Discovering Dobruška: Following in the Footsteps of Jirásek’s F. L. Vek

Birthplace of F. L. Vek stands out with its white plaster exterior and charming shingled roof topped with a decorative gable. Inside, you will find a wooden pavilion that houses a museum exhibition split into three sections. The living area portrays what people’s lives were like in the early 19th century. Here, you can see period hand-painted furniture, glass paintings, a spinning wheel, a lantern, and many other items that have fallen out of use today. Hek’s legacy is honored through musical instruments and books from that era.

Following the living area, there is the merchant’s shop, where you can explore the types of goods that were available back then. Most items are household and farming tools, so you will learn what things like a shredder or pestle are, and you will encounter various containers, molds, and agricultural implements.

The standout feature of the shop is wooden scale holders shaped like two mermaids, which are originally from Hek’s estate and were used in the filming of the television series F. L. Věk.

Another section of the exhibition is located in the old black kitchen, featuring a boiler for heating water and a variety of containers. One interesting item here is a beehive carved from a single piece of wood, referred to as a log, which also appeared in the TV series as part of a neighbor’s garden called Psalman.

The final part of the exhibition, renovated in 2010, commemorates the life and achievements of Dobruška’s most celebrated figure and brings back memories of the popular TV series based on the novel by Alois Jirásek, which narrates the story of František Vladislav Hek, celebrated as a Czech patriot and national awakener.

Dobruška draws visitors with its scenic square and notable Jewish landmarks

At the heart of the square lies the striking Renaissance Church of the Holy Spirit alongside a town hall building that dates back to the late 16th century. Its tower rises to 45 meters, offering not just a great view of the surrounding landscape. In the town hall, there is a permanent exhibition showcasing works by the world-famous painter František Kupka. For those interested in Czech history, there are also other permanent exhibitions at the Museum of Local History, including an exhibit about the throat law located in the town hall tower. Additionally, the former rabbi’s house features an exhibit dedicated to the history of the Jewish settlement in Dobruška, which includes a ritual cleansing bath – mikveh. Situated on the northern edge of the town is the Jewish cemetery. You can also take a stroll around important historical buildings, including house No. 40, the family home of Marie Anna Ježková, who was Hek’s wife.