+III 140 125 90 50 60 125

YASMIN I+II+III 223 200 150 80 96 200

CAPACITY

Classroom Theatre U-Shape Banquet CocktailArea

(sq. metres)

Riverdance 60 100 32 60 90 91,8

Hibernia 24 60 20 40 60 62,05

Riverdance & Hibernia 110 160 60 100 150 153,85

★ ★ ★ ★SUPERIOR

★ ★ ★ ★

HOTEL YASMINADDRESS: Politických vězňů 913/12

110 00 Prague 1

TEL.: +420 234 100 100

FAX: +420 234 100 125,

E-MAIL: info@hotel-yasmin.cz,

WEB: www.hotel-yasmin.cz

HOTEL JURYS INN PRAGUEADDRESS: Sokolovská 11

186 00 Prague 8

TEL.: +420 226 222 600

FAX: +420 226 222 610

E-MAIL: info_prague@jurysinns.com

WEB: www.jurysinns.com/hotels/prague

off ers 3 multifunctional conference rooms for up to 200 persons few steps from Wenceslas square.

• Suitable for press conferences business meetings, corporate trainings and other events

• 196 luxury design rooms on seven floors• Catering services – Restaurant Café Bar

Noodles• Complimentary high speed WiFi internet• Full audio-visual equipment• Secretarial and concierge services• Enhanced fresh air conditioning

Total number of guestrooms 214

Standard Superior 214

ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES

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The South Moravian hub has 370,000

inhabitants and is the second largest

city in the Czech Republic. In the last

few years, it has developed

and promoted itself as

the "centre of commerce, science

and research", based on a strategy

of building technological and

scientific centres. The rising

number of companies active

in IT, telecommunications,

software development and hi-

tech fields present in the city

has earned it the nickname

of "Czech Sillicon Valley".

This strategy has spawned the

Technology Park Brno, a joint

investment of the city of Brno and the

UK company P&O, which will provide 190,000 square

metres of office premises to companies active in research

or light industries. Currently, there are already 17

companies with more than 4,000 employees,

including IBM, FEI, Motorola,

Vodafone, Silicon Graphics and

others. The Technology Park

Brno is connected to the Brno

University of Technology.

As a university city with

approximately 80,000

students, Brno has favourable

conditions for development.

The Moravian metropolis

is also the seat of several

leading, world-renowned

technological institutions, oriented

towards genome research, bio-

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A City that Invests in Large-scale

Scientific Institutions

BRNO:

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medicine, the development of various food components

including genetical modification, as well as brain and

mind research. "Czech Silicon Valley" or Frankenstein's

laboratory? The technological institute CEITEC is based

in Brno; in the works is a project of the international

clinical research institute IRCR, in partnership with the

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, US, one of the world's leading

research institutions alongside CERN and ISS. Both

institutions are set to gather more than 1,000 scientists.

The Integrated Laboratories of Biomedical Technologies

(ILBIT) is also located in Brno.

These modern developments contrast with the

picturesque historical city centre, boasting architectonic

sights in various styles, cosy cafés and plenty of culture and

sports facilities. The UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat,

a gem of functionalist architecture, attracts many foreign

visitors. Further sought-after sights include the Špilberk

Castle, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, or Saint

James's Church. Shopping fans can check out the Vaňkovka

Mall. The four-star hotels in Brno–12 in all–offer 1,478

rooms, and 26 other three-star hotels provide a further 1,380

rooms, a number of which include conference facilities.

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www.plzen2015.cz

Pilsen, alongside the Belgian city of Mons, will hold the title of European Capital of Culture in 2015. The slogan of the Pilsen project is “Open Pilsen!” Apart from a witty take on the famous Pilsen beer, the catchphrase also alludes to openness to new ideas and the world. The programme of the European Capital of Culture offers more than 650 cultural events throughout the year, including new circus acts, grand exhibitions and concerts, theatre and dance. The transformation of Pilsen into a cultural metropolis of Europe will commence in autumn 2014, when the famous French Manège Carré Senart sets up its base in the city centre. The traditional Christmas market is also set for change. The gala opening will take place on 17 January 2015

with attendance by many Czech and foreign artists, and will culminate with a performance by world-famous tightrope walker Dimitri and the ringing of the new bells of the Pilsen Cathedral. In 2015 visitors will be able to see exhibitions of the Munich Secession movement and the West Bohemian Baroque, puppet shows, animated works and others. Adolf Loos’ remarkable interior designs as well as the Great Synagogue, one of the largest in Europe, are other sights to catch. A new theatre, the most modern in the Czech Republic, will open, as will a multicultural centre Světovar. There will also be a nine-week long Baroque programme across the Pilsen, with exhibitions and other events taking place in impressive cloister complexes created by famous Baroque architects such as J. B. Santini Aichel, K. I. Dientzenhofer or J. Augustine.

Pilsen—European Capital of Culture 2015

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