Koulka Homestead
Koulka is a former agricultural estate on the Prague Smíchova cadastral in the vicinity of Radlic. This monument protected object, whose history dates back to the beginning of the 17th century, stands out with a terraced garden in a steep slope and preserved elements of baroque and classical architecture.
The oldest history of the estate was left with little news, yet we know that in 1693 it was called Vorlovka. The estate itself was probably built here at the end of the 18th century on the foundations of an older building. The current name Koulka has lived since at least 1799 and is expected to be derived from the name of one of the former owners. In the 17th and 18th centuries when the building was built, Prague gradually grew behind its medieval walls. The surrounding slopes at the time served for wine and agricultural purposes, which corresponds to the baroque nature of the then suburban settlements.
Architecturally, it's a two-story building that went through classical reconstructions. The facade has a secondary-rock decoration. The most prominent elements include a balcony carried by pillars with forged railing. The exceptional nature of the area underlines the terraced layout of the garden in a very steep terrain. It was gradually supplemented after 1760 with a connecting staircase, a winter garden and other small buildings. Part of the garden is protected memorial ash.
The fate of the manor in the 20th century marked building changes and war events. In 1939, economic buildings were demolished on the premises. During the liberation of Prague in 1945, the Baroque border wall was dismantled and its material was used to build barricades.
Currently, the main building with a descriptive number 189 serves as a living space and office. The building is registered as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.
Koulka is a valuable document of historical construction of the Smichov slopes. Despite the loss of economic background and war damage on the wall, she retained her architectural identity. Visiting this place offers the opportunity to look into the form of suburban settlements that once shaped the nature of the Prague landscape.
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
- 1693
- The estate was called Vorlovka.
- 1760
- The garden was supplemented with staircases and small buildings.
- 1799
- The residence is documented under the name Koulka.
- 1939
- The farm buildings are destroyed.
Architectural development
Originally a Baroque estate was built probably at the end of the 18th century on the foundations of an older building. Later she went through the classicist reconstructions and obtained the secondary-horococcal decoration of the facade. A characteristic element is a balcony carried by columns with forged railing.
Historical events
In 1939 the farm buildings of the complex were demolished. During the liberation of Prague in 1945, the Baroque border wall was dismantled and used to build barricades.
Points of interest
The estate was named Vorlovka in 1690. The current name has been used since at least seventeen hundred and ninety-nine and probably comes from the name of one of the former owners. - One of the most prominent elements of the building is the balcony, which holds the columns and has forged railings. The facade is decorated in the style of the second rococo. - The garden is arranged terratically in a very steep slope. Since the year seventeen hundred and sixty were supplemented by a staircase, a winter garden and other small buildings, including a protected memorial ash. In nineteen hundred thirty-nine, economic buildings were demolished. During the liberation of the city in nineteen hundred forty-five, the baroque wall was dismantled and its material was used to build barricades. - The main building with a descriptive number hundred and eighty-nine is currently used as an office and living space. The whole building is listed as a cultural monument.
Guide
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Welcome to the Ball, a unique historical milestone located in the heart of Smíchov. You're standing in front of a building that tells the story of the past and the architectural changes that have shaped this site for centuries.
Let's go into history. Koulka has roots dating back to the beginning of the 17th century when it was founded as an agricultural estate. Over the years, she went through a series of reconstructions that gave her her present appearance. In 1693 she was only named Vorlovka, but she was already the center of her owners' attention. In 1760 the garden was enriched with staircases and small buildings, which contributed to its attractiveness. Since 1799 it has been known as Koulka, probably named after one of the former owners.
Look up at the fascinating architecture. The most significant element is the balcony that holds the columns and has forged railing. This detail draws attention to its classical elegance. The facade of the building is enriched with secondary rock elements, which gives the whole impression of grandeur and historical depth.
Now pay attention to the garden environment. Koulka boasts a terraced garden in a steep slope that was once enriched with a winter garden and connecting staircase. These elements give a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape and give the place a unique atmosphere.
Although the particular historical figures associated with Kolka are not known, her presence in this location reveals a long range of lives and stories that have taken place here. Every stone and every element can tell its own story.
The interesting thing is that although most farm buildings were demolished in 1939, Koulka retained its historic spirit. It is a reminder of the past, which still appears in every rock and green meadow.
I recommend you also explore the surrounding areas of Smíchova to be aware of the wider historical context. Koulka is only one chapter in the rich history of this place.
Thank you for your visit and we wish you a relaxing walk around the rest of Smíchova. When you get back, don't forget to notice other hidden pearls of this historic district.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit is during the sunny morning, when the light hits the historical facade of the estate and highlights its classical elements. Due to the position in the hilly terrain, it is advisable to choose days with good visibility for views of the surroundings.
The location is available by foot from the surrounding building or by public transport, whose current connection can be verified by internet search engine.
For a visit, wear fixed shoes suitable for the field with significant elevation. If you are planning to take pictures, you can get the best shots from a slight perspective that captures the estate with the surrounding sloping landscape.
In the vicinity of the estate there is Radlice and other parts of the Smíchov building which offer interesting walks through urban history. Routes are suitable for hiking field exploration, but due to steep paths they require good physical fitness.
For families with children, the location is suitable as a destination for a simple trip to history. We recommend to choose a route that respects the terrain drop, and to take with you plenty of fluids and snacks, because in the immediate vicinity of the monument there are no ordinary food stands.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
This is a residential or farm building, not a museum with opening hours. Please view it from public space and respect the owners' privacy. We have no information about access to the interior.
Where is the monument?
Location: Smíchov, Hlavní město Praha. 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 cultural monument (register no. 1000152434).
Businesses nearby
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Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
Nearby
Usedlost se nachází v blízkosti Radlic a smíchovské zástavby, v terénu s výrazným převýšením.
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
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Travel Route from the Municipality of Smíchov
1.Koulka
Type: Historical monument
Why it is worth a visit: Koulka is a unique historical monument, which represents an important element of the village's past. It's a place where you can feel the atmosphere of the old days and enjoy the quiet surroundings.
2. Residence near Radlic
Type: Historical estate
Why is it worth a visit: This estate is an example of traditional rural life and architecture. Its location in the field with significant elevation offers beautiful views of the surroundings, making it an ideal place to relax and explore.
3. Smíchov installation
Type: Urban areas
Why is it worth a visit: Smíchov installation is a modern addition to historical sites. Here you will find diverse architecture and the opportunity to explore current life in the region, which provides contrast to the ancient environment of the Ball.
Visiting order: - Start from the Ball to enjoy the historic atmosphere and calm. - Then move to the estate near Radlic for the views and knowledge of rural life. - In the end, visit the town building to see the modern part of the region.
This route offers a combination of historical and current elements and is ideal for those who want to discover the diversity of the Smíchov area.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: In the spring period, Koulka (others) on Smíchov is fertilized by flowering shrubs and trees that create a colour web carpet. The sun rays illuminate historical architecture with a fine flash, adding touching and calm. For a visit it is advisable to pick up your child on the playground when flowering trees form an ideal background for photos. Due to rising temperatures and traffic, it is recommended to come in the early afternoon so that you can enjoy mild sunlight without heat. When you visit, choose clothes suitable for a mild temperature and do not miss a protective cap to prevent you from getting a sun flash.
Summer: During the summer period Koulka (others) is full of life and heat. The sun illuminates historical architecture in complete beauty, but it also brings heat. At this time there may be a larger number of visitors who enjoy outdoor space and a peaceful atmosphere of the sights. We recommend you arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid heat and crowds. Do not forget the protective sun clothes, hat and enough drinking water to make your sightseeing experience pleasant and safe.
Autumn: In autumn Koulka (others) takes on Smíchov melancholic beauty. November leaves create a colour palette that gives the sights a new shade and atmosphere. Sunshine days are an ideal time to visit when the temperature is pleasant and the trees are decorated with golden leaves. Due to decreasing temperatures, it is advisable to wear mild clothes to keep you warm in case of cool winds. Visit the memory in the early afternoon to enjoy sunlight and fewer visitors.
Winter: Winter Koulka (others) offers a unique atmosphere. Historical buildings are lit by warm colored lights, which creates a magical mood. The temperature is cold and can be snow, which adds another layer of landscape beauty. When planning a visit, avoid the coldest hours of the day and choose warmer clothes, including leather gloves and hat. When visiting enjoy a quiet atmosphere and the possibility of seeing the memory in a different light.
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.
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Sources and literature
Photos: Mojmir Churavy / CC0 — 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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