Sýpka v Zavlekově Granary

Sýpka v Zavlekově is a historical monument located in the Klatovy district of the Czech Republic. Originally built as a castle in the second half of the 16th century, it was transformed into a granary during the 18th century. This site stands out for its architectural evolution from medieval fortifications to agricultural utility structures and has been protected as a cultural monument since 1964.

The origins of Sýpka v Zavlekově trace back to the early 16th century when Jan Chanovský Dlouhoveský z Dlouhé Vsi purchased the estate in 1544. He commissioned the construction of a new manor after the previous "old castle" had vanished at the start of that century. The first documented mention of this new structure dates to 1626, although it was already established by then. Jiří Chanovský became the sole lord of Zavlekově in 1613 following the deaths of his brothers and later participated in the Bohemian Revolt from 1618 to 1620. As a consequence, he faced penalties that converted his estate into royal manorial land in 1623.

Architecturally, Sýpka v Zavlekově underwent significant changes over time. Initially built as a castle, it was repurposed into a granary in the 18th century. The structure features two floors with small rectangular windows that provide lighting to both levels. A distinctive element of its design is the late Gothic portal from its original form, which has been preserved on the side facing the street.

The ownership history of Sýpka v Zavlekově reflects a series of rapid changes throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries. After Jiří Chanovský's era, Diviš Lv Žákavec z Žákavy acquired it in 1669. By 1689, Lidmila Veronika Doudlebská z Doudleb became the owner, selling it to Adam Humprecht Fortunát Koc z Dobrše just two years later. The estate changed hands quickly thereafter, with Jindřich Vinkler z Heimfelda purchasing it shortly after. Anna Františka Barbora z Lanova acquired Zavlekově in 1716 and bequeathed it to her husband Bedřich Bohuslav Serin z Eichenau, who sold it to Petr Eusebius Radecký z Radče in 1738. The final recorded owner before its transformation into a granary was Václav Marian z Petynku in 1739.

The site's historical context is enriched by the broader events of Bohemia during the 16th century, which was part of the Holy Roman Empire and experienced significant religious and political upheaval, including the early stages of the Protestant Reformation. These tensions contributed to conflicts such as the Bohemian Revolt in which Jiří Chanovský participated.

Today, Sýpka v Zavlekově stands as a testament to its layered history, offering visitors insight into both its medieval origins and its later agricultural role. The preserved late Gothic portal serves as a tangible link to its past, making it an intriguing destination for those interested in architectural evolution and historical narratives. Its status as a protected cultural monument underscores its significance, inviting exploration and appreciation of this unique site.