Have you ever heard of Sobín? This small village, now a part of Prague, is nestled on the northwestern edge of the Czech capital. Imagine a place where time seems to slow down. A world away from the bustling city center, Sobín whispers tales of a time when it was a self-governing community. It was in 1960 when Sobín was incorporated into the municipality of Zličín. Then, in 1974, both were swallowed by the growing city of Prague.
The Sobín you see today is still a quiet place with the charm of a village. The winding streets lined with cozy homes, the peaceful green spaces, and the occasional well-kept garden, all invite you to take a deep breath of fresh air and let the quietness wash over you. However, this peaceful place has witnessed the passage of history through the centuries. The very first mention of Sobín dates back to 1288 when it was transferred from the Plasy Monastery to the Prague nobleman Rudlin Holý and his wife Hildegund for the duration of their lives. They, in turn, handed over their house to the Monastery. And just a few years later, Sobín was granted to the Prague Duke, Frederick of Bavaria, for the sum of 200 Prague Groschen.
Today you can still find remnants of that history. Scattered throughout Sobín are a couple of old taverns. One of them, the “U Kapalínův” (The Inn of Kapl), is a local favorite. There is also a small park and a charming tennis court, hinting at life beyond the village’s tranquil heart. But Sobín’s most notable landmark is the small chapel with a bell tower. The bell tower met with a rather unfortunate end in 2019 when it was struck by a truck. It was rebuilt in 2021. Just outside the village is a small airport called Sobínka, which was once a bustling center for model airplanes.
Standing here, you can imagine the centuries slipping by. You can almost hear the clanging of the bell, the laughter of the children playing, and the sound of beer mugs clinking in the taverns. Sobín is a place of peaceful stories and whispered secrets, a treasure tucked away within the heart of Prague.