Slezskoostravská radnice Town hall

Welcome to one of the most important historical buildings in our neighborhood. You're standing outside Silesia City Hall and you put on headphones to explore this unique place. If you look around, you might be surprised at what the landscape remembers. The building in front of you right now represents one of the few preserved buildings of the original building of the entire area, namely the historical district of Zámostí. While the surrounding world has undergone huge changes over the past decades, this town hall stands here as a strong witness to the old days and shows us what Silesian Ostrava looked like before.

Now let's go back in time and see how this house actually came into being and what it's been through. At the end of the nineteenth century, namely in the year eighteen hundred nineteenth and nineteenth, there was a somewhat more modest building in this place, which underwent a neo-Baroque reconstruction of the original house, a descriptive number of one hundred thirty-one. However, the city grew, grew and needed representative premises for its administration. It was therefore decided to build a whole new town hall. The construction itself took place between nineteenth and nineteen hundred thirteen years, according to the design of a talented architect, Viktor Shulc. Other creators such as Jaroslav Volenec, František Doležel and Julius Vysloužil were also involved in the creation of this work. In nineteen hundred and thirteen workers completed their construction work, Slezská Ostrava won a dominant position, which is still an admiration for its nobility and construction.

Now pay attention to the architecture of the building itself before you. Note how the construction connects the elements of late historism with Czech neo-Renaissance. Architect Viktorin Shulc was able to create a work that is an excellent example of late-historic architecture. Take a look at the exterior facade, the proportions of the building and the way the atmosphere breathes upon you in the early twentieth century. When you enter, a world will open up to you, drawing attention to its decoration. The interiors are richly decorated with Art Nouveau. You will find a particularly spectacular view in the main hall and in the staircase, where the craftsmanship of the then masters with artistic feelings for detail is mixed. Every corner inside breathes history and reminds us of the time of major building changes.

Of course, human destinies and significant historical personalities are also associated with this place. Those whose name resonates with City Hall include Jan Popper. People like him shaped the face of local government, decided on the development of the region and led Silesian Ostrava at a time when industry and life in the whole region developed sharply. The building was not only a deaf stone mansion, but a centre of events where the fate of hundreds of inhabitants was written. And this spirit of public service lasts until today.

The interesting thing that captures the city hall the most is its ability to resist time. Slezskoostravská radnice is one of the very few preserved buildings of the original Silesian Ostrava building in Zámostí. While most of the old quarter had to give way to mining, development and new construction, this town hall stood firmly further and became a symbol of the preserved memory of the entire region. Its Art Nouveau interiors and harmonious exteriors have been attracting admiration for over a hundred years.

At the end of our meeting today, we'd like to invite you to further explore. Enjoy the atmosphere of the place, take another look at the details of the exterior and, if you have the opportunity, look into the inner spaces to see the beautiful main hall and staircase in Art Nouveau style with your own eyes. Thank you for listening to our guide, and we wish you a wonderful experience of discovering Silesian Ostrava. Goodbye.