What's in a Prague street name

Originally published on X on 21 January 2023.

Rejskova was built in 1896.

It’s documented that Matěj Rejsek was born around 1445 in Prostějov. What isn’t documented is whether this is the Prostějov that’s near Chrudim or the one that’s in Moravia.

Graduating in liberal arts from Prague University in 1469, he then became a rector at Týn School in the Old Town. In the 1470s, he also trained as a stonemason.

Anybody who feels their career isn’t progressing quickly enough should look away now: by 1478, he was entrusted with the design of the Prašná brána / Powder Tower in Prague. You’ll recognise it: https://prague.eu/cs/objevujte/prasna-brana?back=1

According to the Czech Chronicles, he was also entrusted with this job because he was ‘velmi vtipný a myslivý’. Tldr: never underestimate the power of being a good laugh.

The road the Powder Gate was on led from Prague to Kutná Hora – which is where Rejsek moved to in 1489, where he had been asked to work on completing St. Barbara’s Church (Chrám svaté Barbory).

Work on the Church had been interrupted by the Hussite Wars, and, despite half a century or so passing since then, hadn’t resumed.

This page includes many great photos and a brilliant opportunity to practise your Polish: https://sekulada.com/kosciol-sw-barbary-w-kutnej-horze/

Rejsek worked on the cathedral until his death in 1506 – and was also buried there.