Hidden on a hillside in Prague 5 lies Praha – Konvárna. This isn’t just any building. It’s a historical gem a former vineyard estate with roots stretching back to the 15th century.
Imagine a time long ago. The area was bustling with activity. Vines covered the slopes. A small settlement thrived nearby. This land belonged to the Kantor family. They owned a vineyard called Kantorka. It was a significant 32 strychů. (A strych was an old unit of land measurement.) A small farmstead stood near the vines. Small fishponds provided extra food. Before 1488 the ponds were filled in. A small mill replaced them.
Then came Dorota Konvová. In 1507 she acquired 16 strychů of Kantorka. Six more strychů were added around 1580. She combined her land with a neighboring vineyard Knoflídka. For a time the vineyards were split into four parts. Then they were united again in 1615.
By 1654 the entire estate was known as Konvárna. The Knights of the Red Star owned the estate. They held it until before 1840. The estate consisted of three buildings a dwelling a stable and a barn.
The 20th century brought change. Architect Kořínek transformed the main dwelling into a two-story villa with a mansard roof. He completed the renovation in 1929. The barn was repaired and became an atelier. The former stables were converted into apartments and workshops.
The main house still displays its 18th-century Baroque features. An original pump graces the garden. From the early 1970s renowned artist Eva Kmentová used the atelier as her creative space.
Praha – Konvárna stands as a testament to Prague’s rich history. It’s a place where the past whispers to the present. It is a reminder of Prague’s agricultural past and its transformation into a modern city. It is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.