Hřebčín – lovecké stáje Hřebčín

Welcome to Hermano City. Stop for a moment, take a breath and look around you. Right now, you're standing in front of an area that carries echoes of ancient noble glory, horse-picking and the sound of anvil. In front of you is the Claw, the former Pansky Hunting Stables, which are today a silent but proud witness to the history of this region. Feel the atmosphere of this place, where the practical need to breed animals has been combined with high aesthetic requirements of aristocracy. It is the space that was created for movement, strength and elegance, and it is in this world that I now invite you together.

Let's first look at how this place was created and who was its creator. If we move back more than 150 years in time, namely until 1875, we will see Prince Ferdinand of Bonaventura Kinsky. He was the person who decided to create a hunting stable complex here. For Prince Kinski it was not only about building functional space for horses, but about creating a background for his passionate riding activities. At that time, horses were a symbol of power, wealth and social standing. So the stallion was not just an economic building but a representative place where nobles met and social events related to riding art took place.

Now pay attention to the architecture itself that you see before you. Notice the style in which the site was built. It's a neo-Romanesque style. Why this style? Prince Kinský and his architects wanted to underline the tradition and prestige of their family. The Romanesque elements that appear in neo-Romanesque form evoke stability, strength and return to the beginnings of European architecture, which was intended to provide the whole complex with a sense of timeliness and nobility. Look at the facade of the buildings and feel the rhythm of their shapes.

The main point of the entire complex is the three-boat building. It is a monumental building that dominates space by its size and arrangement. If you look closely, you'll see a glazed atrium. This atrium is really unique; It transmits natural light into the interior, creating an air and open feeling that was very modern for its time. Today, this atrium plays a very important role because it serves as a depository of history, a place where memories and traces of this stallion's past are kept.

Let us now slowly move towards the adjacent court. Notice the surrounding economic objects that form a closed whole. Although they may seem calm today, there used to be constant activity here. This is where the dogs were found, where they rested and were trained by hunting dogs, and blacksmiths where the hooves of horses were forged and the riding equipment was repaired. Imagine the noise, the smell of skin, the sweat of horses and the hot iron. This whole space was designed so that everything was at hand and that hunting expeditions could be organized with maximum efficiency.

When we talk about the purpose of this place, we must mention the activities that have taken place here. The stallion served mainly for the needs of the parfortic hunting. It was a very demanding and enduring hunt where dogs chased animals in open terrain until they exhausted it. It required a horse with great endurance and a rider with a firm hand. In addition to hunting, there were also horse racing and horse polo, which is a sport that requires incredible coordination between the rider and the horse. Imagine the dynamic movements, the dust, the animals' hooves and tension in the world, watching these noble competitions.

But the history of Clovin did not stop with the end of the era of the great manor. After 1945, the fate of the compound changed, but his mission remained linked to the horses. The area began to serve for the breeding and training of the Old Kladuban crow. It's a rare and beautiful black horse that was managed by a stud in the Slatinans. These animals are known for their elegance and strong constitution. Imagine these black, shiny animals moving around the court that once belonged to Prince Kinski. It was a combination of the history of the old family and the tradition of one of the most important Czech horse breeds.

In 1991 the area was recognised as a real-estate cultural monument of the Czech Republic. This was an important moment because it recognised its architectural and historical value, which goes beyond local significance. The monument gained protection to preserve its beauty and authenticity for future generations.

If you look at the latest parts of the complex, you will see the results of the extensive reconstruction from 2021. The modern age has brought improvements that allow the Stallion to perform its function today. A new indoor circular riding hall and a trainer were built here. It is a place where horses can train in every weather, which is essential for modern riding sport and proper animal care. It's fascinating to see how the old nineteenth-century neo-Romanesque architecture connects with modern technical elements of today.

You may be wondering what's left of this place hidden. It's not just about buildings, it's about stories of humans and animals. Every stone in this court could hear the orders of Prince Kinsky or the silent rustling of horses waiting for their start in the race. The mystery is how many secret stories have taken place in these stables over the decades when different generations of carers and riders have been involved.

Now that you know the story of this place, I suggest you go through the area at your own pace. Look again at the glazed atrium, perceive the court space and imagine what it would look like in 1875 when it was in full bloom. Try to imagine the sound of hooves falling on the pavement and a sense of pride that the people who worked here must have felt.

Clovin in Heřmanov Cities are places where time has stopped, but they are constantly evolving. It is a bridge between the aristocratic past and the present, where horses still play a major role. I hope you are interested in this short journey through history and that you will take a sense of respect for this beautiful complex.

Thank you for your attention and now just enjoy your walk. Explore every corner, perceive the peace and quiet of this place, and let yourself be drifted by images of ancient times. I wish you a pleasant rest of the day and a wonderful experience in discovering our monuments. Goodbye.