This girl’s got a thing for old Victorian architecture, especially out-of-use, industrial buildings. Beautiful brickwork, oddly shaped rooms and the occasional skylight with ivy growing through it; what’s not to love? The Ekotechnické Museum (Old Sewage Cleaning Station) displays the old sewage works that formed Prague’s former sewer system. It was built in 1895-1906 (closed in 1967) according to the designs of British engineer, W. H. Lindley.
Guided tours start in the underground catacombs, where visitors will learn all about the history of municipal sewerage and waste water treatments. One of the engine rooms houses two pumping steam engines, preserved in perfect working condition. Then there’s a small exhibit on sanitary and public hygiene conditions, just in case you haven’t gotten your fill on all things wasteful. If you find yourself complaining about your broken fingernail today, tomorrow or next week…don’t! You live in a world with modern sewer systems. And for that, you should be eternally grateful.
