Obydlí zvěrokleštiče Museum building

Welcome to the village Komňa. Right now, when you're standing right in front of this building, stop for a moment and feel the atmosphere of the place that surrounds you. In front of your eyes is a country house, which is not just an ordinary building made of wood and stone, but a living witness of ancient times. This object, which today serves as a museum, will immediately transfer you to the middle of the nineteenth century. Feel the peaceful, rural presence and imagine how everyday life was here years ago, how doors were opened and how the fate of the people who lived here was formed, worked and fought for their apartment.

Let's take a look at the history of this place together. The whole story of this house begins in 1850 when it was built as a simple rural residence. For many decades there has been life in line with the rhythm of agricultural activity and traditions. However, time passes and brings great changes. In 1955 there was a major break when the original agricultural activity ceased and the cattle were transferred to the cooperative. This meant that the house stopped fulfilling its original role as an economic building. Another important chapter was closed in 2005, when the last private owners left.

But there was a period that breathed new life into this house. In 2006, the construction was purchased by the municipalities of Komňa and subsequently its thorough reconstruction started. Thanks to the fact that the building became so carefully cared for, it was officially declared a cultural monument in 2008. The whole process of reconstruction culminated in 2009, when the house was opened to the general public and in addition the popular construction of the year won the prestigious competition. So what you see before you is the result of the community's efforts to preserve this heritage for future generations.

Now pay attention to the architecture itself and to what you can perceive when viewing. This rural house is a typical example of the second half of the nineteenth century construction. Although it is no longer inhabited as it was before, its structure still tells us about the practical need for warmth and livelihood at the time. Note the overall nature of the building, which is deeply rooted in the local environment. If you go into the interior later, pay special attention to the window. This was the heart of the house and today serves as a space for various cultural and folklore events that keep the traditions of this area alive. One of the most important elements you should be interested in in the interior is the stove. In houses of this type the stove was built very specifically - it was high to the ceiling. This was not an aesthetic detail, but a necessary way to keep the heat in the whole house and make it tolerable in cold months.

Every old house has its own names and faces that lend it a soul. The fates of the Tomanova family, namely František Toman and Karl Toman, are strongly linked in this house, but also Theresa Haluz and Emilie Mlčích. But one of them, Karel Toman, is a character whose story is extremely strong and enlightening. Charles became one of the most famous zodiacs in the area, but his path to this craft was not chosen by free decision. On his return from the Russian front, he found that the ordinary economy was no longer enough to feed his family. So he had to resort to a craft that required courage, patience and deep knowledge of nature. It is this struggle to survive and to ensure a decent life for its loved ones that has made it a character that is inextricably connected to this place.

Looking at this house, you might be wondering exactly what the craft of zodiac meant and why it is so important for this area. Komňa wasn't just an ordinary village, it was one of the main sites for zodiac. It's fascinating to realize that there were up to two hundred and twenty miscreants in this place at one time. Imagine the density of people who were associated with this unusual profession, who moved in forests and forest dwellings, who had specific knowledge and habits. This house is one of the few leftovers that allow us to understand this world, which has almost completely disappeared from our ordinary society over time.

Now I want to invite you to further explore. Let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere of this museum and try in spirit to present the daily efforts of the people who lived here. Take a look at the details that space offers you, and let the stories that are hidden here devour you completely. Thank you for choosing to visit this place and devote your time to learning our history. We wish you a pleasant tour and hope that this view of the past will bring you many interesting ideas. Goodbye.