Prague’s Main Railway Station

Fanta's Cafe 

Many people pass through Praha Hlavní Nádraží (Praha hl.n.) without ever knowing, or seeing, the grandeur of the building – and the repairs that need to be accomplished. Originally opened in 1871 and named the Franz Josef Station, the train station today is a bustling hub that as a modern feel; however, the main concourse built in the 1970s is built beneath an architectural gem. Last year Radio Prague did a feature story discussion the renovations and plans for the Fanta’s Café. The renovations look to be complete; however, the exterior of the building is not often seen by pedestrians is in desperate need of work. Fanta’s Café was originally completed in the first decade of the twentieth century. The art nouveau space has been beautifully restored and the stained glass windows is reminiscent of a Mucha painting.

Reliefs on the exterior of the building 

One can see that the exterior of the building was once exquisite as well. Yet time and neglect has seriously damaged the building. Without know the architectural significance or the fact that the main railway station is underneath, you might expect that the building was derelict and slated for demolition. The statues and reliefs on the exterior of the building, created by Ladislav Šaloun, who also created the famous Jan Hus statue on Old Town Square, are crumbling and in disrepair.

Outside: the state of the building

The first time I came to Prague it was through the central train station. I do not remember a lot of specifics, except in my mind the station was clearly influenced by the communist era. It was dark and drab. There were dire warnings to travelers about unauthorized taxis and swindlers who preyed on unsuspecting tourists. Today, the central station is much more in line with other European train stations. It is much lighter and has all the requisite newsstands and shops. But the real gem, like those of Grand Central Station and Thirtieth Street Station, is hidden for the curious to find.