Archaeologists at Wenceslas Square uncovered historic pipes

Prague - During an excavation in the lower part of Wenceslas Square, archaeologists from the Museum of the Capital City of Prague discovered parts of a wooden water supply line from the mid-18th century. The pipeline made of pine trunks has so far been uncovered over a length of approximately 20 meters and is considered to be extremely well-preserved according to the archaeologists. The museum informed about this in a press release today. Previously, archaeologists had found, for example, a Madonna figurine from the 15th century under the square. The excavations are related to the planned revitalization of the lower part of the square and the ongoing repairs of the infrastructure.

According to representatives of the museum, a similar pipeline was last seen in Prague during the construction of an underpass in the middle of the square in 1967. After the establishment of the New Town in the mid-14th century, the first public water supply in Prague gradually emerged on Wenceslas Square, supplied with wooden pipes from the settlement of Rybník and from springs in the New Town's moat.

The water supply system in Prague was established at the end of the 15th century, with the New Town being supplied with water from the Vltava River into the Šítkov and Novomlýn water towers. The Novomlýn tower is currently managed by the Museum of the Capital City of Prague and there is currently an exhibition there focusing on the history of fires in Prague.

Earlier this spring, archaeologists found a four-centimeter Madonna figurine made of horn and other small finds during an excavation related to the sewer repairs in the lower part of the square. In the Middle Ages, the square served as a marketplace, and people commonly disposed of waste here, which was later scattered and covered.

In recent years, archaeological investigations have taken place during the construction of Quadria on Národní Street or Palladia in Republic Square. The last major excavation reportedly began at the end of last November near Masaryk Railway Station in connection with a planned construction by Penta. Archaeologists uncovered hundreds of boxes of objects as well as the remains of buildings and later gardens there.

The excavations in the lower part of Wenceslas Square are connected with the planned reconstruction. The planned adjustments include narrowing the roadway and widening the sidewalks, fountains, and a base for placing the Christmas tree. The contract worth 250 million Czech crowns was approved by the deputies in May. In recent months, the water supply infrastructure in the area has already been under repair.