Dům U červené hvězdy House

Welcome to Karlín. Right now, you're standing on one of the most important points in this neighborhood, in a strategic place where two important roads intersect, Sokolovská and Vítkov. In front of your eyes, there is a massive, large building that controls this corner with its size and presence. It's the Red Star house. Feel the strength and stability this building radiates. It's a corner object that seems to guard this intersection and determine the direction that people move in this part of town. Look at how this building is fulfilling its function and how its massive body forms a solid boundary for the space around you. There's something noble in her, something that makes you stop and look up at her facade.

But in order to really understand what you're seeing right now, we need to go back deep into the past, far beyond the boundaries of a modern city. Imagine this place centuries ago. Before these broad streets were built here and before Karlín became what it is today, this area was a much different, more rural landscape. In the 16th century there was a Runhart grunt. Imagine that time when instead of stone walls and large windows there were probably wooden structures, gardens and fields. This building, which you are now observing, is based on the foundation of this ancient history. It's a fascinating combination of two worlds - the old agricultural world and newer, urban architecture.

The break occurred in the middle of the nineteenth century. Between 1841 and 1844, a building was built here to change the face of this place forever. But it wasn't an ordinary house. Built it by the order of the cruisers with the red star. This order brought not only a building to this area, but also some nobility and order. It is thanks to them that the house has acquired its name, which still resembles their presence and meaning. This building was not just a simple dwelling, it was an expression of the strength and stability of this order in the then society.

Now, please, pay attention to the very form of the house that is standing right in front of you. Look at his face and try to find order and harmony in it. This object is an excellent example of late classical architecture. This style is characterised by an effort for balance, calm and geometric accuracy. Notice how the building lines are clearly defined. Look at the windows. Some of them are vertical, which gives the facade strength and stability. But if you look closely, you'll see another kind of ending. Some interpretations end in a semicircle. These semi-circular shapes make the building soft and create an interesting rhythm, which naturally leads the visitor's eye along the entire length of the facade.

Now pay attention to those parts of the building that are coming towards you, towards the street. They're so-called Risalites. These exiting parts are not just decoration, but create the depth and dynamics of the entire construction. It is in these places that you will find three portals that decorate the house and give it a dignified look. This whole design was the work of an architect named Jan Ripota. It is necessary to recognise his ability to create such a large and balanced object that can define the entire corner of the streets so strongly. Ripota has been able to link monumentality to elegance here, which is the basic feature of this period.

But it is important to realize that the house you see now is not exactly the same as the one that stood here a hundred and fifty years ago. History is constantly moving and changing. In 1897 there was some part of the modification of this building. At that time, changes were made to meet new times and needs. One of these changes was the abolition of the original, three-boat pillar vestibule. Imagine the space that used to be the entrance - it was probably much more open and monumental because of these columns. Today's form is therefore the result of a long process of adapting to the changing world, a combination of the original intention of architect Ripota and subsequent modifications.

The interesting thing that may interest you is the constant transformation of this place. From the simple grunt of the 16th century to the monumental seat of the Order in the nineteenth century to today's urban architecture. Dům U červené hvězdy is not just a building of stone and mortar. He is a living witness of time who has survived various ages and changes in the perception of beauty and benefit. His name, combining the symbolism of a red star with a fortress of architecture, carries within it a secret about the identity of people who once made decisions and lived here.

Now that you've seen this house and understood its roots, I suggest you continue your walk around Karlín. Every building in this neighborhood has its own story, its own face and its own history, waiting to be discovered. You may stop at another corner or another historical building and find a similar order or a similar contrast between old and new. Thank you for spending this moment with us and for trying to look into the past through these stone walls. We wish you a beautiful journey and other interesting discoveries in the heart of this city. Goodbye.