Why does this seemingly ordinary plaque hold a secret? This is the Vysočanský poledník Plaque. It marks a meridian. But it is not quite what it seems.
Let’s talk about this Vysočanský poledník Plaque. It is more than just a marker. It’s a symbol of a comical historical oversight.
In 1997, the district of Vysočany prepared to celebrate its 95th anniversary of becoming a city. Local councilors wanted a grand gesture to mark the occasion. One councilor recalled an old book. It mentioned that Vysočany once had a meridian for measuring time. They decided to create a commemorative plaque. It seemed simple enough. They copied the coordinates from the book and had the plaque made. On the anniversary, the Vysočanský poledník Plaque was unveiled.
However, there was a problem. The book they used was outdated. It used a meridian based on the island of El Hierro in the Canary Islands. By 1997, Greenwich, England, had been the prime meridian for over 80 years. The coordinates on the Vysočanský poledník Plaque point to somewhere in eastern Ukraine. Not to Vysočany at all.
The Vysočanský poledník Plaque is located near the Československá metro station. You will find it outside the Finanční úřad. Look for a small black plaque. It is partially hidden by greenery. The plaque reads “VYSOČANSKÝ POLEDNÍK.” It also shows incorrect coordinates. A metal plate depicting the Earth is nearby.
The Vysočanský poledník Plaque is a testament to a funny mistake. The councilors wanted to honor their town’s history. They did not realize their source was so out of date. The Vysočanský poledník Plaque now stands as a reminder of that error.
Interestingly, the Vysočanský poledník Plaque isn’t even in Vysočany. It is actually in Libeň.
So, here stands the Vysočanský poledník Plaque. It’s a monument to good intentions and historical blunders. It reminds us that sometimes even the most well-meaning efforts can go hilariously awry. A simple plaque. A funny story. An unforgettable lesson.