Drawn to the tales of ancient settlements? Then you have come to the right place in Butovice. Butovice a part of Prague holds secrets dating back centuries. Let’s step back in time together.
Butovice was once an independent village. Now it is part of Prague’s Jinonice district. It resides within the municipal district of Prague 5. The name Butovice comes from the personal name Buta. The first written record of Butovice dates back to 1088. It is from the founding charter of the Vyšehrad collegiate chapter.
In 1088, one part of Butovice belonged to the Vyšehrad chapter. The other part belonged to the Czech ruler Vratislav II. During the Hussite wars, Butovice became property of Prague’s Old Town. Throughout the 16th century, ownership changed rapidly.
Emperor Rudolf II in 1592 admonished Adam of Hradec. This was for failing to pay 11000 Meissen groschen for Butovice. The property included the entire village. It also included a farm, two other farms, rights to the church, two taverns, a court in Jinonice, game preserves and pastures.
In 1621, Ferdinand II confiscated Jinonice and Butovice. Knight Albrecht Pfefferkorn of Ottopach bought Butovice. He paid 17400 Meissen groschen. After him, Butovice passed to his eldest daughter Johana Kateřina Pfefferkornová of Ottopach. She was married to Knight Hynek Jiří. He was a member of the Všechlapy line of Žďárský family of Žďár. Johana Kateřina repurchased the confiscated property. Pavel Count Michna of Vacínov then bought it from her. Several other owners followed.
During the Thirty Years’ War, Butovice suffered much damage. In 1685, Prince of Schwarzenberg bought the estate. This important Czech family owned it until 1920. The Schwarzenbergs then sold the estate to Prague.
Under the patronage of the prince, a school was established in Butovice in 1714. Children from Jinonice, Klukovice, Nová Ves and Vysoká attended. Jakub Beneš was the school’s first teacher. He died in 1738 at age 80. Josef Čermák was appointed teacher the same year. He lived and taught in a pub. A separate school building was built in 1739.
In 1890, Butovice had 96 houses. Jinonice joined Prague in 1922. Together with Butovice, they had 257 numbered houses. These were inhabited by 2294 residents. Residents worked in agriculture or commuted to Prague.
Since 1610, Butovice’s history has been linked with Jinonice. Jinonice was the administrative center. It also housed the parson for Butovice’s Church of St. Lawrence.
The Church of St Lawrence is Butovice’s most important monument. It was built in the Romanesque style in the late 11th century. It has undergone several modifications. A pseudo-Romanesque renovation occurred in 1894. The grounds include a cemetery and a unique half-timbered bell tower. Traces of prehistoric settlement were found near the church. Slavs later used this site. In the 9th century, they established a fort. This fort may have been connected to the church’s construction. The fort disappeared in the 11th century. The remains of this fort are still visible. A yellow tourist mark leads directly to it. Because it is not forested, it offers views of the Prokopské Valley. Near the former village square is Butovice Pond. Several preserved farmhouses can be found here.
Butovice also has a strong connection to nature. It lies beneath Dívčí Hrady and near the Prokopské Valley. Butovice Stream flows through Butovice. The Prokopské and Dalejské streams also flow through it. The Prokopské and Dalejské Valley Nature Park is in Butovice.
Radlická Street runs between Butovice and Jinonice. It interrupts Butovická Street. Butovická Street was once the main street. Metro station Jinonice is about 15 minutes from Butovice.
Today Butovice blends ancient history with modern life. The Church of St Lawrence stands as a testament to time. The surrounding natural areas provide peace. As you leave Butovice reflect on its rich history. Think about the people who shaped this unique place.