Dominikánský dvorec

In 1625, Emperor Ferdinand II gifted a part of Braník to the Dominican Order. This gift included the Dominikánský dvůr. The Dominicans arrived in Braník that same year, ready to manage the estate and establish their presence. They promptly founded a brewery on the site in 1626. Dominikánský dvůr wasn’t protected by Prague’s city walls. It suffered significant damage during the Thirty Years’ War. After the war ended, the Dominicans began rebuilding their damaged farm. A drawing from 1689 shows a two-story building already standing. However, the reconstruction of Dominikánský dvůr wasn’t fully completed until 1761. This renovation included a new two-story tower with a bell tower. The lower part of this tower housed a chapel adorned with stucco work, some of which remains visible today. In 1899, the Prague Brewers Association purchased Dominikánský dvůr and operated the brewery until 1907. They later acquired another brewery nearby. Dominikánský dvůr then served other purposes. In the early 20th century, it housed a cinema called Kino Eden from 1919 until 1969. Part of the complex was demolished in 1969. It also served as a police station. After World War II, small workshops occupied Dominikánský dvůr. Later, the site was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In the 1950s, demolition threatened Dominikánský dvůr. However, it was added to the list of protected historical buildings, saving it from destruction. Today, Dominikánský dvůr remains in poor condition, surrounded by modern development. It is owned by the city of Prague and managed by the Prague 4 district. In 2019, the district proposed that the city take back and repair this Baroque landmark. There were suggestions to house a Waldorf school within its walls, offering an alternative approach to secondary education.