Places to See in Prague Part I: Have Fun Storming the Castle

If you have made the decision to join the Prague Summer Program for your European study abroad, you’re in for a treat. PSP prides itself in offering excellent creative writing workshop experiences in a setting that provides easy access to centuries of accomplishment, tradition, and beauty. Our program affords creative writers the opportunity to explore Prague’s historic relationships, culture, and the surrounding physical structures within their writing. To get the most out of your time with our summer study abroad program, here are a few sights you won’t want to miss.

The Old Town Square

Located in the capital of the Czech Republic, the Old Town Square is just around the corner from Wenceslas Square and the Charles Bridge. Visiting this location will give you a chance to see some of the most impressive pieces of Prague’s architectural history, such as the medieval astronomical clock or the Gothic church of Our Lady before Týn. The astronomical clock, the third oldest in the world, is still fully functional; every hour, the mechanical figures of the apostles bow one by one at the top of the clock while the figure of a skeleton chimes a bell, counting down to each person’s death. If the architecture alone isn’t enough to inspire the creative writer in you, the Old Town Square is full of merchants, performers, locals, and visitors. It’s an excellent spot for people-watching and making new friends.

Find Freud

While you’re in Old Town Prague, keep your eyes open—and upward. You might just spot a man hanging from the side of a building. Not to worry, that’s just Sigmund Freud. The hanging statue of Freud is a darkly comical homage to the life and achievements of a man that dedicated his life to understanding fears and phobias. That is if you believe the statue intends to commemorate Freud’s achievements while acknowledging his phobias; some interpret the statue as a challenge of Freud’s works. Whatever interpretation you value, this interesting and well-traveled piece of art is worth finding.

Alchemists’ Alley

Otherwise known as Golden Lane, Alchemists’ Alley is a beautiful street within Prague Castle…that never actually housed Alchemists. Though the place does have a certain enchanted feel to it. As you pass the souvenir shops on a stroll down Alchemists’ Alley, be sure to stop at house number 22. Franz Kafka lived in this house for two years, exactly 100 years ago. You couldn’t ask for a better time to drop by.