Banka (Hradec Králové, 1000123203) Bank building

Anglobany in Hradec Kralove is a unique monument located on Masaryk Square, which represents the ultimate work of rondocubism. This building of the bank, designed by the architect Josefov Gočár, is not only an important part of the local cultural heritage, but also a key moment in the development of Czech modern architecture. The most obvious element is the arc aetika ending with the letters M, which is a reference to T. G. Masaryk.

The creation of Anglobany can date back to 1923, when the plot with built-in object was purchased by Anglobany and the final architectural design entrusted to Josef Gočár. This year was the beginning of a new era for Masaryk Street, when a unified front of buildings was created thanks to the adjustments to the facades of neighboring houses. The architecture of Anglobany is characterized by a combination of rondocubism and elements of cubism, which represents progress in the direction of modern architectural creation in Czechoslovakia.

The building boasts a three-story structure with a smooth mould above the ground floor and a massive ledge above the second floor, which optically divides the facade into three horizontal parts. The most obvious part is the upper part with the arch atics and letters M, which Gočár repeated on the facades of neighbouring residential houses. The main entrance of the building is lined with polished Swedish granite, which adds to its prestigious appearance.

After buying the plot of Anglobanka, the building became a protected cultural monument in 1958. Over the years it has been the seat of various institutions, including the District National Insurance Corporation (1948-49), the Post Office since 1959 and the Commercial Bank branch since 1994. These changes reflect the dynamic historical development of the building.

The key event was the completion of the overall modification of the square, which included the memorial of T. G. Masaryk in 1926. The interior of the building originally contained a shop and bank on the ground floor, behind the hall then offices and in the floors of apartments. Today, there are adaptation of sales space and distribution of interiors to smaller living spaces.

Today, Anglobany is not only a monument, but also an actively used object. Its historical value and architectural beauty make it an important destination for tourists and locals. The visit to Anglobany offers an opportunity to appreciate the rich heritage and architectural innovation that has become the basis of modern Czech architecture.