Ferdinand Vaněk Bench Prague
Who knew Ferdinand V.?
Well, actually, almost nobody knew Ferdinand Vaněk. It was actually a pseudonym of the later very famous first president of the Czech Republic Václav Havel. But back then, if you didn't want to get in trouble, instead of saying that you'd met with a famous dissident, you just mentioned Vaněk. Even the official newspaper wished (in the section where you'd pay for little ads) all the best to Ferdinand Vaněk, not knowing that the dissident community was laughing how that little gem had made it through the tough censorship. So today there's a little piece of art celebrating the life of Václav Havel in the form of a gravity-defying bench, just like Havel defied the realities of the communist regime back then.
The keg supporting the bench points to the time Havel was in jail and working in the brewery. The translation of the text says "But I certainly cannot participate in something with which I disagree."
If you visit this spot in April or beginning of May, you may witness the overwhelming bloom of many sakura trees and probably you'll meet many Japanese people taking selfies under the impressive canopy of pink. Come a little later to walk in a deep carpet of sakura petals. Visit any other time & see examples of more than a century of architectural styles - old buildings of The University of Chemical Technology & the more modern Faculty of Electro, Faculty of Architecture & the Technical Library. BTW, it is also on path of our E-bike trip.
About this spot
Technická 5
- 24 hours daily
CZK
no-price
Find your way with 200 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Prague
CloverLeaf
Superb Asian cuisine
"CloverLeaf" in Prague is just what I crave in a Vietnamese restaurant: very light, refreshing food in a nice interior. A perfect discovery for me...
by
Janina
Michlova
Drahanské údolí
Prague wilderness
"Drahanské údolí" is a breathtaking natural park that is unbelievably still part of Prague. If you're brave enough to come here, you'll be richly rewarded.
by
Janina
Michlova
Na Slamníku
400-year-old Czech pub
"Na Slamníku" in Prague is one of the oldest pubs in the country, a key element in Czech history AND a great place to eat and have a beer. It has it all!
by
Janina
Michlova
Joystick
Gamer's nest
"Joystick" in Prague is a gamer nest in a cellar, an arcade game bar. They even have table football and a TV with a Nintendo Wii and Mario Kart!
by
Josef
Ševčík
Podolský Profil
Unexpected view
"Podolský Profil" is a great place to go hiking to in Prague during summer. It has a great view over an old swimming pool and it's in the middle of nature.
by
Janina
Michlova
Rozhledna Doubravka
Only for the brave
"Rozhledna Doubravka" is a new wooden lookout tower in Prague. It's 20m high and you have to climb 98 (slightly moving) steps to get to the top!
by
Janina
Michlova
Ankali
Little Berlin in Prague
"Ankali" is a techno/electro music club hidden in Prague 10. It looks a bit scary from the outside, and that's why it can guarantee great evenings!
by
Ivana
Pivarníková
Café Lajka
Simply a place to hang out
"Café Lajka" may seem like an ordinary coffee spot in Prague 7, but I still feel very special whenever I come here to this neighborhood with my friends.
by
Ivana
Pivarníková
Skautský Institut
Your cultural centre
"Skautský Institut" is hidden right next to the clock in Prague's old town. It's a coffee place & cosy reading room and they organise all kinds of events!
by
Ivana
Pivarníková
Nový Hrad Kunratice
You're still in Prague
"Nový Hrad Kunratice" is in a big park, or even woods, not far from the centre of Prague. It's a beautiful place with some ruins of an old castle...
by
Janina
Michlova
Kasárna Karlín
All in one
"Kasárna Karlín" Prague is a dynamic cultural centre with a coffee place, a cinema, a bar, a gallery... I love coming to the outdoor square with friends!
by
Ivana
Pivarníková
Loving Bistro
Vegan Vietnamese
"Loving Bistro" in Prague is a vegan and Vietnamese restaurant with very interesting takes on traditional dishes! Even meat-eaters will love it!
by
Janina
Michlova
Heading to Prague?
200 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Prague?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 200 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Prague
Get to know our other Spotters from Prague
As featured on:
