Pamětní trolejbusová zastávka Orionka

Hidden in plain sight, the Památná trolejbusová zastávka Orionka whispers stories of Prague’s forgotten past. Here at the corner of Bělocerkevská and Ruská streets, where the modern Rezidence Korunní now stands, once hummed a different kind of transit. Imagine the year is 1950. Trolleybuses, sleek and modern, glide around the loop at Orionka, connecting Královské Vinohrady with the heart of Prague. This wasn’t just any stop. It was a bustling hub, a gateway to the city, right next to the former Královské Vinohrady tram depot, which briefly served a dual purpose, housing trolleybuses from 1949-1955. The Orionka loop, initially intended for maneuvering vehicles in and out of the depot, soon became a crucial part of the city’s trolleybus network. Lines like the number 54, established in 1949, ferried passengers along routes like Karlovo náměstí – Žitná ulice – Náměstí Míru – Orionka – Zdravotní ústav. This loop at Památná trolejbusová zastávka Orionka witnessed the expansion of the trolleybus network, with extensions to Průběžná and Bohdalec in the following years. As the years rolled on, the fate of Prague’s trolleybuses took a turn. By 1969, only line 51 remained, running from Bělocerkevská to Strahov. Památná trolejbusová zastávka Orionka became its final stop. The air crackled with anticipation on October 15, 1972. A Škoda 8Tr trolleybus, number 9491, stood poised at Orionka, ready to embark on its final journey. This marked the end of an era. The last regular trolleybus service in Prague departed from this very spot. After the final departure, the loop at Památná trolejbusová zastávka Orionka fell into disuse, becoming an overgrown parking lot. Yet, this neglect ironically preserved the original pavement, cobblestones, and curbs, a hidden time capsule waiting to be rediscovered. In 2007, the Prague 10 City Hall, recognizing the historical significance of the site, initiated a project to revitalize the area. This led to the unveiling of the Památná trolejbusová zastávka Orionka memorial on October 8, 2010. Today, as you stand here, you can see remnants of the past: the reconstructed platform, the signpost bearing the number 51, the commemorative plaque, and the two trolleybus wire poles, a poignant reminder of a bygone era. Look closely at the poles. One is a repurposed tram pole from WWII, a testament to the city’s resourcefulness. The other three are refurbished originals from 1939, salvaged from Peroutkova Street, where they served the trolleybus route to Waltrovka until 1969. Památná trolejbusová zastávka Orionka stands as a silent testament to Prague’s transportation history. It’s a place where the echoes of the past mingle with the present, inviting you to reflect on the ever-changing landscape of the city.