Dream of a village intertwined with the destiny of kings? Welcome to Vr\u00e1\u017e u Berouna.
Vr\u00e1\u017e is more than just a village. It is a testament to resilience. Its story stretches back centuries. Imagine Vr\u00e1\u017e in 1320. The first written record mentions a reeve.
By 1357 Vr\u00e1\u017e was linked to Karl\u0161tejn Castle. Emperor Charles IV had the castle built. Vr\u00e1\u017e helped support the collegiate chapter there. Villagers paid 126 groschen.
The Hussite Wars brought suffering. Vr\u00e1\u017e felt the sting in 1421. Again in 1639 the Thirty Years War brought devastation. Swedish armies burned Vr\u00e1\u017e to the ground. Few villagers remained after the fire. But Vr\u00e1\u017e recovered.
In 1625, Vr\u00e1\u017e along with Karl\u0161tejn estates became the queen’s property. Before this transfer in 1622 Vr\u00e1\u017e was valued as part of the Karl\u0161tejn estate.
The Karl\u0161tejn estate was pawned in 1631 to Jan Kavka \u0158\u00ed\u010dansk\u00fd. Eventually Jan Norbert hr. ze \u0160ternberka acquired the larger part of Karl\u0161tejn in 1693, the Czech Royal Chamber assessed the Karl\u0161tejn estate and decided to sell it. The castle, however, reverted to the king. Empress Eleonora acquired the estate in 1705. Then it passed to the wives of rulers as a dower estate. Finally in 1755 Maria Theresa gifted the estate. She gave it to the Institute of Noblewomen at Hrad\u010dany. They remained the landlords until 1850.
The Thirty Years’ War left Vr\u00e1\u017e devastated. In 1651 only one farmer and three cottagers lived here. Seven farmsteads were deserted. The parish was abandoned.
In 1654 only one of eight farms was occupied. Seven remained deserted.
In 1932 Vr\u00e1\u017e had a cement goods factory and three brickworks. There was also a confectioner and a livestock dealer. You could find two barbers and three inns. A cartwright, two blacksmiths and a tailor also worked here. Three shoemakers, a bottled beer shop and a baker were available. Also a butcher and eight general stores existed. Vr\u00e1\u017e even had a savings and loan association.
Today Vr\u00e1\u017e is a modern municipality. Vr\u00e1\u017e maintains its historic charm. The Church of Saint Bartholomew stands as a proud landmark.
Notice the Church of Saint Bartholomew. Its Gothic architecture dates back to the 14th century. It was modified in the early 20th century. Inside Vr\u00e1\u017e cemetery lies Marta Kr\u00e1sov\u00e1. She was a famous opera singer. Professor Josef B\u00f6hm is also buried here. Both had summer homes in Vr\u00e1\u017e.
Consider the etymology. The name Vr\u00e1\u017e likely comes from the Slavic word “novrag”. It means depression or gorge. Vr\u00e1\u017e sits partly in the Ho\u0159ovice Uplands. Part of it reaches into the K\u0159ivokl\u00e1t Highlands.
Vr\u00e1\u017e has a rich tapestry. It has endured wars and fires. It supported Karl\u0161tejn Castle. Vr\u00e1\u017e has been home to notable figures. Vr\u00e1\u017e stands as a symbol of Czech resilience.