Paví vrch

Have you ever stood on a hilltop and gazed out at a sprawling cityscape? Right here, in front of you, stands Paví vrch, a hill in Prague’s Smíchov district. Looking out from this hilltop, you can see the Vltava River gracefully snaking its way through the city, with Prague Castle standing proudly in the distance. Paví vrch, meaning ‘Peacock Hill’, got its name from a farm owned by a gentleman called Paví, whose family once owned the land. Back in the day, this hill was also known as Na Santošku after a local brewery. It was once covered in vineyards, but today the slopes of Paví vrch are home to some of the city’s most iconic buildings. In fact, nestled just above you lies the imposing Ráda Vila, a masterful example of the Constructivist style, built in 1928. This elegant villa, belonging to the family of the famed architect Josef Karel Ráda, is a gem of modern Czech architecture. Just across the street behind you is another prominent landmark, a villa built in 1949 and known as Kruliš’s Villa. Interestingly, this villa was later acquired by the Ministry of Interior. During the communist era, this villa was a crucial part of the sixth branch of the StB, the Czech Communist intelligence service. From this very site, the StB operated one of the seven secret sites used to jam Western radio broadcasts to Czechoslovakia. The hilltop also played a vital role during the Prague Uprising in 1945 when it witnessed fierce battles between the Czech resistance and the Nazi SS troops. The hilltop’s strategic location made it a crucial base for the SS forces. But despite their efforts, the SS troops eventually surrendered on May 6. Today, Paví vrch is a tranquil public space, a haven for locals and tourists alike. As you stand here, you can almost feel the echoes of history swirling around you. The hilltop offers breathtaking panoramic views of Prague, giving you a unique perspective on this fascinating city.