Radnice v Dubé Courthouse

Welcome to the beautiful city of Dubá. Right now, at this moment, you're facing one of the most important buildings in the city. Take a look at the town hall that stands in the middle of Masaryk Square. It's a building that carries incredible power and testimonies about how the city was changing, falling again. Feel the atmosphere surrounding you right now. This building is not just a wall and a roof, it is a living story that takes place right before your eyes. Do you feel the seriousness and calm that radiates this place? It's a place where the past meets the presence of every stone and every window frame. It's a place that invites you to think about what's been seen and heard here.

To understand why this building is so important, we need to go back deep into a time when everything has changed fundamentally. Imagine the year eighteen hundred forty-five. It was a time of unexpected news and great trials for all citizens. That's when a big fire spread over the city, which was so devastating, it completely destroyed the old town hall. Imagine the smoke, the fear, and the huge loss that people had at the time. It was a great ruin for the locals who lost the heart of their city. But from this ashes, new hope and new power began to emerge. In 1850, this new town hall, which stands before you today, began to be built. Construction took place on the southwest side of the square and was conducted with great care. By the year eighteen hundred and fifty-one, the town hall was ceremonially sanctified and began to serve new generations. Since then, there have been hundreds of important events that have shaped life around here.

Now look at the very form of the building. Although we do not know the name of a particular builder, his visions and art are clearly evident in every detail. The building is built in late classical style. Feel the balance and order that lurks in her lines. This style was not chosen by chance. He was to express the stability, dignity and seriousness that required the function of this building. This was absolutely necessary because the town hall served not only as a seat of the city authorities, but also as a place where the district court was based. Now when you look at her facade, feel the harmony that has been designed to make the building appear noble and dignified. It's an architecture that's supposed to turn a man around and take him seriously. Although the building has undergone several repairs and modifications over many years, its original face has remained preserved. It's like a view of the past that remains intact and still teaches us about values and aesthetics back then.

The history of this building is full of twists and dramatic moments. In the year one thousand nine hundred and eighteen, after the end of World War I, the entire administration of our country and our world changed. With these major changes, the City Hall has also adapted, as some administrative and judicial institutions have ceased to function as they were used to. But the biggest test survived much later. During World War II, in the year one thousand nine hundred forty-five, the city suffered heavy bombardment. Many things were destroyed then, many houses fell in ruins, but this town hall was preserved. She stood firm here while the world around her collapsed and changed. It is a symbol of the resilience and endurance of the city of Dubá, which inspires us even today with its unwavering.

Now pay attention to something you may not see at first sight, but what is absolutely crucial for the life of this building. Look up at the clock. These clocks have a fascinating journey and carry the secrets of the old craft. In the year two thousand and four they were thoroughly renovated. A very experienced Prague astronomer who specializes in these very old and rare machines. What you see is the result of his precise and patient work. The historical machine itself of these hours dates back to the second half of the nineteenth century. It's a mechanical heart that's been beating for the city for over a century and a half. Imagine the accuracy, the little gears and the rhythmic movement that's been measuring time for so long. And if you were interested in what was going on inside these walls, you would know that the former prison cells that were once here today serve quite differently. Today they are a place for art known as the Shatlava Gallery. It's a fascinating transition from strict prisoners and laws to the freedom of artistic expression and beauty.

We hope that this brief insight into the history of the town hall in Dubé has intrigued you and left you in awe. It's just a small piece of the many stories this city hides under its superficial beauty. So continue along the square, look at other beautiful parts of the city and enjoy your walk. Thank you for listening and for making time for this journey in time.