The reconstruction of Prague's Jiřího z Poděbrad Square for 471 million CZK is complete

Prague – The reconstruction of Jiří z Poděbrady Square in Prague, costing approximately 471.1 million crowns excluding VAT, is complete. The area has been accessible to the public since this week, and it was ceremonially opened today by representatives of the capital city and Prague 3. The square features new trees, updated surfaces, a newly operational fountain, and according to city representatives, a sophisticated rainwater management system. Work on the modifications began at the beginning of 2024. Some elements of the transformation have sparked criticism on social media.

The long-planned reconstruction includes a new area with large-format paving for organizing events in front of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the replacement of asphalt with paving stones or crushed stone surfaces, the planting of trees and additional greenery, the reconstruction of the fountain, and the repair and expansion of the children's playground. A new subway exit has also been created to replace the original one.

According to co-author of the design, Pavla Melková from the MCA studio, the previous state of the square did not reflect its significance. "The area was truly in a state that did not correspond to the quality of the city around it," she said. She added that it will now also be essential how the area thrives and what activities take place there.

Another author of the design, Miroslav Cikán, added that the modifications aimed to fulfill the vision of architect Josip Plečnik for the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and adapt the square to the challenges posed by the climate crisis. The irrigation system for the greenery received considerable attention, as it channels rainwater from the church roof into underground reservoirs. The city received a European grant of approximately 70 million crowns for the modifications.

The surfaces used allow for absorption, and around the trees, a special substrate with a mixture of charcoal is utilized to retain water, according to the architect. "The resilience is truly considered in every detail, and we hope it manifests in real life and practice," Cikán said. According to him, 177 new trees have been added to the square, bringing the total to 244. He added that the planted planes will eventually create shaded arcades with their canopies.

Some of the modifications have recently faced criticism on social media, for example, the area in front of the church, which critics claimed should include greenery, or the red benches referencing similar furnishings used in Vienna. The priest of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jan Houkal, said today that he himself had doubts about the area, but only until it was filled with people.

According to the mayor's deputy, Petr Hlaváček (STAN), the reconstruction successfully set the right ratio of paved and grassy areas to ensure that the square serves as a venue for markets and other events while also allowing people to enjoy picnics in the greenery. "Jiřák is, for me, the archetype of a square – there is a church, a school, a marketplace, and shops. Among the other large squares in Prague, it is unique for its neighborhood character. The revitalization respects all of this," stated the mayor of Prague 3, Michal Vronský (TOP 09).

The reconstruction is already complete at the Jiří z Poděbrad subway station, which began at the end of 2021 and concluded in July 2024 with the opening of two elevators leading to the square at Vinohradská Street. In the future, the city also plans to transform Vinohradská Boulevard; the city hall has been working on a project for some time. The start date for the work is not yet clear.