What's in a Prague street name

Originally published on X on 24 November 2023.

Kryštof Harant z Polžice a Bezdružice was born in Klenová, now in Plzeň Region, in 1564. He grew up in North Tyrol, and worked as a courtier for Ferdinand II, Archduke of Austria.

Returning to Bohemia in 1584, he tried to get a job at the court of Rudolf II; he was unsuccessful, and ended up joining the Habsburg army instead (1593-8). This enabled him to visit Palestine, Egypt and Venice (fanciful image of his travels below).

Returning to Prague in 1599, he finally got a job at the court of Rudolph II. He became a lord in 1603, and, by 1605, was Royal Governor of Prague. His travelogue, covering his travels in the 1590s, was published in 1608.

Returning to Prague in 1618, he took part in the anti-Habsburg uprising of the Czech Estates. He was in charge of an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to besiege Vienna.

Frederick V of the Palatinate declared himself King of Bohemia in 1619, and Harant became Privy Council and President of the Czech Chamber. In 1620, though, the Estates were defeated by Habsburg forces at Bílá Hora and Frederick fled, never to return.

Harant was arrested at his castle in March 1621. On 21 June, he was beheaded on Old Town Square, along with another 26 leaders of the uprising.

Harantova includes a former Dominican monastery, which now hosts the luxury Mandarin Oriental Prague. It also has a pleasing example of one of ye olde Prague street signs.

Right across from it is Rohan Palace, which now houses the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic.