Černý Most

Slipping through time, imagine Prague in the 1970s. The clatter of construction fills the air in what will become Černý Most. Černý Most, meaning “Black Bridge,” takes its name from a humble stone railway bridge nearby. The smoke from steam locomotives, chugging along the Prague to Čelákovice line, stained the bridge a sooty black. This gave the area its unique name. Černý Most wasn’t always part of Prague. Originally, it was pieced together from parts of Hloubětín, Kyje, and Horní Počernice. Only in 1987 did these fragments unite to form this new district. Then, on January 1, 1988, Černý Most officially became part of Prague. The housing estate we see today arose in stages throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. Černý Most I, the first section, offered 1,780 flats and was completed in 1980. Construction on Černý Most II began in 1985 under communist rule. However, it wasn’t finished until 1992, after the Velvet Revolution. A curious bit of history lies in the street names. Initially, they were intended to honor communist officials, primarily from the Soviet Union. But with the changing political landscape, the streets were instead named after Czechoslovak airmen who bravely served in the French Air Force and Royal Air Force during World War II. These heroes included figures like Air Marshal Karel Janoušek and Squadron Leader Karel Kuttelwascher. Their names now grace the streets, a tribute to their courage. Today, Černý Most is a vibrant hub. It’s served by the final two stations on Prague Metro Line B: Rajská zahrada and Černý Most itself. Adjacent to the Černý Most station, you’ll find a major intercity bus station, connecting this district to numerous destinations. The Centrum Černý Most shopping center adds another layer to this bustling area. Even film crews have been drawn to Černý Most’s unique atmosphere. Scenes from the 2001 film “Babí léto” were shot here, capturing its essence on screen.