Tvrz v Patokryjích Fortress

Tvrz v Patokryjích is a historical monument located on the southern edge of the village of Patokryje in the district of Most. It is characterised by its origin from the second half of the 17th century and the status of cultural monument since 1958. This fortress represents a small mansion in the countryside, which is evidenced by its development by the historical transformation of the land estate in Bohemia.

The first written mention of the fort dates back to 1378, when it is presented as owner by the flag Pešek z Patokryj. A number of other owners appear in the following decades, including Otek and Vlach z Patokryj, Bohuše widow after Otek, Aleš z Velešic in Brocna and his daughter Dorota married to Oldřich from Duban. This family transfer of ownership shows typical of medieval Bohemia movements of property between nobility and township. In 1478, the fort was put into the hands of the city of Most Town, Václav Manvic, who began to use it with the name of Patokryj.

Over the years, the fort has passed through several ownership. After Jarolím Manvicova, it was sold to Peter Razický from Vchynic in 1568, and later bought by Kryštof Rausendorf ze Spremberka. After his death in 1613, Bernard Elsnic z Elsnic followed, who did not inhabit the fort and thus contributed to its desolation. His property was confiscated after taking part in the state uprising and in 1623 he purchased Vilém mladší z Lobkovic, which incorporated it into his estate, Bilina.

The architecture of the fortress in the Pathocytes reveals its original Gothic form. Originally built on a mild hill above the stream of Srpina, it was a covered storey building with dimensions of 16 × 5,5 metres and significantly rounded corners. The current form of the fort dates back to the second half of the 17th century and is covered by a valb roof.

The fort has undergone many changes of owners that reflect historical events of that time. After the confiscation of Bernard Elsnice's estate and the purchase of William the younger of Lobkovic, the fort became part of the estate of Bilina, where it remained until the end of the patrimonial administration in 1848. After 1945 the objects of the fort and the sailing court were used by the state farm, and after 1990 there was EQUI Breeding Station Boreňa-Svinčice.

Today, the fortress in Patokryje is a protected cultural monument and is worth visiting not only for its historical significance, but also for the opportunity to become acquainted with the architectural heritage of small mansions. Its presence on a mild hill above the stream of Srpina gives the place a special atmosphere that attracts historically curious tourists.

Tvrz v Patokryjích is not only a monument to the past, but also a witness to changes in Czech rural settlements. Its history and architecture offer a rich overview of the life of nobility and township in the Czech Republic from the Middle Ages to the modern period, which makes visiting this place not only interesting, but also educational.