Immerse yourself in the revival of Prague’s vinicultural legacy at the classicist château Jablonka, where Marco Maio Architects have crafted a tranquil Fibonacci patio, providing a serene sanctuary amidst the vibrant metropolis for wine enthusiasts, completed in 2022.
Prague, Czech Republic—Perched on a rocky slope above the meandering Vltava River, the classicist château Jabloňka stands as a testament to Prague’s rich history. Once known as the “city of wine,” the northern part of Prague was adorned with sprawling vineyards during the golden ages of Charles IV’s reign. However, the ravages of the Thirty Years’ War and subsequent urban expansion took their toll on the vineyards, leaving the hill of Černý Kopec, now called Jabloňka, covered in apple trees. In the 18th century, a classicist-style château was erected atop Jabloňka, offering breathtaking views of the Vltava River and invoking memories of ancient Mediterranean cultures.
Over the centuries, the landscape surrounding Jabloňka underwent dramatic transformations. The introduction of the Northern Railway in 1830 led to a rapid expansion of Prague, gradually erasing the once-romantic vistas of vineyards and replacing them with views of a burgeoning metropolis. In the late 2000s, the construction of the Blanka tunnel complex brought further changes to the Troja area, exacerbating traffic congestion, noise pollution, and CO2 emissions.
In the midst of these urban developments, the privately owned château Jabloňka found itself surrounded by bustling roads and rapid change. Determined to revive the site’s historical legacy, the owners embarked on a mission to restore the vineyards on adjacent land. In 2013, the first Jabloňka wine seedlings were planted, offering limited editions of three varieties: Ryýnský Ryzlink, Ryýnský Ryzlink Červený, and Tramín Červený. During the clearing of the old garden, the discovery of stone terraces inspired the creation of a wine-tasting patio.
Driven by a desire to recapture the romantic antiquity of the vineyard gardens, the architects at Marco Maio Architects proposed the construction of an idyllic patio that would allow visitors to escape the frenetic pace of the bohemian capital. Guided by history and their southern European roots, the architects sought to create a serene space where the château and the rows of vineyards could take center stage.
During the exploration of the terraced vineyard, a remarkable stone ruin with a curved space was unearthed. Embracing the genius loci, or spirit of the place, the architects integrated the ruin into their design concept. Taking inspiration from the Fibonacci Spiral, which aligns harmoniously with the existing ruin, they accentuated the walls of the spiral to create a unique oasis of tranquility that countered the noise pollution from the surrounding city. This simple enclosed space redirects visitors’ focus back to the château and the sloping vineyard rows.
Preservation and discovery were key principles guiding the overall intervention. A symbolic feature emerged when the architects framed an old oak tree with a door, commanding attention and drawing visitors’ gaze away from the dominant cityscape. By opening the window, a connection with the city was established, signifying the potential expansion of the vineyard. Mirroring this door feature, another corten door was created, serving as a small wine cellar for storing and serving the Jabloňka wines.
The Fibonacci patio is bathed in soft, indirect lighting, accentuating the new stone walls. It features two functional levels: the lower level houses necessary connections, while the higher level serves as the central wine-tasting area, anchored by a rounded table that facilitates gatherings and socialization.
The completion of this project in 2022 marks a milestone in the revival of Jabloňka as a historical and cultural gem in Prague. As visitors step into the Fibonacci patio, they are transported to a bygone era of wine production, where the fusion of classicism and contemporary design harmonizes with the timeless beauty of the surrounding landscape. Prague Winery Jabloňka and Marco Maio Architects have successfully recaptured the city’s vinicultural heritage while providing a sanctuary of serenity amidst the clamor of modern urban life.
