234/5 Kinských Square

Courthouse

Albrecht Barracks, currently known as the Courthouse, was established during 1892–1902. It retained its name during World War II when it served as the seat of the 1st Battalion of the Government Army. In 1944, a hospital for its soldiers was established there.

Prior to the outbreak of the Prague Uprising, František Bürger-Bartoš, the future commander of the ‘Bartoš’ Command, contacted Antonín Šilhavý, Staff Commander of the Inspectorate of the 1st Government Army, seeking assistance in establishing the insurgents’ mobilisation centre in these barracks. During the uprising, it played a significant role in coordinating insurgent activities in Motol, Košíře, Jinonice, etc., as well as in other areas in Prague, including the Vinohrady radio building and the Old Town Hall (Czech radio, Old town hall). Furthermore, the intelligence and material support was concentrated in the barracks, which bordered the ‘Vlasov Army’ headquarters.

In 1945, a heavy IS-2m tank with turret no. 23 was installed in front of the barracks, which was said to have been the first to enter the city during the Prague Uprising (Tank no.24).

The citizens of Smíchov singing the national anthem in front of Albrecht (Štefánik) Barracks on 5 May 1945. In July 1945, the Monument of the Soviet Liberators of Prague (the ‘Smíchov tank’) was installed in the axis of the main entrance, photo by Vejman.