Dům U České orlice Building

Welcome to one of the most beautiful and oldest corners of our city. You are standing in the heart of old Prague, where history touches the present in every detail of the surrounding streets. Before your eyes is a building that bears the proud name Dům U České orlice. If you look around now, you'll see you're on the border of the Fruit Market and Celetna. It is a place that pulses through life, but at the same time carries the peace and nobility that only this neighborhood can offer. Please feel the atmosphere of old Prague, feel the weight of the history that is hidden here in every stone. This house you're looking at right now is not just an ordinary building in a number of urban houses. He is a living witness for many centuries who has undergone transformations that correspond to every new era.

Let us now look together deeper beneath its surface and find out how this view of the facade has formed at all. The history of this place goes much further than it may seem. Already in the seventeenth century, there was another building, which was built in the prevailing Baroque style. Imagine the period streets, carriages and baroque richness that once ruled here. But the city's time and needs have brought about changes. At the end of the nineteenth century, the needs of this place changed and a radical new step was decided. In a thousand and eight hundred and ninety-six, a process was initiated to completely transform this space. Thanks to the efforts of Čenka Klitka, a new building began to emerge, which was meant to reflect the modern spirit of the time while respecting tradition. The entire construction was completed a year later, in the year one thousand eight hundred ninety-seven, and the result was this fascinating object you admire today.

Now pay attention to the architecture itself, which is so unusual and fascinating. If you look at the overall structure of the house, you'll notice an interesting combination of different architectural directions. The building is built in a neo-gothic style, which adds some elegance and historical depth, but at the same time you will find strong elements of Czech neo-Renaissance. This connection was not random; to express national identity and cultural rise at that time. Now look carefully at the facade itself, at its surface. What you see is not just plain plaster. It's a work of art. In the year one thousand and nine hundred and seven, the building was enriched with sgraffiti decoration created by one of the most important Czech artists of all time, Mikoláš Aleš. Sgraffito is a technique in which layers of different colors and then empties to create an image. Notice the details on the walls. You'll see a heraldic routine, that is, characters and symbols that have great significance. And right here, in the middle of everything, you will find the main motive by which the house is called - the Czech eagle. It is a symbol of strength and national pride that shines here in beautiful form.

When you look at these details, you might wonder who's behind this place. The architecture of this house is the result of the work of prominent personalities. Friedrich Ohmann and Quido Bělský worked on it to help create this harmonious whole. But the house isn't just about stones and colors, it's about the people who lived here or worked here. One of the most interesting men associated with this place was Čeněk Klika. He was not only a key figure in construction, but he was also a man with a great influence on the life of young people. Klika became co-founder of Czech scouting. Imagine the young, enthusiastic people who later found their place in these premises. The building also housed a family housing unit and served as a place for a medical practice where Professor Antonín Heveroch worked. In this house, therefore, the private life of families, professional medical care and large social movements were mixed.

Now I want to invite you to think about one very interesting thing that makes this house truly special. You might expect a house like this in the city centre to serve only as a luxury living, but its history also has a very human and community-based side. Welcome to a place that once was a scout club. Yes, this is where the first Czech scouts were formed. Imagine the energy, the joy and the effort to build the character of the young generations that spread on these streets. This house was the heart of young explorers who planned their expeditions here and learned responsibility. It is a fascinating idea that this noble building with its rich decoration was also a place full of youthful enthusiasm and adventure.

This house is so important that it was officially declared a protected cultural monument in the year one thousand nine hundred fifty-eight. This means that its beauty and history must remain preserved for all future generations, just as they are now for you. Every detail you're looking at right now, from the sgraft eagle to the very shape of the windows, is part of this great heritage.

I hope you enjoyed this brief view of the history of Dom U České ealice. You're standing in a place where every coin and every work of artists meets big human stories. Before you go on your trip to Old Prague, stop for a while, feel the silence and noise of the city and let this view of national art and history still enjoy a little bit. Please continue on the streets that await you and let yourself be surprised by what other parts of our city reveal. I wish you a nice walk and many other experiences in discovering the beauty of our monuments. Goodbye.