Úřad městké části Praha-Kolovraty

Could a humble press be the key to a noble family’s name? Here at the Úřad městské části Praha-Kolovraty, the story of Kolovraty unfolds. The Úřad městské části Praha-Kolovraty serves as the administrative heart of this Prague district. It connects the past with the present. Kolovraty’s history stretches back to the early 12th century, predating many settlements in the area. A document, though later deemed a forgery, mentions Kolovraty as early as 1205. It suggests the village and its fortress existed even earlier, possibly gifted to monks between 1109 and 1140. Its location on the Královská cesta, a vital trade route, cemented its importance. This road connected Prague to Kutná Hora and beyond. This placed Kolovraty at the edge of a vast border forest. This forest separated the tribal realms of the Přemyslids and Slavníkovci until the 10th century. The Kolovraty name likely originated not from the spinning wheel, but from a more ancient press. This “kolovrat” press extracted oil and later, wine. This tradition persisted even after the village’s establishment. Adding to the intrigue, “kolovrat” also referred to other tools like a crossbow’s winding mechanism, a weaver’s spool, or even a simple stringed whirligig. The current Úřad městské části Praha-Kolovraty stands as a testament to this rich history. The district encompasses both Kolovraty and Lipany, a smaller settlement linked to Kolovraty’s administration since at least 1869. This connection continues to shape the district’s identity. Kolovraty’s coat of arms cleverly weaves together the old Kolowrat family crest with later baroque legends. The original fortress, now gone, once stood near the present-day housing developments. Its remnants, absorbed into the estate, now serve as a foundation for modern life. The district’s story, like the press that gave it its name, continues to turn, blending the old with the new.