What's in a Prague street name

Originally published on X on 28 October 2023.

I’m linking to the Brusnice thread far too often lately, but here’s one more reminder: https://whatsinapraguestreetname.com/2024/09/07/prague-1-day-12-u-brusnice/

The street itself dates from 1931; the barracks it’s named after closed down a mere 168 years earlier, in 1763, before being converted into military accommodation in 1779.

That housing, in turn, got demolished in 1928.

For a street that’s only 120 metres long, U Bruských kasáren certainly has a fair few things you can say about it.

Firstly, as it’s next to the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic, it’s a favourite congregation place for those who want this government to resign. They seem to have permanent residence here.

Secondly, the House of Body Culture (Domu kultury těla), opened in 1909, used to house a swimming pool, and also Prague’s first sauna. It’s no longer in use and could do with a bit of love.

Finally, you’ll probably know that Klárov is the location of Malostranská metro station, opened in 1978 – but what’s really interesting is the story of Klárov metro station, which, yes, was meant to be on U Bruských kasáren.

Built between 1952 and 1960 as part of the envisaged metro system, and also serving as a military shelter for politicians, it never formed part of the actual metro when that came in the 1970s, because it was too deep.

Nowadays, it’s the technical centre for Prague’s municipal transport company (DPP). Who probably have to deal with Team Resign every time they walk through this door.

Quite hard to imagine crowds of tourists storming out of here, isn’t it?