The City Council of Prague 1 has supported the proposal to name the bank of the Vltava River in Prague’s Lesser Town after Karel Schwarzenberg (Náplavka Karla Schwarzenberga). The bank, or more precisely the section between the Liechtenstein Palace and Charles Bridge, has not had a name until now.
Karel Schwarzenberg was an important figure in Czech and European politics, diplomacy, and culture. He dedicated his life to serving Czech society, which he not only loved but also actively shaped. As Foreign Minister and Chancellor to President Václav Havel, he was involved in shaping the democratic form of the Czech Republic after 1989. He was known for his clear stance on the protection of human rights, the promotion of culture, and civil society. Karel Schwarzenberg died in Vienna on 12 November 2023 at the age of 85.
‘Schwarzenberg’s legacy extends far beyond the borders of our country, but his heart always remained loyal to the Czech Republic. For this reason, it is important to preserve his legacy in the Czech public space,’ emphasised Terezie Radoměřská, Mayor of the Prague 1 district.
The section of the riverbank between the Liechtenstein Palace and Charles Bridge is ideal for this. This area is surrounded by the most important monuments of the Czech Republic, which creates a worthy setting for the commemoration of Schwarzenberg’s contribution to Czech society.
The proposal to name the embankment after Karel Schwarzenberg received strong support from the public, which was expressed in a petition. Almost 2,500 citizens supported the proposal online. The response shows that Karel Schwarzenberg’s name and legacy continue to resonate in the public sphere and that his legacy deserves a lasting reminder.
The committee recommended naming this section of the embankment after Karel Schwarzenberg, and the Prague 1 City Council has now approved the proposal. It was then decided to further discuss the approved proposal in the Geographical Commission of the Prague City Council and with representatives of the Municipality of the Capital City of Prague.
