A shimmering expanse of water greets you. This is Rudolfův rybníček a pond steeped in Prague’s history. Emperor Rudolf II’s grandson started it all. He wasn’t satisfied with the existing pond. So he ordered a much larger one dug.
Construction began in 1582. It took nearly a decade to complete in 1591. Imagine the scale of such a project back then. The dam still exists. It forms a gentle curve from the Výstaviště grounds to the former Šlechtova restaurant.
To supply sufficient water Rudolf II devised a remarkable feat of engineering. He built a tunnel under Letná Hill. This tunnel channeled water from the Novomlýnský weir into Stromovka. This ingenious Rudolfova štola took eleven years to build.
In 1689 a small islet was created in the center of the pond. Two years later a gazebo and bridge graced this island. This small hill dotted with oaks is still visible today.
The Thirty Years’ War devastated the area. The pond was drained. The land was used for farming. The last record of the pond functioning as such dates back to 1749. It was leased to a fish merchant. By 1783 the pond was empty. Fields and meadows replaced the water.
The Royal Deer Park was transformed in 1804. It became a public park. However the large pond remained absent for quite a while. A new era began in 1882. New ponds were built. They are still present today. The construction cost 20926 gold coins. The work took less than a year. Jan Kruliš and František Zelenka completed this effort.
The ponds were extensively renovated in the 1950s and 1960s. The main pond was lined with paving stones and the bottom was concreted. Sadly the 2002 floods caused significant damage. The Rudolfova štola and waste from Malá říčka were cleaned. The inflow to the pond was regulated. The fountain below the summerhouse was restored after decades of inactivity.
Further renovations took place in 2014-2015. The original brickwork was discovered. This shows the extent of the original pond. It was a significant discovery.
Today Rudolfův rybníček is a tranquil spot. It’s a haven for birds and other wildlife. It reflects Prague’s rich history. It’s a testament to engineering ingenuity and a beautiful place to relax.