Once a land of vineyards, today we explore Vysočany. This district of Prague holds stories of industry, war, and remarkable transformation. Vysočany offers a glimpse into Prague’s ever-evolving spirit.
Vysočany’s history stretches back centuries. The first mention of Vysočany dates back to 1115. Duke Vladislav I gifted Vysočany vineyards to the Kladruby monastery. Imagine rolling hills covered in grapevines, tended by monks. For almost 1000 years wine production occurred here. Today only one vineyard remains.
Fast forward to the late 19th century. Emil Kolben, a friend of Thomas Edison, founded a factory here in 1896. This factory later became the famous ČKD. ČKD transformed Vysočany into a major industrial hub. The area became known for its factories and working-class population.
In 1902, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria recognized Vysočany’s importance. He awarded it the title of city. Vysočany even gained the right to use its own coat of arms. Eleven years later, in 1911, Vysočany Town Hall was built as a sign of its growing importance.
The 20th century brought dramatic changes. In 1922, Vysočany officially became part of Prague. During World War II, under Nazi occupation, factories produced military material. Vysočany suffered heavy damage during the Bombing of Prague in 1945. The targets were those factories.
Vysočany residents were involved in Operation Anthropoid in 1942. This operation led to the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich. These families risked everything for their country.
In 1968, after the Soviet invasion, the Czechoslovak Communist Party held a special convention in Vysočany. They strongly condemned the invasion. This act of defiance highlights the district’s independent spirit.
Since the Velvet Revolution in the 1990s, Vysočany has been undergoing another transformation. The area changed from an industrial district to a modern residential area. Many old factories have been replaced by new buildings. These are the “brown-fields” after former factories.
Today, Vysočany is a blend of old and new. The tallest residential building in the Czech Republic, Rezidence Eliška, stands here. The Pragovka factory has been rebuilt into an artist community center. You can also find the largest flea market in Prague on U Elektry street. Although technically in Libeň, the O2 Arena, Galerie Harfa shopping mall, and Harfa Business District are considered part of Vysočany.
Vysočany also boasts excellent transport connections. There are two metro stations on line B: Vysočanská and Kolbenova. Two train stations, Praha-Vysočany and Praha-Libeň, also serve the area. The oldest airport in Prague, Kbely, lies partly within Vysočany.
From vineyards to factories, from war damage to modern development, Vysočany embodies resilience and change. As we leave Vysočany, remember its layers of history. Remember the people who shaped it into the vibrant district it is today.