Dům čp. 37 House
House No. 37 in Prachatice I stands as an exemplary piece of mid-15th century Gothic architecture on Velké náměstí. This historical monument is notable for its unique architectural features and cultural significance, having been protected since May 3, 1958. Originally two separate houses, they were joined at the start of the 16th century to form one structure, reflecting urban development trends after the Hussite Wars.
The origins of House No. 37 date back to the mid-15th century when it was part of a new block on Velké náměstí's eastern side. This period saw significant changes in Bohemia as cities expanded and rebuilt post-Hussite Wars. The two original Gothic houses were likely joined into one structure after a city fire in 1501, illustrating the adaptive reuse common at that time.
Architecturally, House No. 37 is distinguished by its contrasting façade textures: rough plaster on the left and smooth white plaster on the right. It features a prominent Gothic arched entrance portal made from Prachatice diorite, dating to the mid-15th century. The right side includes an arcade supported by robust stone pillars, while the left has three window axes on the ground floor and two above, with windows set in late-Gothic stone frames. Notably, the original late-Gothic plaster on the façade has been carefully restored to distinguish it from later additions.
Ownership of House No. 37 has seen notable figures over the centuries. In 1570, Wolf Jádl was recorded as the owner, followed by Matěj Jádl in 1585. The building underwent significant changes after a devastating fire on April 13, 1832, leading to the removal of its attics and a redesign of its roof into a simpler form with a low double-pitched structure.
A key curiosity about House No. 37 is the replacement of its entrance doors in 1913 or later with Secession-style ones, replacing earlier Gothic versions. This change highlights the building's evolving architectural narrative over time. Additionally, remnants of significant late-Gothic frescoes depicting three saints were discovered on the façade, although they are not currently displayed due to their poor condition.
Today, House No. 37 is part of Prachatice’s Urban Conservation Area and serves as a testament to the town's rich medieval heritage. The ground floor houses spaces for restoration and retail, making it accessible to visitors interested in exploring its historical significance. Its architectural features and storied past make it a compelling destination for those keen on experiencing the cultural tapestry of Prachatice.
House No. 37 offers a unique glimpse into the architectural evolution and historical narratives of Prachatice, inviting visitors to appreciate its enduring legacy as part of this charming town's heritage.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- polovina 15. století
- The house was originally constructed as part of a new block of buildings.
- 1501
- Following the city fire, the two Gothic houses were likely joined into one structure.
Architectural development
Dům čp. 37 began as two separate Gothic structures in the mid-15th century and was unified into a single building at the start of the 16th century. The right side features an arcade supported by robust stone pillars, while the left side has rough plaster with white corner framing. The original late-Gothic plaster on the façade has been carefully restored to distinguish it from later additions.
Historical events
The two original Gothic houses were joined at the beginning of the 16th century to form one building.
In 1913 or later, the entrance doors were replaced with Secession-style ones.
Points of interest
- House No. 37 is an exemplary piece of mid-15th century Gothic architecture located on Velké náměstí in Prachatice I. - The building was originally two separate houses joined at the start of the 16th century, reflecting urban development trends after the Hussite Wars. - Architecturally notable for its contrasting façade textures and a prominent Gothic arched entrance portal made from Prachatice diorite. - Ownership records include Wolf Jádl in 1570 and Matěj Jádl in 1585, with significant changes following a fire on April 13, 1832. - Remnants of late-Gothic frescoes depicting three saints were discovered on the façade, although they are not currently displayed due to their poor condition.
Guide
This guide is narrated by a synthetic voice generated by artificial intelligence.
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
House number thirty-seven stands on the eastern side of Velkého náměstí in Prachatice. It is also called U Jelena, after the historic brewery that operated in the house. It is part of the Prachatice urban heritage reserve and has been a protected cultural monument since May third, nineteen fifty-eight.
The house was built in the middle of the fifteenth century during the construction of a new block of houses. This reduced the originally much larger square to almost half its size. The construction was connected with the development of the city after the Hussite Wars and with the building of the Rožmberský castle near the Upper Gate, which was built approximately between fourteen forty-six and fourteen forty-eight. The city needed additional plots for new townhouses at that time.
The present house was created by joining two Gothic houses. This happened apparently after a city fire in fifteen-oh-one. Before the right house, arcades with a projecting upper story and a cellar were then added. The house received a new unified facade and a brick gable in the style of late Gothic. The left part had until then an entrance from Kostelní náměstí. Its pointed arch was found by restorers in the neighboring house number thirty-six, which was only added after fifteen-oh-one.
From the middle of the fifteenth century comes a Gothic pointed entrance portal made of Prachatice diorite. The door within it was previously considered to be Gothic, but examination showed it to be Art Nouveau. The arcades are supported by two pointed arches on sturdy square pillars with beveled edges. On the right part of the facade, white polished lime plaster from after fifteen-oh-one has been preserved. It belongs to the oldest plasters of its kind found in Prachatice. The left part is covered with rough plaster of a naturally sandy color, stripped only with a mason's trowel, with white ashlar work at the corner. Remnants of late Gothic paintings of three saints in larger-than-life size were also found on the facade. Due to poor condition, they are not visible today.
Around the middle of the sixteenth century, some rooms were vaulted and the Gothic gable was replaced by a Renaissance attic. A painting from sixteen-seventy shows the attic topped with crenellation. According to a survey from fifteen-seventy, the house was owned by Wolf Jádl; in fifteen eighty-five, Matěj Jádl is listed as the owner.
A fire on April thirteenth, eighteen thirty-two affected most of the inner city. During restoration, the attic story was removed and the house received a simple neoclassical facade. In two thousand and one, restorers uncovered and renovated its late Gothic appearance.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit Dům čp. 37 is during the late spring or early fall when the weather is pleasant, allowing you to comfortably explore the Gothic architecture without the summer crowds. These seasons offer a balance of good lighting for photography and manageable temperatures for walking around Velké náměstí and its surroundings.
Always check the latest transport schedules online before your visit to ensure a smooth journey.
When visiting Dům čp. 37, consider bringing comfortable walking shoes for exploring the cobblestone streets of Prachatice I, along with a camera to capture its architectural beauty. The mid-15th-century Gothic style is best appreciated up close, so also bring a small notebook or guidebook on Prachatice's history to enrich your visit.
For photography enthusiasts, the early morning light offers soft illumination that beautifully highlights the intricate details of Dům čp. 37’s facade. The main square provides an excellent backdrop for capturing the building in its historical context. Additionally, exploring the interior (if accessible) can offer unique perspectives and lighting conditions.
Nearby attractions within a 30-minute walk or short drive include other medieval buildings that contribute to Prachatice's charm. These sites complement your visit by providing additional insights into the town’s rich history and architectural diversity. It's an ideal way to spend a day exploring the area's cultural heritage.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
This is a residential or farm building, not a museum with opening hours. Please view it from public space and respect the owners' privacy. We have no information about access to the interior.
Where is the monument?
Location: Prachatice I, Jihočeský kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a cultural monument (register no. 1000147296).
Businesses nearby
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Nearby
Dům čp. 37 is situated in Prachatice I, a town known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The surrounding area includes other historical buildings contributing to the town's medieval character.
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
Historical Circuit of Prachatice
1. House No. 37 (main attraction): This house is interesting for its historical architecture and contributes to the atmosphere of the medieval town.
2. Prachatice Town Hall: Located near House No. 37, it is another monument that attests to the rich history of Prachatice.
3. Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary: The church dominates the city and stands near the town hall and House No. 37. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages and it is a significant cultural landmark.
Seasonal recommendations
Jar
In the spring season, house number 37 is surrounded by blooming trees and flowers, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The specific spring lighting also highlights the architectural details of the house. Practical tips: it's best to visit the house a bit earlier in the spring season to avoid crowds of tourists. The best time to visit the house is from April to May when the weather is pleasant and nature is in full bloom.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
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Sources and literature
Photos: Sovicka169 / CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
Location on the map
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