Palác škol School building

Welcome to Chlumps over Cidlina. You're standing in front of a building that clearly stands out over the surrounding area with its size, importance and unusual appearance. This object, which is called Palác škol with respect, represents one of the most important points of this modern part of the city. If you look at him, you'll probably be immediately interested in his impressiveness and the way he dominates the entire street of Kozelková. It is a building that does not just act as a school, but as a real symbol of the progress and rise of the local community. Feel the atmosphere of a place that was designed to inspire respect and at the same time bear the light of knowledge.

Let us now return together in time to understand why this building was ever born. Imagine the end of the nineteenth century, a period of great change and growth. In 1896, a crucial moment took place in our city. The then mayor, a man named Zikmund Kozelka, has put forward an ambitious intention to build a new, modern school. It wasn't just an idea, it was a vision of the future for children and young people from around here. However, in order to do this great thing, the city had to take a major step. For a considerable amount, exactly twenty-two thousand three hundred thirty gold, the city redeemed several agricultural buildings, namely three barns, one hoarder and other related buildings. This investment was brave, but it is thanks to it that a place has been created that you see today as the cultural heart of this neighborhood.

The work on the building was gradually gaining momentum. If we follow the timeline, we have to reintroduce ourselves to 1898. Just then, on the second day of July, the cornerstone of this important building was laid. It was a moment of hope and sanctity. The whole process culminated less than a year later. On the twenty-eighth of September in 1899, the Neo-Renaissance school building was ceremonially opened. Imagine the joy and pride of the people when they saw that their city was turning into a modern place with a dignified architecture.

Now pay attention to what's right in front of you. Look at the overall structure of the building. Its appearance is defined by the style of neo-Renaissance, which means that order, calm and harmony prevail in architecture. Notice the amazing symmetry. If you imagine the building from above, you would find that its ground plan is shaped like an E. This shape allows the building to spread out into space and create interesting shapes that provide a whole depth. Look up on the roof. It's a saddle roof covered with aluminum templates. This material represented something very modern and interesting at the time of construction, which is reflected also in the overall expression of the construction. The architect Vratislav Pasovský experienced this whole architectural design. His work here is not only about walls and roofs, but about the creation of a whole and balanced entity that is meant to last for centuries.

When you're looking at the building, you can perceive its constant presence in the history of the city. This building is not just a dead stone, but a living witness to many generations. One of the important moments associated with this place is 1923. Then, on the 50th anniversary of the town school, a monument was revealed. This monument adorns the bust of the famous teacher of the nations, John Amos Komensky. The presence of his form in this place is not random. Komenský is a symbol of education and wisdom, which perfectly matches the spirit of the entire Palace of Schools. Even though time was changing, even though the world was changing around, this building remained a fixed point.

You may find one interesting point that highlights the great importance the city attaches to this project. The total cost of land and buildings purchased for school construction was astronomical at the time. The twenty-two thousand three hundred thirty gold coins I was talking about represented a huge amount of money that the city was willing to invest in future generations. It was a decision that changed the face of Chlumka over Cidlina forever. And that importance was recognised much later, in modern times. In 1997, this building was officially recognised and protected as a cultural monument. This means that its beauty and historical value are now guaranteed by law for all future visitors.

Now that you know the story of this place, I suggest you look at the building again, but this time with a different view. Feel the symmetry, feel the aluminum shine on the roof and imagine the hundreds of students who have been going through it for decades. Palác škol is not just a building, it is a monument to human efforts to education and to build beautiful surroundings.

Thank you for spending this moment with us and for being interested in the history of our city. We hope that this view of Palác škol has brought you new views and that you will enjoy another part of your walk along Chlumci nad Cidlinou. Continue to explore and be surprised by what other parts of the city have prepared for you. Goodbye.