Lindtův dům Building

Welcome to Wenceslas Square, Prague. Right now, you're standing right in front of an important building monument, which is the famous Lindt department store. Look around you, perceive the excitement of this vibrating place and let yourself be carried away by the history that took place on this tabloid. In front of you is a building that carries stories for decades, transformations, hard times and spectacular returns to its original beauty.

Let us return together in time to nineteen hundred twenty-seven. That's when a new chapter of modern construction began to be written in this place. A man named August Lindt was born here. This entrepreneur longed for a modern space that would fit the spirit of the time and move the level of trade to a new level. He invited a gifted architect who was Ludvík Kysela to realize his vision. Together they created a palace that was built in the style of functionalism, a style that builds on the cleanliness of shapes, efficiency and modern building processes. The house became a protected cultural monument of the Czech Republic, confirming its extraordinary value for the whole Czech cultural heritage.

Now pay attention to the appearance of the building itself and look at its front page. Architect Ludvík Kysela designed a project with an emphasis on modern expression, which was characterized by large glazing. When you raise your eyesight, remember the change that this front section has undergone over the years. In nineteen hundred and seventy, there was a radical intervention. The original glass facade was then replaced by a so called hanging wall. This step was a modernization trend at the time, but somewhat altered the original face of the work. Fortunately, history has given things the right direction. During the year nineteen-ninety-eight, there was an extensive construction reconstruction that gave the building its original appearance. Today, you can admire the facade in the form the creators intended for it in the year of its foundation.

Now let's look at the human destinies that are closely linked to this place. The founder of August Lindt has put in his strength and financial resources to enrich the capital centre. Unfortunately, history has not always been kind to this construction and its owners. During the Nazi occupation of our country, the building experienced a dark period. Because of its original owner and Jewish name, the then power was forced to be renamed Astra's trading house. This renunciation was intended to erase the original traces and satisfy the ideology at the time, but the very nature and beauty of the construction remained in spite of all the political pressures and justifications of the time.

Let's move on to other interesting things. I'm sure it's fascinating to see how architecture can cope with time. The original glass facade from nineteen hundred twenty-seven was a great technological success. When it turned out after decades that the 1970s suspension wall no longer fits the historical spirit of the place, experts were able to restore its face to the construction of the early twentieth century. Today, this building is protected as a significant cultural monument of the Czech Republic, which means that future generations of visitors and lovers of architecture will be able to enjoy it as well.

We hope you enjoyed this little excursion into the past of one of the most important houses in Wenceslas Square. When you continue your walk around Prague, note the other buildings around you, because each one hides its own story. Thank you for your attention, we wish you a wonderful rest of your stay in our capital and see you at other sights.