spořitelna (Raspenava) Savings bank building

The former district savings bank in Raspenava is an administrative building from 1890, located in the Frýdlanta district of Liberec. Its Neo-Renaissance architecture was designed by Adolf Bürgre and implemented under the supervision of Julius Keil. Originally it served as a residence for Frýdlant district savings bank, later it worked as a school building and hostel. Since 1966 it has been protected as a cultural monument.

The establishment of the district savings bank in Raspenava was initiated by the Grand industrialist Josef Anton Richter, along with the landowners Bernard Herrmann and František Simon of Kunratic. They wanted to build a secure financial institution in Frýdlantsk for municipalities, local entrepreneurs and individuals. The founding assembly was held on 16 February 1873 and the savings bank was officially opened on 2 March 1873 in House 231, which belonged to Josef Anton Richter. The decision to build its own headquarters was taken on 10 December 1889. The construction according to the design of Adolf Bürger began in the spring of 1890 under the leadership of Julius Keil, with the laying of the final stone on 30 November 1890 and moving to the new building on 30 March 1891. The cost of the establishment was around 115 000 crowns.

Architecturally, the savings bank building is rectangular with low valb roof. The main facade facing the road has a risalite with five windows and presented columns carrying the lay. The ground floor and the corners are decorated by the barefoot, which gives the building elegance. A staircase with a decorative metal railing leads to the classical portal in the form of an editorial. The overall arrangement and decorative elements reflect a neo-Renaissance style, characteristic of the late 19th century.

The first head of the savings bank was its founder, Josef Anton Richter, who led it for 25 years until his death in May 1898 to provide support to the municipalities of the Fridlant district. Under his leadership, the savings bank quickly grew into a successful institution, which since 1880 had divided the municipalities in the form of profit shares into significant profits for public-service efforts. The savings bank guarantee fund was financed by 26 municipalities in the district, which enabled the distribution of profit shares.

After the war the building served for school education and in the 1990s as a hostel. On 7 April 1966 the building was declared a cultural monument, highlighting its historical and architectural value.

Today, the former district savings bank in Raspenava is not only a monument with a rich history but also witnessed changes in the function of buildings over the years. Its neo-Renaissance architecture and historical context make it an interesting destination for visitors interested in regional history and architecture. When visiting you can enjoy not only the view of the historical object but also think about its importance for the area over the last centuries.