Unseen yet significant. That’s the West Pole of Prague. It marks the westernmost extent of the city. A concrete bollard stands as its silent sentinel. This isn’t just any marker though. It’s one of four poles. These poles define Prague’s boundaries. They were installed in 2020. Ondřej Boháč and Janek Rubeš spearheaded the project. Each pole weighs a hefty 180 kilograms.
The West Pole of Prague holds a unique position. It lies on the border of Dobrovíz and Ruzyně. This location presents a challenge. The pole sits within the restricted area of Václav Havel Airport Prague. Therefore access is prohibited to the public. The concrete marker you see today stands as a proxy. It’s placed at the end of the access road. It’s a publicly accessible substitute about 100 meters from the true West Pole.
Imagine the planning involved. The precise surveying to find the exact point. Then the careful placement of these substantial concrete markers. They are more than just geographical signposts. These poles represent a tangible link to Prague’s physical limits. They highlight the city’s vastness. Yet they are also a symbol. A reminder of the precise geographical boundaries that define Prague.
Think about the stories these poles could tell. The stories of the people who surveyed the land. The challenges faced in securing the airport’s cooperation. The logistics of transporting and installing such heavy markers. Each pole is a monument to a specific location. A silent testament to the efforts involved in creating this unique installation.
So here we stand. Before a replacement for the actual West Pole of Prague. A concrete bollard. An unassuming landmark. It represents the efforts to make this extreme point of Prague accessible. The next time you see the map of Prague remember this place. Remember the West Pole. It is a symbol of Prague’s extent. It’s a story etched in concrete.