Town Hall (Radnice) in Liberec, Czech Republic
Neo-Renaissance Building Designed by Vienna Architect Franz Neumann
Liberec is a city of about 10,000 in the north of the Czech Republic, about an hour from Prague by car or bus. Only a short distance from the German border, it is a vibrant town with lots of historical sites, modern sports facilities, and contemporary cultural activities.
Tour the Historical Town Hall in Liberec, Czech Republic
Dominating the main square in Liberec is the Town Hall, Radnice in Czech, or Rathaus in German. The imposing building presides over the main square, with neo-Renaissance towers and various sculptures and stained glass designs depicting the region’s rich history. Local citizens visit the Town Hall’s municipal offices for marriage licenses, birth certificates and a myriad of other permits and bureaucratic purposes. In addition, tourists can visit the grand staircase, Ceremonial Hall, and main tower during the summer.
Viennese Architect Neuman Designed Neo-Renaissance Structure Resembling Vienna's Town Hall
The beautifully ornate building dates from 1892 and was designed by Viennese architect Franz Neuman and built by a renowned local concern, Sachers and Gärtner. In fact, it much resembles the Vienna Town Hall.
Relief sculptures adorn the front and back, paying tribute to the architect, the builder, the landowner, city leaders and Liberec herself. A balustrade balcony sits atop the arched entrance portal, a balcony that was the platform for speeches by such historical figures as Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria-Hungary, Czechoslovak President Edvard Beneš, Adolf Hitler, and President Václav Havel, first President of the Czech Republic.
Monument to Victims of Soviet Invasion of 1968
Next to the entrance portal is a bronze monument to nine people who were killed by a Soviet tank during the 1968 invasion. The monument, a small but rather grisly affair in the shape of tank tracks, exhibits the name of each victim inscribed in reverse as if the tank had run over the names. This monument is diligently cared for by city workers and always has a bouquet of flowers beneath it.
Tours Include Main Tower, Grand Staircase, Stained Glass, Ceremonial Hall
Above the balcony, a large clock keeps official time on the main tower that rises 214 feet above the square. Tourists feeling fit can climb the tower as part of the tour of the Town Hall and see the clockworks and stunning view of the city. Originally a copper knight figure topped the main tower. Because of political changes, however, he was succeeded by a red star during Soviet occupation, then a lion after the Velvet Revolution, and now a new copy of the knight looks over the square. The original copper knight resides in the Northern Bohemia Museum just up the street.
Inside a grand marble staircase leads to the second floor where several painted windows can be seen, gifts from various benefactors such as a bakers guild and Baron Leibig, Liberec’s textile tycoon. Above, an allegorical painting adorns the ceiling, telling the story of the area’s textile trade, formerly its main industry. Niches bear the busts of famous locals such as writer Božena Ne Mcová and composer Karel Vacek.
Stained-glass windows depicting city officials, the original town hall of 1603, and scenes from the present town hall itself line the corridor on the next level. The grandiose Ceremonial Hall is on the floor as well, site of many organ recitals, chamber concerts, baptisms and weddings. The rich wood paneling of the Hall comes from Vienna, and the half-ton brass chandelier was imported from Berlin. An allegorical painting on the ceiling and six more stained-glass windows surround statuary and plush seating, as well as the organ and a raised dais.
Galerie U Rytríe, or Knight's Gallery, hosts Local and International Exhibits
Galerie U Rytríe, or Knight’s Gallery takes up most of the basement of the Town Hall. Recently moved to this locale, the gallery is well known for bringing cutting-edge exhibits from local and international artists and for hosting well attended cultural events.
These are only a few of the many items of artistic and historical interest in the Town Hall.
Tour the Liberec Town Hall
In addition to touring the Town Hall, there are many other activities in Liberec and the surrounding area to enjoy, such as some of the best beer in Europe, a world class zoo, the Northern Bohemian Museum, top-notch skiing and mountain sports facilities, hockey, soccer, numerous castles, a botanical garden, and stunning natural scenery. Contact the Liberec tourist info for tours and more information:
Mestské Informacní Centrum
Námestí Doktora Edvarda Beneše 32/2
46001 Liberec, Czech Republic
Liberec Town Hall in the Czech Republic
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Sculpture Commemorates Victims of Tank Assault
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Copper Knight Tops Main Tower of Liberec Radnice
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