Netluky

Did you hear about the place named after lumberjacks? It’s right here, Netluky. You see, the name “Netluky” likely comes from the Czech word for “chopping wood,” reflecting the area’s past. Back in 1386, this wasn’t the cluster of buildings you see now, but a bustling village known as “Pnťluky.” However, the Thirty Years’ War left its mark, and by 1639 Swedish troops had ravaged Pnťluky, leaving it deserted. While the village never rose again, its story continued. The noble Lichtenstein family saw potential in the site’s fertile land nestled between the Rokytka and Šárecký streams. They established a grand baroque farmstead, the heart of which you see today in Netluky. Over the centuries, the farm changed hands, shaping the face of this little hamlet. In 1920, it became a practice ground for students from the University of Agriculture in Prague. Then, in 1953, the farm transitioned again, becoming the site of the Research Institute of Animal Production, a role it still holds today. But Netluky’s story isn’t just about agriculture. This place played a crucial role in preserving a true equine treasure – the Przewalski’s horse. Between 1921 and 1932, Netluky served as a haven for the first Przewalski’s horses brought to Europe. The first four foals were born right here, paving the way for their reintroduction into the wild. Today, Netluky stands as a testament to Prague’s layered past, a blend of rural charm and scientific endeavor.