Imagine the year is 1908. Nusle is buzzing with excitement. The Nuselská radnice is under construction.
The foundation is laid for a grand building. It will represent the town’s newfound independence. Before 1898 Nusle was just a village. Emperor Franz Joseph I elevated it to a town. This sparked great enthusiasm among the locals.
The Nuselská radnice was designed by Antonín Turek. He was a famous architect in Prague. He also designed the marketplace in Vinohrady. Construction finished in 1909.
Look closely at the facade of the Nuselská radnice. You will see a high arcade. Above is an arcaded balcony. A tower rises with bells and a clock. These elements show Nusle’s importance.
Notice the letters M and N on the side towers. They stand for Město Nusle. The words “Nusle sobě” are inscribed above the main portal. This means “Nusle to itself”. It symbolizes self-governance.
Jaroslav Mužík was the mayor at the time. He contributed greatly to Nusle’s prosperity. The Nuselská radnice served as the town hall. It also housed the district offices.
Even President Masaryk visited the Nuselská radnice. This happened several times in the 1920s. It was a great honor for the town.
The Nuselská radnice has seen dramatic moments. In May 1945 a large barricade was erected nearby. Citizens used cobblestones and overturned trams. They stopped the German occupiers from advancing.
Soviet tanks arrived in August 1968. They surrounded the Nuselská radnice. People protested but thankfully no one was seriously injured.
Nusle became part of Prague in 1922. It joined with Michle and Krč. Nusle became the sixteenth district of the city.
The Nuselská radnice underwent a major renovation in 2009. Original architectural features were combined with modern designs. Today it hosts cultural events and weddings. There is even a restaurant inside.
The square next to the Nuselská radnice is named after General Karel Kutlvašr. He was a hero. He fought in the legions and the anti-Nazi resistance. His bust adorns the building.
Before that the square had many names. It was once called Legionnaires Square. During the protectorate it was Cyril Square. This was because the name František Palacký was not liked by the Nazis. From the 1960s it was named Paris Commune.
The Nuselská radnice continues to host concerts. There are also exhibitions. The Sokol flag was displayed here. It commemorated the tragic fate of Sokol during World War II.
Trams pass by the Nuselská radnice today. They run from the center of Nusle to Pankrác. In 2022 a tram line was extended to the Pankrác metro station.
The Nuselská radnice stands as a symbol. It represents Nusle’s history. It shows its pride and resilience. It has been a town hall a district office and a cultural center. The Nuselská radnice remains a vital part of Prague 4.