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General info
At the western edge of Prague’s largest island, Štvanice, stands a small hydroelectric power plant in Art Nouveau style.
What you see in the cover is a postcard from 1915. The building is a protected technical cultural monument since 2002.
The hydroelectric power station dates back to 1912–1914 and it is notable for being one of the first reinforced concrete edifices in Prague.
It features a 22m-high square tower that culminates with a dome, and its facade is oriented to the west.
The structure was designed by architect Alois Dlabač and built by engineers Antonín Müller and Vojtěch Kapsa of the Plzeň company “Müller a Kapsa”.
The facility was part of a network of small hydroelectric power plants (MVE – Malé Vodní Elektrárny, in Czech) established along the Vltava River since the late 19th century to supply electricity to homes and to illuminate urban areas.
Originally, three Francis turbines manufactured by Českomoravská-Kolben operated at the power station. These were the same turbines used in Hučák (in Hradec Králové) and in Les Království.
The technical equipment, which also included wooden gears, lasted until 1972, when wear and tear and irreparable defects compromised its proper operation.
In 1973, the Štvanice power plant was shut down and concrete was poured to close the penstocks (or feeder pipes).
Reconstruction of the power station
The power plant was rebuilt between 1984 and 1987, and it was put back into operation at the end of 1988.
During the reconstruction, it was discovered that the building’s foundations were supported only by wooden pilings and gravel, which obviously wouldn’t last forever.
Therefore, the pilings were replaced with a concrete structure anchored to the rock bed.
Furthermore, the Francis turbines were removed to make room for three new Kaplan turbines.
Interesting fact: a part of a Francis turbine was saved and can now be found in the small park behind the power plant building.
The engineer Tomáš Šenberger decided to place the turbine part on a pedestal and make of it a piece of public art.
The reconstruction did not involve only the hydroelectric power station building.
A sports channel for water slalom was created on the right bank of the island’s locks, although it was never utilized for competitions. The Troja canal slalom appeared to be more attractive.
The building underwent a further reconstruction after the 2002 floods.
How to get there
The island is in the middle of the city and easily reachable by a nice walk along the Vltava or by tram – stop at Štvanice station.
The access to the power station is generally not permitted.
You can admire the buildings from the outside by strolling through the island’s park, from both riverside promenades, or from the Štefánik Bridge (Štefánikův most).
In special occasions, such as the Days of Architecture, guided tours of the plant take place.
As there is no official website that reports old or latest info, you just have to try your luck by googling.
