Schlickův dům v Chebu House

Welcome to the heart of Cheb, King George's Square of Podebrad. You're standing right in front of one of the most prominent townsfolk houses in this historic core. Look in front of you and let the view slide over the richly divided facade of this three-story building. It's a corner house, which gives it some kind of dynamic and emphasis, like he wants to breathe air from both sides of the street. At first sight, you must be attracted to its height and proportions. There's a saddle roof on the roof that's broken by two walled skylights. These skylights are not only a functional element, but at the same time visually finish the silhouette of the house and link it to the surrounding urban landscape.

This house is not just an ordinary building, but a monument that carries layers of history dating back to the beginning of the 16th century. Around 1500, the original townhouse was probably built here. At that time, Cheb developed as an important business and craft centre, and the township layer built representative mansions. This house, however, became the property of the noble House of Schlick, which gave it a specific character. The House of Schlick belonged to important families in Czech countries and their presence in Cheb is proof of how closely the nobility was linked to the development of this city. The house became a home, a place where history was written and the fate of the region was decided.

Now pay attention to architectural details that you can see directly from here. The facade is richly fragmented and full of elements that demonstrate careful design. Note the cordon and post-term realms, which horizontally disintegrated the facade and give it rhythm. These moldings shade the windows and protect the wall from rain, but at the same time create a playful game of light and shadow. Look at the windows that are equipped with champagne. Shambranes are framed frames around windows, which serve as a decorative element and highlight their shape. Between the floors or under the ledge you can see decorative consoles that carry part of the roof structure while serving as decorative elements.

The current form of the house you see today is the result of a major reconstruction that took place in the nineteenth century, namely from 1800 to 1899. This reconstruction was carried out in the spirit of historism, which means that the architect was inspired by older architectural styles and tried to restore or reinterpret them. The author of this design was architect V. Prökl. His work on this house shows how aesthetic preferences have changed over the centuries. From the original Renaissance or early Baroque look, the house turned into a building that matched the taste of the time. Yet he kept some original elements that give him an authentic character.

On the facade there is a stucco coat of arms, which is an important historical document. This coat of arms resembles the original noble owner, rod Schlicků. It's kind of a signature that stays on the building for centuries. Erb is shown in stucco technology, which is a material that fits well into the overall appearance of the facade and is sufficiently weather-resistant. Looking up you can find this coat of arms and try to distinguish its details. Although you may not know the heraldic, it is clear that it was a high-ranking family.

The history of this house is also associated with other personalities. In addition to the Schlick family, the name of the trader Böhm is attached to this place. His presence here suggests that the house was not only the seat of the nobles, but also a place of business. Cheb has always been a city of merchants and craftsmen, and so it is no wonder that the owners from various social classes have taken turns in his houses. Businessman Böhm probably used the premises of the house for his business, which contributed to his economic importance at the time.

In the 1990s, from 1950 to 1999, the house undergone another significant change. The ground floor of the building was modernised for commercial use. This change affected the lower part of the house where business premises can be located today. For a visitor, this means that the lower floor may have a different character than the upper floors that preserve their historical character. This modernisation is proof of how the functions of historical buildings change in line with the needs of the present. Yet we try to preserve their original appearance and value.

The interesting thing that may interest you is that this house is a corner building in King George's Square of Podebrad. The square itself is the historical centre of Cheb and the house is part of it. Its location on the corner gives it a distinctive and makes it easily identifiable. When you go through the square, this house is one of the elements that shapes its atmosphere. It is a place where history and the present meet, where tourists and locals walk.

During the tour you can see how the house is harmonically connected to the surrounding building. The saddle roof with two walled skylights is typical of this part of the city and creates a unified visual unit with other buildings. The richly fragmented facade with cordon and post-date mantelpiece, shambrans and decorative consoles is evidence of artistic processing. Each element has a reason and a function, either aesthetic or practical.

Architect V. Prökl, who designed the reconstruction in the nineteenth century, left his print on the house. His design reflects a historical style that was popular at the time. Historism tried to build on the past and took the elements from different epoch. In the case of this house it was probably inspired by the Renaissance or Baroque, which was very widespread in the Czech Republic. The result is a building that is noble and dignified but also accessible and understandable.

The Schlick Stucco crest is another proof of their influence. Erb is located on the facade and is visible from the square. It's kind of a symbol that reminds us of who the original owner of this house was. The House of Schlicks had a significant position in the history of Czech countries and their headquarters are now valuable monuments. This house is one of them, and its existence is proof of their wealth and influence.

Businessman Böhm is another person connected to this place. His presence here suggests that the house was not only the seat of the nobles, but also a place of business. Cheb has always been a city of merchants and craftsmen, and so it is no wonder that in its homes the owners from various social classes have been taking turns. Businessman Böhm probably used the premises of the house for his business, which contributed to his economic importance at the time.

In the 1990s, in the period from