Kavárna Union Cafe

Kavárna Union, known locally as Unionka, is an important Art Nouveau building in České Lípa, Liberec Region. It is located on the corner of the streets of Sokolské and Jindřich of Lipé and is a three-storey building with a distinctive turret and lantern. Its arches, balconies and windows decorated with ornaments are an example of Art Nouveau architecture. This monument was entered into the records of cultural monuments in 1958 and is an important historical and architectural symbol of the city.

Kavárna Union is located on the site of the former southern city gate, which once served as part of a business trip crossing the Ploučnice River. During the 19th century there were significant changes in urban infrastructure, which included the abolition of old walls and gates after a large fire in 1820. At this time Česká Lípa began to modernize, which reflected the architecture of new buildings such as Unionka.

Architecturally represents the Union Art Nouveau style cafe. It stands on the corner of the streets of Sokolskaya and Henry of Lipé and its three-story structure ends with a turret with a lantern. The corner of the building is rounded, along its sides there are arches connected balconies with metal railing decorated with ornaments. On the first and second floors there are four large windows with horseshoe arches, while on the third floor there are 12 rectangular windows with ornamental frames. On the ground floor, the shops were originally planned.

The history of ownership and management of the Union cafe is rich in change. The building, whose project was awarded a gold medal at the first Liberec fair in 1906, opened its doors to the public in 1907 as "Café-Restaurant Union." Over the years, the ground floor space was used for various purposes, from trying to set up a cinema to a hardware store. After World War II, the building became a wine bar "Union," which led to it being entered in the register of cultural monuments as a "wine bar." The building deteriorated in the 1990s, but the city of Česká Lípa subsequently reconstructed it and rented it for the operation of the cafe.

Key events in the history of the Union include its awards at the Liberec Fair, registration in the records of cultural monuments and reconstruction in the 1990s. In 2017, the interior of the café was restored with the return of a historical mobility.

Today Kavárna Union is open to the public as a cultural monument and attracts interested people with its architectural beauty and history. Its location in the centre of České Lípa makes it an easy and ideal place to visit, where you can enjoy not only the view of Art Nouveau architecture but also the atmosphere of historical space. Visit this monument and appreciate its importance for the cultural heritage of České Lípa.

Kavárna Union is not only witnessing many changes, but also a symbol of endurance and adaptation. Its history reminds us of how the city evolved and modernized while retaining its architectural beauty. Visit her and learn part of her rich history.