Independence
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Prague 1, day 255: Revoluční
Originally published on X on 13 June 2024. The street is located where the easternmost part of the Old Town walls once stood (see https://whatsinapraguestreetname.com/2024/11/09/prague-1-day-251-hradebni/). In the 1700s, the part nearer the river was called Náplavní or Náplavka, both referring to the riverbank. The southern part was called Trubní or Rourová – ‘trubka’ and ‘roura’ Continue reading
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Prague 1, day 190: Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square)
Published on X on 2 and 3 April 2024 (there was a fair amount to say). Part 1: the history In 1338, John of Luxembourg (King of Bohemia from 1310 to 1346) gave the Old Town permission to build itself a town hall. This seemed like the perfect location, as a major market had existed 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 123: Václavské náměstí
Originally published on X on 24 and 25 January 2024 (it’s a two-partner). Václav (Wenceslas, as in ‘Good King’) was born around 907, the son of Vratislav (Wrocław-founding) and Drahomíra (pagan; murderous), and the granddaughter of Ludmila (Christian; victim of said murderousness; later saintly) and Bořivoj (the first verifiable Czech leader). He became Prince of 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 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
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Prague 1, day 53: Nábřeží Edvarda Beneše
Originally published on X on 29 October 2023. Eduard Beneš was born as the tenth of ten children in Kožlany, near Plzeň, in 1884. He attended the gymnasium in Vinohrady (on Londýnská – https://whatsinapraguestreetname.com/2024/03/03/prague-2-day-41-londynska/), then studying at Prague University, followed by the Sorbonne, Berlin and Dijon. In Paris, he became engaged to Anna (later Hana) Continue reading
What's in a Prague street name 