Zlatníky u Prahy

What kind of a name is Zlatníky? That’s what you might ask when you hear the somewhat peculiar name of this village. Zlatníky, meaning “goldsmiths” in Czech, hints at a past rich in history. The first mention of Zlatníky appears in historical records back in the year 1300. Back then, it was a bustling village owned by powerful figures. Two brothers, Dětřich and Konrád, both members of the influential Velflovic family of Prague’s patricians, controlled the land. They were ambitious men and built themselves a fortress in Zlatníky, a testament to their power. But power often changes hands. By 1356, Zlatníky was no longer in the hands of the Velflovics. It was given to the St. Vitus Cathedral chapter in exchange for other villages. Imagine the negotiations, the agreements, and the shifting landscapes of power that led to this exchange. This seemingly simple village played a role in the intricate web of power and influence in Bohemia. In the heart of Zlatníky stands the Church of St. Peter and Paul. It’s not the original structure, though. The first church, mentioned as early as 1377, met its end sometime later. In its place, in 1857, rose the current neo-Romanesque church. This house of worship, a silent witness to centuries of change, stands as a reminder of the enduring spirit of Zlatníky.