Original solutions that reign in the decoration of almost any building on the central square of Prague and in remote provinces make the Czech Republic especially attractive for connoisseurs of Gothic architecture. It is here that one of the most striking masterpieces is located, which, nevertheless, has retained many reminders of its difficult past. This is the Prague Public House, which is located on Republic Square.
House or palace
Prague has long gained a reputation as a city that combines several cultures at once. For many years the Czech Republic was a part of other states that made their significant contribution to the formation of this, we will not be afraid of this word, "pearl" of the European continent. Austria-Hungary, Germany, Czechoslovakia - this is just a small list of states that at one time had a significant impact on the formation of the local culture, traditions and way of life.
Previously, on the site of the Municipal House, there was a palace in which Czech kings lived and ruled these lands for several centuries. Over time, the building has repeatedly changed its purpose. At first, a seminary was located here, a little later the place was chosen by the archbishop and his retinue, but in the pre-war years, future defenders of the Fatherland studied here.
In those distant times, the buildings were not particularly watched, therefore, under the influence of time, the building gradually began to fall into disrepair until it collapsed at all. But the place did not take long to be empty. Already in 1905, the first stone was laid on the site of the former royal palace, which marked the beginning of the creation of another architectural masterpiece.
As often happens, construction of such a scale always faces certain difficulties. For example, it was not immediately possible to determine the main persons responsible for the project. After a number of unsuccessful competitions, O. Polivka and A. Balshenek received their right to create a masterpiece, who became the authors of the Public House, the construction of which lasted for 7 years.
Eminent Czech artists, among whom was Karel Spillar, who was entrusted with creating a mosaic panel on the facade of the building, also contributed to the creation of the masterpiece. And he coped with the role assigned to him brilliantly.
If you are even a little interested in the history of that time, you will immediately notice that in almost every detail of this architectural masterpiece there is a deep meaning and theme of national revival.
History of the house
If you want to get to know the architecture of the Municipal House of Prague better, plunge headlong into the history of this place, you cannot do without an intelligent guide. Finding one here is not difficult. We will just skim through several monumental dates associated with this place, amazing in its beauty and unusually deep charisma.
So, the construction of the house was completed in 1912. In those distant times, many secular balls and receptions of dignitaries were organized here. The doors of the Public House, which fully justified its name, were open to all comers. Within its walls, exhibitions were organized and meetings of various societies and clubs of interest were held. And, as if to prove its versatility, the house has become the main center of gastronomy in Prague.
In 1918, one of the most significant historical events for the Czech Republic took place within the walls of the building. It was here that the independence of the republic was proclaimed. It happened on October 28, and two weeks later the Constitution of the Czech Republic was presented.
Throughout its almost century-old history, the Prague Municipal House has witnessed, and often a direct participant, grandiose historical events. As if adjusting to the new realities of the life of the Czechs, the building was repeatedly refined, and more and more new adjustments were made to its perfect appearance.
That is why the Public House appears before a modern person in an absolutely unique guise, in which one can trace the brilliant brushes of many artists and architects of different eras, and the long-term influence of the once powerful state of Austria-Hungary, which spread its influence over the Czech territories, became the reason that the architecture of the building shows signs of Austrian Art Nouveau.
Today the Municipal House is used for cultural purposes. Concerts are regularly held within its walls.
Unusual architecture and enchanting painting
Truly amazing architecture and enchanting painting, the Public House can easily surprise anyone. A more suitable place for this role does not immediately come to mind. It combines a variety of styles of architecture and painting, which were common in the Czech Republic in the 19th and 20th centuries. Neo-Baroque, Art Nouveau, Neo-Renaissance - styles that were considered incompatible - are mixed here and look more than organic.
And what a decor here! At least 30 Czech painters and sculptors from different periods worked on its creation. An amazing, colorful and incomparable picture appears before the eyes of tourists. Locals, who, it would seem, should already get used to such beauty and not pay any attention to it, enjoy the unique architecture with no less enthusiasm. And this is really amazing!
Approaching the Public House, the first thing that catches your eye is the unusual plastic that adorns the facade of the building. The main theme is national subjects from the centuries-old history of the Czech people. Well, beyond all praise, a unique ornament in the style of secession.
The main entrance is framed by a mosaic, the creation of which the great Karel Spillar worked day and night. The colorful slogan "Glory to Prague" seems to invite everyone to go inside. But there is no need to rush. After all, you have not yet examined all the richness of the architectural heritage that is located outside. The sculptures displayed at the foot of the house are divided into two thematic groups - "Humiliation of the people" and "Resurrection of the people". The author of this masterpiece is considered Ladislav Šaloun, whose most famous creation is the Jan Hus Monument, which is located in the middle of the Old Town Square.
And, of course, how can you ignore a truly grandiose in size and execution creation in the form of two Atlanteans, who are located on the columns of the main entrance. Relief figures in national decoration, each of which is dedicated to a separate province, remind of the diversity of culture and traditions of numerous regions of the Czech Republic. Here, in the openings of the windows on the second floor, tourists can also observe stucco heads that carry allegorical overtones.
Public House Interior
Even now, entering the building, surprise and shock awaits any visitor. Imagine, even in those distant times, air conditioning and heating systems familiar to a modern person were created in the Public House, and 28 hydraulic and electric lifts scurried up and down between floors at once!
Each hall of the Municipal House is made in an unusually delicate style. The ornaments and sculptures themselves, which have been an integral part of this landmark for almost a century, are masterpieces of applied art, painting and architecture. You can look at the local beauty and rich interior decoration for days on end.
There is even a cafe in the Art Nouveau style, and the walls are faced with first-class mahogany.The French restaurant, which has practically not undergone any changes, can compete with the art galleries of famous cities in the world. This is a kind of kingdom of allegory and vivid painting.
In the center of this divine interior, like the main prize, there is a huge hall named after Smetana. It is here that Prague welcomes guests from all over the world who want to plunge into the world of beautiful music. Many social events were held within its walls. The walls of the hall are decorated with numerous portraits of world famous Czech composers. Well, in special balcony niches, allegorical statues of Dance, Music, Poetry and Drama are watched for the action that takes place on the stage, frozen in centuries-old amazement. Since 1942, this hall has been the center of the Czech Symphony Orchestra's genius creations.
How to get there
One can talk for a long time about the unique architecture and incomparable painting of the Public House. It is impossible to describe everything. But the more colorful will be the impressions of tourists, who for the first time become spectators of the ingenious creation of human hands. The easiest way to get to the Municipal House is to take a plane to Prague. Due to the close location, the flight from any corner of Russia or the CIS countries will be short-lived. You can also take advantage of the numerous offers and go to the Czech Republic using the Euro bus tour. It all depends on your preferences, the time you have and the budget.
From the airport or from any hotel, you can order a taxi or use the services of public transport. But remember that local taxi drivers like to cheat by inflating fares for foreigners. The easiest way is to take the metro to the Namesti Republiky (Republic Square) stop, or take a similar route by tram or bus. Considering that the Municipal House is located in the center of Prague, it will not be difficult to reach it.
