The Black House, known locally as Černý dům, stands proudly in the picturesque town of Třebíč, Czech Republic. This architectural gem, located on the northern side of Karlovo náměstí, is a testament to the town's rich Renaissance heritage and offers visitors a glimpse into the artistic and cultural history of the region.
The Black House's story begins with Jan Rábl, a prosperous soap maker, who transformed it into the masterpiece we see today. In 1637, Rábl commissioned the façade to be adorned with intricate sgraffito designs, a decorative technique that involves scratching through a surface to reveal a lower layer of contrasting color. These designs, which graced the building for centuries, were concealed in 1862 by a new owner. Fortunately, in 1927, they were meticulously restored under the watchful eye of the heritage conservation office, allowing us to appreciate their beauty once more.
Throughout its history, the Black House has been more than just a residence. It has housed a variety of businesses, including a textile shop known as U Taussiků, named after its Jewish owners, Fried and Taussig. The building has also served as a popular tavern, a tradition that continues today with the restaurant V Černém domě. Additionally, the Black House hosts a range of shops and services, including textiles, office and school supplies, furniture, a travel agency, and a sewing workshop.
As you approach the Black House, your eyes are immediately drawn to its striking façade. The sgraffito designs depict a series of allegorical figures, each representing a human virtue. Among them are Fides (Faith), a woman gazing earnestly at a cross; Charitas (Love), symbolized by the affectionate bond between mother and child; Spes (Hope), embodied by a girl standing resolutely against the wind; Justitia (Justice), holding scales and a sword; Fragilitas (Transience), a woman contemplating her existence with a mirror; and Laetitia (Joy), a lively girl with flowers and a sword.
In addition to these virtues, the façade features hunting scenes and portraits of Roman emperors Vespasian and Titus, as well as a galloping rider with a sword. A staggering knight leans on a spear, surrounded by three coats of arms: the imperial, Waldstein, and Žerotín. Two large images remain somewhat enigmatic, with the final image on the right displaying biblical motifs.
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The Black House also boasts two high stone gables, once adorned with paintings of Solomon's Judgment and the election and rejection of King Saul. A sandstone portal, carved with exquisite detail, graces the entrance. Above it, three shields display the imperial eagle, the Waldstein coat of arms, and the Žerotín coat of arms. Beneath these, an inscription reads, POZIEHNEG HOSPODINE TOMUTO DOMU Y WSSECHNIEM W NIEM PRZEBYWAGYCZYM, which translates to Bless, O Lord, this house and all who dwell within it. Below the inscription, an astronomical symbol represents the planet Mars, flanked by the year 1619.
Today, the Black House stands as a cultural and historical hub in Třebíč, attracting visitors from around the world. Its rich history, combined with its stunning Renaissance architecture, makes it a must-see destination for anyone exploring the region. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, the Black House offers a captivating journey through time.
In conclusion, the Black House is more than just a building; it's a living museum of Třebíč's past. Its walls echo the stories of those who lived and worked within them, while its sgraffito designs continue to inspire awe and wonder. As you stand before this magnificent structure, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that have preserved its legacy for future generations.
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