The brewery in Chříč represents a unique project of a monument renovation and restoration to its original purpose. In 2009 a group of enthusiasts discovered a unique building of a Baroque country brewery with a malt-house that was then about to be demolished. They founded civic association Propolis (www.propolis-os.cz) and thanks to thousands of days of volunteer work as well as tens of small sponsors they helped to create an extraordinary place for meeting, work and relaxation. The brewery, situated not far from the Berounka river, gradually accomplishes its idea to become the local cultural, social and educational centre. Besides volunteer projects, art, dancing and craft courses are organized here. In summer a festival and a children’s holiday camp take place. The brewery also revives celebrating traditional feasts such as carnival or village fair.
In the Baroque malt house the Museum of Everyday Life was established which presents playfully the life in the village in the past.

And where is the beer?

Since the very beginning one of our motives was to establish a sheltered workshop here – a craft firm, employing several mentally disabled people. This idea gradually shaped into “a sheltered brewery” where the jobs of the auxiliaries are taken over by disabled people. With the help of Nadace Via (Via Foundation) and a number of experts in the brewing sector we managed to create a viable business concept. A part of reconstruction and equipment costs was provided by the European Union, the rest was covered by the bank loan of Česká spořitelna from the social enterprises programme.

foto: Ivo Oskar Osvald