Jihlavská radnice Town hall
The Jihlava City Hall is a complex of houses situated in the heart of Jihlava, in the upper part of Masaryk Square. It houses the city's municipal office and comprises four previously separate houses, built in the 14th century. The city hall was relocated to its current site in the 15th century, when the city council needed a stable venue for meetings. This notable monument is a testament to the city's rich history and architectural heritage.
The city hall's origins date back to the 12th century, when silver discoveries in the area drove the city's economy and growth. In 1270, Přemysl Otakar II issued a municipal building code for Jihlava, laying the foundation for the city's development. The first stone house was built in the location of the current city hall around 1300, marking the beginning of the city's architectural transformation.
The city hall complex consists of four previously separate houses, built in the 14th century. The building has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, including the addition of a new tower with a clock in 1556. After a major fire in 1535 and another in 1551, the city hall was rebuilt and expanded. The Gothic hall features two Gothic oriels, and the building has undergone several renovations and expansions.
The city hall has had several owners throughout its history, including Cippus, Mikuláš Barchaník, and the city of Jihlava. The building has undergone significant changes, including the addition of a new tower with a clock in 1556 and the renovation of the clock tower in 1594. The city hall's Gothic hall was decorated with inscriptions on the vaulted ceiling in 1561, and a large Renaissance courtroom was built on the city hall's courtyard in 1574.
The city hall's history is marked by significant events, including the major fire in 1535, which damaged the city hall, and the fire in 1551, which destroyed most of the city hall complex. The city hall was rebuilt and expanded after both fires, and a tower with a clock was added in 1556. The clock tower was renovated and new clocks were installed in 1594.
Today, the Jihlava City Hall is a significant historical monument and a popular tourist destination. The complex has undergone several restorations and renovations, including a major reconstruction in 2004-2006. Visitors can explore the city hall's Gothic hall, featuring two Gothic oriels, and admire the building's architectural details. The city hall is situated in the heart of Jihlava, in the upper part of Masaryk Square, surrounded by other historic buildings and monuments.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1270
- Přemysl Otakar II issues a municipal building code for the city of Jihlava.
- 1300
- The first stone house is built in the location of the current city hall.
- 1425
- The city hall is moved to its current location.
- 1535
- A major fire damages the city hall, which is subsequently rebuilt.
- 1551
- A fire destroys most of the city hall complex, which is rebuilt and expanded.
- 1556
- A tower with a clock is added to the city hall.
- 1561
- The Gothic hall is decorated with inscriptions on the vaulted ceiling.
- 1574
- A large Renaissance courtroom is built on the city hall's courtyard.
- 1594
- The clock tower is renovated and new clocks are installed.
Architectural development
The city hall complex consists of four previously separate houses, which were built in the 14th century. The first stone house was built around 1300. The building has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, including the addition of a new tower with a clock in 1556. The city hall was rebuilt and expanded after a major fire in 1535 and another fire in 1551.
Historical events
1270: Přemysl Otakar II issues a municipal building code for the city of Jihlava.
1300: The first stone house is built in the location of the current city hall.
1425: The city hall is moved to its current location.
1535: A major fire damages the city hall, which is subsequently rebuilt.
1551: A fire destroys most of the city hall complex, which is rebuilt and expanded.
1556: A tower with a clock is added to the city hall.
1561: The Gothic hall is decorated with inscriptions on the vaulted ceiling.
Owners
Cippus, Mikuláš Barchaník, the city of Jihlava
Points of interest
– The Jihlava City Hall is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former mayor who died under mysterious circumstances in the 16th century.
– The building's Gothic hall features a unique clock mechanism that was installed in 1556, which is still functional today and strikes the hours with a distinctive sound.
– The city hall's courtyard contains a hidden underground passage that was used as a secret escape route during the Hussite Wars in the 15th century.
– The building's facade features a rare example of a Renaissance-era stone carving, depicting a scene from the Bible, which is believed to have been created by a local artist in the 16th century.
– The city hall's clock tower was originally intended to serve as a symbol of the city's power and wealth, but it was also used as a warning system to alert the city's residents of impending danger.
Guide
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This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
The Jihlavská Town Hall stands in the upper part of Masarykovo Square in the center of Jihlava and houses the city magistrate. It is not a single building, but a complex of formerly independent townhouses that the city gradually purchased and connected over centuries.
The origins date back to the end of the 12th century, when silver ore was discovered in Jihlava and a new town began to form. In 1270, Přemysl Otakar II granted it a municipal building code, one of the first in the country. Around 1300, the first stone house rose in the place of today's town hall, replacing wooden structures destroyed by fire. By the end of the 14th century, it belonged to a patrician named Cippus, after whom it was named. The city council then met in the houses of individual councilmen, and the original town hall stood on the opposite side of the square. In 1425, the city exchanged it for Cippus's house.
In 1509, the neighboring Holclin house was added. However, the city was repeatedly struck by fires. After the fire of 1535, the windows of the Gothic hall received new colored glass. In another fire in 1551, almost the entire complex burned down. During the reconstruction, a first floor was created with a large Gothic hall and the facade was moved at the expense of the arcades, providing more space for shops. In 1556, the town hall acquired a small tower with so-called Czech clocks. In 1557 and 1558, a Renaissance fresco covering the entire facade depicted the Confirmation of Municipal Rights by the Ruler. In 1574, a large courtroom was built in the courtyard, and in 1594, the clocks on the tower were replaced with German ones.
With the arrival of the Jesuits, baroque came to the city. In 1716, a chapel dedicated to Saint Dismas was created in the courtyard section, and eleven years later, the Kentlin house was attached, whose roots probably reach back to the 13th century. In 1786, the houses received a unified classical facade, which completely covered the Renaissance fresco, and a second floor with a mansard roof was also added. The large Gothic hall was divided by a partition wall at that time. It was removed only during an extensive reconstruction between 2004 and 2006.
Inside, traces of the oldest structure have been preserved. In Cippus's house, there is an early Gothic arcade wall with a pointed arch portal and the original pebble flooring. In the middle house, there are four massive blind arcades with pointed arches. In Holclin's house, a fragment of Gothic painting has survived, depicting a tower and houses with roofs.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
The building is in use (offices, a school, shops and the like). The interior is generally accessible only during operating hours and tours are not usually offered; we have not verified the details. You can see the exterior from the street.
Where is the monument?
Location: Jihlava, Kraj Vysočina. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a cultural monument (register no. 1000127582).
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Nearby
The city hall is located in the center of Jihlava, in the upper part of Masaryk Square. The surrounding landscape is a mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture, with several other historic buildings and monuments nearby.
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Jihlava Town Hall and Historic Centre
1. Jihlava Town Hall (main attraction) - worth visiting for its unique architecture and rich history. Located in the center of Jihlava, on the upper part of Masaryk Square.
2. St. James's Church - worth visiting for its beautiful Gothic architecture and peaceful surroundings. Situated near Jihlava Town Hall, on the eastern side of Masaryk Square.
3. Masaryk Square - worth visiting for its historic atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. It is the heart of Jihlava's historic center, where Jihlava Town Hall and other historical buildings are located.
4. St. James's Church - worth visiting for its beautiful Gothic architecture and peaceful surroundings. Situated near Jihlava Town Hall, on the eastern side of Masaryk Square.
Seasonal recommendations
Jaro
Spring is the time when Jihlava Town Hall shines in a new color. The building's lighting is pleasant and soft, and nature around it is full of life and color. The atmosphere is filled with optimism and hope. If you wish to visit Jihlava Town Hall during springtime, we recommend going there early in the morning when it’s still quiet so you can enjoy the building in peace. Don’t forget to bring your cameras to capture beautiful spring scenes.
Léto
Summer is the main tourist season in Jihlava and Jihlava Town Hall is one of the most visited places. The building's lighting remains pleasant, but nature is full of life and warmth. The atmosphere is filled with energy and enthusiasm. If you wish to visit Jihlava Town Hall during summer, we recommend going there earlier before most tourists arrive so you can enjoy the building in peace. Don’t forget to bring your sunglasses and an umbrella to endure the heat.
Podzim
Fall is the time when nature around Jihlava Town Hall is full of colors and life. The building's lighting is pleasant and soft, and the atmosphere is filled with melancholy and reverence. If you wish to visit Jihlava Town Hall during autumn, we recommend going there later in the afternoon when the sun is lower and the light is softer. Don’t forget to bring your cameras to capture beautiful autumn scenes.
Zima
Winter is the time when Jihlava Town Hall shines in a quiet and peaceful environment. The building's lighting is pleasant and soft, and nature around it is full of snow and calmness. The atmosphere is filled with peace and reverence. If you wish to visit Jihlava Town Hall during winter, we recommend going there later in the afternoon when the light is softer and temperatures are lower. Don’t forget to bring your warm clothing to endure the cold.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
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Sources and literature
Photos: PaulT (Gunther Tschuch) / CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
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