Nad hradním vodojemem 17 Homestead

Welcome to the quiet streets of Prague Rošovice. You stand before what used to be a full estate, but today only her stone heart remains, the ruin of a townhouse with a gate and a court. Look around you and get carried away by the atmosphere of the place where time seems to be stopped. In front of you are the remains of walls that tell the story of patience, work and the lives of people who once lived here. Although it may seem that this building has long since been forgotten, its stone structure still holds firmly in the ground and reminds us of the important role it played in the history of this neighborhood. Now that your headphones are on, you can afford to be completely focused on what you see and feel. This ruin is not just a pile of bricks and stone, but a living witness to the history that took place right here in the heart of Rosovice.

Let's go back more than two centuries to 1824 to 1825 when this estate was built. At that time, the city was going through major changes and development, with the need for housing for an increasing number of craftsmen and workers. This building was not intended for nobles or rich townspeople, but for those who worked hard and helped to build Prague with their efforts. It was a functional building designed to provide shelter and comfort to those who worked for Prague or the famous Strahov monastery. Imagine how the masons, sandstone workers, brick houses, and leavings walked through here. To them, it was not just a place where they slept, but a home where friends were born and stories were shared from the workplace. This estate, which carried a descriptive number of seventy-one, was part of a network of residential buildings that ensured that craftsmen had a place to rest after a difficult day.

Now pay attention to the material from which the construction is built. The main building element is opka, typical Prague stone, which gives its characteristic texture and colour from the wonder. Note how the opal masonry is supplemented with bricks, which creates an interesting contrast between smooth or rough surface treatment of the stone and regular brick pattern. This combination of materials is not random; reflects the available construction technologies and local resources of that time. Opuka was very valuable in Prague for its strength and aesthetic value, and its use here shows that even residential houses for workers were built with some care and care for quality. Look at the remains of the walls and try to imagine what they looked like when they were new and whole. Today we see only fragments, but these fragments allow us to understand how the building was designed.

One of the most interesting elements you can see is the gate and the yard. The court was the heart of the estate, a place where everyday activity took place. This is where the laundry was dried, where the neighbors' conversations were held and where the children played. The gate that led to this court was an important architectural element that separated private space from public street space. Even though the construction is now in an advanced state of decay, it is still possible to imagine how this gate worked and how it affected the flow of life inside the yard. In 1880, the yard wing was rebuilt, suggesting that the building was being developed and adapted to the changing needs of its inhabitants. This reconstruction could include changes in the available rooms or facade appearance to make the building even more functional and comfortable.

The history of this estate is not without fluctuations. In 1958 it was declared a cultural monument, which was a recognition of its historical and architectural value. The protection of the monument was intended to save the building from further decay and to ensure its preservation for future generations. However, as it turns out, the protection of the monument is not always a guarantee of its survival. The state of the building gradually deteriorated and in 2019 it was decided to abandon the protection of the monument due to the demise of the building. This decision was difficult, but necessary, because the building was in such a bad state that maintaining it would be economically and technically impossible. This development reminds us of how fragile historical monuments can be and how important their regular maintenance and care are.

The interesting thing to think about is that until the 1970s, there were two smoke kitchens. Smoking trees were traditional Prague cuisine, which were known for its atmosphere and quality of food. Their presence in this estate suggests that there were not only residents, but also visitors who came for good cuisine and hospitality. That adds another layer to the story of this place. In addition, there was a door with a cut motif, which was another architectural detail that gave the building character and individuality. These details, although perhaps invisible or destroyed today, were part of the overall impression that the building produced.

Think about the people who lived here. We don't know their names or their specific stories, but we can imagine their lives. They were people who worked hard and often in difficult conditions. Their home was their refuge, a place where they could regenerate and draw power for the next day. This estate was more than a building object for them; It was their identity and their home. Even though we only see the ruin today, we can imagine what the steps here were, how the children laughed and how the stories were shared at the fire. This imagination helps us connect with the past and appreciate the value of this place.

In conclusion, I'd like to invite you to look at this place from different angles. Try to stand up so you can see the gate, and imagine people coming through here. Look at the walls and try to imagine what they looked like when they were new. Get carried away by the atmosphere and think about the people who lived and worked here. This ruin is a reminder of how important history is and how important it is to protect and respect it. Even if the building itself dies, its story remains and can inspire us to be more interested in the history around us.

Thank you for your attention and I wish you a pleasant exploration of Rošovice. Remember, every memory, even the ruin, has a story worth knowing. Let this story inspire you and leave you with respect for the past. Parting with this monument is not the end, but the beginning of another discovery. Continue your journey and discover other beauty and stories that Prague offers. I hope this audio guide brought you something new and interesting. When you have time, come back here and look