Horní hamr Hammer mill
Water Hamr in Dobřív is a unique technical monument reminiscent of the old tradition of iron processing in this region. Since 2010 it has been among the national cultural monuments. The list includes the name Horní hamr or the Upper Lub. It is currently managed by the West Bohemian Museum in Pilsen, which maintains a permanent exhibition.
Hamru roots go deep into the past. The original wooden hamr stood in these places already in the 16th century. During the Thirty Years' War, Swedish troops burned it down in 1634. The renewal took place in 1657, then again in 1702. Today's appearance of hamr was remodeled between 1825 and 1830. From the mid-17th century it worked without interruption until 1956, then for four years it served as a warehouse. The product range was changed: iron was processed into semi-finished products, tools and cannonballs were produced during the 30-year war. Since 1724 he focused on nail production, after 1945 he produced tools and forks for agricultural ploughs. By 2015, the hamr belonged to the Museum of Dr. Bohuslav Horák in Rokycany, then moved to the administration of the West Bohemian Museum.
The single-storey brick building of a rectangular floor plan is situated in the close vicinity of the Hutsky pond dam. The facade is decorated with three windscreens on the long side and shingles roof with wooden superstructure with windows. The adjacent drive brings water with a wooden trough, called a vantroku, to the water wheels that drive hamerical devices through the transmission system. Originally, the hamr had five water wheels, currently three are working. The hall space is 32 times 12 meters. In the interior you can see fences, Hammeric hammers of various sizes, grinding machines, drills, presses and an ancient tool. Water wheels not only power equipment for the production of manufactured tools, but also power generation.
In recent years, the hamr has undergone substantial renewal. The three-year reconstruction was completed in 2020. The vans, the water wheels, and all the Hamerian facilities have been repaired. The work came to CZK 16 million, financed largely from European subsidies. In 2021 he received the Hamr Patrimonium Award for futuro, awarded by the National Heritage Institute.
Today the hamr is open to the public as a museum display. Visitors can see some devices running and take into account how local smiths perform traditional craft forging nails. The third Saturday in May is held here Hamernic Day with examples of blacksmith's craft and accompanying programme.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 2010
- Classification among national cultural monuments.
- 2021
- Restore award of Patrimonium for futuro.
Architectural development
The original wooden hamr was built in the 16th century. After the fire was restored between 1657 and 1702. Today's state of the building is from reconstruction in 1825-1830, when there were changes in structure and technology.
Historical events
- 1634
- Hamr was burned by Swedish troops.
- 1657
- Restoration after the fire.
- 2010
- It is classified as national cultural monuments.
Owners
He originally belonged to the Museum of Dr. Bohuslav Horák in Rokycany, since 2015 under the administration of the West Bohemian Museum in Pilsen.
Points of interest
- Water Hamr in Dobřív is a technical monument reminiscent of the old tradition of iron processing. - Since 2010 it has been among the national cultural monuments. - The roots of the hamr go back to the 16th century, the original wooden hamr stood in these places even then. - During the Thirty Years' War, Swedish troops burned it down in 1634; The reconstruction was carried out in 1657 and 1702. He took today's form by rebuilding between 1825 and 1830.
Guide
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This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Welcome to Dobřív, a small place full of history and beauty, which is hidden in the heart of Pilsen Region. You stand before a unique monument - the upper hamro, the technical monument that tells us the story of the ancient tradition of iron processing in Podbrdsk. This historic object invites you to explore its amazing walls and secrets that hide behind every stone wall.
Let's dive into the past. Horní hamr in Dobřív has roots dating back to the 16th century when the first wooden hamr was built here. This monument is witnessed by many historical events, including the tragedy during the Thirty Years War, when the Swedish army burned down the original buildings in 1634. Although time was changing and changing, the spirit of the Hamru remained. In 1825-1830, the building was rebuilt into the current form that you can see today. In 2010 Horní hamr was recognised as a national cultural monument and in 2021 received the Patrimonium for futuro award for successful renewal.
Look up at the facade that has witnessed many generations. Observe the details of stone structures and observe the atmosphere of the ancient championship. Although we don't know the names of the architects who rebuilt this monument, their work stands as evidence of expertise and passion for preserving history.
In this place, the lives of craftsmen and masterpieces of metal took place. Although specific personalities are not known, every stone carries a story about people, their work and their courage to overcome all difficulties.
There's an interesting thing that will impress anyone who likes history. Water Hamr was an important element in the processing of iron and its traces are preserved even today. Imagine how water moved through machines, helping to shape metals into new forms.
We recommend you explore the surrounding areas and find out more about the history of Dobřív and its lively tradition. Prepare for other discoveries that this part of the Pilsen region offers.
Thank you for your visit to the Upper Hamr in Dobřív and we hope you have gained new knowledge of our rich history. I wish you a pleasant stay and don't forget to see the other attractions Plzeňský kraj has to offer.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit is during bright days when the sun illuminates the historic wooden structure and details of technical equipment. For photography, I recommend you search for angles showing the connection of the building to the surrounding landscape, especially in the morning.
You can reach the monument by car and public transport.
For comfortable viewing we recommend to bring comfortable shoes, which is suitable for movement in the historical environment. For families with children, the visit is interesting thanks to the technical nature of the place that younger visitors can enjoy with their unique history of iron processing.
There are no other specific sights to visit in the area.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
We have not verified whether this monument is accessible. Please ask the owner or operator, or the local municipal office.
Where is the monument?
Location: Dobřív, Plzeňský kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a national cultural monument (register no. 360).
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Nearby
V blízkosti Horní hamr v Dobřívě se nachází několik dalších zajímavých památek a přírodních krás. Mezi ně patří například zámek Kozel, který je znám svou barokní architekturou a rozlehlými zahradami. Dále lze navštívit nedaleké město Rokycany, které nabízí historické centrum s řadou zachovalých domů z různých období. Příroda v okolí také láká k procházkám a objevování, zejména pak Brdy, které jsou známé svou krásnou krajinou a bohatou faunou.
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Trips and activities nearby
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Thematic cruise route: Dobřív and its surroundings
1.Horní hamr (hamr) Type: historical site Why is worth a visit: Horní hamr is a fascinating example of the industrial heritage area where you can see the ancient machines and technologies used in the past. It is an ideal place for those interested in the history of industry.
2. Church of St. Lawrence Type: religious object Why is it worth a visit: This church is not only the spiritual centre of the village, but also an architectural pearl with a rich history. Its interior offers beautiful artistic elements and a peaceful space for relaxation.
3. Municipal Office Dobřív Type: administrative building Why is worth a visit: The Municipal Office is not only a place where you can learn more about the history and current events in the village. Its obsolete architectural elements resemble the past of this part of the Pilsen region.
4. Dobřívska cottage Type: traditional pub Why is worth a visit: These places are the ideal place to relax and relax after exploring historical monuments. It offers quality food and drink, allowing you to familiarize yourself with local gastronomic traditions.
5. Dobřívska Garden Type: horticultural area Why is worth a visit: The garden is a beautiful natural space where you can enjoy the peace and beauty of flowering plants. It's an ideal place for family trips or for those who love botany.
This route offers a combination of historical, cultural and natural experiences that will allow you to get to know the village Dobřív deeply and its surroundings.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring brings to the surroundings Dobříva fresh green color and awakening nature. The light is soft in this period and very suitable for capturing details of the historical building. The water near the hamr can be in a stronger current due to the melting snow, which gives the place dynamic. I recommend arriving in the morning when the air is the purest. Clothes should be layered, because the morning cold changes quickly with the heat of the sun.
In the main summer season the monument is surrounded by a dense foliage that provides a pleasant shade. The sun shines the strongest and the colors are very rich. Due to the increased attendance, it is best to arrive immediately after opening so that you enjoy the peace before the arrival of larger groups of people. Prepare light and breathable substances and don't forget the drinking water, because in the forest can be unpleasant heat during hot days.
Autumn season offers the most impressive atmosphere thanks to golden and red tree leaves. The morning mist often covers the surrounding terrain, which gives the historic place mystery and peace. It's the perfect time for observation, because the crowd has long since left. It is necessary to carry a waterproof jacket and fixed shoes, because the road can be wet and slippery.
Zimą area is turning into a quiet and snowy landscape. When frost comes, the snow beautifully decorate the wooden parts of the buildings and creates contrast with the dark stone. The day is short, so plan to visit around noon, so you won't have an early shadow. There are the least people in this period, which guarantees complete focus. The necessity is very warm clothes, gloves and hats, because near the water it is in a cool period of extra freezing.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
View from the area
This animation was generated by artificial intelligence from a real photograph of the surroundings. The motion and details are not real footage of the location.
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Sources and literature
Photos: Jik jik / CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
Location on the map
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