Discover Pilsen and Ostrava, candidates for the European Capital of Culture in 2015 !
June 15, 2010 - As you know, the Czech Republic is more than just Prague. The idea of a European Capital of Culture was born in Athens 25 years ago. In 2015, Belgium and the Czech Republic will each select present one city for this title. Competing for the title in the Czech Republic are Pilsen in western Bohemia and Ostrava in northern Moravia.
A view over the city of Ostrava (photo: www.virtualtravel.cz)
The two Czech towns are vying to follow in the footsteps of such Euroepan cities as Lille, Cork, Vilnius, and Cracow. Why not discover these town on your own before the rest of the world does?
Pilsen, located in western Bohemia, is of course best known for its famous brewery, Pilsner Urquell. But the town is also home to a large university (15,000 students) and plenty of culture and interesting sights, including the second-largest synagogue in Europe.
This Saturday, June 19, Pilsen will come to Prague - at Prague's Wallenstein Gardens in the Lesser Town, Pilsen will introduce its 2015 candidacy with a full day of fun for the whole family, starting at 10am. And if you're interesting in visiting Pilsen in person, make sure to check out its candidacy website, where you will find numerous other events.
The second town vying for the title of European Captial of Culture is Ostrava, the country's third-largest city, located in Moravia. Despite its industrial past this city is rich in treasures, in particular modern architecture. In fact, the city is banking on its modernity in applying for title of European Capital of Culture. The town's slogan for the competition is "A place for a happy life." As with Pilsen, its candidacy website features a rich cultural program.
One key project in Ostrava is the creation of the Black Meadow Cluster, a cultural cluster that will contribute to fostering a creative atmosphere in the city centre, stimulate and motivate others in the city operating in the creative sphere, and usefully complement the existing structure of companies in the creative industry. The cluster will be built on a brownfield - of which there are many in this former coal and steel town. The city is thus working to change from its industrial past into a dynamic future. More information here.
This weekend, Ostrava will be hosting an international dance festival, DANCE OSTRAVA, where you can discover some of the best Czech and international artists. Don't hesitate to explore this town and the many collaborative projects between Ostrava and Prague!
