Stará radnice (Louny) Town hall

The Old Town Hall in Louny is a classical building built on the site of the original Renaissance Town Hall, which it replaced in 1826. Located on the east side of the Peace Square and its rear tract reaches Hilbert Street. Since 2010, it serves as the headquarters of the city library Louny. This monument is important not only with its architectural value, but also with a rich history that reflects the changes of the city and its administration.

The history of the town hall dates back to the 14th century when Václav IV authorised the Louny to build a new town hall in 1398. The original building was Renaissance and occupies a place in the contemporary classical state. In 1517, the fire destroyed the inner city, which led to damage to the original town hall. In 1550 the building collapsed and a new building was built, which was completed in 1557. This building is captured in several images from the first quarter of the 19th century.

In the early 1920s, the city hall was considered critical, leading local authorities to decide to build a new building according to the design of the regional architect Florián Müller. In 1824 the foundation stone was laid and the new building was consecrated by Dean Pankrác on 22 October 1826. The clock from the original town hall, which was located on the Prague Gate during the construction, was installed on the town hall lid.

After the opening of the new town hall, the town of Louňe became its owner. In 1849, the city transferred the building of the State, which established the district court here in 1850. This institution was located in the City Hall until 2007. Since then, the building is again owned by the city Louny and serves as a seat of the city library.

The Old Town Hall is characterized by a classical style. It has an L-shaped floor plan with attached tracks on Hilbert Street and a rear track. The building is single storey, the ground facade is fitted with shallow rustic. The floor ends with a triangle shield with a modern city emblem Louny and a lid with a central clock. The portal is semicircular, the passage is sealed with flaps and belts.

The building's interesting feature is the town hall cellar, where there was a torture chamber called Brožka. This detail reflects the historical functions of the City Hall as places of justice and power.

Today, the Old Town Hall in Louny is not only an architectural monument, but also a living centre of the cultural life of the city. The headquarters of the city library attracts visitors interested in the history and culture of Louns. Its rich history and architectural value make the city hall an important destination for anyone interested in the heritage of the city.

The Old Town Hall in Louny is a reminder of the past and the present symbol of cultural life. Its history and architecture are indicative of the changes the city has experienced over the centuries. Visit this monument offers an opportunity to explore the rich historical context and appreciate its importance to the local community.