Further Details

Venue & Accommodation

Booking Form

Friday 13th - Sunday 15th August 2004
Prague, Czech Republic

The conference is to be staged at CERGE-EI, a joint workplace in the field of Economics associated with two highly respected institutions, Charles University in Prague and the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic.

CERGE-EI is centrally located at Politickych veznu 7 in the centre of historic Prague, one block from Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske namesti). The main post office on Jindrisska provides a good orientation point - the venue is located just around the corner from the main entrance.

The nearest metro stations are Mustek (transfer station for the green A and the yellow B lines) and Muzeum (transfer station for the green A and red C lines). The location is in a wonderful position for many cafes and restaurants to explore at lunch times, and only a few small steps away from the Powder Tower and Municpal House!

The first known structure on the site of what is now CERGE-EI was a pharmacist's home during the time of Charles IV (1346-1378). The street was then known as “Angel Street,” and the pharmacist was especially known for his kindness to the sick. To this day, all Czech pharmacies bear the symbol of an angel.

Later, the pharmacist's home was demolished and a palace was constructed on the site by Kristof of Wallenstein. The palace was destroyed by fire in 1757, and the remains were purchased by the Merciful Brethren and thereafter was the site of a convent-hospital operated by this sect. Eventually Austrian Empress Maria Theresa bought the property and converted it into a facility to accommodate some of the many orphans created by the famine and plague of 1771.

The present building was commissioned in 1871 by well-known entrepreneur and railroad builder Baron Jan Schebek. Since buildings at this time were generally identified not with addresses but with names; it came to be known as “The House of the Angel.” The three-story building was designed by architect Ignác Ullman. Its most striking features include a marble staircase and ceilings painted by Viktor Barvitius.

In 1890, Baron Schebek's son sold the palace to the Austro-Hungarian Bank, and thus began the long association of the building with economic activities in the Czech lands. In 1918, after the founding of the First Republic (independent Czechoslovakia), the building became the headquarters of the State Bank of Czechoslovakia. During World War II and the Nazi Occupation, the Gestapo used a building on the same street as its headquarters. As a result, the street today bears the name “Street of Political Prisoners” (ul. Politickych veznu).

In 1963, ownership of the building was transferred to the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, which made it the seat of its Institute of Economics. The Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic is still the owner of the building. We have two rooms for the conference; both are approached by a magnificent marble staircase;

Accommodation

Accommodation is being offered at two hotels.

4 star HOTEL JOSEF****
(air conditioning)

The Hotel Josef has a great location in the Jewish Quarter of the Old Town, a few minutes walking distance from the Powder Tower.

Address: Rybna 20, 110 00 Prague 1

Located in the old Jewish Quarter  Josefov  the Hotel Josef is housed in a building which serves as a relaxing counterpoint to Pragues active, urban lifestyle. Designed around a peaceful landscaped courtyard, the hotel offers the visitor a choice of spacious and immaculate rooms in the heart of the city. While in a quiet part of the center near municipal, cultural and financial buildings, the hotel is a 5 minute walk from Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and Powder Tower, while only 14 km from Ruzyne Airport, 1 km from the train station, and 400 m from the metro stop at Namesti Republiky. All rooms are soundproof, air-conditioned and feature stonewalled bathrooms with a tub, robe and slippers. In addition, an ISDN data port, DVD player, and safe are available. The hotel offers 24-hour reception, exchange office and sale of souvenirs, babysitting services, steam-sauna on the 7th floor with a large terrace overlooking the city.

4 star BILA LABUT**** (White Swan)
(no air conditioning)

The Hotel Bila Labut (White Swan) is a new hotel offering modern comfort in a pleasant and quiet atmosphere. Ideally located in the business and cultural centre of Prague, the Bila Labut is within a 5 minute walk from the start of the historical part of Prague. Nearby is the metro station Florenc, as well as Namesti Republiky - making the whole of Prague conveniently easy to reach.

Address: Biskupska 9, 110 00 Prague 1.

All rooms feature bathrooms and WC, and are furnished with a minibar, telephone and satellite TV. The restaurant offers an interesting gastronomic program with a great choice of Czech and International cuisine; guests are also welcome to enjoy a favourite beverage at the bar. Guests can work out in the small, but nicely equipped fitness centre or relax in the sauna (for a small fee, payable at the reception; access to the centre and sauna are upon request). At the reception, guests can arrange room service, business services, taxi sightseeing in Prague and trips to the countryside.