Ořechovka

Nestled amidst the vibrant city of Prague, Ořechovka whispers tales of a bygone era. This charming quarter, more than just a collection of buildings, stands as a testament to the architectural innovation of the 1920s and 30s. Ořechovka emerged from the remnants of a Baroque chateau and garden, destroyed during the “Austrian Heritage War”. The streets, like Delostrelecka (Artillery Street), still echo this turbulent past. With the birth of Czechoslovakia in 1918, a need arose to house government officials. Ořechovka, conveniently close to Prague Castle, the seat of power, became the chosen location. The government held a tender for a garden city, stipulating diverse architectural styles to avoid monotony. This led to a captivating blend of English cottage-style houses and the uniquely Czech “Rondocubist” style. Grand villas, showcasing Dutch, Modernist, Baroque Revival, and other influences, dot the landscape. Ořechovka blossomed into a prime residential area, attracting artists seeking tranquility. At its heart lies Machar Square, named after a poet who resided there. A central building, reminiscent of American shopping centers, once housed a cinema with an Art Deco interior, shops, a restaurant, and even a dance hall and library. From the square, Spojena Street unveils charming English cottage-style houses. Delostrelecka and Klidna Streets showcase colorful Rondocubist gems. Lomena Street, with its angled turns, transports you to an English suburb, frequently used as a filming location for movies set in England. Ořechovka also boasts the villas of renowned Czech artists. Sculptor Bretislav Benda’s modernist villa, poet Machar’s home, and Vaclav Spala’s distinctive Dutch-style villa, designed by his colleague Otokar Novotny, stand as testaments to their creativity. Nearby, painter Alfred Justitz’s red brick house adds to the area’s artistic legacy. Ořechovka, a living museum of architectural styles and artistic heritage, invites you to explore its hidden corners and discover the stories etched within its walls.