Podskalí, which looks like a perfectly modern district on the banks of the Vltava, used to be an ancient fishing settlement that dates back to the 12th century. However, two reminders of its past still exist: it is the early Baroque church of St. Cosmas and St. Damian and the former toll house at Vytoň, number 412 (on what is now Rašínovo nábřeží).
This two-storey stone building with a log floor was completed in the 15th century and played an important role in the local economy. The inhabitants of Podskalí had a monopoly for trading timber that floated down the Vltava, so this house used to collect the relevant custom duties.
Thanks to the fact that the Old Custom House was purchased by the city in 1908, we now have the opportunity to get an insight into the ancient Podskalí everyday life. Take a look at various pictures, documents and tools used by timber merchants, craftsmen, swimmers, fishermen and other people involved in the main industries of those bygone days.
Besides, you can see models of different boats and rafts (even have some interactive experience with them, imagining what it was like to pass through the Midsummer streams), and also learn about the history of steam navigation and freight shipping in Prague.
