Prague Wants to Name Charles Bridge Embankment After Karel Schwarzenberg

Prague 1 has put forward a proposal to name the unnamed section of the embankment in Malá Strana, located between Charles Bridge and Liechtenstein Palace, after the late politician and diplomat Karel Schwarzenberg, who passed away in 2023.

The Prague 1 council approved the initiative, but the final decision rests with the Prague City Council, which evaluates street and square names based on recommendations from local districts and the topographic commission.

Terezie Radoměřská (TOP 09), mayor of Prague 1 and a relative of Schwarzenberg, emphasized the significance of the location.

“This stretch of the embankment is one of the most beautiful spots in our district, right at the heart of Malá Strana, at the foot of Charles Bridge,” she said. She believes the naming would reflect Schwarzenberg’s deep connection to Prague 1 while also respecting his modesty.

A key reason for selecting this site is its practicality—since the embankment currently has no official name, the change would not cause administrative complications for residents.

Schwarzenberg’s son Jan Schwarzenberg, head of the noble family, has already granted permission for the use of his father’s name.

Public Support and Opposition

However, the proposal has not been universally accepted. Pavel Čižinský and Valerie Talacková (both Social Democrats, formerly Praha 1 Sobě) voted against it, while Adél Kučera (Greens) abstained. Čižinský expressed concerns, arguing that Schwarzenberg’s legacy is polarizing. “He can be both praised and criticized. In my opinion, this does not justify naming a public space after him,” he said.

The Process of Naming Public Spaces in Prague

Under Prague’s regulations, anyone can propose a new street or square name. The request is first reviewed by the respective district authority and, if approved, forwarded to the municipal topographic commission.

If the commission supports the change, it is then voted on by the Prague City Council. By law, public spaces cannot be named after living individuals.

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