Social program

It won't all be the delights of business! There will be time to socialise in beautiful Prague!

1. The Welcoming Reception at the Mayor of Prague's Residence

Prague mayor, Pavel Bem,
has assumed patronage of ISBIS-2008.

 

• Meeting Point - by Andels hotel reception on Wednesday July 2, 2008 at 19.00
• Transportation by Metro line B from "Andel" to "Mustek" station
• Free to ISBIS-2008 participants and people with tickets to the Partner Program
• Welcoming by a representative of Prague Municipality

2. The Gala Dinner at the Gothic Pillar Hall of New Town Hall

 

• Meeting Point - by Andels hotel reception on Thursday July 3, 2008 at 19.00
• Transportation by tram from "Andel" to "Lazarska" stop
• An atmosphere reminiscent of bygone times ...
• Fee event (see Registration form)

The New Town Hall (Czech: Novoměstská radnice) is the administrative centre of Prague's (medieval) New Town Quarter, or "Nové Město".

First mention of the New Town Hall in Charles Square dates back to 1377, but not much was left of the building from that time. Several parts were added at the beginning of the 15th century, the most noticeable one being the high tower with a big bell and a chapel inside.

The New Town Hall served its original purpose as a seat of the municipal administration until 1784, when the Emperor Josef II. decided to unite the four Prague towns - Old Town, the Lesser Town, Hradcany and the New Town - into a single town with one town council. After that the New Town Hall was turned into a criminal courthouse and a prison with a torture chamber. Many people, especially revolutionaries, were kept here.

The appearance of the building changed rapidly in the 16th century. The south wing was rebuilt in Renaissance style and decorated with high gables. Notice a piece of chain fixed to the building. It dates from the time when Prague streets were closed by chains.

The New Town Hall became very famous because of the event that happened in the 15th century. On 30th July 1419 a crowd of demonstrators led by Jan Zelivsky demanded that several of Jan Hus's followers be released from the prison. When the councillors refused to release the prisoners, the outraged crowd burst into the building and threw the councillors out of the windows. The councillors who survived the fall were beaten to death. This event was called the First Prague Defenestration and started the Hussite movement asking for reforms in the Catholic Church.

In the interior of the "Mazhaus" building, numerous gothic portals, vaults, wall paintings from the 15th century and slab painted ceilings from the 16th century were restored.

The New Town Hall is now a national cultural heritage.