Pankrác

Pankrác is a district in Prague, Czech Republic, specifically located in the administrative district of Prague 4. It is primarily a residential area, though it also features significant commercial and business zones. The name "Pankrác" is believed to derive from Saint Pancras, a Roman martyr, reflecting the historical religious influences in the region.

Historically, Pankrác was an agricultural area on the outskirts of Prague. Its development accelerated in the late 19th and 20th centuries with the expansion of the city and the construction of infrastructure. A notable landmark is the Pankrác prison, which has a long and often grim history, having served various purposes under different political regimes, including being a site of executions during Nazi occupation and later a political prison.

In more recent times, Pankrác has undergone significant urban renewal. The area surrounding the prison, once largely industrial, has been transformed into a modern business hub with numerous office buildings, shopping centers like Arkády Pankrác, and residential complexes. This development has revitalized the district and made it a dynamic part of the Prague landscape, blending its historical roots with contemporary urban life. The district is well-connected to the city center via public transportation, including metro lines.