Hrádek (tvrz, Neprobylice) Fortress

Welcome to the Probals. You've just stopped in front of a place that carries a quiet rest of centuries. You're standing in front of the Chateau, a building that at first sight acts as a firm, unwavering witness to the past. Even though she looks calm and clear today, her walls have undergone a transformation that we rarely experience today. Feel this atmosphere - it is a place where the nobility of the noble manor meets with the practicality of economic operation. Before your eyes stands the Renaissance fortress, which thanks to recent, complex restoration can once again boast its historical dignity.

But to understand what you're seeing right now, we need to go along with you on the journey of time, all the way to the deep Middle Ages. The roots of this place extend far beyond the Renaissance style, which today dominates its appearance. The first mention of this fortress appears in our chronicles in 1397. In this period, the hardness was already firmly linked to the family of Zdislav of Pronebylic. At the time it was not a representative palace, but a functional, defense-serving mansion to protect the owner and his family.

But the turning point for today's building was much later. Let's move on to the end of the 16th century. In 1587 the fate of Hrádek changed irreversibly. Václav Pětipeský z Chýš a Egerberka decided on a major reconstruction. It was he who brought the spirit of the Renaissance into this medieval object. This means that the building has ceased to be just a rut of fortress and has begun to acquire features of a noble mansion which has its aesthetics, its style and its representative face. This reconstruction was the peak of her rise as a mansion.

But now pay attention to the architecture itself and try to observe the details that are right in front of you. Although the building has undergone many changes, its Renaissance character is still evident. Notice how architecture tries to tell the story of the power and position of the families. If you look at the south facade of the building now, you can see something really rare. This part of the facade has been preserved by coat of arms. It's a quiet, stone trail of Václav Five Pair and his wife, Isolde Vojkovsky of Milhovc. These details are not merely an ornament; These are identity seals that allow us to identify the people who once lived here, decide and rule. Thanks to the recent, meticulous recovery that has taken place in recent years, these historical details have been saved from fitting in in the dust of time. Without this effort, these faces of the past could be lost forever.

But the history of this place is not just a linear story of ascension. It's also a story about how the world changes and how the role of buildings in the landscape changes. After a devastating 30-year war, the owners' situation began to change. In 1623 there was a major shift when the farm was confiscated and subsequently purchased by Jaroslav Bořita z Martinic. Gradually the function of Hrádek itself begins to change during this period. A building that once served as a symbol of noble power and representation began to lose its original, noble role. Over time, it became mainly an economic object. This transformation from the mansion to a useful economic object is very well seen in the architecture of Hradec. It is a fascinating example of how architecture adapts to the needs of the time - from defence, to representation, to purely practical, agricultural use.

Even though the building was changing over the centuries, there were significant changes in the nineteenth century that affected its appearance again. Although some of the original elements had to be sacrificed, the building retained its essence. Today we look at it as a cultural monument, which happened officially in 1967. This meant that its protection became a priority and its historical value was recognised by the whole company.

You may now ask what is the greatest secret of this place. Maybe it's the invisible power of transformation. How is it possible that a building that was only supposed to be a practical economy was able to preserve as many rare details as the aforementioned coat of arms? It's a fascinating contrast between her mission and her spirit. The chateau is like a book that has a different chapter on each side - from medieval savagery to Renaissance elegance to silent work on the farm.

If you look at the building, also notice its stability. Although time is constantly moving forward, thanks to modern interventions, such as the installation of a new roof in 2008, Chateau is once again a safe and well-preserved place. This new roof is not just a technical element, it is a protection for all the inheritance that lies inside.

Now I want to invite you to move on and continue your search of this place. Explore the surroundings, perceive the atmosphere and try to imagine what life here looked like hundreds of years ago. Every stone and every line on the facade has its meaning. Thank you for choosing to dedicate your time to this historic monument and for trying to uncover a piece of the history of Probyllic. We wish you a beautiful and inspiring rest of your visit.