Archaeologists’ research at the Mendel Greenhouse: intact foundations and novelty
“After the removal of rubble destruction, new and new construction details appeared to us every day, which ultimately provide a breathtaking view of the indoor greenhouse at floor level. It is possible to mention especially the system of fireplaces and heat distribution channels, this part was the most rebuilt in the past and the most damaged during the demolition of the greenhouse, “said research leader Lenka Sedláčková.
Archaeologists have uncovered a number of modifications to the interior of the greenhouse. They mainly concerned the reconstruction of fireplaces and heating ducts. “Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that the apparent differences from the original plans today are actually the result of these activities. The interpretation is hampered mainly by the fact that we cannot “look” below us to reveal the level, because we would have to remove it, therefore destroy it, “said Sedláčková.
Two plans from the middle of the nineteenth century have been preserved for the construction of the greenhouse, namely from 1954 and 1856. The other one does not have exact data. Later, the building was damaged by a storm, which required major repairs. Its appearance before demolition is shown in period photographs from 1961.
FURNACES AND MASONRY DISCOVERED NEARBY
Archaeologists have made more discoveries in the immediate vicinity of the greenhouse, but the depth of the known excavations is limited. They found two furnaces, probably from the eighteenth century, and two foundation masonry of unspecified function. “For one of the structures, we could perhaps consider late medieval or early modern age. The second masonry, mainly on the basis of its character, can with a certain degree of probability be included in the period after the Thirty Years’ War, “said Sedláčková.
Archaeologists are embarking on further research during the excavation of a construction pit for the technical background of the new greenhouse. “It is necessary to mention that we are only sixty meters as the crow flies from the oldest church in Brno, the so-called first old Brno rotunda,” she mentioned the older old Brno rotunda. Therefore, experts can make even more modern discoveries.
A crucial place for the origin of genetics: it will restore Mendel’s greenhouse in Old Brno
As expected, the abbot and scientist Gregor Johann Mendel performed at least part of his experiments in the original greenhouse, laying the foundations for genetics. The building was built in the middle of the nineteenth century by the then abbot of the monastery, Cyril František Napp, who was one of the prominent supporters of Mendel’s supporters.
The restored greenhouse will be created on the basis of the original one next year, when two hundred years have passed since the birth of Mendel. The appearance of the building was designed by architects from the Chybik + Kristof studio.
Exhibitions, openings, smaller concerts or workshops will take place in the greenhouse. It will also become a place for community gatherings. “It will also be a significant reminder of the crossbreeding of peas, which Mendel became famous for when he was the first person in the world to define the basics of heredity in his experiments with him,” said Jakub Carda, director of the public benefit company Společně, which has long popularized Mendel’s legacy.