Rybniční zámeček Hunting lodge

Welcome to one of the most peaceful and poetic places of the entire Lednice-Valtice complex. Stop for a moment, take a deep breath and feel the air that still smells of water and greenery. You are standing in front of the Fishing Castle, which stands before you in a fine slope. Look how naturally this building fits into the landscape. You are on the northern slope of the Middle Pond, and it is this location that gives the whole place its unique atmosphere. The building you see is not just an ordinary house, but a silent witness to the transformation of this amazing landscape park, where the human hand has tried to combine architecture with nature in perfect harmony.

Let us now go back together in time by more than two squadrons. It is the beginning of the nineteenth century, namely the years 1814 to 1816. It was during this period that this summer castle was created. This whole space was at that time made up of a monumental work, which was meant to express the power, taste and love of the nature of the Prince of Liechtenstein. The building was built by Prince Jan I. Josef z Lichtenštejna, who had a clear idea of how this place should serve. In order for his vision to become real, he invited Viennese architect Josef Kornhäusel. He was the one who designed this project and inhaled his life.

Now pay attention to the very form of the building. If you look at it from the whole, you'll notice its simple rectangular plan. It's not coincidence or lack of imagination, it's intent. The building is performed in a classical style. Classicism at that time was looking for a return to purity, balance and order, which is exactly what you see here. Notice how gentle and balanced it is. The facade does not have unnecessary ornaments to distract attention from the beauty of the surrounding nature. The entire building was originally used as a hunting lodge and so-called salet, which was a small pavilion designed to relax and enjoy. Imagine how the princes and their guests spent their time here, watching the pond and planning their next steps in this vast park.

When we think about the history of this place, we have to realize what the original purpose of this building was. Rybniční zámeček was not just a representative resting place. It was a strategic point for noble hunting. It was here that the expeditions for birds and fish began, which were the favorite entertainment of the high nobles at the time. But the castle was not meant to serve only the princes. The building provided accommodation for the gamekeeper, i.e. for the person who was in charge of the care of the animals and forests in the area. Imagine the contrast where a world of princely luxury and strict discipline of the forest manager met in one building. Jan I. Josef and later Jan II. z Lichtenštejna spent time here and perceived this place as their private escape from the noisy life of the court.

But time passes and the building gradually changed its role. When we get to the 20th century, we find that Rybniční zámeček stopped being a hunting site and became a place of science and knowledge. In 1922, the hydrobiological station of the Brno universities was founded here. It's fascinating to think that the place where fishing was planned before became the center of water life. Scientists here explored the secrets of the water world and observed organisms in the pond surrounding the building. Later, in 1971, the building was handed over to the Forestry Faculty of Agricultural University in Brno. This closed a certain circle because the building returned to activities related to the care of forests and nature, albeit in a modern, academic sense.

Who knows how many secrets there are in these walls. You may be interested in the fact that this building has gone through several lives. From the luxury hunting pavilion to the scientific station to the educational space. In order for the building to survive for future generations, however, it was necessary to take care of it again and properly. Comprehensive reconstruction and restoration work took place between 2002 and 2008. Thanks to them, we can now admire the building in its Ursprung beauty and perceive its classical purity, which has been with us since the beginning of the nineteenth century.

Now if you look again at the building and then at the surface of the Middle Pond, try to imagine the peace that existed here centuries ago. Try to hear echoes of hunting horns, rustling of the dress noblemen or silent discussions of scientists who wrote their findings here in 1922. Rybniční zámeček is basically a small mirror of the history of the entire region. It shows us how people's priorities have changed, how access to nature has changed, and how important it is to keep the monuments of the past.

Now that you know the story of this place, I suggest you walk slowly around the building. Feel how light is reflected from the water level and how the shadows of trees are played on the walls of this rectangular summer castle. Let the silence and room that this place offers consume you. It is an ideal moment for a brief reflection and reflection on how much it connects us to our ancestors through architecture and landscape.

Thank you for your attention and for stopping with me for a moment at this modest but significant piece of history. Rybniční zámeček now accompanies you with its quiet presence in the next part of your journey. I invite you to continue to explore this wonderful area, discover other hidden corners and be inspired by Josef Kornhäusel's brilliant work and the visions of the princes of Liechtenstein. I wish you a pleasant walk and many new experiences in the heart of Lednice. Goodbye.