Operation Anthropoid
For those interested in the history of WW2 there’s a “must” memorial (museum) in the crypt of the Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius on Resslova street, near Karlovo náměstí, and only about 100m. from the river and the Dancing house.This is dedicated to the Czechoslovak paratroopers who assassinated Nazi leader Reinhard Heydrich on 27 May 1942 (who died from his injuries on 4 June), I’m of course referring to Operation Anthropoid. And if you’re on a low budget trip, this is for you, because the entrance is for free!
The memorial is located in the underground of orthodox cathedral where seven paratroopers involved in the assination was hunted down and murdered by the nazis on 18th of June 1942. The exhibition gives a very good background to the event’s starting with the Munich Agreement in 1938 until the fight in the cathedral and crypt in 1942.
The crypt is open year around, every day except for Mondays. I suggest you make a visit, it’s actually worth it. Why? This whole event plays a significant part in the military history of this country that you are visiting, and it’s especially relevant today with everything that is happening around us. And for the same reason I can’t resist the temptation to quote philosopher George Santayana, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
