What To Buy in Prague? Puppets/Marionettes Are A Great Gift Idea!

Each time my husband and I visit a different country we like to bring something representative of our destination home.  If you’re looking for a nice unique gift to buy when in Prague, then a puppet/marionettes is a great idea.  They range from the mass produced which are very cheap to the hand carved ones that are more expensive.  The witch puppet above is one of the expensive ones and retailed for about $500 while the puppets below are the mass produced that ranged from $10-$20.

Puppets are sold everywhere!  The ones you buy in tourist shops in Prague are meant as souvenirs.  Havelskà Market is an open-air market, offering crafts and produce.  The market was first set up in the 13th century and is near the town center about a 10 minute walk from the Clock Tower.  In the market you will find 100’s of cute-ugly witch marionettes for sale at reasonable prices for approximately $10 – $15.  Just an aside here – your money goes further in Prague than in Western Europe. The marionettes are scary when you walk past them since any sound or movement triggers their mechanism and makes them cackle and light up.  They certainly are conversation pieces.  On our last trip I regret I did not buy a couple to take home with us.  I guess it just means I am going to have to go to Prague again to purchase some!

The art of Czech marionette and puppet making goes back to the 18th century. Prague is the puppet/marionette capital of Europe! They are traditionally hand-carved from wood or made from plaster. They represent all kinds of characters from devils, witches and wizards to clowns, kings and princesses, and even Czech “celebrities.” Many of these beautiful, elaborately carved Czech marionettes are works of art.  It takes a great artist to turn pieces of wood into nimble puppets and prices for these can run into the $1,000’s of dollars.  The puppets below were from an artist, the shop was located on the way up to Prague Castle.

If you are in Prague and you want to take home a unique piece of Czech art, consider buying a puppet/marionette.