Dům čp. 38 House

Welcome to Prachatice, in the heart of this picturesque city where history touches every stone. You're standing in front of the house with the number three eight, which stands on the east side of the Grand Square. The first thing that will interest you is its distinctive appearance and neighbourhood with surrounding buildings, which together form a unique atmosphere of this place. In front of you, you see a building that carries traces of centuries and tells a story about the bloom, destruction and rebirth of the penniless township.

Let us now move in time deep into the past, in the middle of the fifth century. At this very time, when the city began to breathe again and develop after the difficult times of Hussite wars, this house was created. Its construction was closely linked to the construction of the Rožmberský castle, which was at that time a major impetus for the development of the whole area. So imagine this square over 500 years ago, where the atmosphere of a new beginning and the ambition of rich townspeople wanted to show their prosperity through stone buildings.

Now pay attention to details that you can see right in front of you. Look down at the bottom of the house. Notice the arch that is typical of the architecture of this city. You see here two broken Gothic arches that lie on three solid stone pillars. This construction did not only replace the practical function for traders and pedestrians, but also gives the house its specific rhythm.

If you carry your view above, focus on the input portal. It's one of the most important elements of the house. Notice its broken shape and material from which it is made. It's a rich diorite, hard and persistent rock, which is very typical of this place. This portal is a silent witness to thousands of people who have been entering internal space through it over the centuries. If you could take a look inside, you would find that the house has retained its original Gothic hall available, which is now a rare jewel that allows us to imagine living and working in these spaces in the late Middle Ages.

But the history of this house wasn't just about peaceful growth. Life in Prachatice has often been accompanied by tragic events in the past, especially by large fires that have hit the city several times. One came in the year of a thousand five hundred one, when the house had to be rebuilt in the spirit of late goth. Another significant change came about a thousand five hundred fifty. At that time, the Renaissance was in fashion, and so the original Gothic shield was replaced by the so-called atics, which is the decorative ending of a wall that covered the roof and gave the house a more representative look.

Note, however, that today's appearance of the roof and top of the house is already different. This is the result of another major disaster of a thousand eight hundred thirty-two. After the Great Fire, the Renaissance Atica was brought down and the shape of the roof was changed to the one you see today. It is fascinating to realize how the building adapted to the times in which it stood and how layers of different epoch remained in it.

Even though we don't know the names of the particular architects who designed this house or the personalities who lived there, the building itself speaks for them. It is proof of the craftsmanship of local builders and the stability of the city. Since the year one thousand nine hundred fifty-eight, this object has been protected as a cultural monument, which means that future generations will be able to admire these broken arches and diorite portals just like you now.

The interesting thing that might interest you is the contrast between what you can see and what's already gone. When you look at the current roof, try to complete in your mind the original stage-late Gothic shield that was here in the first decades of the existence of the house. Imagine what the house looked like with the Renaissance atics centuries ago. These changes contain the secrets of the architecture of this square, where any change in the form of a roof or facade is reflected in the history of the entire city.

This house is not just a pile of rocks, but a living archive. From Hussite wars to Renaissance blossoms to modern landmark care. It is a symbol of the perseverance of Prachatic, which always managed to rise from the ashes and rebuild its beauty.

Now that you've met house number three eight, I suggest you take a moment in silence to perceive the atmosphere of this place. Try to revisit the details of the diorite portal and think about how many stories have happened in these walls. Then please go further to explore the other corners of the Great Square and discover other hidden details of this wonderful city. Thank you for your attention and wish you a pleasant continued journey to the history of Prachatic.