Historic furnace discovered in Jindřichův Hradec brewery, childhood home of Bedřich Smetana
Archaeologists in Jindřichův Hradec have made a unique discovery. During reconstruction work at the castle brewery, they uncovered exceptionally well-preserved furnaces dating back to the late 18th century.
These historic furnaces, which were once used to heat brewing pans containing ground malt and water, were found beneath a layer of soil. According to Milan Starec from the National Brewery Museum in Kostelec nad Černými lesy, this is an extraordinary find for the history of brewing in the Czech lands:
“A few such furnaces have been discovered before, but never in such good condition. Most of them were either destroyed or only preserved as imprints on walls. In this case, however, they have survived almost intact, preserved in 3D, so to speak.”
Mr. Starec explains that there is evidence of these furnaces on a map from 1763, when the brewery belonged to the Czernin family, but the discovery might be even older:
“We know that the brewery in Jindřichův Hradec was built in 1580, and at the time, it was one of the largest in the Czech lands—definitely among the top five. However, this newly uncovered furnace isn’t the original one from the 16th century, as that earlier one most likely burned down.”
The brewery in Jindřichův Hradec thrived until the mid-19th century, when the Industrial Revolution triggered a complete reconstruction of the building.
But it’s not just beer that makes this brewery special. It also holds a fascinating connection to Czech music history, as Mr. Starec explains:
“One of the brewery’s most famous tenants was František Smetana, the father of the renowned Czech composer Bedřich Smetana. František was a respected brewer, and thanks to his success, Bedřich had a secure and comfortable childhood. This brewery is where he spent his early years.”
The reconstruction of the former castle brewery began last year. Jindřichův Hradec Mayor Michal Kozár admits that they had no idea that such a discovery was hidden beneath the site:
“We were really surprised, because the buildings had undergone several reconstructions, and we thought that all the historic elements had been destroyed during the Communist era, when the site was used by the Fruta company. Luckily, they were just hidden under layers of soil.”
The town plans to reopen the former brewery by 2026. The project, which will cost nearly half a billion crowns, aims to transform the abandoned site into a cultural centre, complete with a brewery and restaurant.
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