Cool off on the promenade during the hot summer: Treat yourself to some sweet breaks in the centre of Košice
There are very few people who don’t actually enjoy sweet, refreshing ice cream and delicious cakes on summer days (and sometimes even in autumn). Did you know, for example, that ice cream was already known in ancient China 5,000 years ago? Rulers and emperors in Persia, Rome and Greece sent slaves into the mountains to fetch snow and ice, so that they could prepare frozen fruit combined with milk and rice. We’ve ventured out onto the streets of Košice’s summer centre with a keen desire to explore the exceptional art of sweet desserts – here are five stops you should definitely visit this August, whether for a delicious ice cream, lemonade or a delicious cake!
Saturday market on the romantic square
If you’re planning a trip to Košice this summer, don’t miss the chance to experience the authentic charm of Dominikánske námestie, one of the favourite spots in the historic Old Town. Take in the view of the tallest church tower and admire the details of the restored façade Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (which is also the oldest building in Košice) and immerse yourself in the slow pace of small-town life. With a delicious sorbet in hand, browse the tempting selection of local produce and handmade items at the weekend market – treat yourself to a tropical sorbet of your choice from a nearby stall and breathe in the fresh scents of vegetables from Košice vendors, colourful flowers and stalls selling seasonal fruit.
Sitting in the little park next to the Gothic cathedral
Very few people truly master the art of making perfect ice cream with a balanced blend of ingredients and flavours. Indulge in the creamy flavours of this popular ice cream from a nearby stall, served in a sweet cone in the centre of Košice. Take a seat in the little park by St Michael’s Church, on the south side of the Gothic St Elizabeth’s Cathedral and watch the daily strolls of local residents and visitors from all over the world right before your eyes. You’ll particularly enjoy this picturesque little spot in the city centre thanks to the soothing sound of the fountain and the respite from the summer heat in the shade of the beautiful trees.
Songs from the beloved fountain with a sweet reward
Sing along to world-famous evergreens on the benches by Singing Fountain, the first fountain of its kind in the former Czechoslovakia, which, following extensive renovation, is once again enjoying its full glory and popularity amongst playful children and adults alike. Sample traditional and exotic ice-cream flavours in cones or tubs, or sip delicious lemonades by the refreshing fountain, where you can splash about in the water without too much worry, right next to the historic building of the Košice National Theatre.
The signs of the zodiac and a cone in his hand
Find your star sign at the Fountain of the Zodiac by Arpád Račko in the northern part of Hlavná Street, between the Košice National Theatre and the Immaculata Plague Column. The circular fountain with its benches is the ideal spot for children to run about and for parents to relax, enjoying a sweet ice cream whilst sitting in the sun with a view of the blossoming garden. Sample French-style ice cream from the nearby patisserie in this cosy, quiet corner of the Košice promenade, whilst taking in the details of the ornate façades of the town houses (such as the famous Žobrák House!), which are an integral part of the heart of Slovakia’s largest urban conservation area.
A leisurely stroll through the historic park
To round off your ice-cream tour, why not try a coffee and a cake in flavours from around the world to take away – a lovely alternative to a stroll through the historic City Park, where you’ll find interesting attractions for all kinds of visitors. Take a stroll with your children or partner around the Floating Fountain controlled by artificial intelligence, which offers audiovisual experiences all summer long featuring hits from different decades of music history! Take a stroll past the Skating Pavilion with its popular resort, past the multi-purpose playground and the bandstand, to the little lake nestled amongst the trees, home to ducks, turtles and koi carp. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the shade or on a bench.
Fall in love with this summer town, which feels just like a seaside resort. Refresh yourself not only with homemade versions of the popular ice cream, but also with mixed and craft drinks and local cuisine. Click on the website to find out more.