Konůvky Defunct village

Welcome to one of the most fascinating yet hidden monuments of our region. You are standing right in front of a place that, at first glance, looks like a quiet part of the Zdánic Forest in the vicinity of Heršpice, but under your feet and in the surrounding countryside, sleeps the story of an entire extinct community. Look around you. You may only perceive trees and the silence of the forest, but this is where the archaeological site Konůvky is located. It is a place where time has stopped and where today only traces of land and remains of ancient buildings speak. Imagine that life once throated in this space, there were voices of people, and there was the smell of smoke from fireplaces and work in the fields.

Let us now move in time deep into the Middle Ages. This settlement was not created by accident, but was carefully planned. Most researchers agree that Konůvky was created probably before the mid-14th century. At the time, it was a so-called forest lago village. What does that even mean? Imagine that the village was not gathered in one narrow centre, but stretched through the valley like a long line. Home was really many, estimates talking about at least thirty-three buildings, and the entire settlement stretched almost one kilometer long. It was therefore a relatively large and important village for its time, which by its structure followed the natural lines of the terrain.

Now pay attention to where you are. Even if you can't see the walls up today, observe the relief of the terrain. In the southern part of the complex there was a fortress which was built on an artificial hill. This element was intended to protect even in the asserting power of a local nobleman. A terraced cemetery was then spread over this fortress, where there was a small church. Try to draw this painting in spirit: a fortified manor, above it a place of last rest and prayer, and around all the long rows of houses spread out in the valley. It is a remarkable arrangement that today shows us how people organized their space at the time and how much weight they attached to the hierarchy and order.

When we talk about the history of this place, we can't forget the names of the people who left their trail. The documents show personalities like Jakub z Kunovic or Pavel ze Sovince. It was these men who were associated with the fate of this village. The first written mention of this place dates back to a thousand three hundred and sixty-five, when the village was called Kunovice. Later, in the year one thousand four hundred sixty-four, the name Kunouvka appears in the documents. It is interesting to see how the names changed slightly over time, while the place itself remained at the centre of events for the local population.

You were wondering maybe what people in Conuvka were doing for a living. It wasn't just an agricultural village. The inhabitants were enterprising and dedicated to trade, craft and, above all, vine cultivation. So imagine that this valley was once filled with vineyards that provided wealth and prosperity. It was this combination of craft and wine that made them an interesting knot in the then network of business trips.

But with every rise comes a fall. The history of Conulek ends very sharply. Already in the year one thousand four hundred eighty one is mentioned as desolate in the documents. This is the moment that raises the most questions in us. Why so large and prosperous a village with over 30 houses suddenly disappeared from the map? What caused people to leave their homes, vineyards and forts? Whether it was the consequences of plague epidemics, war moves or economic decline remains the subject of discussion.

And here we come to one of the most mysterious and a little bizarre mysteries of this place. There's been word among the people that there were probably robbers in the area. And here begins a really strange story. They say the local vicar, instead of driving these criminals away or inviting the law on them, brought them beer and food. It's a fascinating contrast to an otherwise strict medieval order. Was it out of grace, fear, or was it some sort of secret pact? This story gives the place a certain sense of mystery and reminds us that history is not only about data and buildings, but above all about people and their unexpected relationships.

Now, when you look around, feel the atmosphere of this place as a layered book. Under a layer of leaves, dirt and forest paths lies the memory of a lána village that once flourished. Observe the silence that today rules where the calls of merchants and the bell of the church once sounded. Konůvky is now registered as a cultural landmark, which means that their value lies precisely in what they tell us about the extinct world.

I ask you to take a slow step through the surroundings. Try to imagine the path between the houses and exactly where the fort stood on its hill. Let your imagination guide you and perceive the energy of this place, which has decided to go into oblivion so that it can wake up after centuries with archaeological research.

Thank you for spending time with us in Conuvka. We hope you are interested in this short trip to the Middle Ages and that you are leaving with the feeling that even in the quiet forest a great story can be hidden. We wish you a pleasant further journey and many other discoveries during your walks history. Goodbye.