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| Photograph by Pavel Nemecek, AP Images |
The Czech city of Plzeň, or Pilsen, is one of two 2015 European
Capitals of Culture (the other being Mons, Belgium). To kick off the
yearlong Plzen 2015
calendar of cultural activities, special exhibits, and visual and
performing arts events, the city is hosting a colossal opening ceremony
on January 17. Join one of five celebratory processions into the old
town’s Republic Square, where you can watch performances by Swiss
tightrope walker David Dimitri and other acrobats and see medieval
buildings transformed by high-powered projection and cutting-edge
audiovisual effects into canvases of light and sound. You’ll also hear
the four bells of the Gothic St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral ring
for the first time since World War II, when the original bells were
melted down by occupying Nazi forces. The opening ceremony marks the
beginning of Pilsen’s circus season (January-November), when world-class
circus performances are staged in tents erected throughout the city.
How to Get Around: The closest international airport is in Prague, located about 58 miles northeast of Pilsen. Ride the Airport Express
(AE) shuttle bus to the Prague Main train station (35 minutes). Trains
depart regularly from the station for the 90-minute trip to Pilsen. Walk
and use public transportation (tram, trolleybus, and bus) to get around
the city. Maps are available at the Tourist Information Center in the old town.
Where to Stay: Located opposite the Pilsner Urquell brewery and a short walk from the historic core and central train station, Hotel Angelo
is a convenient, contemporary choice. The 132 rooms and 12 suites are
styled in a bold red, black, and white color scheme. Executive rooms
(fourth floor) include free Internet access, early check in, and late
checkout.
What to Eat: Pilsen is best known for its signature pale lager, Pilsner Urquell, first brewed here in 1842. At Na Parkánu, located next door to the Brewery Museum,
try an original Pilsner Urquell—unfiltered, unpasteurized, and
naturally conditioned in a barrel that’s delivered from the brewery via
horse-drawn cart. The pub fare includes hearty Czech dishes, including
goulash, cubed pork shoulder roasted in black beer, and duck confit
served with cabbage, onions, and dumplings.
What to Buy: Visit the bustling weekend outdoor market
in Republic Square to shop for traditional Pilsen crafts such as
Pilsner glasses and ceramics. Local artisans and retailers both set up
tents on the square, so look carefully to distinguish between handmade
and mass-produced items.
What to Read Before You Go: The Unbearable Lightness of Being
(Harper Perennial Modern Classics, reprint edition, 2005) is Milan
Kundera’s classic novel of love and politics during the Soviet
occupation of the former Czechoslovakia.
Cultural Tip:
Locals tend to dress conservatively, so wearing brightly colored or
wildly patterned winter garb is a sure way to stand out as a tourist.
Helpful Links: Plzen 2015 and City of Pilsen Mobile Travel Guide
Fun Fact: Otevřete si Plzeň!,
the overarching theme of Pilsen’s 2015 European Capital of Culture
celebration, can be translated both as “Pilsen, open up!” (as in
expanding creativity and diversity) and “Open your Pilsner!" (as in the
city’s signature beer).
