Karlovo (Gottovo) náměstí? Prague is Looking for a Place to Commemorate the Singer

The death of the famous singer Karel Gott has affected Prague, where the artist – popular across generations – left a significant mark and spent most of his life here.

The city councilors, therefore, have decided to start looking for a place that would be named after Karel Gott. The task of choosing a suitable place to commemorate the deceased singer has been given a topography commission of the Prague City Hall. The specificity of the place—as in square, street, park—is not yet clear.

When the public heard the overwhelming news Wednesday morning that the severely-ill, 80-year-old Gott had died, surrounded by family, around Tuesday midnight, the whole nation expressed regret. Gott was remembered almost all over the Czech Republic. There would be few people who didn’t feel sad for a moment. Politicians also competed in statements about Gott’s death.

“Karel Gott was also nicknamed the Golden Voice of Prague. I will surely suggest that Prague greatly appreciates the Master’s extraordinary contribution to our culture. My condolences to [his] family and loved ones,” wrote Mayor Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates) on the Facebook page.

Hřib then told ČTK that he would propose to the City Council and coalition partners from Prague himself and the United Forces (TOP 09, STAN, KDU-ČSL) that Prague proceed to some form of a Gott award. To the mayor, for example, it is possible to name the public space after the singer, but the matter will still have to be discussed. The opposition movement leader ANO and MP Patrik Nacher also agree with this intention.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, together with the family of Karel Gott, will propose to the government to organize a state funeral in St. Vitus Cathedral. The Prague City Hall is also considering an award for Gott.

“I offer my condolences to his family. Prague appreciates the Master extraordinary contribution to culture. I will entrust the local commission to select a dignified place in the capital that will be, in the future, [a remembrance of] his name, ”said Mayor Zdeněk Hřib.

The mayor has not specified whether the renamed place will be a street or square. Suggestions for a suited place in Prague can be written to us for discussion.

With a little changing, it may be possible to rename Karlovo náměstí or the metro station of the same name in remembrance of Karel Gott. Passengers could thus see the message: “Next station Karlovo (Gottovo) náměstí.” But of course, this option is not very likely. Who knows if the name of Nad Bertramkou Street will change, where the late singer had a villa and tours, as well as the main Germany and Austria fan-base?