Time has etched its stories onto the very stones of Chodovská tvrz. This remarkable structure stands before you a testament to centuries of history. Chodovská tvrz is more than just a castle it’s a living legacy.
Chodovská tvrz’s history stretches back to at least the second half of the 13th century. Fragments of pottery unearthed on the grounds bear silent witness to its early existence. The original structure boasted a circular perimeter wall. This measured about 32 meters in diameter. A significant portion of the ground-level outer wall remains today. A moat once surrounded this defensive stronghold. A wooden bridge maybe even a drawbridge spanned the water. This led to a Gothic archway the original entrance. Above this entryway a tall tower once stood. Adjacent to the wall stood a residential building. The footprint of this structure mirrors that of the present-day concert hall. A second building likely stood near the current entrance to the courtyard. Small wooden structures clustered near the walls.
The Hussite wars marked a turning point. Prague’s civic authorities seized the property. Ownership changed hands multiple times throughout the centuries. The Ždářský family from Chrast their descendants the Chodovští from Chrast eventually acquired Chodov. Šeberov was added to their holdings. The Thirty Years’ War brought devastation. The manor and the fortress were badly damaged.
Subsequent renovations between 1676 and 1728 transformed the castle into a Baroque manor house. The manor’s windows broke through the old fortress walls. A passageway into the courtyard was likely created during this time. In 1727 the Benedictine monks who owned the estate sold it to the Barons of Goltz of Kunratice. This family eventually rose to the rank of counts. In 1801 the Korb family of Weidenheim acquired the Kunratice estate including Chodov. They made improvements. The entrance tower was removed. Classicist arcades were added to the courtyard.
The 20th century witnessed further shifts in ownership. The estate passed into the hands of the Prague municipality. The manor house fell into disrepair. The farmhouse was demolished in the 1970s during road construction. However the residential building endured. Between 1984 and 1990 a meticulous reconstruction restored Chodovská tvrz. Historic elements were carefully preserved and integrated into the design.
Today Chodovská tvrz thrives as a vibrant cultural center. It hosts a diverse range of events concerts and art exhibitions. This includes contemporary and 20th-century art. Music lovers can enjoy classical piano concerts and French chansons. There are also regular children’s theater performances. The Chodovská tvrz offers a rich tapestry of history culture and entertainment. It continues to captivate and inspire all who visit. A testament to its enduring spirit and remarkable resilience. Chodovská tvrz remains a unique landmark in Prague.