Katovna (Brandýs nad Labem) Building

Katovna in Brandýse nad Labem, also known as Brandých Katovna, is a late Renaissance building with characteristic sgraffiti decoration. It is located in a historically significant part of the Lower Hrádek and originally served as a hangman's residence. Since 3 May 1958 it has been protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. Today it is part of the Prague-East Regional Museum, where there is an exhibition dedicated to the history of capital and suffering law.

The building is probably from the 16th century and has served as a hangman's residence since the 17th century, making it one of the few preserved hangings in Europe. In 1765, Marie Theresa took away the city's execution rights and the building was then transformed into a comfort for the disposal of dead animals. After losing its original purpose, it was detected in the 1960s in a state of emergency and subsequently acquired by the Prague Regional Museum.

Architectural is a late Renaissance building with a rectangular plan. Its ground floor is decorated with plaster in the south and west facade, which is decorated with graffiti. The windows are covered by iron decorative grates and stairs lead to the entrance. During the reconstruction in the years 2000-2001, the sgraffiti was exposed on the front of the building, which contributed to its historical significance.

After the loss of the execution rights and the subsequent transformation into a complacency, the Katovna became property of the Regional Museum of Prague-East. In 1958 it was declared a cultural monument of the Czech Republic, which ensures its protection and care for historical value.

The exhibition is part of the Prague-East Regional Museum and is located in the basement of the building. He focuses on the history of crime in cities in the 16th-18th century, the medal and suffering law and the catholic craft. Visitors have the opportunity to examine the trial process, the prison environment, the position of executioner in society, and how interviews and executions were conducted. The exhibition is illustrated by graphic graphics and documents with contemporary court cases. Exhibited are also objects used in tortura and to perform a punishment that can be tested "on its own" in an installed torture chamber.

Katovna in Brandýse nad Labem is worth visiting not only for its historical value, but also for a unique exposition that provides a deep insight into the history of capital and suffering law. It is a rare reminder of the past, which reminds us of the complexity of the history of justice and punishment. Visitors are invited to explore this monument and its rich heritage, which remains a living testament to past times.