Nedvězí u Říčan

Nedvězí u Říčan is a small, quiet neighborhood at the eastern edge of Prague, formally part of Prague 10 and administratively governed within the Praha 22 municipal district. Set among fields and light woodland, well away from the busy arteries of the city center, it offers a different face of the Czech capital — one shaped by a rural rhythm rather than urban bustle.

Where does the name Nedvězí come from?

The settlement's name dates back to the Middle Ages and derives from the old word for bear. Historical records list the village under forms such as "Medwes" or "Nedwiez," and this etymology survives today in the local coat of arms, which depicts a bear on a green field. Animal-derived place names of this kind were typical of settlements founded in the early medieval period, when naming conventions often referenced the surrounding wildlife or notable features of the landscape.

How old is the settlement?

The first written mention of Nedvězí dates to 1313, when it appears as property of the Vyšehrad chapter, together with the neighboring hamlet of Hájek near Dubeč. The actual founding of the village is likely older still, linked to the era of Přemyslid rule, when the dynasty controlled extensive territory stretching east of Prague as far as Říčany. Over the following centuries ownership of Nedvězí changed hands repeatedly, a common fate for small villages situated close to more significant feudal centers.

What happened to Nedvězí in the early modern era?

A major turning point came in 1620, when Nedvězí passed into the hands of Prince Karl von Liechtenstein and was incorporated into the extensive Uhříněves estate. This coincided with the turbulent Thirty Years' War, which devastated many villages and towns in the surrounding region, sparing not even nearby Říčany. Nedvězí, however, was fortunate — unlike neighboring settlements, it escaped being burned down or suffering major wartime destruction, preserving a continuity of settlement in a place where many other villages had to rebuild almost from scratch.

The next significant change for local residents did not arrive until the close of the 18th century. The abolition of serfdom by Emperor Joseph II in 1781, driven by the growing demand for labor in the emerging industrial economy, opened new possibilities for local peasants and offered hope of improved living conditions after centuries of dependence on feudal lords.

What is Nedvězí like today?

Today Nedvězí u Říčan retains the character of a small, intimate settlement, even though it is administratively part of the greater Prague agglomeration. Its position on the city's outskirts, surrounded by fields and greenery, makes it a place favored by residents seeking a bit of quiet close to home, without ever leaving the boundaries of Prague. For anyone interested in local history, it also serves as a starting point for exploring the medieval roots of villages around Prague, whose fortunes have been interwoven for centuries with major events of Czech history — from Přemyslid rule, through the Thirty Years' War, to the Josephine reforms.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the name Nedvězí come from? From the Old Czech word for bear, an animal that also appears on the village's coat of arms.

When was Nedvězí first mentioned in historical sources? In 1313, as property of the Vyšehrad chapter.

Did Nedvězí suffer during the Thirty Years' War? No — unlike many surrounding villages and Říčany itself, it escaped being burned down.

Which part of Prague does Nedvězí belong to today? Administratively it forms part of Prague 10, within the Praha 22 municipal district.