Průzkumy památek 2018, 25(1):161-171 | DOI: 10.56112/pp.2018.1.11

Timber roofs of the Hall of Ancestors and the adjacent three wings in Vranov nad Dyjí Castle

Jiří Bláha

ÚTAM AV, v. v. i.

Research of the timber roof over the Hall of Ancestors in Vranov nad Dyjí Castle facilitated the determination and dendrochronological dating of the elements that most likely came from the original roof truss in the 1690s. There are beams of firs that were cut in 1688+ (d) and 1691/92 (d); today they form oblique supports for the stone sideboards of high dormers that embellish the roof. Although two fragments about 3 m each show empty housing that remained from the previous lap joints, they provide just a vague idea about the structure which spans 18 m at the widest point of the oval. The new timber roofs in the Hall of Ancestors and its vestibule were also made of fir wood cut down over several succeeding seasons from 1736 to 1739 (d). The construction of the long south wing was carried out later in two stages that dendrochronology dates into 1748/49 (d) and 1753/54 (d). The three main palace wings did not receive today's symmetrical appearance until the mid-1780s (1783/84 d). The surviving truss structures provide valuable evidence of construction and handicraft skills of that era. Furthermore, they give testimony about the gradual simplification of timber framed roofs which resulted in the reduction of individual details and decorations.

Keywords: Baroque castle, dendrochronology, timber roofs, Moravia, carpentry

Published: June 15, 2018  Show citation