Prague's vibrant Libeň district has parks, history, and architectural splendor

The renovation of an interwar building by acclaimed Czech architect Alois Vavrouš brings modern appeal to an historic neighborhood.

Raymond Johnston

Written by Raymond Johnston Published on 07.12.2020 16:48:00 (updated on 11.10.2022) Reading time: 4 minutes

Prague's Libeň district has a lot to offer apartment seekers. Convenient public transportation, cafes and pubs, and leafy green parks that give the district the distinct feel of a smaller community.

Located on the corners of Konšelská and Lindnerova Streets, a newly renovated architectural landmark is bringing vintage Libeň back to life, representing an outward reflection of the district itself, rapidly modernizing while maintaining the ambiance of a comfortable historical neighborhood.

The interwar apartment building, Rezidence Nad Korábem was originally designed by the architectural studio of Alois Vavrouš and his son Čestmír during the early days of the first Czechoslovak state. It retains much of its original character but has been fully renovated to meet the standards of those looking to buy in this neighborhood.

The work of a significant Czech architect reborn

Rezidence Nad Korábem (photo: PSN)
Rezidence Nad Korábem (photo: PSN)

The era between the two world wars was the golden age of Libeň, with many wealthy industrialists moving in so they could have large villas within easy reach of the city.

A boom in residential housing also took place to provide homes for those who worked in the nearby factories.

The Vavrouš architectural team created many significant buildings not only in Prague but also across then-Czechoslovakia. Among them are a cinema and cultural center in Liberec, residential buildings in Teplice, a private villa in Jilemnice and a hotel in Bardejov.

Vavrouš and Son made Libeň their headquarters, with the modern Vavrouš Villa that can still be seen on Na Stráži Street.

Well connected with green spaces

Room with a balcony at Rezidence Nad Korábem (photo: PSN)
Room with a balcony at Rezidence Nad Korábem (photo: PSN)

Both the immediate area around the Rezidence Nad Korábem and Prague's Libeň district have convenient public transportation links provide fast and easy access to the center of Prague.

The tram stop Vosmíkových is a two-minute walk from Rezidence Nad Korábem, while the U Kříže stop is only four minutes away. You can get to metro Palmovka on the B line either by walking or by taking a tram for two stops. The metro can quickly take you anywhere in Prague. For driving, the residence is close to Prague’s inner ring road.

A large sloping park called Pod Korábem, also known as Košinka by locals, is one street away from Rezidence Nad Korábem. The park is heavily wooded in some parts, putting the feel of nature close at hand.

An information trail has plaques to identify some of the trees. A relatively new playground provides recreation for children. The lower part of the park has a geological exhibition with 10 boulders. A primary school is at one edge of the park. Another side is bordered by a colony of garden houses.

Modern living amid historic charm

Inside of Rezidence Nad Korábem (photo: PSN)
Inside of Rezidence Nad Korábem (photo: PSN)

Part of a farmstead and vineyard called Košinka, dating back to at least the 15th century, stood on the site of the park in the past. The whole estate was bought in 1879 by businessman Hermann Grab, who built the nearby Grab Villa. It is currently owned and used by the Prague 8 district for administrative purposes. Its lavishly decorated rooms are sometimes open to the public on holidays.

Other notable historical buildings nearby include the Libeň Chateau, which is also used by the district for administrative purposes. Concerts and other events take place on the chateau ballroom. The historical roots of the chateau go back to Gothic times but the current Rococo look building is from 1770.

Between the chateau and the Grab Villa is the Church of Saint Adalbert (Vojtěch) from 1905, notable for its wooden tower that resembles a lighthouse and its Art Nouveau décor. It is still in operation, serving the local Roman Catholic community. A former Jewish synagogue near the Palmovka metro stop now hosts art exhibitions and community events.

The chateau’s grounds connect to a larger park where the Rokytka stream joins the Vltava river. A biking and walking trail runs alongside the Vltava all the way to Prague Zoo, and even further up to the edge of the city.

A recent point of interest is a new modern Operation Anthropoid Memorial, erected in 2009. It is near the location where one of the most daring events of World War II took place, the assassination of a top German official by Czechoslovak paratroopers in 1942. The memorial feature three figures with outstretched arms on top of a steel pillar.

O2 Arena, which opened in 2004, sparked a wave of improvements to the area. The Galerie Harfa shopping mall opened next to the arena in 2010. Both the arena and shopping center are built on the site of a former industrial factory.

Leafy courtyard views invite families and singles

New balconies and rebuilt stairs in Rezidence Nad Korábem
New balconies and rebuilt stairs in Rezidence Nad Korábem (photo: PSN)

Several other office and mixed-use projects have followed to breathe new life into Libeň and make it a vibrant district, but with an overall casual feel.

Thanks to the renovation, the flats newly have balconies overlooking the quiet courtyard. The rebuilt staircase with the original railing has been enhanced by a lift that connects all floors.

The residence offers a choice of layouts from 1+kk to 4+kk, so there is something suitable for individuals, couples or families with children. For the most demanding, a white-wall maisonette with a roof terrace is available.

All units are offered in white wall or shell and core standards, which allow owners to fine-tune the interior according to their individual ideas.

This article was written in association with PSN. To read more about our partner content policies see here.

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