Dům čp. 102 (Kadaň) House

Welcome to the beautiful city of Kadaň. Right now you're standing in one of the most important places in the old town, in Sládkov Street. Before we go into the deep investigation of history, just stop for a moment. Feel the atmosphere of this place. Feel the scent of the old walls and the calm that radiates from these historic buildings. In front of your eyes is house number one hundred and two, which is known in this city under a much more poetic name - the house of Capricorn. This object is not just an ordinary building made of stone and mortar. He's a living witness for centuries who survived storms, changes in governments and destructive elements. Look at his facade and try to imagine how many people have been here for the past few hundred years looking for shelter, rest or simply home. To understand what you're seeing right now, we need to go back deep into the past. This house has not only one face, but many layers that have gradually piped into each other. His story began at the time of goth. Imagine those times when architecture was raw, strong and sought stability in the first place. It was at that time that the foundations were created that kept this house in place. But time didn't last. How people's minds changed and how the world changed, so did this house. During the next century he went through modifications during the Renaissance, when emphasis was placed on harmony and new shapes. Later came the Baroque era, which brought a different style and a different aesthetics into its form. Each of these era has left a mark in the architecture of the house, which creates the fascinating mixture that you're seeing right now. However, the greatest test of resistance had to face this house in eighteen hundred eleven. At that time, the city of Kadaň swallowed up a huge and devastating fire that changed the face of the entire site. Many buildings at that time were unable to face such destruction, but this house was born again. After this great disaster, the building underwent a major reconstruction. This event was a key point in its history because that is when today's form began to form in the direction we see it today. CZECH NOTE: The reconstruction after the fire was not just a repair, it was a new life for this historical object. Now pay attention to the details you have right in front of you. Even if we don't know the names of the particular architects who designed the different parts of this house in ancient times, their work is still evident. Feel how different styles mix in architecture. If you look at the surface of the building, you'll notice the material work. The house uses sandstone, which is typical of this area. Sandstone has this special ability to capture light while acting very naturally and organically. Now look at the most important thing. Note the home sign that's carved into the sandstone. It's Capricorn's motive. This sign is the key to the identity of the whole house. It is a symbol that has helped people in the past to navigate the streets when not all houses have been numbered as they are today. This Capricorn is distinctive, understandable and gives the entire facade its unique character. The history of this place is not only about stones, but above all about the people who lived here. Every family that owned this house has left a mark in its history. In a thousand and eight hundred and fifty-seven, the house became part of the Heinrich family. Wilhelm Heinrich was one of those who left their trail at this point in the period after the Great Fire. Later, in the year one thousand nine hundred twenty-five, the house became home to the marriage of Raimund and Anna Puntzet. These people lived their daily lives here, built their fates and were part of the vibrant life of the old town. And we must not forget the Novotny family, who did extensive reconstruction in the 1970s. Thanks to their care and effort, the house has returned to the form that allows us to admire it so beautifully today. Do you perhaps feel that the sandstone Capricorn looks very clean and precise? You're right. And here comes one interesting thing that may surprise you. Although the house itself is very old and its roots date back to the Middle Ages, this particular home sign with the motif of the Capricorn is not as ancient as it might seem. It was created by the Petr Novotný restorer in the 1970s. It was his deliberate act to link history with modern monument care. Petr Novotný showed great respect for tradition in this work, but at the same time created something new that gives the house his name and a clear identity. It is a fascinating example of how modern man can go into history and help preserve them for future generations. So this Capricorn is the link between the old world and our present time. You're standing in front of a building that's a living history teacher. You can see the strength of the Renaissance, the elegance of the Baroque and the resistance of a devastating fire. You see in it the work of masters of sandstone cutting and the care of the families who lived here. I hope this short journey over time has helped you better understand the importance of this place. Kadaň has many other secrets and beautiful views for you. So continue the tour of the old town, walk through its narrow streets and let yourself drift through the atmosphere of this historic jewel. Thank you for spending this moment with us. Goodbye and enjoy the next part of your journey.