Kopicův statek Farmstead

Welcome to Kacanov. You've just stopped in front of a place that carries deep peace and a trail of ancient folk tradition. You are standing right in front of the Copic estate, a unique total, which is a living witness to the history of this region. Before your eyes, a harmonious set of structures spread out, which communicate quietly. Look at the beautiful wooden structure that forms the heart of this complex. You see a grafted storey house, whose walls tell stories of old crafts, and its characteristic stoves, which gives the building elegance and human dimension. The whole complex is complemented by economic buildings and acts as one integrated organism, which has been designed for centuries to serve man and his economic needs. Feel the atmosphere of a place where the practicality of agricultural life is combined with unexpected artistic depth.

To understand what you see today, we must return to a deep past. Although the main construction of the farm in its present form began to form in 1787 under the direction of Jiří Jiroš, the history of this place is much older. This means that people lived and worked here long before the first stone of today's storehouse was laid. The foundations on which this whole thing stands go even deeper into time. In 1787, Jiří Jiroš laid the foundation for what we now call the Copic estate. This estate has become a symbol of prosperity and stability in the insurance sector. Over the next generations, the Jiroš family has been taking care of our fertile region. For example, František Jiroš, who worked as Mayor of Kacanov in the second half of the Deveenth century, was one of the key figures to help shape the character of the site.

Now pay attention to the architecture itself that surrounds you. What you're looking at right now is a rare and highly authentic example of the insurance-type estate. Feel the specific structure that was typical of this region. You have a residential house in front of you, which, thanks to its storey grafted structure and the hovel, is a real unique one. Note how the buildings are arranged - the residential area, the horticulture and other economic buildings form a logical whole which was necessary for the operation of each successful farm. The whole area is then closed by a stone gate, which acts as a dignified entrance to this private world. Every detail, from wooden beams to stone elements, reflects the deep knowledge of the materials and traditions that have been passed down in this region from generation to generation.

Go now with your eyes on a character who stands as the silent guardian of the estate. In front of you stands the unique sandstone statue of St. George. It is the masterpiece of Jan Chládek younger from 1806. Note the details carved into sandstone that survived for more than two centuries. This statue is not only a religious symbol, but also an artistic pillar of the whole place. It is interesting that in 1884 the Jiroš family decided to make a new plinth for this statue, showing how important this monument was to them and how deeply connected to their family history. Saint George stands here as a link between folk faith and high art.

But Kopicův statek is not just about the history of agriculture and traditional architecture. It is also a place where, during the twentieth century, tradition met with an unexpected, modern artistic vision. Pay attention now to the rock gallery, which is one of the greatest treasures of this place. In 1932 Vojtěch Kopic began to create dozens of reliefs in the surrounding rocks, which gave this farm a unique character. The copy was an artist who could use nature as a canvas for his vision. His work, which lasted until 1978, turned this place into an informal open-air gallery. This rock gallery is such a fascinating dialogue between the human hand and the natural form. It is this combination of historical goods and modern artistic expression that makes the Kopic estate a place that cannot be compared to anything else. The importance of this creation was so great that in 2017 a protection zone was declared for this rock gallery.

If you're looking for the secrets of this place, think about how different time lines connect here. You have the foundations that are older than the actual construction from the late eighteenth century. You have a traditional folk architecture that was used to survive and manage. And then you have the art of Vojtěv Kopec, which has brought a spiritual and aesthetic dimension into this space that the original builders might not even dare imagine. It's a fascinating clash of pragmatism and inspiration.

I hope this brief insight into history has helped you to better perceive the beauty and depth of the Kopic farm. Do not let yourself be led away by looking at the main buildings, but continue to walk, look at the reliefs in the rock gallery in detail and see every trace left by the people before us. Every stone and every wooden plank here has a story waiting to be discovered. I wish you a beautiful and inspiring tour of this unique place. Goodbye.