Dům Hejtmanský v Kroměříži House

Welcome to the heart of the historic Kroměříž. You're standing in one of the most important places in this city, in a place where there are three different directions and where every moment seems to be connected to the past. Look around you and perceive the atmosphere of this angle point. You are at the crossroads where the Grand Square, House Square and Pilar Street meet. It is here, in this strategic place, that there is a building that is not only an important point in urban architecture but, above all, a living witness of centuries. It's the House of Heitman.

Now pay attention to the very building right in front of you. Perhaps at first glance you will find her majestic attitude and the way she dominates this corner. Even though you're looking at one whole today, its history is much richer and more complex than it might seem. This house is not originally one house. It was created by combining two separate Renaissance buildings. Imagine those old, separate houses that were standing here when the city was just forming. Then came the second half of the seventeenth century, a period of great changes and new visions. At this time, these two old buildings were rebuilt and connected to one magnificent Baroque unit. This process of connecting two buildings into one new, harmonious form is a fascinating example of how architecture adapted to new needs and new tastes of time.

Now let's move further into the past together to understand where this house comes from. To really understand its weight, we need to look at its very old roots. The first mention of this place, of this particular space, dates back to the year 1595. That means this place has been part of history for over four centuries. It is an incredible idea that, right here, where you are standing, people have been dealing with their affairs since the world around them was changing at an incredible rate.

But why was this house so important? Why was it built in such a significant way? The answer lies in who lived here. This house was not intended for ordinary craftsmen or businessmen. It was a home for people who held true power and responsibility in their hands. There were nobles and captains in this house who served the bishops. At the time, the role of captain was extremely important. He was not just an official, but a man who represented the power of the bishops who were key figures in the region. The House of Hejtman was not only a building, it was a symbol of authority, a symbol of service and a symbol of the connection between the worldly power of nobility and the spiritual power of bishops. Now when you look at his facade, try to think in your mind of the important people who ruled here, who took guests here and who made decisions about things that had an impact on the whole city and its surroundings.

In the history of this place, there have been stories of many great personalities. Let's mention a few names that are inherent in this house. You may have heard of them in history. There's a name like Valentin Lauban, or Jan Syrakovský ze Syrakovic. It is thanks to him that this house has its second, very important name - the Syrian House. Imagine Jan Syrakovsky living in these areas and how his name became part of the identity of this place for many more years. His legacy is so strong that even today people say not only the House of Hejtman, but often the House of Syracuse.

Another important character associated with this place is Maxmilián Říkovský z Dobrčic. And we must not forget Karl the other from Liechtenstein-Katelkorn. These names aren't just a dry list in the textbook. These are the people who left their mark in this house, the people whose lives were deeply linked to this house and the power they represented. You are standing in the place where their fates intersect with the fates of Kroměříž.

Now you might think of one interesting thing that connects this historic building to the very modern history of our nation. You may have noticed that there is a bench dedicated to Václav Havel near the front square. This bench was revealed in the year two thousand and sixteen and is equipped with a commemorative plate. It's a fascinating contrast that makes you think. On the one hand, you have a baroque house, which is rooted in the 16th century and represents an old hierarchical power. On the other hand, you have a memory of a man who was a symbol of modern democracy and freedom. This contrast reminds us that history is not something that is closed behind walls, but that it is constantly intertwined with our present life. History and presence are here in constant dialogue.

Notice how this house works like a bridge. It's a bridge between two Renaissance houses that have merged into a baroque whole. It's a bridge between the noble past and modern history. It's a bridge between the different streets that meet here.

Now that you know the secrets and stories this house carries, I suggest you continue your walk around this beautiful city. Kroměříž has many more surprises for you, many more stories and many more beautiful views. Look at other parts of the square, feel the atmosphere of the surrounding streets and just let yourself be carried away by the beauty of this place. Thank you for spending this moment with us and for being interested in the history of this extraordinary Dom Hejtman. We wish you a beautiful journey and another pleasant discovery of all the treasures Kroměříž offers.