Do you see the imposing school building? That’s Lyčkovo náměstí. This square isn’t just a pretty place. It holds a poignant piece of Prague’s history. Before it became Lyčkovo náměstí it was known as Riegerovo náměstí. Then for a short time during the Protectorate it was even called Erbenovo náměstí.
Lyčkovo náměstí is named after Břetislav Lyčka. He was a Czech doctor and resistance fighter during World War II. Lyčka treated injured Czechoslovak soldiers after the assassination attempt on Heydrich. Betrayed and surrounded by the Gestapo Lyčka tragically took his own life before capture.
The square itself is rectangular. It’s nestled south of Křižíkova Street. You can find it east of Karlín Square. It’s not far from the Karlín Invalidovny and Kaizlovy sady. The square has a park-like atmosphere. There are small sculptures. The most famous is Intelligence by Josef Mařatka.
The dominant feature of Lyčkovo náměstí is the magnificent school building. It’s a stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture. Construction began in 1904. The architect was Josef Sakař. The school opened in 1906. The school complex is quite large. It includes a large schoolyard a school cafeteria and a kindergarten. The kindergarten became part of the complex in 2001. In 2019 the square even hosted a video mapping as part of the Signal Festival.
So next time you stroll through this unassuming square remember the stories it holds. Remember the brave doctor Břetislav Lyčka. Lyčkovo náměstí is more than just a location. It’s a testament to resilience and remembrance. A quiet corner of Prague echoing with history.