Whispers of a hidden past surround Hostim u Berouna. This unassuming village nestled near Beroun holds secrets beneath its peaceful surface. Hostim u Berouna more than just a quiet place. It’s a place steeped in history. Its first written mention dates back to 1310.
For centuries Hostim u Berouna changed hands. It belonged to the Ostrov u Davle monastery. Later it became property of the St John’s monastery under the Rock. The village remained under the monastery’s ownership until its dissolution in 1785. There were interruptions. Hostim u Berouna was briefly out of the monastery’s hands between 1618 and 1620.
During the 19th century Hostim u Berouna became part of the Karlštejn estate. It was a settlement of St John under the Rock until 1900. Then it stood alone as its own village. It finally became part of Beroun in 1970.
Hidden within Hostim u Berouna’s earth lies the former Alkazar limestone quarry. During World War II this quarry became something more than a quarry. It transformed into a clandestine weapons factory. It operated under the code name Kainit for the German army.
Even more surprising Hostim u Berouna has a darker secret. From 1950 to 1964 this same quarry held radioactive waste. It came from the mines in Jáchymov. This hazardous underground repository remained unsecured until 1997.
Today Hostim u Berouna is a quiet place. Yet its stones hold memories. It whispers of monastic ownership wartime secrecy and radioactive shadows. Hostim u Berouna a small village with a vast and complex past. A past that continues to fascinate and intrigue.