Our era provides us with comfort and ease, which we would probably not swap for anything. But if you were really honest with yourself, who would not want to try out life in the Middle Ages, at least for a little while. Have a look how our ancestors lived, how they had fun and how they worked. How did they entertain themselves when they didn’t have any computers? How did they learn any news without the existence of television, radio and newspapers? Where did they get their food from if not from a supermarket? You will find the answer to all of these questions if you visit the medieval village of Řepora, which can be found between Stodůlky and Řeporyje. Although it is only a replica of a settlement in the 14th century, you need not worry about it being true to the period down to the very last detail.
Entrance forbidden for technical devices
This unique historical and ecological project was born in the minds of enthusiasts in 1999. It did not take long and a unique place emerged on the site of a former brick clay quarry, where at that time there were only a few illegal dumping grounds – a medieval village in its full glory. Three years later, the open-air museum opened its gates to the first visitors.
The main aim is to give people as faithful as possible an insight into everyday life in a Czech village during the Middle Ages. All of the buildings are built from period materials and using the technologies of the time. So there are no bricks, mortar or screws and nails. Only wood and clay and roofs covered with thatch or wooden shingles.
The year is 1402…
The inhabitants of the settlement here have been making a living “since time immemorial” above all by gathering plants with long roots, which are used by healers to treat various ailments. This plant is called agrimony (řepík in Czech), and this is why they are called agrimony pickers (řeporyjci in Czech). This is also the origin of the name of this village – Řepora. The village has its own church, marketplace and well. Settlements are owned here by various craftsmen, such as a potter, a blacksmith, a farmer and of course a reeve, who also owns the local tavern.
Their housing is simple with “smoke” holes in the roofs. These draw off the smoke from the fireplace (chimneys were still hard to build at that time). The layout of the households of that time was almost the same everywhere, because the practical side of matters took precedence over aesthetics. In the corner by the entrance was a stone oven which was used to cook on. Diagonally across from this in the opposite corner stood the dining table and benches. In another corner by the gable wall is a simple bed for the householder and his wife. The others sleep wherever they can; on the floor on a pile of hay or in the area under the roof. Simple paintings, above all around the windows and doors, are supposed to drive away evil spirits.
The whole village is surrounded by a moat and palisade with three entrance gates. Behind the village, you will find a gallows hill, crucifixion column and pagan sacrificial ground with holy tree. There is also a pillory here. Many fish swim in the adjacent fishponds. They even catch crayfish here, which are rare nowadays.
Inhabitants of the village
The open-air museum here does not consist of buildings alone. You will even find inhabitants who live and work here. You can take a look at the life of the blacksmith, fisherman, crofter or potter. Refreshments can be taken in the reeve’s medieval tavern. A visit to the local church is a must and the graveyard is also worth your attention. Everyday life here is livened up by irregularly held merry-making and entertainment with various themes. You can for example come across a medieval piper here or watch a swordfight.
Řepora has a sister, Dřevčice Citadel
Villa Dreucici is located in the village of Dřevčice, which can be found about 18 kilometres northeast of Prague, not far from Brandýs nad Labem. Records of this citadel have been preserved dating back as far as the 11th century. As time went by, the owners constantly changed as did the ways the building was used. For us, the most important thing is that nowadays the citadel has been reconstructed and is open to the public.
You can come face to face with the Middle Ages here too. Have a meal in the period tavern or take a look at the work of the craftsmen from times long past.