Na Františku Hospital, the oldest healthcare facility in the Czech Republic, will celebrate its 670th anniversary in 2024. To mark this significant occasion, a book titled *The History and Present of Na Františku Hospital in Prague* is being published, offering a unique and comprehensive overview of the hospital’s rich history and key moments in its present.
670 years of history in the pages of this unique publication
In the book *The History and Present of Na Františku Hospital in Prague*, 670 years of this exceptional institution’s rich history unfold before your eyes. Thanks to the outstanding work of the renowned historian, Associate Professor Ludmila Hlaváčková, you have the opportunity to explore the pivotal moments that shaped this hospital and learn the personal stories of those who contributed to its development.
Each chapter offers a captivating look at the era when Na Františku Hospital became an integral part of not only Prague’s but also Europe’s healthcare system. This publication is more than just a historical overview—it offers a deep insight into the world of medical care and the lives of the figures who have symbolized the hospital on the banks of the Vltava River for centuries. The book is complemented by rich photographic illustrations that perfectly bring the entire story to life.
Each chapter offers a captivating look at the era when Na Františku Hospital became an integral part of not only Prague’s but also Europe’s healthcare system. This publication is more than just a historical overview—it offers a deep insight into the world of medical care and the lives of the figures who have symbolized the hospital on the banks of the Vltava River for centuries. The book is complemented by rich photographic illustrations that perfectly bring the entire story to life.
What will you find in the book?
Through unique archival photographs, this book takes you deep into the hospital’s past. You will discover rare archival materials, such as a depiction of the hospital and its floor plan from the 19th century, a historical view of the patient ward, and period photographs of the hospital’s new wing on the riverfront from the 1930s. The publication also includes portraits of prominent figures whose lives were inextricably linked to this institution.
Among the valuable images are also photographs of the first anesthesiology and resuscitation department in Czechoslovakia, which was established right here at Na Františku Hospital.
Among the valuable images are also photographs of the first anesthesiology and resuscitation department in Czechoslovakia, which was established right here at Na Františku Hospital.
Fans of Prague legends will also find something to enjoy. The book mentions the famous staircase, which is said to have been made from wood used to build the execution platform where Czech nobles were executed in Old Town Square in 1621.
In the book, you will also see historical artifacts that have survived to this day, having endured centuries within the hospital’s walls, though they are not normally accessible to the public. The publication offers, for example, a glimpse into the period-style refectory, which features an original wall-mounted washbasin from 1686 and a unique mural depicting the faces of the Brothers of Mercy from the 1930s, which adorns the hospital’s original entrance on U Milosrdných Street.
The book also features previously unpublished photographs, such as those of the 2002 floods, which were followed by an extensive renovation of the hospital.
Precise craftsmanship and elegant book design
In creating this unique publication, we took exceptional care with its craftsmanship and design. The book is hand-sewn, which is immediately apparent thanks to its decorative open binding. The hardcover not only protects the book’s contents but also gives it a luxurious appearance. Each copy is carefully packaged in an elegant box with protective bubble wrap to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.
The publication is written in both Czech and English, making it a great addition to any library, not only for Czech readers but also for international readers interested in the history of Czech healthcare.
The modern and tasteful design perfectly reflects the value and prestige of this unique book, which also makes an excellent elegant gift.
The publication is written in both Czech and English, making it a great addition to any library, not only for Czech readers but also for international readers interested in the history of Czech healthcare.
The modern and tasteful design perfectly reflects the value and prestige of this unique book, which also makes an excellent elegant gift.
Order your copy and become part of this story, which Prague has been writing for more than 670 years.
| Price of the book | 250 CZK |
Where to buy the book
At the reception desk of Na Františku Hospital (main entrance, ground floor) on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bibliographic information
| Book Title | The History and Present of Na Františku Hospital in Prague |
| Subtitle | The story of the oldest continuously operating healthcare facility in the Czech Republic |
| Author | Associate Professor Ludmila Hlaváčková, Ph.D., and Lucie Krausová, M.A. |
| Translation | Stanislav Cita, Ph.D. |
| Published by | Hospital Na Františku |
| Year of publication | 2024 |
| Edition | first |
| Language | Czech, English |
| Height and width | 22 cm |
| Depth | 1.3 cm |
| Binding | open, hand-sewn, hardcover |
| Cover | yes |
| Number of pages | 90 |
| ISBN | 978-80-11-05271-3 |