Nové Hrady - Town Hall

Trail "People and their Landscape"

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RadniceThis imposing building dates back at least until the middle of the 16th century. The exact construction date is unclear but the building appears in a document from the year 1553. The building was renewed and rebuild several times. Parts of it were redone in baroque style in the year 1749. The gable was remodelled in 1794. In 1840, the original wooden roof was replaced with a more decorated one richly fitted with ornamental plasterwork. The little bell tower got a new bell and a clockwork was installed in the facade. In addition, the facade was decorated with the painted weapon and shield of manor and town.

Such updates and renovations continued throughout the entire 19th century into the 20th century. Most interesting was that in 1865 the meeting room for the town council was replaced with by a small inn. In 1894, an „advance cash desk“ was established in the town hall. The entrance was remodelled and a few years later, the entrance path was fitted with cobblestones. One of the last major improvements came in the year 1905, when the roof was repaired and fitted with Eternit shingles. Not much joy was had from this improved roof; the catastrophic fire of September 7, 1905 consumed large parts of the building including its new roof.

Radnice 01     Nove Hrady 01

As result, that year a general overhaul took place giving the building its current appearance. Apart from the fire repairs, a new stone entrance stair was included, a new small tower was erected on the roof, the clockwork was renewed, and the lighting conductors replaced. The damaged facade was redone including the manor and town emblems.

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