Mederův dům House

Mederův dům, also known as Mederhaus, is a medieval Gothic building located in the center of the city conservation Žatec. This cultural monument of the Czech Republic was announced in 1961 and is now open to the public after extensive reconstruction in 2020. The house boasts rich history, dating back to the 14th century, and serves as a cultural centre with diverse exhibitions and activities.

The first written mention of Meder's house dates back to 1564 when it was owned by Regina Bříšková. Although the house is probably a Gothic building from the 14th century, it was modified in the Baroque style in the 18th century. This architectural transformation reflects the historical development of Žatka and its building tradition during the Habsburg monarchy, when the Czech countries belonged to its government. Mederův dům is one of the few examples of medieval urban construction in the Czech Republic and its preservation has enabled a constant change of owners who did not have the funds to repair it.

The architecture of the house is characteristic of the Gothic era with elements from the 18th century. The preserved building elements include a terracotta Gothic portal, which was burned out from the fittings. After the fires, there were other reconstructions, which affected his original construction. During the reconstruction in 2020, four coins from the 16th and 17th centuries and the bones of a small animal were discovered, which probably served as a sacrifice for the happiness of the house and its inhabitants.

The history of owning Meder's house is rich in change. After Regina Bříšková's house gradually changed owners, from rich townspeople to ordinary residents. In 1919 he was bought by the German rodina Mederových, which gave him his current name. During the first republic there were organized tours for curious visitors. However, during and after the Second World War, the house began to leak and, due to the lack of resources, it could not be repaired. In 1955 the house was described as significantly decrepit, but even then no real steps were taken to save it.

The key event in the history of the house was the announcement of the city monument reservation Žatec in 1961. In the early '80s, the roofs and roof collapsed, which led to the fact that the house was left with only a perimeter wall. A significant change brought about by the foundation of the Medero House Association in 2016, which stood up for saving and making the house available to the public. The reconstruction was financed by the Ministry of Local Development and other entities, including patriots and Žatek chmelářů. The total amount for reconstruction was CZK 24 million.

Today Mederův dům has been permanently open to the public since 5 June 2022 and serves as a cultural centre. The ground floor of the house is dedicated to the exhibition of medieval housing, the first floor is furnished in the style of the period around 1900, and the attic is dedicated to the herbalist Mary Treben. For visitors are prepared various activities such as historical costumes, sleeping on a straw or grinding coffee on a historical mill. The house performing art courses, yoga and other events is an ideal place for those who want to experience the rich history of Žatka.

Mederův dům is not only an architectural treasure, but also a living cultural space that enriches the local community and visitors. Its history and current functions point to the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations. Visiting Mederův dům means not only discovering part of the past, but also engaging in the life of the town of Žatka and its traditions.