Old Town Hall of Havlíčkův Brod

The Old Town Hall, or Stará radnice, stands proudly on Havlíčkovo náměstí (Havlíček Square) in Havlíčkův Brod, its Renaissance architecture a testament to the town's resilience and history. Originally constructed as a late Gothic building through the merging of three houses in the 15th century, it gained its current appearance after a significant fire in 1662. The building served as the town hall until 1850. Subsequently, it housed a district court and, until 2020, the Vysočina Regional Library. Today, the ground floor hosts the Tourist Information Centre. The building has been declared a National Cultural Monument. A prominent feature is the Renaissance gable, which includes a depiction of the 'Brodská smrt'. This figure, a skeleton, commemorates a treacherous messenger named Hnát who, according to legend, attempted to betray the town to invaders in 1472. Hnát was punished for his betrayal, and his skeleton was displayed as a warning to others. The skeleton holds a scythe inscribed with the Latin phrase 'Qua hora nescis' ('You know not the hour'). Visitors can explore the Old Town Hall through guided tours, which include access to renovated halls and rooms, showcasing 17th-century oak beams and restored Rococo paintings. The building also features a concert hall with a vaulted ceiling adorned with original stucco work, making it ideal for classical music performances. The cellars of the building once housed a brewery and now contain a wine bar.