News Archivy - Mladějovice Mansion

How the Fortress Breathed Again

Michal Hradecký — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:32:11 +0000

Fifteen years ago, when we first stepped into the decaying grounds of the fortress and manor house in Mladějovice, it felt more like entering a ruin than a home. Everything was crumbling, overgrown, silent. And yet, we sensed something powerful — a story that refused to disappear.

From that moment, we committed ourselves to its restoration. Not as individuals, but as a family. All of us worked together — with our hands, minds, and hearts. Sometimes progress was slow, other times full of energy, but always guided by the idea that this wasn’t just about repairs — it was about bringing life back to a place with a soul.

We never wanted to turn the fortress into a private palace behind closed gates. Quite the opposite. Our goal was to open it up to culture, art, and people. Today, the site hosts studios, exhibitions, creative residencies, and public events. And that was always the dream — to let history speak in a language people understand today.

That’s why we’re deeply honored that our work received first place in the competition for Best Restored Cultural Monument of the South Bohemian Region. It’s a huge recognition and also a message of hope — that even private families, with patience and passion, can contribute to cultural heritage.

We are incredibly grateful for the support of the EEA and Norway Grants, which helped fund a significant part of the restoration. We also want to thank the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic and the South Bohemian Region for their long-standing support and encouragement.

Today, the fortress breathes again — and for us, that’s the greatest reward of all.

Yours truly,
The Durych Family

Článek How the Fortress Breathed Again se nejdříve objevil na Mladějovice Mansion.

Board games tournament

Michal Hradecký — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:58:42 +0000

All young spirits of any age are cordially invited to evening of board games fun on 4 April 2024.

The best participants will be awarded!

Článek Board games tournament se nejdříve objevil na Mladějovice Mansion.

From our chronicle

Michal Hradecký — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:53:14 +0000

The year has come and gone, so let’s take a look together at how 2023 reflected in our Chronicle.

In March, tourists from Strakonice signed up and praised us for the tour provided by Bernard (we recommend it, by the way).

After a month, the number of Strakonice tourists grew to 22, after all it is not far.

At the beginning of spring, visitors from Pilsen and České Budějovice arrived, and in autumn, visitors from Prague and Olomouc.

In total, we have 87 visitors to the fortress recorded in the chronicle for last year.

Thank you all for the nice words, they make us happy!

Článek From our chronicle se nejdříve objevil na Mladějovice Mansion.

Inspection of the reconstruction project

Michal Hradecký — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 14:13:07 +0000

On 31 January, the fortress was the venue of the interim public inspection of the project Reconstruction of Mladějovice Fortress (project KU-CH1-113).

The inspection was carried out by the Department of International Relations of the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic and invited experts from Ernst & Young.

The purpose of the audit was to assess the progress of the project, to check the planned objectives, to assess the quality of the work carried out, etc., and last but not least, the effectiveness of the funds spent.

The inspection also included a site visit.

Článek Inspection of the reconstruction project se nejdříve objevil na Mladějovice Mansion.

Wishing you a Happy New Year 2024

Michal Hradecký — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 08:54:33 +0000

May this year bring new happiness, new goals, new achievements, and a lot of new inspirations on your life.

Článek Wishing you a Happy New Year 2024 se nejdříve objevil na Mladějovice Mansion.

Winter in Mladějovice

Michal Hradecký — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 09:19:44 +0000

Winter came to us this year in white and full of romance

And our pets are either asleep or, like our lovely chickens, not having it easy at all.

Článek Winter in Mladějovice se nejdříve objevil na Mladějovice Mansion.

Brass band camp

Michal Hradecký — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 11:55:27 +0000

The first really big event at the mansion was the Saturday camp of the Great Wind Orchestra of the Strakonice Music School.

We know that listening outside the door is not allowed. Absolutely not, under any circumstances.
But sometimes it’s just unavoidable.

The musicians enjoyed their stay with us.

Probably mainly because they could honk, drum or sing until late into the night, they didn’t disturb anyone and no one shouted at them (except the teacher:)

Článek Brass band camp se nejdříve objevil na Mladějovice Mansion.

When the musicians arrive, it’s a pleasure

Michal Hradecký — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 16:50:00 +0000

On Thursday, 5 Gypsy musicians arrived. They were all likeable guys.

They started paving the sidewalk at 5:30 and were finished by 9 o’clock. They said that next week they’ll do the entire courtyard and the wall.

When we saw how easy it was for them and how high quality their work was, we truly believe it!

You can also enjoy their talent not only with sidewalks and walls. In the autumn, they should play here at the Mansion. We will specify the date and we’ll be happy if you come!

Článek When the musicians arrive, it’s a pleasure se nejdříve objevil na Mladějovice Mansion.

Vote for our oak tree

Michal Hradecký — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 10:17:52 +0000

On the dam of the Mlýnský pond in Mladějovice stands proudly a beautiful, mighty summer oak tree. With its height of 27 meters, it is truly majestic, and it’s not surprising that it’s listed among the Strakonice region’s famous trees. You can still vote for it in the Tree of the Year competition for another month on this page: https://www.stromroku.cz/finaliste/aktualni/Mladejovicky-dub. Of course, you can also visit it in person and admire it. In addition to our fortress, you can also visit the site of the famous Battle of Sudoměř, which took place nearby between the Markovec and Škaredý ponds.

More about Battle of Sudoměř you can read on Wikipedia.

Photo source: https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soubor:Mlad%C4%9Bjovick%C3%BD_dub,_Mlad%C4%9Bjovice_(01).jpg
Author: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Anaj7

Článek Vote for our oak tree se nejdříve objevil na Mladějovice Mansion.

As sweet as honey

Michal Hradecký — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 09:41:27 +0000

There is a very popular book in Czech literature called Beetles. Although it is about 150 years old, its poetics does not age.

(Broucek in the sample is the Czech word for little bug).

“Oh Broucek, you’re not guessing well – it’s as sweet as honey.” But Broucek didn’t know anything until Ladybug revealed it. “Oh, you silly Broucek, it’s honey.” And Broucek said, “So it is, my dear Ladybug, honey.” And it was honey. They enjoyed it!

As Mr. Karafiát wrote, honey can be sweet just like honey.

“To have honey on a white plate, one must first scrape it off from the bees, uncork the honeycomb, extract it using a centrifuge, and then pour it into a container.

We currently have thirteen beehives in the fortress, which include six from last year, six of our own division, and one swarm that had landed in our garden, which we allowed to settle in.”

Článek As sweet as honey se nejdříve objevil na Mladějovice Mansion.