Na skále Homestead

Welcome, dear listeners, and allow me to welcome you to a place where history meets the landscape and where a unique story spreads in silence over Vltava. You are standing in front of the settlement on the Rock, which stands on the side above the river, in Prague Libni, just a short walk from the natural monument of the White Rock. In front of you is a flat residential house with a smooth facade and a valb roof, which has been a lonely dominant slope over the Povltava Street for centuries. His silhouette rises above the surrounding earth as a silent witness to past times, and if you look up, you'll notice how his roofs are mirrored in the reflections of the Vltava that flow silently beneath him.

Let us now immerse ourselves in the origin and historical context of this place. The first mention of the wine tradition in the area, which now includes Libeň and Holešovice, dates back to the period between 1300 and 1400. At that time, the agricultural land on which vineyards and other crops were grown was spread at the foot of today's slope. In 1748, according to the Terezian cadastral, this land was kept as a field and no construction had ever been built. It was only in the first third of the nineteenth century, namely in 1833, where the Classicist estate of the Rock was born. Its creation was part of the wider development of Libna, which at that time was transformed from village to industrial district, and the newly emerging residential houses on the slopes of Vltava served as a residence for families who wanted to be close to the city, but at the same time kept calm and view of the river.

Landscape architecture The Rock is a typical example of the classical style that dominated Czech construction at the time. Although the name of the architect remains unknown, we can perceive a number of distinctive features that will help you appreciate its construction. First of all, it is a smooth facade, which is a simple yet elegant impression. The surface is evenly worked, underlining symmetry and order that are typical of classical aesthetics. Above the windows and doors is a valb roof, whose curved profile provides not only practical drainage of rainwater, but also visual lightness that contrasts with massive stone slopes around. The character of the house suggests that the inner spaces were divided into several levels, which was common at the time for the family residence, where there were representative rooms at one level and for the other living rooms.

Now pay attention to the details that you can see right now. Note how smooth the facade meets the surrounding vegetation - shrubs and trees try to embrace the structure as if they want to preserve its memory. The Valb roof, even though it is no longer covered with original bags, still retains its curved shape, which resembles the ancient roofs of classical settlements. The window openings are evenly distributed, which gives the building a harmonious rhythm. Although it may appear at first sight that the house stands alone, the White Rock, a natural body that provides a unique atmosphere and underlines the relationship between man and country.

Despite all these architectural and geographical links, there are many key stories and personalities behind the estate. One of them is Jindřich Příborský, an important historical figure whose name is associated with this place. Although details of his life and activities are not detailed in the available sources, his connection with the estate suggests that he may have had a home here or at least a close relationship to this area. His presence gives the place a human dimension, reminding them that behind every stone and every window there are stories of people living here, working and dreaming.

The interesting thing that can stimulate your imagination is that the Rock Manor has been a lonely landlady for years. Until its demise, it was the only significant element in the landscape that attracted the views of passers-by and travelers. In 1964, the monument protection of the building was abolished, which opened the way to a gradual decline and eventually to its destruction. In 2000 it still stood as a lonely building, but it was already apparent that time and nature were working on it. Today, in 2024, an object in the cadastre of real estate is listed as a demolition site, which means it no longer exists physically, but its memory and story persists in documents, maps and our minds.

And now, I present to you a little mystery that may stir up your curiosity. Although the house was built in 1833 as a classical residence, it was originally registered as a field in the Terezian cadastre and only after several decades the construction itself appeared on it. What was the exact motive for building on this slope? Was it an effort to create a sanctuary for a family that wanted to be near the river, or rather an effort to build a symbol of power and position in a rapidly changing urban environment? These questions remain open, and that is where the magic of the place lies - although physically no longer exists, his story encourages us to seek answers and think about how human destinies intersect with the landscape.

In conclusion, I invite you to further explore the area. Even though the estate of the Rock is no longer there, its spirit still persists in the form of a view of the Vltava, in the whisper of the wind passing through the trees, and in the silence surrounding the White Rock. Take a walk down Povltava Street, listen to the sounds of the city that mingle with the natural tones of the river, and let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere that once lived here. Every step along this slope will remind you that history is not just a set of data and dates, but a living story that takes place in every stone, every view and every person who goes here. Thank you for joining this audio guide, and I wish you that your journey through Libni will be full of discoveries, inspiration and respect for the past that shapes our presence. So let us say good-bye to this place, knowing that even if the house is no longer raised, its legacy remains alive in the hearts of those who want to learn more about the history of our city. Goodbye and may the joy of discovery be with you.