Velká Ohrada

What kind of name is Velká Ohrada for a place with such a unique history? Velká Ohrada, meaning “Large Enclosure,” might sound simple. But this place holds centuries of stories within its name. Velká Ohrada started as a small settlement in the late 18th century. It was located on the eastern edge of the Šeporyje cadastral area. The name “Ohrada,” meaning “enclosure,” likely comes from a large farmstead that stood here. Over time, this farmstead gave rise to a small community. This community became part of the Šeporyje municipality. Despite its rural character, Velká Ohrada remained relatively small. Even in 1859, there were only 14 houses and 110 inhabitants. Later, a new settlement emerged to the northeast, initially called “Ohradská osada” (Enclosure Settlement). To avoid confusion, the original settlement became known as Velká Ohrada (Large Enclosure) and the new one as Malá Ohrada (Small Enclosure). Interestingly, while both settlements were part of the Šeporyje municipality, Malá Ohrada was assigned to the Stodůlky cadastre. In 1974, both Velká Ohrada and Malá Ohrada, as parts of Šeporyje, were incorporated into Prague. During the communist era, the entire plateau above the Prokopské údolí was designated for the construction of a large housing estate called Jihozápadní Město (Southwest City). To streamline administration, the eastern part of the Šeporyje cadastre, including Velká Ohrada, was transferred to the Stodůlky cadastre. This move ensured that the entire area of the new housing estate fell under a single administrative unit. Today, Velká Ohrada stands as a testament to Prague’s ever-evolving urban fabric, a blend of old and new, each with a story to tell.