Čitáreň U červeného Raka Bratislava – A reading venue

Letná čitáreň U červeného raka? Well, obivously these people are not inclined to international recognition, given the title challenges even the locals, but hopefully my humble effort’s going to change that. Loosely translated as Red Lobster’s Summer Reading Place, let’s shorten this “thrifty” title into Červený Rak (Red Lobster) – named after the once-adjacent pharmacy (1773).

Located in the garden under Michael’s bridge, which connects Michael’s Gate with the rest of the city, in the 14^th century this place used to serve as the defensive ditch below the historical fortification. Now that thankfully the times of warfare are the subject of the bitter past, the ditch was transformed intoa  garden that houses the Red Lobster – a perfect place to chill out surrounded by greenery and historical buildings.

As the name suggests, Red Lobester is dedicated to reading and literary arts, which is surely a welcome turnabout, given its original purpose. Since 1961 the part of the place was remade into the reading venue and nowadays it’s administered by The Bratislava City Library. Personally, I couldn’t be happier about this move. Just have a look and tell me if you could imagine more glamorous place for literary events. Sitting in this garden, remains of historical fortification all around you, and the stage right before your eyes; these are the perks that make Bratislava so special and personal. After all, once defensive, now cultural, it looks like a great future's ahead.