5. Koruna Community Centre

The present‑day Koruna complex is a cultural and community centre created through an extensive recent reconstruction of an area with a long and rich history. The original house No. 5 was known as the Jarošovský farmstead, owned by the local reeve, with documented history reaching back to the 16th century.

In 1826, the property was purchased by František Drchota, and for many decades it remained in the hands of this family, serving the community in various ways. The site housed, for example, the Radotín Volunteer Fire Brigade and the local Sokol organisation. Václav Drchota, the Radotín reeve mentioned at Stop No. 2, had the house U České koruny (today No. 44) built in 1876. This new “Koruna” building has served as a cultural centre since 1 January 1969.

The new Koruna Cultural and Community Centre was created through a complete redevelopment of the entire area. The first step was the construction of a new fire station to replace the previous building, which was in a state of disrepair. The whole site was then revitalised through a combined investment of 128 million crowns, resulting in four buildings with entirely different functions: – the Cultural and Community Centre, – the social project Halfway House, – a Police of the Czech Republic station, – and the Klement Slavický Elementary Art School.

The complex, completed in August 2021, was made possible thanks to EU funding, the budget of the City of Prague, and the resources of the Prague 16 Municipal District.

The weathered “U Koruny” building in 1970 Photo: Archive of the Radotín Chronicle Commission

Ceremonial opening of the new multi‑purpose complex in September 2021

Náměstí Osvoboditelů (Liberators’ Square)

Náměstí Osvoboditelů, formerly the Radotín village green, has undergone many changes throughout its history. For centuries, the only trade route between Prague and Germany passed directly through this space, which is why an inn once stood here.

A stream flows across the square and repeatedly threatened nearby houses with flooding. Only the regulation works carried out in 1908–1909 finally removed this danger.

For several centuries, a millrace also crossed the village green, supplying two local mills – the Prostřední and the Dolejší. It carried far more water than the original streambed, which is why locals called the stream “Jalový potok”.

The village green was lined with farmsteads and cottages. House numbering was introduced under Maria Theresa in 1770. Before that, farms, cottages and mills were known by the names of former owners, even if the property had changed hands many times.

In the 20th century, after land reclamation, the village green became a town square. Between 1928 and 1952, it was named Masaryk Square after the first Czechoslovak president. From 1952 to 1977, it bore the name Czechoslovak Army Square. After Radotín was incorporated into the capital, it received its current name: Náměstí Osvoboditelů (Liberators’ Square).

Map: Until 1840, Radotín had 36 houses. Before 1770, only 27 house numbers existed. Photo: Archive of the Radotín Chronicle Commission

House No. 21 on Náměstí Osvoboditelů. Entrance to the former cement works (today the municipal office). The stream in the foreground (1905). Photo: Archive of the Radotín Chronicle Commission

Náměstí Osvoboditelů (1956) Photo: Archive of the Radotín Chronicle Commission

Náměstí Osvoboditelů (1985) Photo: Archive of the Radotín Chronicle Commission

War Memorial

In the middle of the park by the main road stands the memorial dedicated to the victims of war. The monument to the fallen and deceased soldiers of the First World War was solemnly unveiled on 2 October 1921, attended by the municipal council, local associations, civic organisations and many residents. The plaque bears the names of local men who fell or died far from home on the battlefields of 1914–1918.

The old village green by the stream with newly planted horse chestnuts (today’s traffic‑light junction) Photo: Archive of the Radotín Chronicle Commission

Unveiling of the war memorial in 1921 Photo: Archive of the Radotín Chronicle Commission

After the Second World War, the monument was expanded with a plaque commemorating its victims—those treacherously killed as well as the heroes who fell in  May 1945 fighting for Radotín. The memorial underwent a complete restoration in 2016.

Bohemian Karst Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Český kras)

This information panel is the property of the Administration of the Bohemian Karst Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Český kras). https://ceskykras.aopk.gov.cz