Hendlův dvůr Homestead

Welcome, distinguished visitors, to one of the fascinating corners of Prague's Dejvice. Right now, you're standing in front of a place that carries a layer of centuries, in front of Hendl's court. Stop for a moment, take a breath and feel the atmosphere of this space. In front of you, there is an area that may seem calm today, but in the past it has been the center of constant movement, work and social life. Look at the overall form of the object and try to imagine how this place has changed over the last 500 years.

To understand what we're seeing, we have to go back very far, until 1551. It is this year that the first written mention of the tavern appears in this location. At that time there was no exhibition yard, but a simple inn that served passengers and locals. This Sharehouse was the cornerstone on which everything else was built. It is fascinating to think that while the whole city was changing around us, here in Dejvice the spirit of hospitality and management remained.

Over time, a small tavern has become an economic estate. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the owners of the complex focused on intensive management of large vineyards. So imagine that instead of today's streets and houses, you were surrounded by a series of grapes that went up the surrounding slopes. The work in the vineyards was difficult, but the proceeds made it possible for the farm to develop gradually. In the eighteenth century, the court gained its typical rectangular space, which you can see today. This geometric arrangement was common at the time for functional economic courts where it was important to have everything clearly distributed for the effective operation of the farm.

Now let's focus on architecture and the details that you can see right in front of you. Look at the facade and the overall structure. One of the most important elements is a house with the number hundred and fifty-two. This building was built in 1882 for the efforts of the man after whom the court bears its name today, Antonín Hendl. Hendl didn't just want an ordinary house here, but he had a inn built here, which soon became a designated meeting place. Note how the housing and business functions are mixed up in this building.

Speaking of architecture, we must not forget the interventions at a later stage. If you think about building construction, think about 1941. At that time, the vault collapsed, which was a serious blow to the building. However, the renowned architect Václav Suk took over the reconstruction of the vaults. His project ensured that the historical nature of the building would be preserved even after this unfortunate event. Václav Suk's work helped maintain the integrity of the court and ensured that the monument will live to our times.

Hendlův dvůr wasn't just a building, it was a space defined by humans. The history of this place is a list of names that left a trail. In 1699, for example, the court bought from the heirs of Valentino Ditrich Ignác Vratislav from Mitrovic. The Mitrovic family of Wroclaw brought their experience and influence to the administration of the court. In addition to them, other personalities such as Jan Chlum, Jan Hermelín or Ondřej Koutek have moved here over time. We also remember Linhart Svarcbart, Balcar Tylish and Kaspar Zachriah Wussin. Let us not forget Antonia Skronsky of Bydžov. Each of these people added their own chapter to the form of court, whether it was economic improvement, change of ownership or simple maintenance of traditions.

Now I want to take you to a few interesting things that make this place more than just a set of old walls. As we mentioned before, the court used to be called the Court of Shares. It's interesting how the names of places change along with their owners and functions. But Hendlův dvůr has had a much wider social use in the past than you might imagine today. It was not only the inn and the farm that operated on the premises. At some point there was an amateur theatre. Imagine those nights when people would come together to watch the show, laugh and discuss life, while the Dívice Gardens would be behind the windows.

In addition to culture, there was an educational atmosphere. There was a school in the past. It is fascinating to think that in areas where wine has been stored before or where guests' meals have been prepared at the inn, children have sat at benches and learned the basics of knowledge. This transformation from an economic farm to a cultural and educational centre shows how Hendlův dvůr adapted to the needs of the time and inhabitants of the area.

When you stand before this monument today, try to combine all these images together. You see the rectangular space that once surrounded the vineyards. You hear the voices of guests in Antonín's famous inn, the noise of the theatre screen and the voices of the students from school. Feel the stability of the vault that Václav Suk saved, and think of all the generations of owners, from Wroclaw to Hendla, who took care of this place.

Hendlův dvůr is living proof of how rural roots gradually intersect with urban development. A small tavern from 1551 became a symbol of Dívice history. It is a place where the practical management of culture meets and where every stone tells its own story about the people who lived and worked here.

Now that you know the story of this special place, I suggest you go around it one more time. Notice the details of the facade, think about the layout of the yard and let yourself be carried away by the ideas of the old Prague vineyards. Take a look around and see how the history of the Court of Hendl connects to today's rhythm of Dejvic.

Thank you for accompanying me on this short journey through time. I hope that this insight into the past has helped you to appreciate the beauty and history of Hendl's court. I wish you a pleasant continuation in discovering the secrets of our city. Goodbye.