Světovar Plzeň (pivovarský areál) Brewery building

Welcome to Pilsen, part of Slavany, where you are now in the Eastern Suburb. Stop for a moment, catch the air and look ahead. You are standing in front of the World War II, a place that carries echoes of ancient industrial fame and the ambition of the early twentieth century. In front of you are the buildings of the former brewery which, even today, after many decades, emit some dignity and strength. Feel the atmosphere of this place, where the smell of hops and malt once mixed with the noise of machines and energy of hundreds of people working here daily. It's a space that tells the story of courage, competition and the inevitable changes that our history has been going through.

Let us now return in time more than a hundred years back, to the year one thousand nine hundred ten. Imagine Pilsen at that time as a city that was already seen as a centre of brewing, but the market was dominated mainly by two big names, which you may have heard today, namely Pravodor and Gambrinus. It was in this environment that the idea of starting something new arose, something that could confront these huge competitors. That's how World War II was created. It was not just an ordinary business, but an ambitious project, behind which there was vision and considerable capital. Jan Kleissl played a key role here and significant support came from the Zivnostenska bank, which at that time supported the development of Czech industry and modernization of the economy. The aim was to create a brewery that would impress the surroundings with its quality and modernity and gain its own place on the market.

Now pay attention to buildings that surround the space in which you stand. Check the facade and the entire area available. What you see is not a coincidence, but a result of careful planning. The project was taken up by architect Bohuslav Strébl, and the construction was carried out by companies Müller and Kapse. At the time of its creation, Worldvar was considered the most modern brewery area in Austria-Hungary. This means that the latest technological processes and architectural solutions were used here at the time to ensure efficient production and also a representative appearance. When you look at these walls, remember that at that time it was the peak of industrial engineering. The architecture served as a function here, but at the same time it was intended to emit the confidence of a new company, which is not afraid to challenge established orders.

When we look at the chronology of this place, we find that the path to success was not short. Although the brewery was founded in the year one thousand nine hundred ten, the first batch of beer was not cooked until three years later, in the year one thousand nine hundred thirteen. Imagine the enthusiasm and expectations that must have ruled the compound at that moment when the liquid first started flowing into the first container. World War I started to work and tried to push its brand in the competitive environment of Pilsen. It was a time of optimism and flourishing, when it was believed that modern technology and proper leadership would ensure prosperity for decades.

However, history is full of unexpected twists. Let's move on to the year one thousand nine hundred thirty-two. At that time, the world was shaken by the deep economic crisis that hit businesses around the world. Not even World War I has avoided this wave. The financial difficulties were so great that the brewery had to change its owner. It was bought by Gambrinus' first share brewery, which was one of the major competitors that Svehovar was originally founded against. Ironically, an ambitious competitor has become part of his opponent's system. By doing so, the era of Worldvar ended as a separate brewery entity, even though the buildings continued to serve their purpose.

But the story of this place doesn't end here. After a thousand and nine hundred forty-five, when World War II ended, the destination changed dramatically. Instead of stacks of beer and the smell of hops, military supplies began to compose here. The area served as a storage unit for the army, which made it a closed and rough space for a long time, where it was no longer about the taste of beer, but about logistics and military discipline. Imagine the contrast between the original noisy and lively brewery and the silence of the army warehouses, where only occasionally the order or the sound of the transferred material was heard. The buildings that were designed for modern industry spent decades in the role of mere storage sites.

This chapter was closed only at the beginning of the new millennium. In the year two thousand and three, the premises were transferred from the Ministry of Defence property to private property. It opened the door to a new era and to a rebound of interest in this place. People began to realize that World War II was not just a set of old halls, but an important witness to history. It is a key place that reflects the period of industrialization and modernization in Bohemia in the early twentieth century. It is a monument to the time when the face of our cities changed and Pilsen became an industrial centre of global importance.

This recognition led to the fact that in the year two thousand eight, the Bojvar Brewery was officially declared a cultural monument. This is why we can stand before these buildings today and admire their historical value. It's fascinating how the circle closed. From an ambitious project, despite times of crisis and military use, to recognition as a protected jewel of Pilsen architecture.

Now, if you look around you, try asking yourself what this place would look like if in the year one thousand nine hundred thirty-two you couldn't find a buyer or if the army didn't need a place in the year one thousand nine hundred forty-five. Maybe these buildings wouldn't be standing at all today. The World War I is basically a survivor, which reminds us that even at the time of the dominance of large corporations, there was room for brave newcomers and innovators.

Now I encourage you to look around slowly and perceive the silence that rules this space today. Notice the total expansion of the site and imagine how life used to run in it. Even though there is no more beer, in every stone and every window there is a trail of people who made history here.

Thank you for accompanying me on this short journey through time. Worldvar Pilsen is a place that teaches us that modernity is relative and that what we consider old today was once the peak of human effort. I ask you to explore the area again, to walk around the premises and to think about how much our city has changed in the last century. I wish you a pleasant rest of the day in Pilsen and I hope you are interested in this story of courage and architecture. Goodbye.