Kounicův dům Administrative building

Kounicův dům, a large administrative building located on a plot of nearly 1700 square metres in the centre of České Lípa, is a historic township building built in 1771. Located on the corner of the streets of Berk and Castle and registered as a real-estate cultural monument since 3 May 1958. This building, which was once used by the officials of the Bohemian manor of Kounice, is an important cultural monument that reflects the history and development of the city.

The creation of the Kounice house dates back to 1771, when it was built as a new residence for officials of the Bohemian estate. This decision of the noble Kounice family came as a result of the need to modernise their workplaces, which has so far been placed in the premises of the Bohemian Water Castle. At that time, the Enlightenment period, characterized by reforms and modernization, affected architecture and social life in Bohemia as well.

Architecturally Kounicův dům is a representative example of the 18th century townhouse, which was adapted to various purposes over time. After the abolition of the subordination in 1848 and the subsequent transfer of ownership to the Czechoslovak State, the building served as a salt factory, military hospital and customs. In 1924 it was ordered for the Czech state-real, reformed Gymnasium, which worked here until 1938.

The property history of Konce's house is rich in change. After 1771 the house belonged to the Kounice family until the abolition of the subordination in 1848, then it went into the hands of the Czechoslovak State. In 1989 the owner of the building became the Association of Sports Unions of the Czech Republic. The key moment in the history of the building was the fire in May 2015, which caused damage estimated at 8 million crowns and led to a long-term state of accident.

After the fire, there were a number of problems related to the protection and restoration of the monument. The police were unable to identify the culprit of the fire, which led to the owner - Association of Sports Unions of the Czech Republic - not starting the preparation for reconstruction. The city of Česká Lípa decided to purchase the remains of the building for CZK 1,900,000 and in June 2018 a public contract was approved for basic security of the building. Plans for further reconstruction are for 2020, when another 80 million crowns are ready to be released.

Today, Kounicův dům stands as a witness to the rich history of Czech Lips and whose future renewal promises a new life for this monument. It is a place that is worth visiting not only because of its architectural value, but also as a reminder of the historical events and changes Česká Lípa has undergone. Visit Kounicův dům and appreciate its importance in the context of local history and culture.