A summer capital is a city used as an administrative capital during heat waves. Sadly, the concept is almost extinct, as air-conditioning systems has reduced the need to periodically relocate to a more temperate city. While artificial cooling of indoor air is a more efficient way of dealing with underarm sweat patches, it comes at the expense of the gorgeous extravagance of moving all political activity across the land you are trying to govern. Nothing inspires like a change of place who needs new ideas more than politicians? Artists already have residencies.

Notable summer capitals include San Sebastián in the northern part of Spain and Palanga, a Lithuanian seaside town.