Seven hundred years ago Vodochody was a small village. It was already a settled area though. Archeological finds suggest people lived there in the Neolithic period. That’s around 5000 to 3000 BC. Vodochody u Prahy is one of the oldest settlements in its district.
In the year 1000 AD Vodochody appears in writing for the first time. Prince Boleslav III donated it to the Ostrov monastery. The Thirty Years’ War devastated Vodochody. It was completely destroyed. In 1671 the Jesuit college of St Clement in Old Prague acquired it.
Vodochody’s history is intertwined with its geographical location. It sits about fifteen kilometers north of Prague’s center. The landscape is part of the Lower Vltava natural park. The nearby Větrušické gorges are a nature reserve. The famed Czech poet Vítězslav Hálek enjoyed walks in the area.
The village’s coat of arms is interesting. Two golden eagles stand on a shield. Below are three wavy blue stripes. The eagles represent the area’s oldest history. They link to Bohemia’s first ruling dynasty the Přemyslids. The blue stripes symbolize water a nod to the village’s name. The eagles also subtly refer to Aero Vodochody. This famous aircraft manufacturer’s presence connects Vodochody’s past with its modern industrial era.
Vodochody and its neighboring village Hoštice were once separate. They merged in 1960. In 1932 Vodochody had 419 inhabitants. Hoštice had 280. Many businesses existed then. There were shops cattle dealers inns a mill shoemakers and more. Today Vodochody boasts around 800 inhabitants. Its airport is a significant feature. It serves Aero Vodochody and also hosts occasional international flights.
Despite its rich history very few original structures survived the ravages of war. Only two old bells remain one in Vodochody one in Hoštice. The old Vodochody fortress is gone only the manor house remains. Yet the spirit of Vodochody endures. It stands as a testament to resilience. It thrives as a blend of ancient roots and modern progress. The village’s name Vodochody means “water walks”. It may refer to fishermen walking on the riverbanks. This peaceful village shows how history and nature can coexist. This is Vodochody u Prahy.