Průzkumy památek - Latest articles

Remnants of Spa Bathrooms and Their Operational Facilities in Municipal Houses in Františkovy LázněResearch Articles

Lubomír Zeman

Průzkumy památek 2025, 32(2)

The article explores the layout of historic spa houses in Františkovy Lázně (western Bohemia), emphasising their uniqueness in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Unlike other well ‑known spa towns that usually built large public spa complexes for treatments, Františkovy Lázně initially provided spa services directly within private spa facilities. Regulations specifically required that, in ad dition to living areas, these buildings had to include spa bathrooms. Several of these structures, along with their essential equipment for operation, have survived to this day.

Two Sets of Letters by the Lesser -known Sculptor Josef Griessler (ca. 1708–1773)Research Articles

Kryštof Loub

Průzkumy památek 2025, 32(2)

Josef Griessler (around 1708 Vienna – 1773 Český Krumlov) is recognised in scholarly literature for his sculptural work for the so called Cascade fountain in the Český Krumlov castle garden. In addition to his other contributions to the Dolní Vltavice church, his remaining works are largely unknown. This paper presents two sets of total fourteen letters letters written by this sculptor during 1763–1765 in which he mainly describes his work on the high al tar in the Church of St Dominic in Strunkovice nad Blanicí but also ‘confesses’ to more contributions to Český Krumlov Castle, namely four sculptures on the castle bridges previously...

Transformations of the Architecture and Furnishings of the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in PoděbradyResearch Articles

Karel Kibic

Průzkumy památek 2025, 32(2)

The article summarises key findings from the architectural and historical investigation of the parish church in Poděbrady, focusing on establishing the date of its initial construction phase. It identi fies the church’s core as clearly late Gothic, while leaving open the possibility that the three ‑nave vault was finished later. Churches featuring pilasters are rare in Czech (late) Gothic architecture. The sacristy presents intriguing details that, combined with archival sources, allow for a reflection on its historical use. Conversely, the crypt beneath the presbytery can be viewed as an added feature. Only the organ ‑loft is connected...

Late Gothic Bastion of Náchod Castle (Now a Chateau)
Archaeological Research of the Vanished Fortification at Vysoký šancResearch Articles

Pavel Drnovský, Ladislav Rytíř, Jiří Slavík, Jiří Unger

Průzkumy památek 2025, 32(2)

The article examines the discovery of relics from an outer fortifi cation found during archaeological excavations at Náchod Castle (Chateau). The structure was situated in the location known as Vysoký šanc in the western bailey. The foundations of an inward‑‑opening fortification of a horseshoe ground plan were uncovered. The thickness of the double ‑sided facing masonry varies between 1.3 and 1.4 metres. The structure can be described as a bastion. The construction likely dates to the late 15th and early 16th cen turies, during the ownership of Jan Špetle of Janovice, when the castle’s outer fortifications were also added....

Early Gothic Capital at Letovice CastleResearch Articles

Jiří Doležel

Průzkumy památek 2025, 32(2)

The castle in Letovice, located in northwestern Moravia, under went several renovations, transforming its original Gothic structure into its current form. The newly registered and documented early Gothic crocket capital of a supporting pier, which was walled in on the ground floor of the southwestern wing shortly before 2011, is an exceptional discovery. The absence of detailed findings limits our ability to explore the cultural and historical background of the capital’s origin and its intended architecture. The local Cenoma nian sandstone suggests that the fragment, representative of an advanced design, might have belonged to a religious structure...

Broad Axe, Honing Steel, and Sausage Rim (obliculum)
On the Iconography of the Butcher’s Craft Symbols as Exemplified by Late Gothic and Renaissance Stone Reliefs from MoraviaResearch Articles - Studies

Zdeněk Vácha

Průzkumy památek 2025, 32(2)

The article explores artefacts from the Late Gothic and Renaissance periods in Moravia, primarily stone reliefs related to the butcher’s craft. These are categorised into figural reliefs depicting cattle (or a single animal) slaughter and stone carvings that illustrate the butcher’s tools and implements, representing the butchers’ symbolism. The introduction, which deals with the butcher’s craft partly in a European con text, is followed by an analysis of the iconography of works associated with butchers in the Czech lands and the list of fourteen artefacts from Moravia, along with analogies from Bohemia and the neighbouring...

Mokřice Castle near Jičín in Eastern Bohemia
The Architectural Form of the Noble Residence Based on Excavation Documentation From 2013 and 2016 and Archaeological Re search Conducted in 2024Research Articles - Studies

Pavel Drnovský, Jiří Unger

Průzkumy památek 2025, 32(2)

The study evaluates archaeological research at Mokřice Castle (Jičín District) in Bohemia, conducted in 2013, 2016, and 2024. It describes the findings from excavation probes. Based on the dating of discovered materials, the castle was founded in the late 13th century. It con sisted of the castle core and a bailey, with other settlement and production components in its vicinity. The castle’s oval core (45 × 35 m) was surrounded by a brick perimeter wall, about 3.5 meters wide at the base and 2.5 meters wide above ground. The destruction lay ers within the core vary from 3 to 4 metres. Based on stratigraphic evidence, the castle was likely destroyed...

Jsou výběrová řízení na památkové adaptace problémem památkové péče?Editorial

Jan Fiřt, Petr Skalický

Průzkumy památek 2025, 32(2)

Archival Findings for Several Prague Palaces and Houses of Giovanni Battista AlliprandiResearch Articles

Pavel Zahradník

Průzkumy památek 2025, 32(1)

The article discusses four palaces and three burgher houses, located in Prague’s Old Town (Joanelli’s House no. 258/I, Hrzán Palace no. 558/I, House of the Golden Vulture no. 563/I, and Trauttmansdorff Palace no. 922/I) and the Lesser Town (Kaiserstein Palace no. 37/III, House Donkey at a Crib no. 244/III, and Přehořovský Palace, now Lobkowicz Palace no. 347/III), which are commonly attributed to the architect Giovanni Battista Alliprandi. In the 1960 s, construction history surveys were conducted for all these buildings, and later, new findings were published in art history literature. However, further information was discovered in archives,...

New Findings on the Ceiling Decoration of the Fable Hall at Lemberk Castle | Identification of the Book Model of Nine Emblematic ScenesResearch Articles

Daniel Razím

Průzkumy památek 2025, 32(1)

The paper presents new findings on the iconography of the Late Renaissance coffered ceiling decoration in the ‘Fable Hall’ located in the western wing of Lemberk Castle in North Bohemia. It summarises previous knowledge and unclarified questions about this work of art, which is unique for its use of the books Theatrum morum (J. Sadeler, 1608) and Emblemata sacra (D. Cąramer, 1624) as models for the interior decorations of a noble residence in the former Lands of the Bohemian Crown. The paper identifies the collection Emblemata sacra as a verifiable inspiration for the nine scenes that were additionally incorporated into the ceiling. In...

Manorial Granaries in Miloňovice and Líšno | On the Typology of Renaissance Farm BuildingsResearch Articles

Jan Pešta

Průzkumy památek 2025, 32(1)

The article focuses on two Renaissance manorial granaries: one is situated in Miloňovice in the Strakonice district (built in the 1590 s) and the other is located near Líšno Castle in the Benešov district (built in the 1560 s). Apart from the description and reconstruction of the Renaissance stage, these granaries are contextualised within the framework of Renaissance farm architecture. In addition to their richly decorated facades adorned with sgraffito, both granaries share an intriguing layout feature – an entryway in the gable façade. Similar layouts are known from various other Renaissance granaries in South, Central, and West Bohemia.

Revised Reflections on the Romanesque Construction Phase of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Kostelec nad VltavouResearch Articles

Filip Facincani

Průzkumy památek 2025, 32(1)

The article aims to challenge the previous notions that the High Gothic Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Kostelec nad Vltavou (Písek District) includes masonry from its Romanesque predecessor. The findings published earlier suggest yet another possible interpretation that is presented for discussion.

On the Baroque Decoration of the Church of St Vitus in Libědice in North Bohemia | Results of Research on Interior Decorations from Artificial MarbleResearch Articles - Studies

Zdeněk Kovářík, Martin Krummholz, Renata Tišlová

Průzkumy památek 2025, 32(1)

The Church of St Vitus in Libědice is a newly built Baroque structure featuring lavish interior decoration from the 18th century. The exceptional synthesis of collaboration among the architect, painters, sculptors, and stucco workers is comparable to the most significant High Baroque monuments in Central Europe. Artificial marble decorations produced by the workshop of the North Italian stucco worker, Giacomo Antonio Corbellini (1674–1742), dominate the Libědice church. The scope and lavishness of this decoration were unparalleled in the early 18th century in the Czech lands. Entire walls of the church nave, presbytery, and choir, along with...

The Construction Modifications of the Church of St Dominic in Strunkovice nad BlanicíResearch Articles - Studies

Filip Facincani, Kryštof Loub

Průzkumy památek 2025, 32(1)

The article primarily focuses on the medieval construction phases of the Church of St Dominic in Strunkovice nad Blanicí. The discussion highlights the stylistic characteristics of the architectural elements from the second half of the 13th century, which previous research associated with the Zvíkov–Písek building workshop. Evidence from archival sources from the 19th century indicates that the church underwent a considerable Late Gothic renovation during the first half of the 16th century, during which the surviving trussing of the presbytery was established, along with a tower and a vaulted tribune. The authors of the study further examine...

The Journey of the Auxiliary Bishop of Olomouc, Martin Göschl, through the South, Southwest and Northwest of Bohemia in 1515Research Articles - Studies

Roman Lavička

Průzkumy památek 2025, 32(1)

The sede vacante of the Prague archepiscopal see after the Hussite Wars led to a shortage of bishops in Bohemia who could consecrate sacral structures, including altars. The necessity for these operations resulted in bringing in a suffragan from Moravia or the surrounding lands to consecrate or issue indulgences and privileges for a fee. Martin Göschl, Auxiliary Bishop of Olomouc (c. 1480 – after 1533), travelled through the south, southwest and northwest of Bohemia between July and October 1515, consecrating churches and granting indulgences at the request of Catholic noblemen. Written sources and remaining structures provide insights into his...

K možnostem stavebněhistorického průzkumuEditorial

Aleš Mudra

Průzkumy památek 2025, 32(1)

Additional Findings on the Early Modern Building Development of the Harazim Solitary Homestead near Rájov in the Český Krumlov RegionResearch Articles

Filip Facincani, František Iša

Průzkumy památek 2024, 31(2)  

The paper builds on the results of the recent research about the Late Renaissance granary of the Harazim Homestead in South Bohemia. It focuses on a fragmentarily preserved building that was incorporated into this granary at the time of its construction around 1600. Based on the newly acquired dendrodates, it is likely that structural and dating relationships between these two structures can be established.

On Dating of Half‑Timbered Granaries in the Village of Jarov in the North Pilsen RegionResearch Articles

Alena Aubrechtová, Karel Foud, Tomáš Karel, Stanislav Plešmíd

Průzkumy památek 2024, 31(2)  

Half‑timbered two‑storeyed granaries with a small balcony are typical features of vernacular architecture in the North Pilsen Region. Their greatest number has survived in the village of Jarov (Pilsen‑North District) where their dendrochronological analysis has recently been completed, and this study presents its results. The oldest granary is dated by beams made of trunks chopped down in the winter of 1718/1719.

Baroque Pools in Castle Gardens in Dobříš and SmilkovResearch Articles

Jan Kypta, Filip Laval, Zdeněk Neustupný

Průzkumy památek 2024, 31(2)  

Relics of Baroque pools with complex ground plan layouts have recently been discovered in the ornamental gardens of the castles in Dobříš and Smilkov (both in Central Bohemia). In Dobříš, depictions of erstwhile pools are found in the print of the garden around 1770. The pool in Smilkov, which was backfilled in the second half of the 20th century, is partly visible in historical photographs. Archaeological surveys in both localities contributed to the overall reconstruction of the ground plans of the pools. Interestingly, the historical depiction of the Dobříš garden reveals that the shapes of the pools are distorted.

Kristina Uhlíková (ed.), Městský chrám sv. Vavřince ve Vysokém MýtěBook Reviews

Jan Kypta

Průzkumy památek 2024, 31(2)  

Jan Chlíbec – Jiří Roháček, Monumenta mortis et memoriae. Sepulkrální skulptura ve výtvarné kultuře českého středověkuBook Reviews

Jan Kypta

Průzkumy památek 2024, 31(2)  

Group of Paintings of the Chudenice Altarpiece The Case of a Late Gothic Painting Workshop in the Nobility’s ServiceResearch Articles - Studies

Ondřej Šindlář

Průzkumy památek 2024, 31(2)  

The study deals with a few Late Gothic panel paintings which, based on a formal analysis from the beginning of the 20th century, were linked by the common starting point – a painting workshop. The anonymous painter received an alternative name, Master of the Chudenice Altarpiece. This example shows artificially constructed painting workshops in Bohemia, and the historical workshop practice as it reflects upon the relevancy of this traditional art historical concept. However, the revised formal analysis backed up by the latest survey of underdrawings substantiated that the common authorship of these paintings can still be considered relevant....

The Rožmberk Palaces of Dívčí Kámen (Menštejn) Castle and Helfenburk Castle near Bavorov Contribution to Research of Housing Culture in the Middle AgesResearch Articles - Studies

Vladislav Razím

Průzkumy památek 2024, 31(2)  

In the Šumava foothills, large ruins of two castles have survived, built close together by the powerful Rožmberk (Rosenberg) family in the third quarter of the 14th century as the administrative centres of the newly organised estates. Because the builders were the same, it is not surprising that the castles show similarities, particularly the core with the monumental three-part palace in the central part of the castle. Despite their rather exceptional information value and the rare possibility of comparison, the building historians have paid little attention to the two castles. This is manifested especially in the palaces as they rank among the largest...

Archivní rešerše v digitálních časechEditorial

Romana Rosová

Průzkumy památek 2024, 31(2)  

Pavel Vlček – Pavel Zahradník a kolektiv, Encyklopedie architektů, stavitelů, zedníků a kameníků v ČecháchBook Reviews

Martin Šanda

Průzkumy památek 2024, 31(1)

Zdeněk Dragoun – Michal Tryml, Románský kostel v Dolních Chabrech a jeho předchůdciBook Reviews

Rudolf Procházka

Průzkumy památek 2024, 31(1)

Notes on the Work of the Baroque Painter Johann Christoph Handke
The Holy Family Painting Research and RehabilitationResearch Articles

Luboš Machačko, Michal Vopálenský, Leoš Mlčák

Průzkumy památek 2024, 31(1)  

The article presents the results of detailed restoration research of the Holy Family painting which has so far only hypothetically been attributed to the Baroque painter Johann Christoph Handke (1694–1774), active in Olomouc. During the restoration, overpainting was removed, revealing the figure of St Joseph. An authentic date 1753 was discovered on the reverse of the canvas. The analysis of style safely ranks the rehabilitated painting among Handke’s works.

Research of the Ceiling Paintings by Carpoforo Tencalla in the Archiepiscopal Palace in OlomoucResearch Articles

Jana Zapletalová, Filip Menzel

Průzkumy památek 2024, 31(1)  

The ceiling paintings in five stucco fields in the cabinet on the second floor of the Archiepiscopal Palace in Olomouc are regarded as the only work by the imperial painter Carpoforo Tencalla which remains in this building. The paintings date probably from 1674 and the famous painter created them as a commission from Karl of Liechtenstein‑Castelcorno, Bishop of Olomouc. The recently conducted non‑invasive technological survey of the ceiling paintings, which lay in a detailed visual inspection of the paintings in the falling diffused light, strong lateral illumination, and ultraviolet‑induced visible fluorescence, yielded valuable...

New Findings on the Renaissance Portrait Painting from the Pernštejn Castle FurnishingsResearch Articles

Zdeněk Vácha

Průzkumy památek 2024, 31(1)  

The subject of the article is the presentation of new findings on the Renaissance group portrait painting which is today part of the Pernštejn Castle furnishings. The panel painting is dated 1548. The composition is dominated by a large family portrait (twenty‑three persons) gathered outdoors around a table. The painting’s provenance has now been safely determined based on the identification of the persons and the town in the background. The overall landscape scenery and architectural dominants suggest Steyr in Upper Austria. The conclusion that the painting depicts Colman Dorninger († 1552), the burgher of Steyr and his family, is...

Forward Fortification of Cornštejn CastleResearch Articles

Jan Kypta, Jiří Marounek

Průzkumy památek 2024, 31(1)  

The article is devoted to the forward fortification of Cornštejn Castle (Znojmo Region) which is situated along the Moravian‑Austrian border. The fortification blocks an elevated position above the access road, from which the castle could have been seriously threatened during a siege. Its perimeter fortification consists of a series of linear embankments and a frontal ditch. On the highest place of the enclosed area is the ruin of a stone prismatic tower. Thanks to an exact analysis of several wooden elements, the construction of the tower was dated to 1478.