LIBEREC - WALLENSTEIN HOUSES

Liberec is a dynamic city below Ještěd, the ideal place to visit for families with children, young couples and the curious-minded. It has a famous zoo, as well as theatres, fascinating architecture, stylish cafés and entertainment centres. Just choose something to suit you and enjoy your stay to the full.

The first record of Liberec dates back to 1352. It then thrived considerably under the House of Redern in the 16th century. Emperor Rudolph II promoted Liberec to a city and granted it a seal and a city emblem. In 1622 the city became the property of Albrecht von Wallenstein, and passed to the House of Gallas, or Clam-Gallas, after his death.

Albrecht von Wallenstein established a clothiers' colony on what is now Sokolovské náměstí, where a row of half-timbered houses was later built. In the 18th century these houses were gradually replaced by brick ones and their facades, and additional storeys were built on top. Three of the original half-timbered houses have been preserved, and are known as the Wallenstein Houses, even though they were not built until 1678-1681, after the duke's death. Even so, they are still the oldest half-timbered houses to have been preserved in the centre of Liberec. On the ground floor they had a passageway and a large room, above which were smaller rooms with an attic, which served as bedrooms and chambers. After World War II the future of the buildings looked doubtful and they faced demolition. It was not until 1953 that the Secondary School of Construction, located nearby, took up the job of renovating the Wallenstein Houses.

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