The Czech Republic is home to some of the strangest statues in the world. Not surprising, because Prague is the birthplace of the infamous sculptor David Cerny. His provocative works have gained recognition all over the world. In addition to the breathtaking masterpieces of Czerny, the Czech Republic is full of whimsical statues that are sure to make you stop and think.
Czerny's sense of humor was most evident in the sculpture of pissing men at the Franz Kafka Museum in Prague. The sculpture consists of two bronze men. Their hips are robotic and move in such a way that they spell out words or whole phrases with a trickle of water. Anyone can send SMS, which will be written by sculptures.
The work of progressive sculptors such as David Czerny is popular all over the world, best known.
Sculpture Kaburek
Urban sculpture is an integral part of any big city. In Prague, it is very different: from monumental monuments to funny small sculptures. One of the latest is the sculpture of Kaburek, the Czech merman on the island of Kampa.
In the legends of old Prague, Kaburek has a special place. It differs from, for example, the Russian merman, who, as the master of the waters, rarely appeared on land and often dragged someone to his underwater kingdom for his own entertainment. Kaburek - good water. More than anything, he loves beer and beautiful girls, and prefers bottled ones.
The legend tells that in life the water man was an ordinary citizen. Like all working people, Kaburek liked to skip a mug or two of beer in the evening after a hard day's work. Returning home, he fell into the waters of the Devil and drowned. Since then, peace-loving evil spirits have been wandering around Kampa, entering Prague pubs and spending time among the townspeople.
In his free time from visiting pubs, Kaburek collects the souls of drowned people in clay pots at the bottom in his dwelling. By the way, the potter, from whom Kaburek takes pots, also enjoyed good fame.
Kaburek loves good beer, and if he often appears in a pub, then this is a great honor for the owner: Kaburek will not go to a bad establishment. In order for the waterman to feel comfortable in the establishment, the owner put a tub of water in the corner: Kaburek always had to have legs and coat floors in the water.
The gifts of civilization and technological progress frightened him away. As soon as gramophones began to appear in Prague pubs, then music centers or, even worse, televisions, Kaburek stopped appearing here. Sometimes a man in a wet frock coat wanders around Campe, asks passers-by for a bottle of beer and gives them fresh fish in gratitude.
Sculptor Josef Nalepa decided to capture a funny inhabitant of the island and sculpted a statue of Kaburek. He sits on the wheel of an old mill in the pose of a thinker, smokes a pipe, carefully and thoughtfully looks at the water, and maybe into eternity. Such a water-philosopher, humanly understandable, with his passions and weaknesses, in a word, with a soul.
The statue of the merman on Kampa is located near the bridge of the Lovers. Locks have recently appeared on the bridge: every couple in love considers it their duty to consolidate their union in this way. Because of this, Kaburek's sculpture is often not visible. Just looking closer, you can see a little man in a hat and a green frock coat, who sat down next to the river to reflect on the meaning of human life.
Sculpture "Cloak of conscience" or "Empty cloak"
At the entrance to the old Prague Estates Theater, an unusual gatekeeper awaits guests. A figure wrapped in a cloak sits on a pedestal. But these are not the tricks of street performers at all! If you look closely, goosebumps will crawl up your back - there is no one under the bronze folds of the cloak ...
The plate under the sculpture explains: the statue depicts the ghostly Commander, the character of Mozart's opera Don Giovanni. The premiere of the musical masterpiece took place in 1787 in this theater, and the author personally conducted the orchestra. Today it is the only theater that has survived in its original form, the walls of which saw the great Austrian composer. It was rumored that Mozart consulted in Prague with the legendary heartthrob Giacomo Casanova, who became the prototype of Don Giovanni.
The famous drama, the outset of which was the duel of a dissolute rake and a Seville nobleman, inspired more than one generation of cultural figures and is known to us, first of all, from the play by A. S. Pushkin "The Stone Guest". The father, seeking to protect the honor of his daughter from desecration, fell victim to Don Juan, but returned from the other world in the form of a tomb statue to take revenge on the killer. The rebellious disembodied spirit of the Commander, who actively intervened in the affairs of mortals, became a source of inspiration for the Czech sculptor Anna Chromy, the author of the statue near the Estates Theater.
The author's intention is much broader and is not limited to the spirit of revenge. From her youth, fond of the work of the surrealists, Anna Chromy developed the whole concept of the Cloaks of Conscience. She interprets the emptiness framed by a cloak as non-material traces that remain in our world after a person has left. They can be love, creative heritage, vindictiveness, resentment... They do not exist materially, as evidenced by the emptiness under the cloak, but their impulses continue to transform reality, giving it shape, like folds of fabric over the spiritual essence of the Commander.
The creative idea was embodied in a cycle of identical marble sculptures near the Salzburg Cathedral, in front of the Estates Theater in Prague, in front of the medieval church of St. Severin on the Friesian island of Sylt, in the Royal Palace of the Princes of Monaco and near the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, where an exhibition was held in 2007 Chromie's work.
The project lasted from 2005 to 2011 and aroused great interest among both ordinary people and celebrities. Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, singer Andrea Bocelli, families of Italian businessmen Ferrero and Ferragamo bought personal copies of the Cloak.
In 2010, Chromie created the commemorative collection "Cloak for the World" with statues painted in the heraldic colors of 200 countries. According to the idea of the author, under the cloak were the elusive national mentality of each people and friendly feelings that unite them into humanity.
Thus, everyone is free to fill the contents of the cloak with any emotions, which makes this sculpture a universal display of the boundless human soul.
Sculpture "Babies" in Prague
In 2000, a sculptural composition of huge (about 3.5 meters long) faceless babies crawling up and down the walls of this building was placed on the Zizkov TV Tower in Prague. The appearance of these alien babies on the boring TV tower, which is reminiscent of the city's communist past, has turned it into one of Prague's most famous and popular tourist attractions.
In the winter of 2000 - 2001, the city authorities decided to dismantle the figures of the kids, since their fasteners were not designed for the additional mass of snow. But local residents have already fallen in love with the building of the TV tower in its new updated look, and therefore stood up for the sculpture. The city administration went to meet the townspeople and, after improving the system of fasteners, the "Babies" returned to their place again. The sculptor very carefully chose the location of each of his "wards", but still remains dissatisfied with the location of one of them.
Giant babies were conceived by David Cherny back in 1994, when he lived in New York. Initially, the composition of the sculptures was intended for the Museum of Modern Art in Chicago. But this museum could not find money for the installation, and therefore the figures wandered around various exhibitions for several years.
Babies in Campa Park
In 2008, three more giant black babies with barcodes instead of faces "settled" in Kampa Park near the museum. The sculptures are cast in bronze, each, like its "Zhizhkov brother", is 3.5 meters long and about 2.5 meters high. The weight of each baby is 100 kg. The sculptural composition "Babies" is very popular with tourists and is one of the most significant installations in the open part of the museum in Kampe.
Here, everyone can take a closer look at them, take pictures and even climb on famous babies.
All sculptural compositions of David Cherny have a hidden meaning. So are Babies. Toddlers without faces protest the sculptor against abortion.
Sculpture "Hanging Man" in Prague
A passer-by on Gusovaya Street may have a heart skip a beat: a man is dangling on a steel mast sticking out from the roof of one of the houses! Who is it? A hangman-suicide or a person in trouble?! It also happens that excited tourists call the police or firefighters. Well, the sculptor provocateur David Cerný, who hung a sculpture of a man holding a beam on a Prague street in 1997, was counting on such attention to his brainchild. The work was timed to coincide with the exhibition "Respect 97".
The unique sculpture, 220 cm high, is one of the many creations of the world famous Czech sculptor in Prague. Invariably shocking and often annoying fellow citizens with his works, Cherny nevertheless earned international recognition. The sculpture of the "hanging man" ("Viselec") traveled the world and was "hung" at the Czech Cultural Center in Berlin, at the National Theater and at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in London and many others. At an exhibition in Chicago in 2007, there was even an incident with the police, who came to “rescue” a potential suicide.
But was the "hanging man" created just for the purpose of causing fear? Some Czech inhabitants, and other representatives of the former Eastern Bloc, find a portrait resemblance of the sculpture to Vladimir Lenin and see in the work a political satire on the communist paradise that has ordered a long life. However, the sculptor himself claims that the figure personifies the Austrian father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. Clutching with one hand to the saving beam, the professor, as it were, hovered over the abyss of the Unconscious, into which he was one of the first to look at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Continuing the game with the public, Cherny offers another, more scandalous interpretation: the sculpture symbolizes the isolation of the intelligentsia from the common people, who are alien to the jungle of psychoanalysis. The provocation was a success: interest in the work does not fade away, and the proposed interpretations allow modern psychoanalysts to look into the hidden corners of the minds of interpreters.
Sculpture "Inverted Horse"
What kind of epithets do well-wishers call the sculpture “Inverted Horse” and its author David Cherny. One thing is certain: this masterpiece was created by a truly unique sculptor, in whose works subtle humor, political and social satire, provocativeness and remarkable talent are surprisingly intertwined.
The Inverted Horse is a parodic copy of the equestrian statue of St. Wenceslas, one of the most revered saints in the Czech Republic.
In 1999, a new Wenceslas, executed by David the Black, was installed on Wenceslas Square: a sculptural saint, imperturbably sitting on an inverted, dead horse suspended by its legs, with a tongue hanging from its mouth.
Initially, it was supposed to install the work in the main building of the Czech post office, but the management rejected this option and the sculpture was placed on the opposite side of the square, at its lower end, opposite its prototype. After a short period of time, the monument was moved to the Lucerne shopping arcade, on Vodichkova Street.
The mistress of the Lucerne Palace proposed the option of installing the "Horse" under the dome of the arcade gallery. And until today, a huge figure of a horse upside down and suspended by its legs - the height of the monument is about 5 meters, and the length is about 3 - hangs from under the dome of the shopping center.
Interestingly, the tongue hanging from the mouth of a dead horse constantly changes color. What is it connected with? It often has to be restored, because with an enviable frequency the horse is left without a tongue.
It happens that local youth are hooligans, showing off a torn off piece to their peers - this is considered a kind of feat among the youth, it happens that tourists steal a piece of a unique work as a keepsake, and it is very difficult to pick up material for a new language by color.
Tour guides like to bring tourists to the mall and talk about the upside down horse and occasional tongue abductions.
Sculpture "Chair on the Vlatva"
The sculpture "Chair on the Vlatva" is part of the exposition of the Museum of Modern Art, located on the island of Kampa. The sculpture is a really huge chair with a bent leg. By the way, the ideological concept of the sculptor is still not known. There is a lot of controversy and a lot of speculation about this, everyone can put forward their own version, no matter how crazy it may seem.
In the 1980s, Czech sculptor Magdalena Etelova created a four-meter chair sculpture. Only in 2002, she saw the light and was presented to the public. The sculpture was installed on the sluice of the Vlatva River. However, she did not stand for long, during the flood in June, the waves of the river washed away the two-ton chair from the pedestal. The sculpture was found more than 40 km down the river. The giant chair was completely destroyed by water. The sculpture was not subject to restoration.
The city did not soon recover from this major flood. But the locals managed to fall in love with this slightly strange sculpture. They identify it with the Kampa Museum, consider this chair a symbol of modern art. Therefore, in 2003, enthusiastic students of the Visual and Industrial School built a modern version, an exact copy of the destroyed sculpture. The modern art object was named "The Return of the Chair - 2". The sculpture was installed in its original place, so that it still points the way to the museum, being a kind of beacon of the institution.
The modern chair has grown somewhat, its height was 6 meters. And since the sculpture now weighs 8 tons, instead of 2, then the rise of water is no longer afraid of it. The new chair will be able to withstand a flood of any strength.
The sculpture "Chair on the Vlatva" organically fits into the surrounding landscape, worthily standing out against the background of other art objects of the museum's exposition.
Sculpture Swallow
One of the many complexes of ancient buildings in Prague, Clementinum, became the real parent of a small but very interesting modern monument - the sculpture "Vlaštovka - Vlashtovka (Swallow)" by Magdalena Poplavskaya.
This sculpture has a simple yet touching story. Everything happened as if in some strange fairy tale.
In one of the oldest and most beautiful castles, Klementinum, an exhibition of diploma works was once held by students from one of the art and industrial schools in Prague. It featured many works by young artists, among which was a plastic sculpture created by an ordinary girl named Magdalena Poplavska. It was a statue of a seated little girl holding a figurine made of paper. Each of the visitors saw in her hands either an airplane, or a crane, or a swallow.
At the end of the exposition, all the students took away their works, and for some reason the girl remained forgotten. After the closing of the exhibition, by a strange coincidence, she took root in the castle for many years. Then someone put a plastic girl on the roof of one of the buildings of the Clementinum complex, and she, dangling her legs, sits on that building until now and seems to be watching passers-by, intending to throw a paper figure at them.
There is another version of the further development of events: people say that the mistress of this work returned and took the girl away, but by that time the citizens of Prague were so fond of the sculpture that they unanimously demanded that it be returned, and the girl again came to the "father's house" of Clementinum.
Tourists who look at the girl sitting on the roof often confuse the figurine with a real child. You can often hear exclamations and reflections about how a child could get to such a height, and sometimes there are serious unrest about this.
No one understood exactly what kind of figurine is in the hands of the child. Until now, everyone calls it differently: an airplane, a swallow or a crane. Later, the locals of Prague decided and affectionately called the sculpture "Swallow". Maybe because it was her that the paper figure most of all reminded them of, but the reason could well be the fact that the girl herself, fearlessly located at a height of more than 4 meters, is associated among the townspeople with this brave bird.
"Harmony or Sculpture of the Prayer"
Located in Prague, on the banks of the Vltava River.
It was erected in honor of the famous Indian humanist philosopher, preacher, artist, poet and writer Sri Chinmoy.
At the age of 12, Sri Chinmoy joined the spiritual community of Sri Aurobindo. From that moment on, his whole life was devoted to the study of the hidden divine powers in order to reveal the inner energy and knowledge of man and make him better. With his followers, he came to many countries, repeatedly visited Prague.
Sri Chinmoy passed away in 2007. Two years later, in many cities of the world, including the capital of the Czech Republic, monuments appeared as a tribute to the memory and respect for his bright teachings.
He was a friend and student of Sri Chinmoy. In his interviews, he always emphasized that the support of his spiritual teacher helped him become a sculptor.
Inspired by the ideas and philosophical teachings of a man, a mantra, whose mind and heart were dedicated to Peace and Universal Harmony, in 2009 Kaivalya created a monument in his honor.
The man-made work, created by man, without deliberate effect, simply and naturally fit into the natural environment, nestled among the calm surface of the river, sky and trees.
The male figure of a man, depicted in full growth and dressed in traditional Indian clothes, is captured at the moment of meditation. The good-looking face of the preacher is not only stern, but also kind. His posture is calm and solemn. And the hands folded in a prayerful gesture - as a sign of belonging to the Supreme Mind, which gives all living things the meaning of existence.
In 2013, there was a flood in Prague, the sculpture looked very impressive, judge for yourself.
Believing that it was spirituality and not politics that would bring harmony to the world, Sri Chinmoy wrote one and a half thousand books. He created music for meditation, paintings and songs. Developed a unique program - "Raising the World with the Heart of Unity". Its purpose is to celebrate the outstanding achievements of people in any field of activity, thereby inspiring them and making humanity more grateful and perfect.
Hundreds of people come to Sri Chinmoy's monument every day.
In an era when the world has lost its stability, and art has lost its ideals, the figure of the Prayer appears as a symbol of time, lurking hope and instilling faith in Goodness and Reason.
The sculpture of a praying man is located between the Charles Bridge and the Legia Bridge right next to the Kampa Museum.
Sculpture of Franz Kafka
A sculpture of Franz Kafka stands near the Quadrio shopping center above the metro station called Národní třída.
During the construction of the statue, it was taken into account that it would work smoothly in normal weather in Prague. In severe frost or snowfall, a special “wrap” is put on the statue.
From the very beginning, it was assumed that the square would be a work of art. Investors contacted David Cherny, who had three different proposals, after which the choice was made in favor of this sculpture.
The monument to Franz Kafka is made in the form of a giant stainless steel head, 10 meters high and weighing 45 tons. It consists of 42 discs rotating in different directions (the discs themselves weigh 38 tons, and the rest of the weight falls on 1 kilometer of electrical wires). The disks have the ability to transform into a portrait of Franz Kafka for a few seconds, and then hide it, turning into a mirror, which can be seen reflecting nearby buildings. Small mirrors are located at the bottom of the sculpture, which perform the same function - to display the surroundings of the sculpture. The maximum rotation speed of each disc is 6 revolutions per minute, the rotation speed is controlled remotely (they say that David Cherny himself controls the sculpture).
Such an unusual mirror sculpture of Franz Kafka in Prague cost the municipality 30 million crowns.
David Cherny explained his concept as follows: "Kafka's work had a great influence on Prague and, therefore, the shopping center and the center of Prague belong to the head."
Franz Kafka is a well-known Czech satirist throughout the world. Perhaps the sculptor wanted to show with his work the diversity and versatility of the writer.
Sculpture Three witches ”flying”
One of the most famous and mystical sculptures in the capital of the Czech Republic is the park sculpture of three witches - "flight", located in the Franciscan Garden, not far from the Catholic church. The pedestal of the three flying witches is an example of classical French park architecture. It was made by the famous sculptor and architect Josef Klimesh.
The sculpture represents three stone young ladies spreading their arms and rushing after each other in the ritual dance of the Sabbath. The fact that the sculptural witches are dancing is indicated by their flying clothes and hair removed from their faces. Flying witches adorn the pedestal of a small drinking fountain.
The prototype of the sculpture of three witches is flying evil sorceresses, which, according to legend, were seen in this area about 100 years ago.
The sculptural composition of three witches - "flying" - is unusual in its execution. Unlike other stone statues of a mystical theme, it does not inherit the Gothic style and does not seek to emphasize outward ugliness and horror. The images of the flying witches, although not very detailed, are nevertheless peaceful enough. At first glance, they are completely faceless, devoid of character and similar to each other. However, if you look closely, the facial expression of each of the three witches expresses a certain emotion.
It is noteworthy that the sculptures with a human face do not have eyes. But on the other hand, their faces are decorated with light smiles, with which the sculptor probably wanted to emphasize the irony of finding such a sculpture in such a religious place, as well as the vain superstitions of tourists.
On the back side, all three stone figures are hollow. With the help of this technique, the author of the sculptural composition got rid of monumentality. In addition, the play of light and shadow on the stone adds expressiveness to the sculpture and thus compensates for the lack of elaborate forms and facial features of the figures.
In Prague, the sculpture is very popular, because on the night of April 30 to May 1, the capital of the Czech Republic celebrates Walpurgis Night, the celebration program of which includes a visit to the fountain of three witches - “flying”.
Sculpture "Toady"
One of the most provocative sculptures of David Cherny. Satire, wit and outright evil humor, expressed in sculpture, splash over the edge, exposing and ridiculing sycophancy as a human vice.
Ironically on the theme of servility and groveling of one person before another, David Cherny in 2003 presented to the viewers 2 white figures of five-meter naked headless men resting their hands against a concrete wall. Men leaned to the ground at an angle of 90º and show the world the most impartial parts of their bodies, which are clearly not intended for kisses.
In such a provocative way, David Cherny most accurately conveys the essence of sycophancy, directly indicating how exactly it is expressed in relationships between people. The absence of heads from the statues "softly hints" at the stupidity and mental narrow-mindedness of sycophants and those who succumb to their flattery.
It is noteworthy that the headlessness of the figures speaks not only of the “lack of brains”, and, consequently, of low intellectual development, but also of the absence of a face. It would seem an obvious thing - no head, no face. But here, too, Cherny's subtle irony can be traced: a toady is faceless, he loses his face, destroys himself as a person.
The way of expressing thought seems to be intended to arouse observers' disgust for vice and people suffering from it, because the sycophancy depicted by the sculptor is perceived as something dirty and humiliating.
However, the author's satire and "sculptural slander" are not limited to monumental expression of thought. In his work, in addition to ridiculing spiritual vices, David Cherny also concluded with poisonous political irony. You can get acquainted with its content by climbing a specially installed iron staircase and looking into the exaggerated anus of the statues, as if into a cesspool of political life.
A person climbing the stairs is shown a non-stop video with Vaclav Klaus, the former president of the Czech Republic, and Milan Knizak, a famous Czech artist, sculptor, musician and dissident. The plot of the video is simple and at the same time eater: Milan Knizek with special zeal and diligence feeds Vaclav Klaus with porridge flowing down the chin of the former Czech President and dripping onto the table, and all this under the famous Queen track “We are the champions”.
If you delve into history, the following fact becomes obvious. During his life, David Cherny repeatedly criticized Vaclav Klaus, who served as prime minister of the Czech Republic in the period 1993-1997, and later in 2003 was elected president of the country. It was in 2003 that Cherny created the sculpture “Toadying”. Is it a coincidence?
The "Monument to Toadying" is installed in the real center of contemporary art in the Czech Republic - the Futura Gallery. The gallery, as well as the sculptures kept in its bosom, differs sharply from their own kind: Futura is a restored factory that has retained the spirit of the industrial past.
Sculpture "The Parable of the Skull"
On the Golden Lane, on the territory of the Prague Castle, there is a rather unusual sculpture cast in bronze, the name of which is very philosophical - “The Parable of the Skull”. Although the people of Prague believe that the name "Death rapes life" is more suitable for her.
The sculpture represents a man who is in a humble knee-elbow position, with a huge skull on his back. No less interesting is the sculpture in the back, here you can see male dignity polished to a shine by tourists, most likely for good luck. The weight of this sculptural composition exceeds 500 kg.
The installation was made by the famous Prague avant-garde sculptor Jaroslav Rona in 1993. He spent more than 250 thousand crowns (approximately 8,500 euros) on its creation. The master received worldwide recognition thanks to his truly unique work "Monument to Franz Kafka". He is an artist, sculptor and graphic artist, the author of amazing sketches for the film Franz Kafka's America, and he is also a regular screenwriter at the Sklep Theatre.
Everyone who sees this sculpture has conflicting feelings. A huge skull, overwhelming a faceless person with its mass, makes you think about, probably, the most important thing - what is death. The "Parable of the Skull" once again reminds us that nothing lasts forever, and everything eventually comes to an end. The sculpture shows how helpless a person is before death. Some Praguers also consider the sculptural composition a monument to the prisoners of the ancient Dalibork prison, who once died within its walls. That is, the main idea of this masterpiece, cast in bronze, is a reminder of death. Although a certain oppression from what he saw is concealed by the tradition invented by tourists, to rub man's virtues for happiness.
Yaroslav Ron himself declares that this sculptural composition, like many of his other works, is dedicated to Franz Kafka, or, to be more precise, to his works. The installation very accurately embodies the features and character of the characters in his works. Kafka's literary writings are permeated with absurdity and fear of a hostile outside world, the highest authorities, who aroused corresponding anxious feelings in their readers. Today, everyone who sees the sculpture "The Parable of the Skull" experiences a similar range of feelings. The location of the sculpture is not accidental. After all, Franz Kafka once lived in one of these houses on Golden Lane.
Monument to Franz Kafka in Prague
One of the Prague monuments to the outstanding writer of the 20th century, the singer of the absurd Franz Kafka, is located near the place of his birth, between the Prague Jewish Museum and the Church of the Holy Spirit. At the end of the 19th century, there was a gate between the outcast area - the Jewish Josef quarter - and Christian Prague. The dark mystical legends that hovered around the Jewish ghetto found an echo in the phantasmagoric world of Kafkaesque works, which, in turn, serves as a source of inspiration for the artists of the present.
The sculptural composition, created by Jaroslav Rona (Jaroslav Róna) in 2003, is often included in the top ten most unusual monuments in the world. Kafka sits on the shoulders of an empty suit walking down the street ankle-deep in the pavement. The writer gestures the direction to his porter. Kafka was an eternal wanderer in his hometown: he wrote in German, since the Czech Republic was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, changed 13 rented apartments, did not receive recognition during his lifetime ... One can only guess if he knew for sure where he was going.
One of the versions goes back to Kafka's story "The Story of a Struggle", whose hero became jealous of a random fellow traveler and climbed on his shoulders to see the world through the eyes of others. Finding himself in a "foreign skin", the hero of the short story got rid of envy for the stranger, because everyone has his own pain...
Another suggestion is connected with the Prague myths about the Golem - a clay doll that Rabbi Levi magically revived and made his servant. Under the influence of the irrational metaphysical heritage of Kafka, many humanists were. It had a huge impact on European literature and philosophical thought, gradually "directing" them.
The statue can also be perceived as a call to rise above one's own pettiness and narrow-mindedness. After all, a person is often chained in his habits, like in a suit, and inadequately assesses what is happening around. Moreover, the external manifestation must obey the internal, that is, a person must be able to manage his image, tell him where to follow. Only then will he find true freedom.
Some see the sculpture of the Rhone as a social satire on a faceless bureaucracy in which officials are equivalent to their functions. Here it is not out of place to recall the brilliant novel "The Master and Margarita", in which an empty suit does an excellent job with official duties.
Such an abundance of interpretations is quite in the spirit of the writer's books, which draw in like a whirlpool, but at the same time avoid direct answers to emerging questions.
Sculpture London Booster
The famous Czech sculptor David Cherny has long been known throughout the world for his unusual creations. In them, the author shows world realities in a humorous, even slightly satirical light. And so, in 2012, the world saw a new masterpiece of the famous Czech - the London Booster sculpture.
This work of art is located in the home of the sculptor, in Prague, anyone can look at it. It is enough to visit the Chodov shopping center, next to which this creation is located on one of the playgrounds. It is a well-known London double-decker bus with buttocks, which is wrung out from the floor on two giant arms. These hands are made from scraps of metal pipes, and an electric motor is hidden inside the “athlete”, which sets the entire structure in motion. The mechanism is equipped with powerful hydraulics, allowing you to lift the bus to a great height. The author left the traditional red color to the vehicle, but slightly re-equipped the interior, and equipped the windows with screens on which videos are broadcast. The audience also says that when performing exercises, the “athlete” convincingly grunts and sighs, which makes him even more naturalistic. You can look at this miracle every day from 15.00 to 15.30. The only condition under which an athlete does not work is bad weather (heavy rain or snowfall).
Why the bus? And why did the master create a gigantic athlete out of him? As David himself explains, such buses are the hallmark of the city. The very opening of the installation was timed to the Olympics in London, where, in fact, the sculpture was located throughout the Olympics. The sculptor probably wanted to create a symbol for all athletes.
As for the type of exercises, the author of the sculpture also has his own explanations. As Cerny says, push-ups are the exercises that are mandatory in the training program of any athlete. Moreover, it does not depend on the sport, weight category or gender. In addition, push-ups are a way to improve discipline in the army, correctional camps and prisons.
The theme of cars in the work of David is quite common. Previously, he created sculptures in the form of a car on four human legs and a car on the facade of the Prague Gallery. And the London Booster installation continues to amaze thousands of tourists and still preserves the memory of the Olympics. The creator hoped that the mechanism would remain stable at least until the end of the Olympic Games, but the sports bus exceeded all expectations and still works great.
Every day from 15:00 to 15:30, the bus is set in motion, which makes the children absolutely delighted.
Sculpture "Embryo"
In Prague, on the corner of an unremarkable building, something attracts the attention of absolutely all passers-by. This something is a sculptural composition by the infamous Czech sculptor David Cerny, whose name is "Embryo". The building whose drain pipe served as the umbilical cord of this amazing installation is the Na Zabradli Theatre.
David Cerny created a sculpture resembling a human fetus back in 1996. For its manufacture, he used three materials - metal, epoxy and plastic. Inside the installation, the sculptor introduced conventional LEDs. The height of the embryo is 120 cm.
The appearance of the "Embryo" on the drain pipe was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Prague theater Na Zabradli, and it turned 50 years old. This is how David Cerny decided to congratulate the theater team. The embryo was located on the corner of the facade of the house, clinging to the drainpipe, like an alien creature from a science fiction film, and this happened on December 9, 2008. David Cerny carried out the production and placement of the installation at his own expense. This is such an unusual gift the theater received on its “birthday”.
Embryo 2
Despite the fact that this is absolutely not a controversial sculpture, and besides, it fits perfectly into the surrounding landscape and looks quite organically on the outer facade of the building, the sculptor still had to listen to many critical remarks addressed to him. A lot of people didn't like her.
After the installation of the futuristic embryo, the actors, ordinary employees and even the theater management were divided into two warring camps. Some liked the sculpture and are happy with the gift, while others demand that it be dismantled immediately. This confrontation, unfortunately, is also noticeable on the stage, the warring parties hardly coexist here. But while the embryo is still in its place.
Despite the differences in the opinions of the townspeople, this sculpture is definitely popular with tourists. Firstly, this “Embryo”, as conceived by the sculptor, symbolizes the birth of creative life. Secondly, after sunset, the germ begins to shimmer in a pinkish-red color, which gives the general atmosphere of the city a certain mystery. The abstract figure arouses increased interest among tourists at night with its mysterious pleasant glow and blinking. Well, and, thirdly, this is the creation of the hand of David Cerny, and he is for Prague, like Antonio Gaudi for beautiful Barcelona.
Sculpture "Red Cars"
The idea to create an international center for contemporary art in Prague, where Czech and foreign artists could exchange ideas and co-create, was born by the avant-garde sculptor David Černý in 2000.
Initially, the site was planned to open in the building of a former meat processing plant in the Holešovice industrial area. The sculptor came up with the original name for the center "MeetFactory" (freely translated "Meeting Factory"), using the consonance of the English words "meet" (to meet) and "meat" (meat). This pun gave impetus to the development of the idea of building design. Black made two life-sized, blood-red cars out of fiberglass that were supposed to hang on the wall at the entrance, resembling from afar bloodied meat carcasses on hooks.
However, the floods in Prague in 2002 prevented the Holešovice project from being realized, and the MeetFactory club only opened in 2005 in an empty warehouse in the Smíchov district. Before moving to Smíchov, Black's red cars were exhibited at the Veletržní Palác. Today they decorate the facade of MeetFactory, following the author's idea. They are visible from everywhere and, like a beacon, attract visitors. Associations with the slaughterhouse also reinforce the red streaks painted on the walls of the club.
Despite the bloody allusions, the tasks of the art platform MeetFactory, which Cherny manages together with David Koller and Alice Nellis, are exclusively peaceful. It unites and supports all areas of contemporary art: painting, theater, cinema and music - and seeks to bring them closer to the people. Exhibition halls give young artists from all over the world a chance to find their audience. The rich music program offers up to 6-8 events per month, including electro and indie parties, where you can notice Cherny himself with a can of beer. Among other things, red cars symbolize the atmosphere of "flying" fun that reigns in the club.
Sculpture-fountain "Manneken Pis" in Prague
The fountain (Čůrající postavy) is located near the building of the Franz Kafka Museum, which is not quite a museum in the traditional sense. Rather, it is a traveling exhibition that has remained in the city for quite a long time (about 10 years). Its exposition is located on the territory of the former Gergeta brick factory. Here, next to it, there is an interesting, simply amazing, sculptural composition.
The installation is made in some completely absurd style, in principle, like the works of the brilliant writer Franz Kafka. It represents a fountain formed by two pissing men standing opposite each other. Interestingly, the middle part of the sculptures can turn from side to side. Thanks to this movement, the fountains draw various figures on the water.
The author of this monument is the sculptor and artist David Cherny. He really created a rather unusual "monument" to men who relieve themselves of a small need on the map of the Czech Republic and at the same time "draw" the sayings of famous Praguers near them.
The principle of operation of this hi-tech creation is very simple. The body parts of the bronze men, whose height is 2 meters 10 centimeters, are moved by electric motors installed inside the men, and they are controlled by a computer. As a result of the operation of the motors, the jet of water also moves, thus creating the outlines of various symbols at the foot of the statues.
The usual "work" of these men, who quote celebrities in such an unusual way, can be suspended. To do this, you need to send a short SMS from your mobile phone to the number (+420 724 370 770) indicated next to the unusual fountain. A few minutes after receiving the message, the men will try to reproduce its content. Interestingly, the movements of the statues look very natural. This feature of the sculpture attracts everyone's attention. There are always many tourists here.
David Cherny is quite a scandalous person. However, thanks to such an unusual and defiant combination of shameful and funny, people pay attention to the nearby Kafka Museum. The sculptural composition "Manneken Pis", like many of his works, also caused sharp criticism from the public, but, nevertheless, received the same wide recognition and became another striking landmark of Prague.
Nothing adds zest to the city like the presence of sculptures and monuments in it. Partly thanks to them, we remember cities, because there are historical, funny, ugly, and unusual sculptures. In today's article, we will walk around Prague in search of such sculptures.
About some unusual sculptures of Prague, most of which were created by the Czech sculptor David Cherny, I already wrote in the post "". Today it was the turn to write about the sculptures that were not included in that list.
While walking around Prague, you will find a huge number of sculptures of a wide variety of styles that adorn fountains, bridges, building facades or shops. But tourists are not particularly interested in looking at sculptures and monuments dedicated to famous historical figures, unless it is the Statue of Liberty, so we set off to look for the most bizarre creations.
1. An eerie, surrealistic sculpture called "The Cloak of Conscience" or "Commander", installed at the Estates Theater in memory of the premiere of Mozart's opera "Don Giovanni" in 1787. Under the cloak you will not see either the body or the face of the hero. Sculpture address: Železná ulice / Ovocný trh, Prague.
2. Sculpture of the writer Kafka in the very center of Prague on Dušní street next to the Spanish synagogue. The location of the sculpture was not chosen by chance: on this street Kafka lived with his family. The statue is 375 centimeters high and weighs 800 kilograms. In general, this sculpture personifies the work "Description of one struggle." Sculpture address: Dušní 141/12, Prague.
3. Czechs used to believe in all sorts of monsters, monsters, including mermen. There is a legend according to which the water one can appear in several places in Prague, one of them is the Prague Venice, which is located on the Chertovka Canal near the water mill near the bridge of lovers. Therefore, it was decided to install the Water sculpture (Kabourek) here. This statue was created by the sculptor Josef Nálepa - one of the few who made a portrait of Salvador Dali. Sculpture address: Hroznová 489/3, Prague.
4. Memorial sculpture in honor of the work of the broker Sir Nicholas Winton (Sir Nicholas George Winton), who on the eve of World War II helped save 669 children, taking them from German-occupied Czechoslovakia to the UK. Sir kept this secret for 49 years. The sculpture is located in the building of the main station in Prague at Wilsonova 300/8, Prague, platform No. 1.
5. Walking through the narrow streets of Prague in the Klimentinum area, you can see a girl sitting on the eaves of the house and holding a paper swallow (Vlaštovka) in her hands. This composition represents world peace. Sculpture address: Mariánské náměstí 5, Prague.
6. The installation of 34 yellow penguins on the Vltava is called "March of the Penguins across the Vltava River". Penguins glow at night! They are made from recycled plastic bottles and seem to hint at the need to take care of the environment.
7. Czechs are very fond of animals, so it is not surprising that there are sculptures of animals in the city, for example, this fountain is a seal. The sculpture can be found if you go down through the Kinsky garden (Kinského zahrada).
8. During the walk you can see a fountain with horses.
9. Such puppets adorn the entrance either to the museum of marionette puppets, or to the puppet theater.
10. All houses in the center of Prague have a history dating back to the Middle Ages, so it is not surprising that many houses have different signs and decorations.
11. I think that many people know the popular Czech cartoon about the mole, but there are other well-known children's heroes in the Czech Republic - these are Spejbl and Hurvinek (Spejbl a Hurvínek). These are wooden puppets that became the main characters of one of the first professional puppet theaters in the world. And this shop with Speable and Hurvink stands at the theater of the same name at the address: Dejvická 38, Prague.
12. Now let's move on to obscenities. In the photo you see a sculpture of a naked boy, with whom tourists like to be photographed, holding him by an indecent place. Sculpture address: Jiřská 4, Praha, Czech Republic (in front of the entrance to the toy museum).
13. In front of the Inter Continental Hotel (Pařížská 30, Prague) stands the brainchild of Czech sculptor Lea Vivot, who now lives in Canada. The sculpture is called "Grapes of Passions" and the inscription "Bronze is a mirror of forms. Wine is the mirror of the heart.
14. Lea Vivot created other sculptures in Prague. For example, at the O2 Arena at Českomoravská 2345/17, Prague there is a sculpture with a hockey player, a skater and a blonde. The work is called “Our life is a game”, but the Czechs prefer other names: “Skater” or “Beauty and the Beast”.
15. Sculptures of representatives of the ancient profession are at least in Amsterdam, Bratislava, Oslo, and the same sculpture was in Prague until the decency fighters demanded that it be removed. This vice shop (The Bench of Vice, Lavička neřesti) was removed, but photos of this composition continue to surf the Internet.
16. In a remote area of Prague called Stodulky, there is a red sculpture of a naked girl. Sculpture appeared during communism, which was brought by you-know-who to Czechoslovakia. At that time, from the fund of each building, an amount of 1-4% for art was to be charged. The sculptor, by this work, probably wanted to show that a lot of blood was shed, but we need art. Sculpture address: Kovářova 64/28, Prague.
Agencies of official dealers of Aeroflot, S7, Ural Airlines and all famous airlines in the world.
Čůrajíci postavy
The fountain is located near the building of the Franz Kafka Museum, which is not quite a museum in the traditional sense. Rather, it is a traveling exhibition that has remained in the city for quite a long time (about 10 years). Its exposition is located on the territory of the former Gergeta brick factory. Here, next to it, there is an interesting, simply amazing, sculptural composition.
The installation is made in some completely absurd style, in principle, like the works of a brilliant writer. It represents a fountain formed by two pissing men standing opposite each other. Interestingly, the middle part of the sculptures can turn from side to side. Thanks to this movement, the fountains draw various figures on the water.
The author of this monument is the sculptor and artist David Cherny. He really created a rather unusual "monument" to men who relieve themselves of a small need on the map of the Czech Republic and at the same time "draw" the sayings of famous Praguers near them.
The principle of operation of this hi-tech creation is very simple. The body parts of the bronze men, whose height is 2 meters 10 centimeters, are moved by electric motors installed inside the men, and they are controlled by a computer. As a result of the operation of the motors, the jet of water also moves, thus creating the outlines of various symbols at the foot of the statues.
The usual "work" of these men, who quote celebrities in such an unusual way, can be suspended. To do this, you need to send a short SMS from your mobile phone to the number (+420 724 370 770) indicated next to the unusual fountain. A few minutes after receiving the message, the men will try to reproduce its content. Interestingly, the movements of the statues look very natural. This feature of the sculpture attracts everyone's attention. There are always many tourists here.
David Cherny is quite a scandalous person. However, thanks to such an unusual and defiant combination of shameful and funny, people pay attention to the nearby Kafka Museum. The sculptural composition "Manneken Pis", like many of his works, also caused sharp criticism from the public, but, nevertheless, received the same wide recognition and became another striking landmark of Prague.
Author - valniko77 . This is a quote from this post.
The main attractions in Prague - what to see?The main attractions in Prague - what to see?
Prague is comfortably located on banks of the Vltava river which divides the city into two parts. The territory of the city is divided into 15 administrative districts, the most interesting of which are the central "Prague-1" and "Prague-2". There are more than 10 bridges across the river, the most famous of which is
The Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge- one of the main attractions of the city. The pedestrian bridge in the Gothic style is decorated with ancient sculptures; its image is one of the symbols of Prague.
The most soulful attraction of Prague, 520 meters long - The Charles Bridge
It connects the two banks of the Vltava River and leads from the Old Town to Mala Strana. For several centuries, this bridge served as the only communication. At the beginning of the last century, a tram service was launched along the Charles Bridge for some time, but due to the heavy load on the structure and the significance of this structure, the tram tracks had to be dismantled. ">
Guardian of the Charles Bridge
Knight Brunsvik. This is the only statue that does not stand on the bridge, but behind the fence, on the support of the Charles Bridge; in place of the statue.
One of the legends is connected with the knight Brunsvik, who also bears the name of Roland.
One day, as a young man, Roland went on a journey, and everywhere along the way he fought injustice, defended the weak and the disadvantaged. In one of the kingdoms, an evil dragon kidnapped the king's daughter and ruined the kingdom. The fearless Roland fought the dragon and freed the king's daughter. As a reward for this, the king offered the knight Brunswick to take the young princess as his wife. The knight refused, because his beloved girl was waiting for him at home. Roland's refusal angered the king, and he ordered Roland to be thrown into the dungeon. But the knight Roland did not have to languish in the dungeon for a long time, a magic sword helped him to free himself. Subsequently, this sword was laid at the base of the Charles Bridge, and will lie there until nothing threatens Prague. And only in the face of serious danger will the sword come out of the base of the bridge and strike the enemies with its edge.
It was about the knight Roland, standing on the Charles Bridge, that Marina Tsvetaeva wrote: “I have a friend in Prague, a stone knight, very similar to me in face. He stands on the bridge and guards the river: oaths, rings, waves, bodies. He is about five hundred years old and very young: a stone boy.” She dedicated her poem The Knight of Prague to him:
The Charles Bridge- this is a kind of Broadway in Prague and one of the most famous sights of the Czech Republic. Hundreds of thousands of tourists daily overcome the treasured 520 meters from one bank of the Vltava to the other. And everyone finds here something interesting and unforgettable. Today only pedestrians walk here: tourists and locals.
White swans on the banks of the Vltava
Once a year, in two places of this Prague attraction, you can and should make wishes that come true.
Come to Charles Bridge in Prague, put your hand on the statue, kiss your loved one, dream, recharge yourself with the most positive energy of this fantastic city. No wonder the great Dalai Lama, during his visit to the Czech Republic in 1990, walking along the Charles Bridge, called this place the center of the universe. As a great Buddhist spiritual leader said, there is no negative energy on the bridge.
From a height of several meters, the natives of Prague and tourists, including you, have been watched tirelessly for several centuries 30 beautiful statues of saints.
Each of them has its own story. The most entertaining is at the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, who was the general vicar of the Archbishopric of Prague and who, by order of King Wenceslas IV, was thrown off the Charles Bridge. Legend has it that in the very place where he drowned, glows of five stars appeared.
Statue of St. John of Nepomuk on Charles Bridge.
Officially, the church recognized this phenomenon as a miracle, and that is why all sculptures and photographs depict Jan Nepomuk with five stars above his head.
Old Town Square
Here she is beauty Old Town Square where the city is located town hall, on which for several centuries famous all over the world have been beating time astronomical clock. Every hour from 9 am to 9 pm hundreds of people gather to see the most interesting show.
Monument to Jan Hus in Prague
Interesting to know! On the monument to Jan Hus, which depicts, by the way, not just him, but a whole group of people - his supporters, there is an inscription.
It says: "Love people." This was the life philosophy of the great Czech.
Jan Hus - 14th century Czech philosopher, educator, priest-preacher. He became known for daring to go against the established church rules for centuries, trying to “humanize” the church, make it more fair and loyal to the parishioners and honest in front of them. Jan Hus also made a significant contribution to the development of Czech philology, as he preached exclusively in Czech, promoted his native language in every possible way and reformed the spelling. After that, the letter became more accessible to the common people.
Church of the Virgin Mary in front of Tyn (Tyn Cathedral)
New Town Hall
Astronomical clock in Prague or Prague Orloj
Modern experts still cannot understand how in the Middle Ages they managed to create such a mechanism, which is now called a model of the universe. Recently, the clock celebrated its 600th anniversary, a laser show in 3D format was created for the holiday, which reflects the most significant historical events in Prague.
According to the astrological dial, you can determine the current time, Central European, Old Bohemian, the position of the stars, the setting and rising of the sun and moon, and even the sedric zodiac. On the sides are 4 figures: Vanity, looking in the mirror; Greed is a Jew holding a bag of gold; Death with a skeletal scythe ringing a bell and a Turk shaking his head. Later, in 1490, a lower dial-calendar was added.
St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral located in the center Prague Castle. It is the largest and most important cathedral in the Czech Republic; its spiritual and national-historical shrine.
St. Vitus Cathedral is the second largest after the Roman Cathedral of Peter and Paul.
Strahov Monastery
Strahov Monastery (Czech Strahovský klášter) is a monastery in Prague, an architectural monument of the Czech Republic. It is located in Hradcany, Prague 1. The monastery belongs to the oldest monasteries of the order of Premonstratensian monks.
It was founded in 1140-1143 by Vladislav II on the initiative of Bishop Jindrich Zdik of Olomouc. The name of the monastery has its roots from the word “guard”, since it was in this place that the outpost was located, guarding the approaches to the Prague Castle.
Philosophical Hall
Theological Hall
Golden Lane
Miniature houses, where, according to legend, huddled the alchemists whom Charles IV gathered from all over the world to search for the philosopher's stone, decorate a tiny street in the labyrinths of Prague Castle and its name is Golden Lane.
Prague Castle
Prague Castle- the residence of the Czech kings, now the president, which is located near the palace. Prague Castle- the largest fortress in the Czech Republic, stretching along the top of a hill on the left bank of the Vltava. This is a major historical, political and cultural center of the country, founded in the 9th century.
Inside the Castle from Hradchanskaya Square are the front gates, at which there is a guard of honor, with which tourists love to take pictures. Every day at noon there is an honorary changing of the guard.
On the first from the gate ("Honorable") courtyard of the Castle is the Teresian Palace. Further, into the second courtyard, they lead
Matthias Baroque Gate.
Here is the chapel of the Holy Cross, two fountains and a well with a wrought-iron domed lattice of the Renaissance.
In the third courtyard - the most ancient part of the Castle - there is the famous Cathedral of St. Vitus (Witt). This stunning gothic building is considered the city's "calling card", and its oldest part, the chapel of St. Wenceslas, in which the "folk Czech saint" was buried in 932, is a major center of pilgrimage.
Queen Anne Summer Palace and Royal Garden
Basilica of Saint George
Wenceslas Square
The Czech people love Wenceslas Square like none of the streets, monuments or churches of Prague.
If Prague is the capital, then it is, first of all, on Wenceslas Square.
The heart of the New Town is Wenceslas Square, which until 1848 was the Horse Market. Vaclavak, as the Czechs call the square, today is the center of city life. Shops, company offices, casinos, hotels, restaurants are concentrated on it.
On Wenceslas Square is the National Museum of Prague and the monument to Wenceslas.
National Museum of Prague
Monument to St. Wenceslas.
On the pedestal of the monument is engraved the inscription:
"Saint Wenceslas, Duke of the Czech Land, our prince, do not let us or our children perish"
The image of St. Wenceslas on the wall of the Building
dancing House
dancing House or, as the Czechs themselves call it, the drunken house, is the only building in the historical part of Prague built in the twentieth century.
The Dancing House is a symbolic building depicting a dancing man and woman.
The house is also called "Ginger and Fred" in honor of the duo of the great Hollywood dancers Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.
"Ginger and Fred", "Drunken House", "Glass", "Dancing House"- such different and sometimes funny names are given by the inhabitants of Prague to a non-standard building. Today, the Dancing House in Prague is an unusual office building in Prague, where several international companies are located, and on the top floor there is a trendy French restaurant "Pearl of Prague". From its windows you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city.
Sculpture-fountain "Manneken Pis" in Prague
In Prague, near the Gerget brick factory, there is an electromechanical statue of two men pissing into a pond that resembles a map of the Czech Republic with its outlines. Bronze figures do not just pour water, but, under computer control, "write out" famous quotes from famous residents of Prague. Visitors can also ask the statue to write their own text via SMS.
Statue of two men pissing in a pond resembling a map of the Czech Republic. Bronze figures do not just pour water, but, under computer control, "write out" famous quotes from famous residents of Prague. Visitors can also, via SMS, to the number (+420 724 370 770) indicated next to the unusual fountain, ask the statue to write its own text. The author of the composition is David Cherny, 2004
Monument to Franz Kafka
John Lennon wall
in Malaya Strana there is a wall dedicated to John Lennon. The wall has an interesting location, because right in front of the wall is the French embassy. Rumor has it that the inscriptions on the memorial wall began to appear immediately after the death of the famous John Lennon. They also believe that a real Lennon fan will find Lennon's autograph among the thousand inscriptions.
The city authorities did their best to stop the high art of the fans, but nothing could be done. After each staining, new entries appeared on the wall. After reading the Beatles fan forum, I found a very interesting quote explaining why the John Lennon Wall in Prague still "lives" - "They say that the French ambassador solved the problem by urging them to stop such abuse in order to avoid manifestations of outraged Prague Beatles: )" This wall, like the wall of Viktor Tsoi, is constantly changing, so it is always interesting to look at the wall.
Petrin hill
Petřín Hill- a hill worthy of the attention of every tourist. It is located on the left bank of the Vltava River, the highest point reaches 327 meters. The hill has been known since ancient times, because it was here that the pagans worshiped the god of thunder - Perun. With the erection of the Hunger Wall under Charles IV, the hill gained strategic importance for the city.
At the top of the hill is an observation tower that visually resembles the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Here you can also visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, the mirror labyrinth and the Petrin Gardens.
Visegrad
The southern hill of the central part of modern Prague crowns an ancient fortress, once the residence of Czech kings - Vysehrad.
Within the walls of Visegrad are such sights as the Neo-Gothic Church of Saints Peter and Paul, the remains of the oldest Romanesque basilica, the Romanesque rotunda of St. Martin. Visegrad Cemetery is the burial place of famous figures of the Czech Republic.
Krzhizhikovy Fountains (Singing Fountains)
The most important attraction of the Vystaviste Park Complex, the highlight that attracts hundreds and thousands of tourists and residents of Prague are, of course, Singing fountains (Křižíkova fontana).
Singing Fountains today it is a huge pool with several fountains, and with a stage for a colorful show in the middle. Water jets, illuminated and shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow to the beat of sounding classical or modern music, change height, pressure, stun and amaze.
Immortal "Swan Lake" P.I. Tchaikovsky performed by the Czech ballet, famous arias, three thousand fountains that merge with light and music, create an unforgettable sacrament, enchant and delight both adults and the smallest spectators. Since 2000, the Singing Fountains have become even more spectacular and impressive due to the fact that colorful frames are projected onto the water screen.
Prague Zoo
Prague Zoo (Czech. Zoologická zahrada hl. m. Prahy)- the largest zoo in the Czech Republic and one of the largest in Europe, located in the Troja Basin (Troja district) of Prague.
