Whispers of secrecy and speculation surround K-116 Vojenský objekt. It stands here a silent sentinel. What exactly lies beneath our feet?
The K-116 Vojenský objekt is shrouded in mystery. Officially its precise purpose remains classified. It is rumored to be a military command center. Some even say a shelter for the elite in case of nuclear war.
Let’s delve into the known history. This site was once a limestone quarry. In the 19th century miners carved transport tunnels into the rock. The Prokopská cave with its underground spring was gradually eaten away.
During World War II the Nazis seized the area. They began building an underground factory for Junkers aircraft parts. It was codenamed Kali. Three parallel tunnels stretched about 300 meters. These tunnels were up to eight meters high. Plans included a railway siding for an armored train but they never finished it. By 1944 a 200-meter production hall was allegedly completed underground. However the Nazis never put the factory into operation.
After the war the factory stood empty. For a while it was used for vegetable storage. In 1948 the army considered it for weapons testing but rejected it. Limestone mining resumed in the area. It continued until around 1966.
Later in the 1960s the Czechoslovak People’s Army eyed the site. The K-116 Vojenský objekt was slated to be a main command post for war. It would house up to 1000 people.
In 1966 something controversial happened. The Church of Saint Prokop above the cave was demolished. The official reason was static damage from the nearby military area. But some believe it was to make the military site less conspicuous.
In the early 1980s the K-116 Vojenský objekt underwent major reconstruction. It was modernized and expanded. During this time the lake near Hlubočepy was inaccessible.
Unofficially it was intended as the main seat of the army or Ministry of Defence in case of war. One entrance is located in the quarry near the former Dalejský mill. This is near the former cave and church of Saint Prokop.
Speculation abounds. Some believe the K-116 Vojenský objekt extends far beneath Děvín plain. It could connect to above-ground structures in Prokopské údolí. There is also the military complex west of Radlická street. Connections to the Děvín waterworks and telecommunications tower are rumored too.
The purpose of the K-116 Vojenský objekt is still debated. The army claims it is a communications material depot. Others suggest it is used by military intelligence. Some think the 1980s reconstruction was for the Warsaw Pact’s western command.
In 2009 the Ministry of Defence described it as a communications hub. The army considered the site promising. Despite the secrecy a small spot on Prokopská rock was leased to the city. It was for a cross commemorating Saint Prokop.
Today the Prokopský lom area is a guarded military zone. Even after the Soviet troops left Prague 5 officials could not access the K-116 Vojenský objekt. In 1968 a speleologist was allowed to view remnants of Saint Prokop’s cave.
The city plans to develop the Děvínská plain. This includes a cable car from Radlická metro station. These development plans may conflict with the army’s interests.
The K-116 Vojenský objekt remains an enigma. Its true purpose hidden beneath layers of history and speculation. What secrets do its tunnels hold?