How about a journey back in time to when Holubice was first mentioned in 1204? This village in the Prague-West District has a history stretching back centuries. It has seen kings donate it and noble families own it.
Holubice today has over 2,000 inhabitants. The name Holubice comes from the personal name Holub. It means “the village of Holub’s people.” Holub means pigeon. Can you imagine this area filled with pigeon houses?
The village is about 13 kilometers north of Prague. It sits on the Prague Plateau. The highest point here is Ers hill. It is 345 meters above sea level. Imagine the views from up there.
For a long time the village was owned by the Gryspek family. They were lords of Gryspach. But after the Battle of the White Mountain, their properties were taken. Then, in 1623, Polyxena of Lobkowicz acquired Holubice. From that moment on, the Lobkowicz family owned Holubice. Imagine what it must have been like to live under their rule.
The most important site in Holubice is the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Its core dates back to the first half of the 13th century. That’s the Romanesque-Gothic period. The church has been rebuilt many times. Yet it retains its medieval look. Can you picture the people who worshiped here centuries ago?
Even a dinosaur fossil was found here. Antonín Frič, a Czech naturalist, found some small Cretaceous reptile fossils. He called it Procerosaurus exogyrarum. Now, it is known as Ponerosteus exogyrarum.
Holubice has seen many changes over the years. Yet it still holds onto its rich history. From King Ottokar I’s donation to the Lobkowicz family’s rule, Holubice has a fascinating story. The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and the story of the dinosaur fossil, all give us a look into the past. So, next time you are in Prague, take a trip to Holubice. Experience the history of this village.