Embark on an Adventure in the Enigmatic West Bohemian City

The historic center of Pilsen is home to many intriguing little corners, courtyards, and backyards that are often overlooked. The Pilsen Courtyards Festival offers you a unique opportunity to explore these hidden gems and discover fascinating stories. For instance, did you know there’s a backyard known as Kinetic in Pilsen? Or that one of the city’s courtyards holds a well-preserved bread oven while another conceals a well? You will find lessons and entertainment awaiting you, along with the chance to enjoy a refreshment at the nearby Šenek Na Parkánu, all when visiting the courtyard of the Brewery Museum located on Veleslavín Street.

You can choose from a wide selection of participating venues not just in the historic center, but also in Slavs – St. Petersburg. Some spots will be open for the very first time, while others will only be accessible through guided tours (at Hlavanova 8, Koterovská 10, Mikulášské náměstí 15). Best of all, you can visit the courtyards completely free of charge, with no admission fees whatsoever.

Dance hall, tracking and rare interiors

In addition to exploring these courtyards, there will be an exciting accompanying programme filled with not just music, but also art exhibitions, tastings, workshops, and much more. At the oldest townhouse in Pilsen on Zbrojnická 6, there will be an autograph session with the authors of the book “Pilsen Courtyards: 10 Years” starting at 4 p.m. The Summer scene of the Town Hall Discussions will be lively, featuring concerts as well as a public dance hall running from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

If you’re looking to make your exploration even more exciting, you can participate in an urban hitchhiking game called “Discovering the Backyards and the City in a New Way“, designed for both kids and adults. Just bring something to write with, head to the backyard of the building located at 38 Sedláčkova Street to collect a playing card, and then get going! Additionally, there will be a special opening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the courtyard of Czech Radio Pilsen on náměstí Míru 10 as part of the Open Day event.

Uncommonly, the interior of the Hirsch house at Plachého 6 will also be accessible, where you can view the freely available backyard of the house. Guided tours of Richard Hirsch’s apartment will take place at specific times: 9:00, 9:45, 10:30, 11:15, 12:00, 1:00, 1:45, 2:30, 3:15, and 4:00. Tickets for these tours cost 50 CZK and can be purchased online or directly from the guides if there are spots available.

Guided walks

Besides self-guided tours, you have the option of joining guided tours that cover multiple paths. Tickets can be bought in advance at the Haunted Museum located on náměstí Republiky from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Children under the age of 6 can join the tour for free, while it’s best to leave your pets at home.

This year, participants can select from five different routes led by knowledgeable guides. One not to miss is the tour of St. Petersburg with Miroslav Anton, who is a true expert with a captivating storytelling style. He will guide you to areas where you would usually encounter only closed doors. Discover what lies behind them and the incredible tales those places hold. There’s also a tour that takes you through the hidden gems along the busy Klatovy Avenue. Even if you walk this path daily, you might be surprised by the many fascinating things you uncover;