September 1901: Libeň is incorporated into Prague
On September 12, 1901, Libeň officially became the last district incorporated into Prague prior to the establishment of Czechoslovakia. Associated with writer Bohumil Hrabal, it has seen a number of historical events.
Operation Anthropoid
Operation Anthropoid, one of the most daring actions of WWII, took place in Libeň. The fateful bend in the road that Josef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš chose for their attack on Reinhard Heydrich, the governor of Bohemia and Moravia, and one of the principal organisers of the extermination of the Jews, can no longer be found today. But the site, which became such a significant part of Czech history, is commemorated by a memorial to the heroes of the anti-Nazi resistance, unveiled in 2009. The names of the streets in the immediate vicinity of the assassination also honour the brave paratroopers.
Libeň Chateau
Many historical events have taken place in Libeň. In 1608, the Peace of Libeň was concluded at the local chateau between Emperor Rudolf II and his brother, Matthias of Habsburg. It was also from there that the coronation procession of Leopold II set out in 1790. After 1945, the building was converted into a ceremonial hall and it has been the venue for countless weddings over the decades.
Hrabal’s Libeň
The genius loci of Libeň is slowly fading, yet this Prague district still has places, hidden corners and old settlements where you can step back into the past and glimpse Libeň as it was in the days of the late novelist Bohumil Hrabal. The author of such works as I Served the King of England is still perhaps its most notable local.
