Harrachovský dům Town hall

Welcome to the heart of Jičín, right on Valdštejnové náměstí. Right now, as you put on your headphones and stop in front of one of the most important and distinctive architectural ensembles at this location, take a look around you and pay attention to how this building dominates the space. You are standing before Harrachovský dům, also known in these parts as Nová radnice. It is a significant corner building whose presence defines the entire character of this square. Experience the atmosphere of a place where the grandeur of a noble seat meets the public life of the city.

To understand why this house looks the way it does, we must go back deep into the past, to the early 1630s. At that time, the whole town was embracing a period of generous development guided by one of the most powerful men of his era, Albrecht z Valdštejna. He was the one who acquired this house in 1628. Albrecht had grand visions for how the city should grow and look, and this building was part of his broader plan for the prosperity of this region. Just a few years later, in 1632, however, the history of this house took a turn towards the Harrach family. Albrecht decided to donate the house to his brother-in-law, Otto Bedřich z Harrachu. With this single act, the fate of the building was forever linked with this significant name.

Now take a look at the building itself and try to find traces of time in its lines. Although it may seem like one solid whole, pay attention to its width and overall structure. If you consider how the house occupies space, you can start imagining what was here before. Historical records tell us that this house did not rise from nothing but emerged on the foundations of much older medieval structures. The width of the land where the house stands strongly suggests that originally there were two separate buildings on this site, which were later combined into one grand ensemble.

Notice how the house is laid out. It has three main wings, giving it its specific corner character. Originally a noble residence intended for aristocratic families, but city life demanded another direction. In mid-17th century, precisely in 1651, there was a fundamental change in its function. The house stopped serving as just a private seat and became the new town hall. Since then, important decisions for the entire town have been made here. Although the building has undergone many changes over time, its essence has remained preserved. Even after a major fire that struck the structure in 1826, the house did not fall into oblivion but underwent thorough repairs in Empire style, thanks to which it still retains its dignity and beauty today.

However, when looking at this object, it's not just about stones and masonry. It is a place full of human destinies and dramatic events. Let us briefly stop at one of the most interesting stories that took place right during its construction. Imagine the year 1632, when the building was nearing completion. Instead of a peaceful conclusion to the work, there was a major rift. The cause was the then governor, Dětřich Malovec z Malovic. He decided to act on his own and used resources belonging to Otto Bedřich z Harrachu for completing the construction without his consent. Imagine the tension and anger this must have caused in that noble society. This dispute is just one of many stories hidden within these walls.

In this place, people moved who had the power to change the world around them. Alongside Albrecht z Valdštejna and Otto Bedřich z Harrachu, other significant personalities left their mark here, such as Arnošt Vojtěch z Harrachu or Václav Záruba mladší z Hustířan. Each of these names is tied to this house and its history.

Now that you know the secrets of this corner building, I recommend you stop for a while longer and simply observe its façade. Experience how it blends medieval roots with 17th-century elements and later modifications. It's like an open book right before your eyes; you just need to learn how to read through the details of its shape and space.

I hope this brief glimpse into the past of Harrachovský dům has intrigued you. Jičín still holds many more secrets and beautiful places for you to discover. Continue your stroll around this magnificent square and let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere of a city that can so beautifully unite its rich history with the present. I wish you an enjoyable continuation of your tour and hope you enjoy every moment spent in this historic setting. Goodbye.