History & Architecture
The Chateau
The complex is a unique combination architectural styles and changing purpose of the building, which used to be a fortress, but the inner part was later rebuilt to a comfortable chateau. It originates in 14th and 15th century, when it was under command of the Pernstejn family, which turned into a well hidden Renaissance palace inside the Gothic fortification. The interiors now function as a place where Art exhibitions and Galleries are located, e.g. the famous cut glass and glass sculptures‘ exhibitions. You can find here the East Bohemian Museum and East Bohemian Gallery, but also the interior itself is a gallery – especially the paintings in the Knight’s Hall are worth seeing, they are the oldest existing wall paintings in Bohemia. The exteriors are typical for its period – sgraffito plasters, arcade yard, marvellous parks, which are protected for the rare animals that got used to the living by the ramparts in the well-maintained greenery, isolated by the moat and the castle walls. Opening hours daily except Monday 10 AM – 6 PM.
Pernstynske Square
Pictoresque Renaissance square was originally built in late Gothic, but today the houses have various newer decorations on the exteriors, from the Baroque, Rococo, Classicism and the Empire architecture, or later styles that were mostly revivaling those which are mentioned above. The surrounding narrow, crinkling alleys are wonderful example of Renaissance architecture similar to old Italian cities. The Green Gate, that connects the two historical squares, is indisputably the dominating feature of the historical center. It is a vaulting portal, with a decorated frontispiece, where you can see the coat of arms of the City - the head of a white horse with a golden bridle, displayed on a red field. The 60-meter high tower, in current form since 1912, was bult in the early 16th century. It used to be a part of the city’s fortification, nowadays it is a popular tourist attraction, providing a wonderful view on the surroundings, especially in the historical part of the city. When the weather is clear, you can see the Kuneticka Hora Castle, or even further-located places of interest. Inside there is a museum of the tower’s history, with pictures of the city in the past, historical maps, etc. Opening hours: May - October daily except Monday 9 AM – 6 PM. Another interesting building in the square is the City Hall, complex of buildings that was built for the municipality authorities in the last decade of 19th century, replacing the old city hall. It was designed by architect Jan Wejrych, now it is used partially for official meetings of the municipality, partially for exhibitions, lectures, concerts, etc. There is also the At the Jonah’s house (Dům u Jonase), which is very famous for its Baroque facade with relief of the biblical prophet Jonah in the jaws of the whale. At present, the exhibitions of the East Bohemian Gallery are located on the premises of the building.
The Square of the Republic
You can find a lot of interesting buildings in the square and surrounding streets, for instance East Bohemian Theater, designed by architect Antonin Balsanek in the early 20th century in Secession style. You can find there famous sculptures, e.g. Statue of Genius by Bohumil Kafka, mosaics by Frantisek Urban, etc. It organizes the theater festival called Grand Festival of Laughter. The main street that runs through the core of the city is called Trida Miru, where you can see a few original Secession buidings, now used as fashion stores and shops. The other buildings in the streets have similar purpose, there are mostly stores, restaurants, cafeterias, etc. In the square, there is also the St. Bartholomew church, that was constructed in 16th century, when the city was under the rule of William, Lord of Pernstejn. Inside the church is a sandstone tomb, where the rulers of the city, heads of the clergy and other important people from the city’s history are buried. Originally in late Gothic, it was redecorated by architect Dvorak in 20th century. The interior and the wall paintings are mostly original and therefore protected as National cultural monument, as well as the whole city center. The Palace of the Hybsky family dominates the square, however, the Shopping Center Grand is also a nice piece of architecture. It used to be the residence of the district council in the era of the „First Republic“ (1918 – 38). However, the ground floor offers nice place for restaurants, cafés, groceries,etc. Currently there is a ball room, a cinema, billiard and gambling club, and of course Hotel Grand, mentioned above.
Werner’s Quay
It’s a place with a lot of historical buildings, that have not been rebuilt as much as most other representative buildings in the very center. In the middle of the street, you can see the remains of the canal that went through the city in the late 15th century, so called Emperor’s mill-race. The houses along the canal were built in late Gothic-style, however, some of them have Classicist facade. Nonetheless, the House no. 97 with painted flower decoration and crimped gable has remained unchanged since 16th century. It is also known for its park, where you can see Styphnolobium japonicum or the Pagoda Tree, a famous shrub native of South East Asia, used in Chinese herbal medicine and in bonsai gardening.
