Sofijské náměstí 3400/6, Prague 12 – Modřany
The Sofie Passage in Modřany is a shopping center on Sofijské Square, building on the history of the former Prior department store. The Sofie Passage was established in the building of the former Prior department store, which was the dominant feature of the square for many years. Following a reconstruction, it opened to the public as a shopping gallery with dozens of shops and services, becoming the natural center of life in this part of Prague.
The Prior department store in Modřany began development in 1988, based on a design by architects Jiří Kos and František Prajer. Construction was launched due to a lack of retail capacity in the rapidly growing Modřany housing estate. Due to financial difficulties, construction dragged on until 1991, when the building was completed and approved for use. By that time, however, the Prior brand no longer existed, so the property served various operators – ranging from smaller shops to Vietnamese marketplaces. In 2009, the building was converted into the Sofie Passage, offering a modern environment for about twenty shops. In recent years, there have been discussions about further revitalization, which should bring a multifunctional building with apartments, medical offices, and a new supermarket.
Today, the Sofie Passage offers a wide range of shops and services – from a supermarket and a drugstore to smaller specialized stores. Its location on Sofijské Square makes it the natural center of Modřany, where local residents and visitors meet. The passage carries on the tradition of the Prior department store, while simultaneously striving to adapt to the modern needs of the municipal district.
In conclusion The Sofie Passage is an example of the transformation of the original Prior department store into a modern urban center. It offers everyday essential services, recalls the history of Modřany, and at the same time demonstrates how the form of Prague passages is changing. It is a place worth visiting – whether for shopping or as a reminder of the transformation of urban space.
