Radnice (Frenštát pod Radhoštěm) Town hall

Welcome to Frenštát under Radhošt. Stop for a moment, take a breath and look around you. You are standing in the very heart of the city in Peace Square, and right in front of you is one of the most important local buildings. It's a building that, both in size and appearance, emits dignity and authority. Look at her carefully. It is the city hall of Frenštět, a place where for many decades the fate of the city is decided and where the city office still resides.

When you look at her facade like that, you see the spirit of the late nineteenth century. This representative building in the Neo-Renaissance style was built between 1889 and 1890. To understand why it looks like this, we have to go back in time for a while. Before the creation of this building there was another town hall, which was performed in a classical style. But it was no longer sufficient at the time, perhaps already old or simply not in line with the growing ambitions and needs of the emerging city. That's why it decided to build a new, much more representative mansion.

The whole construction process began in 1889 and was led by two architects, which were Antonín Tebich and Antonín Staněk. These creators wanted to create an object that would not only be a practical office, but also an aesthetic jewel square. Their work was successful and in 1891 the town hall was officially co-ordinated and ceremoniously consecrated. Since then, it serves as an administrative centre and its appearance defines the character of the whole area.

Now, I want to ask you to pay attention to the specific details that you see right in front of you. Look up first. The dominant feature of the whole building is the high prism tower, which reminds the susceptible observer of the traditional city hall towers of old European cities. It's a symbol of power, but it's a landmark for everyone who comes into town.

Then move your view below, on the very facade of the building. Notice the rich stucco decoration of the facade. The stucco, the fine plastic decoration, gives the building depth and elegance. If you approach or look very closely, you will see circular medallions on the facade. They're stucco reliefs that make the faces of prominent personalities uneasy. One of them is Jan Amos Komenský, who reminds us of the connection of the city with great Czech education and spiritual tradition. These details are not just an ornament, but they tell a story about the values that the city had at the time of construction.

Now let's think about moving a little further to the very entrance to the building. Even though you may be out there right now, I know you'll be interested in what's inside. As soon as you enter the entrance vestibule, your attention will immediately attract one extraordinary thing. It is here that the statue of the god Radegast is permanently placed. It's the work of the famous sculptor Albino Polášek.

Here we come to one of the greatest attractions of this place. Many people who visit the area will go to Mount Radhosti to look at the statue of Radegasta, which stands there as a symbol of pagan roots and nature. But know that the statue on the mountain is just a copy. The real original, the real, original statue from the hands of Albino Polášek, is located right here, safe in the lobby of the Frenstát Town Hall. It is a fascinating contrast that the god of mountains and forests has its real resting place in the administrative building of the city.

When we think about people who were connected to this building, apart from the architects Tebich and Staňek and sculptor Polášek, we must not forget other personalities such as Josef Fusek. All these people have contributed to the fact that the City Hall is not just a pile of stone and mortar, but a living testament to history.

It is important to realise the value of this building for the whole Republic. In 1993 the town hall was officially listed on the list of cultural monuments of the Czech Republic. This entry is not only a formal confirmation, but a recognition that the architecture and history of this place are unique and must be protected for future generations. This is proof that the Neo-Renaissance style, which was modern and representative at the time of construction, is now seen as a valuable historical legacy.

Now try to revisit the entire building from the distance. Feel its symmetry, stability and the way it controls the space of the Square of Peace. Imagine how many generations of people went through them, how many important papers were signed here and how many festivities were held outside her door. This town hall is like a silent witness who saw cars coming, regime changes, and the daily life of thousands of people.

It's fascinating how one building can combine such distinct elements. On the one hand, we have the strict administrative function of the city office, on the other hand, the neo-Renaissance aesthetics with its medallions and towers, and at the heart of everything, the mysterious god Radegast, who guards the entrance to the building. It's a combination of order, art and myth.

Now that you know the story of this building, its architectural details and its secrets hidden in the lobby, I suggest you go around the city hall once more. Notice how the impact of light changes on stucco decorating depending on the side of the building. Look again at that tall tower and try to imagine what view of the city and the surrounding hills must be.

Thank you for accompanying me in this brief introduction to the town hall in Frenštáta under Radhošt. I hope you're interested in this building and that you now see more than just an official building in it. It's a piece of history that still lives and breathes. Now I invite you to continue to explore the beauty of this city and its surroundings. Perhaps now you'll be lured to Radhosti to compare a copy of the statue with the original you just visited in your mind. I wish you a pleasant rest of the day and a wonderful experience on your next discovery. Goodbye.