Czechoslovakia
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Prague 4, day 183: Na Kavčích horách
Na Kavčích horách was built in 1925. I don’t know if it has a street sign, and felt like I might be walking on private property anyway, as fairly well proven by this picture, so I decided it was wise to stop looking for one. We already discussed the origin of the name Kavčí hory Continue reading
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Prague 4, day 57: Soudní
Soudní was built in 1931. ‘Soudní’ would typically be translated as ‘judicial’, from ‘soud’ (‘court’, but also ‘trial’). In 1850, the High Provincial Court in Prague (Vrchní zemský soud v Praze) was established, replacing the General Court of Appeal. It was responsible for dealing with appeals in Bohemia (not Moravia), as well as checking up Continue reading
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Prague 1, day 182: U Obecního domu
Originally published on X on 25 March 2024. From 1383 onwards, the Royal Court, which stood here, was the residence of all Czech kings. This state of affairs lasted for a century, until Vladislav II decided that Prague Castle was a nicer location (see https://whatsinapraguestreetname.com/2024/10/10/prague-1-day-181-u-prasne-brany/). The buildings were used for various purposes after that*, at Continue reading
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Prague 1, day 144: 28. října
Originally published on X on 15 February 2024. That street sign needs a clean. On 28 October 1918, a delegation of the Czechoslovak National Committee was in Geneva, as was Edvard Beneš, not a member, but the most prominent member of the anti-Austrian resistance. They agreed that a Czechoslovak Republic should be created, with Tomáš Continue reading
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Prague 1, day 106: Národní (‘National’)
Originally published on X on 7 January 2024. Until 1781, there was a moat here, which had the somewhat inconvenient effect of separating the Old Town and the New Town. Therefore, it was decided to fill the ditch and create a street in its place. Originally called Nové Aleje (New Avenue), this later turned into Continue reading
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Prague 1, day 90: Most Legií (Legion Bridge)
Originally published on X on 19 December 2023. Between 1839 and 1841, a chain bridge was built here – at the time, it was the second bridge across the Vltava (after Charles). Pretty incredible 1840 painting (by Karel Würbs) of its construction below. It was called the Emperor Francis I Bridge, after the man you Continue reading
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Prague 1, day 87: Vítězná
Originally published on X on 4 December 2023. Anyone who hoped, after yesterday’s thread, that we’d be avoiding the big topics today may wish to stop reading now – a vítěz / vítězka is a winner, and a vítězství is a victory. And we’re talking 1918 here, so let’s do a quick rundown (which doesn’t Continue reading
What's in a Prague street name 