Shatalitcz. The very name whispers of a distant past. Imagine this small village nestled near Prague. Satalice it is called today. It first appears in records in 1374. A humble village then. Just a few houses a small manor house. It belonged to the Chapter of St Apollinaris.
The name itself holds a mystery. Two theories vie for the truth. One claims it was named for the Sotal family. Another points to the word *sotat*. This meant to strike someone to knock them to the ground. Perhaps Satalice was a village of brawlers a village of fighters.
For centuries Satalice remained small. It never experienced a great boom. It was always under some larger lordship. In the 17th century it became property of the Vyšehrad Chapter. Then in 1722 the Černínové of Chudenice bought it. They added it to their Vinoř estate. Satalice remained part of Vinoř until 1890. That year Satalice became its own independent municipality.
But its independence was short-lived. In 1974 Satalice became part of Prague. It remains so to this day. A small urban district. A quiet reminder of Prague’s sprawling history.
A special feature of Satalice is its wildlife sanctuary. The Satalice Game Reserve. Established in the 18th century it covers 16 hectares. This protected area shelters rare insects. Many birds make their nests there. The reserve also boasts ancient trees. A peaceful green space in this part of the city.
This unassuming area has stories to tell. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine. A hidden treasure in the heart of a great city. Its peaceful atmosphere offers a welcome contrast to Prague’s bustling centre. The quiet village. Once known as Shatalitcz. Now Satalice. A part of Prague’s rich tapestry. Its past echoes in its very name. A testament to time.