A fire. That’s how the Kotlárka almost vanished. But from the ashes rose a story. We stand before the Kotlárka a historic farmstead in Prague’s Košíře district. This isn’t just any building. It’s a testament to resilience. It boasts a history stretching back to the 15th century. Initially a vineyard it was bought in 1657 by Melichar Werschauer a New Town vintner. He gave it its current name.
The Kotlárka expanded in 1735 absorbing the neighboring Kaničkářka vineyard. This vineyard was named after a renowned old-town weaver Kryštof Štoffa. Wars unfortunately ravaged the Kotlárka’s vineyards in 1742. The farmstead itself wasn’t built until the late 18th century. A devastating fire in 1801 almost wiped it out. Imagine the flames the smoke. After a significant restoration in 1840 the Kotlárka was rebuilt in the style of English Gothic.
Despite the renovations the original layout from the late 18th century remained. The Kotlárka comprises two residential buildings and four farm buildings. A barn is present. These structures encircle two courtyards linked by a gate. The first residential building dates back to the late 18th century. Note its open staircase its decorative railing and its tiered roof. The second residential building is slightly younger about a century more recent. It’s symmetrical to the first. It features a charming terrace.
The southern side of the Kotlárka buildings is reinforced with buttresses. This is due to their location on the hillside. The main entrance to the Kotlárka is from the north. Nearby you can find the original wine press from the late 18th century. Sadly it’s damaged from later repairs. The Kotlárka’s wine cellars still exist.
Since 1964 the Kotlárka has been a protected monument. In 1974 it was renovated to become a plant protection center. Today the Kotlárka thrives. It serves as a restaurant and a pension. It stands as a reminder of Prague’s rich history a symbol of survival and adaptation. Its story echoes through these stones a narrative of fire loss and rebirth. The Kotlárka lives on a testament to the enduring spirit of the place.