In the former Voršilek monastery in Brno, archaeologists have discovered a walled black kitchen

A unique discovery has been made within the ruins of a former convent of the Sisters of Mercy in Brno, Czech Republic. During recent archaeological investigations linked to the reconstruction of this historic site, researchers uncovered a long-forgotten "black kitchen" – a rare example of early domestic architecture from the 17th century. This find offers valuable insight into the daily lives of those who once lived in the convent, as well as the evolution of cooking spaces over time.

The black kitchen was originally built when the convent was established as a Franciscan monastery in the mid-17th century. It later became part of the convent of the Sisters of Mercy, which operated until more recently. The convent itself is located in central Brno, along Josefská Street, and has long since ceased its religious function. Now, following a major reconstruction project, the building will transform into a multifunctional complex featuring shops, dining areas, gardens, apartments, and offices. However, the newly discovered black kitchen remains hidden behind layers of debris and ash, sealed away during the late 18th or early 19th century.

Black kitchens were common between the 16th and 19th centuries. These small rooms were typically situated in the center of buildings where open fires were used for cooking. Smoke from these fires would rise through chimneys, often causing soot buildup throughout the entire space—hence the name “black kitchen.” Over time, these primitive cooking setups were replaced by more advanced cast iron stoves. In the case of the convent’s black kitchen, access was restricted to the sisters themselves, as it led directly into their private quarters, known as the cloister.

According to Ondřej Navrátil, an archaeologist from the Archaia Brno company, the team initially believed they had stumbled upon a simple chimney or ventilation shaft. After removing layers of dirt and ash, however, they uncovered a remarkably intact black kitchen measuring approximately 120 by 140 centimeters. Just inside the entrance, a brick platform was visible, likely used for cooking over an open fire or as a place to set down items. A recess in the western wall, now sealed off, originally led to a hearth in an adjacent room. Above this area, there is a large flue extending all the way up to the attic, though it appears to have been interrupted somewhere along the way.

While the exact date of construction remains uncertain, experts believe the black kitchen was built during the initial phase of the convent's construction. The surrounding masonry suggests it dates back to the 17th century. However, it was sealed off sometime during the late 18th or early 19th century, likely as part of a broader effort to modernize the convent’s kitchen facilities. Despite being hidden for centuries, the discovery is considered highly significant both archaeologically and historically.

The reconstruction of the former convent is part of a larger urban renewal initiative. Located at the intersection of Orlí and Josefská streets, the building was constructed in the 17th century and belonged to the Brno bishopric. Today, it is undergoing extensive renovation. Once completed, the site will include rental and commercial spaces, as well as fifty residential units. The first stage of the project, expected to take just under two years, focuses on restoring the historical structure of the convent. Future phases will involve revitalizing the convent garden and constructing a multifunctional building in the nearby Novobranšká Street, which has remained undeveloped for over eighty years.

In addition to the black kitchen discovery, another unrelated but equally important archaeological investigation took place in southern Africa. Researchers from the Czech Republic and South Africa uncovered remnants of a detention camp known as Camp Andalusia, where approximately 1,200 men from German-speaking communities in Africa were held after World War II. These individuals, many of whom had lived in German colonies before the war, faced internment due to fears of potential hostility toward Britain. The camp was located near the town of Jan Kempdorp and housed prisoners in prefabricated bungalows made of corrugated metal.

Archaeologists used drones and modern geodetic methods to document the site with high precision, creating detailed 3D models and orthophotos of the entire area. The findings reveal that each bungalow accommodated six internees, and some of them cultivated fruit trees, vegetables, and ornamental flowers in makeshift gardens using local materials. Artworks created by the residents of the camp, preserved in the Museum Café in Jan Kempdorp, further illustrate life within the camp.

This research is part of a broader project titled “Zdivočelá země,” supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and partially funded by the European Union. The goal is to understand how conflict-related detention centers shaped the 20th century, particularly in regions affected by colonialism and post-colonial tensions. The discoveries in both Brno and southern Africa highlight the importance of preserving historical sites and understanding the human experiences tied to them. While the black kitchen in Brno will remain sealed for conservation purposes, future studies may provide even deeper insights into the past.