A summer in Prague
THE INEVITABLE BASICS WITH A TOUCH OF MODERNITY
If you dare to go through the historical part of the czech capital in the middle of summer you have to know that, even with all the crowds, it is worth seeing up close the Prague Castle -dates from the 9th century and is the largest in the world-, charles bridge that in half a kilometer the small town (Mala Strana) from the old town (Staré Mêsto) or the medieval astronomical clock . It is also obligatory to stop at a much more modern but equally interesting attraction, the Dancing House -Tančídí dúm- , designed by the star architect Frank Gehry and located in front of the Vltava River, at Resslova Street. Once we have overcome the "must" of any time of the year, let's focus on the summer in Prague.
Gehry's dancing house
THE CRAZY SCULPTURES OF DAVID CERNY
For this, there is nothing better than taking the David Cerny tour. The original local sculptor decided that he was fed up with so much historic building and so much stone in his hometown and took to being completely opposed to his sculptural works, which by the way are everywhere. To his famous babies climbing the TV Tower in the Žižkov neighborhood to which we will return later you can add the one that represents to the death horse of Saint Wenceslas. The original work is one of the emblems of Prague, Cerny's is the subversive version of it and is found in the Lucerne passage. His subtle interpretation of Kafka in the sculpture dedicated to the writer in the city's Jewish quarter is another of his most accomplished works.
David Cerny frolicking in Prague
YOUR OWN EIFFEL TOWER
Prague, like so many other cities, has its miniature version of the Parisian Eiffel Tower. His is on Petrin Hill. Of similar origin to its French twin - a universal exhibition at the end of the 19th century - it is hardly 60 meters high but, taking into account that it crowns the hill of another 300 meters, it is a highly recommended observatory to see the city and look at the other tourists as if they were ants. In addition, the gardens that surround the tower are well worth a walk . Getting there is another very Parisian experience. Take the funicular on Ujezd Street, which has a tram stop of the same name. The presence of Mount Petrin defines the city to a certain extent. Milan Kundera and Franz Kafka have mentioned it in their writings.
Your own Eiffel Tower
WELCOME TO THE INDEPENDENT REPUBLIC OF ZIZKOV
Behind the portentous building of the National Museum is Žižkov, in the center-east area of Prague . It is the place to go for beers, one of the things in which the country is a world power. The neighborhood maintains its popular spirit and its irregular geography makes it somewhat chaotic compared to other nearby neighborhoods. In addition to being different, its important role in the Velvet Revolution makes its people call the place the "Zižkov Republic". In addition to climbing babies, the TV Tower has a cafeteria with a lookout point . Because the culture of good coffee has also flourished here in recent times.
STREET MARKET
Although it is at Christmas when Prague stands out in terms of street markets, in summer the River Town triumphs in the Holesovice neighborhood . It is where the old Prague market has been remodelled, one of the most visited on the European continent. In its 60,000 square meters you can find everything: local fruit and vegetables, antiques, copies of fashion brands. toys, electrical appliances... Open daily until six in the afternoon and on Saturdays until one in the afternoon.
THERMAL GETAWAY
Just over an hour's drive away is Karlovy Vary , the famous thermal city full of spas ... and tourists, but never at the levels of the capital. Walking through it is doing it as in Downton Abbey and drinking the water that runs through its sources, the healthiest. There is also one of the favorite places for lovers of Bohemian glass, which is one of the best known claims in the area. The largest museum is located here and, interestingly, a smaller branch in Prague . Another famous place is the Hotel Puppe, whose luxury served to set the scene for the James Bond adventure Royal Casino.
The quiet and charming center of Karlovy Vary
SUMMER CULTURE
Back in Prague, there three cultural offers typically summer in the city. One of them is the open-air cinema in Střelecký ostrov, which until the end of September shows films with English subtitles. The Festival of Italian Operas takes place in August at the State Opera and the Summer Shakespeare Festival in July offers performances of the British playwright's works in the courtyard of the Burgrave Palace in Prague Castle.
_ You may also be interested..._*
- Prague Guide
- Guide to Prague for beginners
- Guide to Prague for modern
- Prague, five inescapable secrets
- All articles by Héctor Llanos Martínez
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