Visit to the old Bubeneč wastewater treatment plant
A neglected technical and architectural gem
The treatment plant was built in 1901–1906 according to the plans of the British engineer William Lindley. It served its purpose until 1967, when a new treatment plant was put into operation on Císařský ostrov. Now the treatment plant is no longer functional, but it can be visited as part of a very interesting sightseeing circuit, which will take you to the facilities of the treatment plant, cisterns or sewers.
Appearance
The historic wastewater treatment plant is located in Prague Bubeneč in Papírenská Street. From a distance, we are fascinated by two chimneys – one for ventilation of underground spaces, the other for smoke from the heating of local apartments for employees. If you are brave, there is an option to pay for the chimney and abseil chimney to the inside of the treatment plant.
Great Hall
Probably the largest underground room is the so-called Great Hall. Here, the sewage was cleaned of solid impurities using mechanical screens and other equipment.
Underground
There are still a number of functional and non-functional equipment in the treatment plant.
Steam engines
We can admire two still functional steam engines with original leather belts. These machines can be seen „in action“ several times a year.
Riding a ferry
For an additional fee of CZK 50, you can take a boat ride through the waste pit.
The path through the sewer
Back to the east we go through a typical brick drain.
Articles nearby
