Dvůr Velký Depot Farmstead
The great Depot, Solitude No. 283, located east of Týn nad Vltavou, bears its name after the Cissar's chariot warehouses that existed here until 1866. However, the site is mainly known as the site of the extensive artillery training ground operated here in the middle of the 18th century. This military site represents an important fragment of Central European history, where new military technologies were tested and spectacular maneuvers took place with the personal participation of state leaders.
The creation of the training ground was directly linked to the reorganisation of the Austrian army, initiated by the Cisariana Marie Terezie. In the 1940s, the region of Týna nad Vltava was devastated by wars about Austrian heritage. In 1744 Marie Terezie entrusted the reform of obsolete artillery to Prince Josef Václav of Liechtenstein. The first records of the training site itself come from the spring of 1749, when an extensive training ground designed for field artillery was built on the top of Pochané nad Týn. The name of the place was justified: in 1742, there was a victory of the army of Karl Lorraine against the French, and two years later, the retreat of King Friedrich's troops took place.
The military camp had large dimensions - it took up approximately 40 hectares and spread out among the villages of Ancestor, Smilice and Jarošovice. It had the character of a separate city and its purpose was to test new types of artillery material and weapons, as well as to protect the strategic Vltava transition, as another bridge existed only in Prague. The strength structure was made up of a crown wall with one bastion in the middle and two half bastions on the sides, separated from the forefront by a watered moat with ravelin. The architect, who participated in the construction, was Jan Ferdinand Schor, also known for the implementation of the first two navigation chambers in Vltava. Officers lived in a castle with a garden and a watermark while soldiers lived in tents; The premises were supplemented by stables, forge, bakery and 17 taverns.
The tragic event of 1753 has forever hit the history of the place. On the 20th of June, during the preparation of the fireworks intended to celebrate the arrival of the Marie Terezie, flammable substances were raised and a massive explosion took place, requiring dozens of dead and wounded. This tragedy is still a reminder of the sculpture of Calvary. The training area remained intensively used until 1778, with important personalities including Marie Terezie itself with her husband Franz I. Stepan Lorraine in 1753 and Josef II., who arrived in 1766 as a new co-ruler and chief commander of the troops, and again at the beginning of July 1774.
Today, only remains of the grandiose grounds - two settlements, the most famous of which is the solitude of the Great Depot, originally the residence of military officers. Its magnificent architecture still shows the importance of this place in the history of the Austrian army of the 18th century.
Historical milestones
- 1744
- The appointment of Prince Josef Václav from Liechtenstein to reorganise the Austrian artillery after war failures.
- 1749
- The beginning of the construction of the artillery training ground on top of the Chop.
- 1753
- A tragic explosion of fireworks when visiting Empress Marie Terezie, which destroyed part of the complex.
- 1778
- Cancellation of the training grounds and conversion of the premises into military warehouses.
Architectural development
The training ground was built in 1749-1753 as a fortress complex with crown wall, bastion and moat. The original residence for officers was supplemented by military facilities such as stables, smiths and economic buildings. After the destruction of the training ground, most of the objects were demolished, only the fragments of solitude no. 283 and the sculpture of Calvary were preserved. The materials were mostly wooden and walled, typical of Baroque military structures.
Historical events
- 1742
- There was a victory attack by Karl Lorraine's army against the French during the Austrian heritage wars.
- 1744
- Damage to Týn nad Vltava during war operations and subsequent reorganization of the Austrian artillery at the command of Marie Terezie.
- 1753
- A tragic explosion of fireworks when visiting Marie Terezie and František Štěpán Lorraine, in which dozens of people died or were injured.
- 1778
- The official abolition of the artillery training ground and the conv
Owners
- 1744-1778
- 1866-present
Points of interest
- The site was originally known as the Cissar's Votai warehouses, which worked here until 1866.
- The training facility was founded in 1749 on the hill Chop over Tyn after the artillery reform ordered by the Marie Terezie.
- The area occupied approximately 40 hectares and had the character of a separate city with fortress structures such as a crown wall with bastion and a watered moat.
- A tragic explosion in the preparation of fireworks in 1753 has claimed dozens of victims and still reminds it of the sculpture of Calvary.
- The architect Jan Ferdinand Schor was an important person in the construction, who was also involved in the construction of the Vltava lock.
Guide
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Velký Depot is the name of a solitary house number 283 to the east of Týn nad Vltavou. The same name is also used for the Calvary ensemble and the entire surrounding area, where an artillery training ground was established in the middle of the eighteenth century.
In the forties of the eighteenth century, during the War of the Austrian Succession, Týn nad Vltavou suffered severe damage. This is still recalled today by numerous wayside shrines and the name of the city district Bojiště. Military failures prompted Empress Maria Theresa to reorganize the army. In 1744, she commissioned Prince Joseph Wenceslas of Liechtenstein with the reform of outdated artillery.
The first mentions of the training ground date from the spring of 1749. It was established on the hill Posekany above the city. Here in 1742 began the victorious attack by the army of Charles of Lorraine against the French, and in 1744 Prussian troops under King Frederick shamefully retreated from here. At the training ground, new types of cannons, gunpowder compositions, and projectile shapes were tested.
The camp resembled an independent town and covered nearly 40 hectares between Předčice, Smilovice, and Jarošovice. It also protected the crossing over the Vltava River, as the next bridge was not until Prague. The training fortress had a crown rampart with a bastion and two half-bastions, and in front of it lay a partially flooded moat. Officers lived in a small castle with a garden and fountain, soldiers in tents. There were stables, a blacksmith, a bakery, and seventeen taverns. The construction was assisted by architect Jan Ferdinand Schor, the author of the first two locks on the Vltava.
In 1753, the prince of Liechtenstein and General Leopold Daun organized a large exercise. On the Wednesday before Corpus Christi, June 20, 1753, however, the materials prepared for fireworks to greet the empress caught fire. The explosion killed or wounded dozens of people. The Calvary ensemble commemorates this tragedy.
Maria Theresa visited the camp in 1753 with her husband Francis Stephen of Lorraine. Joseph the Second came here in 1766 as a new co-regent and again in July 1774 for large maneuvers of three artillery regiments.
The training ground served until 1778. Until 1866 it housed imperial freight warehouses, and the name Velký Depot dates from that time. Most of the buildings were later razed to the ground. The solitary house Velký Depot survived, originally a magnificent residence of high-ranking officers.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit the Great Depot ruins is in spring or autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the surroundings are less visited than summer months. The sunny afternoon is ideal for photography because light falls favourably on the remains of buildings and surrounding landscape.
The Great Depot ruins can be reached by car on local roads leading east of Týn nad Vltava. Public transport is a place available, but the current connection needs to be checked in the traffic search engine because regular services do not come directly.
When visiting, wear a comfortable shoe, because the terrain around the ruins is uneven and part of the way leads along fields or forest paths. It is also convenient to take a map or GPS navigation with you to make it easier to navigate around. If you are planning a longer stay, it is recommended to bring plenty of water and a light snack.
Photography is allowed at this point, but the best results are achieved in sunny weather on the west or east slope, where there is favourable lighting. Particularly interesting are pictures of the remains of artillery structures in the morning or evening light. The entrance gate and surroundings of Calvary are ideal places for compositions.
In the vicinity of the Great Depot ruins, it is worth visiting the Calvary Statue, which resembles the tragic explosion of 1753. Another interesting thing is the battlefield, the historic district of Týna nad Vltavou, which resembles the battle of the 18th century. Both places are only minutes away from the ruins.
For families with children, the visit to Great Depot is interesting thanks to the possibility of discovering historical remains and walking around the surrounding fields. Children can tell stories about artillery and battles from the past. The statue of Calvary offers space for a short relaxing sitting and a view of the statues. It is recommended to bring games or small worksheets so that children have something to do.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
This is a residential or farm building, not a museum with opening hours. Please view it from public space and respect the owners' privacy. We have no information about access to the interior.
Where is the monument?
Location: Týn nad Vltavou, Jihočeský kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
For kids
Imagine going back to a time when the country was full of ideas and secrets. This is the story of one of the oldest and most famous places in our country - the Dvorce of the Great Depot.
It was like a game where life was played. The city of Týn nad Vltavou was full of people who lived on the Great Depot farm. They were farmers who grew crops and raised animals. To protect their crops from attacks by enemy armies, they built an artillery training ground. That was where soldiers trained in combat techniques.
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Thematic cruise route: History and Nature at the Great Depot in Týn nad Vltavou * *
1. The sculpture of Calvary * Sculpture monument * reminiscent of a tragic explosion from 1753. It stands in a quiet area of the former training ground where you can walk among historical remains and observe detailed sculptures. Ideal for short meditation between other stops.
2. Great Depot * Industrial landmark * from the 19th century, the former railway depot, today used for cultural events. Historical buildings and their architecture associated with railway development are interesting. There are often exhibitions or concerts that add life to the site.
3. The battlefield (Týna nad Vltavou district) * Historical location * with rich 18th century history. Walk the streets of this neighborhood will bring you closer to the atmosphere of old battles and military events. Local houses and streets retain their original character, which gives the place an authentic feeling.
4. Vltava * Strategically significant river * flowing right at the village. You can take a short walk or sit by the shore where you enjoy nature and peace. The river is also an ideal place to observe the surrounding landscape frame.
The route is designed to combine historical and natural attractions around Great Depot and allow you to know the rich history and beauty of Týn nad Vltavou.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring Spring on the ruins of the Great Depot offers a magical transformation where stone walls awaken to life. Sun rays that reflect off wet stones and young leaves, create playful shadows and illuminate ruins as if they were trying to revive them. Nature blooms around - spring blossoms (mainly spring blossoms and rubbers) colour the surroundings with pastel shades, while heather vegetation on the sides begins to green. The atmosphere is light, almost mysterious, as if intertwined in the past and present. The air is colder than in the summer, but no more winter chattering, and the sun heats only slightly. The ideal time for a walk is in the morning when the light is soft and the crowds are not as numerous. Suitable is clothes in warm shades - light jackets, wind coats and comfortable shoes on uneven terrain. Avoid lunch at noon when the sun rises high and the ruins can be dangerously hot. Explore the area after the rain, when the stone walls appear to be even more humid.
Summer Summer brings intense light and long shadows to the ruin of the Great Depot, which changes during the day as a stage. The sun, which is reflected by white plaster remains and black stone blocks, creates contrasts that highlight the dramatic shapes of ruins. Warm summer days are ideal for visiting if you avoid the high season that lasts from July to early August. Nature around it is lush - high grass, wild roses and shawl surround the ruins, while field eels spread in the distance. The atmosphere is lively, almost festive, but without crowds if you arrive in the first half of June or after 15 August. Suitable is light but protective clothing - hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Don't forget enough water because it can be dangerously hot in a ditch or on the sides. The best time is early in the morning or in the afternoon when the sun is not so intense. Avoid visits on Friday and Saturday, when ruins are often crowded.
Autumn Autumn at the Great Depot brings a unique atmosphere where green leaves turn into yellow, orange and red shades, which are reflected in stones and form as if the ruin had turned into a living image. The light is softer than in the summer, but no longer without the spring fog veil - the sun boils lower, and their rays illuminate the ruins with golden light, which emphasizes their antiquities. The air is cold, but pleasant, and at night clouds often appear that add secrets. Nature around it becomes a colour palette - chestnuts, oak trees and linden say goodbye to the flight while the first dry grass and leaves appear in the ditch. The best time to visit is in September when temperatures are still pleasant, but crowds are not as big as in the season. Suitable is warm clothes - sweaters, jackets and comfortable shoes on slippery leaves. Avoid visiting in October if you are afraid of cold because temperatures are falling and the wind can be rough. Explore the ruins at sunset when light creates magical shadows and the atmosphere is the most beautiful.
Winter Winter on the ruins of the Great Depot is a time of peace and mystery, when stone walls appear to be covered with snow as if they become part of the winter landscape. The light is lighter, the sun rises below, and its rays illuminate the ruins with a pale, almost freezing light. Snowflakes that settle on rocks create a unique atmosphere that resembles a fairy tale. Nature around it is covered with white carpet, while the trees stand bare and their branches stretch to heaven. The air is cold and clean, and every step of the ruin seems like a step into the past. The best time to visit is in December when ruins become part of the advent line. Hot clothes - sweatpants, hats and gloves are suitable to keep the temperature up. Avoid visiting in January when temperatures are lowest and ruins can be frozen. The best time is early in the morning, when the light is softest and the crowds are not as big. Explore the ruins at sunset when snowflakes reflect in light and create a magical atmosphere.
Visualizations and artistic views
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Atmosphere of the place
This atmospheric visualisation of the place and period was generated by artificial intelligence. It is not real footage of the location.
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Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
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