ZECH REPUBLIC Vernacular Architecture in the Czech Republic JIRf LANGER Any mention of architecture in the cover under one roof the living quarters Czech Republic may bring to mind the as well as the stables, barn, and hayloft. magnificent, centuries-old church tow­ In other regions, construction materials ers of Prague. However, many other range from clay to brick to stone. examples of Czech architecture exist, Houses are sometimes decorated with different from Prague's and lovely in colorful paint or geometric patterns. their own right. Czech villages, each Most notable, perhaps, is what is known with its farms, wine cellars, bell tower, as South Bohemian Peasant Baroque. and church, are known for their diverse Houses built in this graceful style are architectural styles, which vary through­ characterized by their gentle, rounded out the country according to topography stucco facades standing in peaceful rows and date of origin. Neighboring along the village green. They are often Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria painted in subtle pastel colors with also have had a strong architectural white stucco ornamentation on the influence on Czech structures. Some vil­ facades, and are flanked by a wide por­ lages can boast relics of Renaissance tal leading to the courtyard within. Photo courtesy Mr. J. Martinak architecture or impressive examples of LANGER is the Assistant Director of In Mr. Martinak's workshop in the Gothic style from centuries past. In JU~i the Wallachian Open-Air Museum in the town of Starec u Trebice, you northwest Bohemia and other wooded Roinov p. Radhostem. He is an can see a statue of St. John of areas, one finds alpine-style log cabin ethnographer and historian, specializing Nepomuk. Mr. Martinak must houses reminiscent of German moun­ in vernacular architecture, folk arts, create a copy of this statue. tain villages. These sturdy structures and open-air museums. Wooden belfries in Moravia were communal gathering places in small villages that did not have churches. Their bells tolled to announce births, weddings, and deaths. When Czechs Drawing by Tony Svehla came to Texas in the 1800s, they Houses built in the South Bohemian Peasant Baroque constructed belfries in style are typical of farms along the Austrian border. their new communities These farms often have separate living quarters, a to remind them of main house and a barn or smaller building where the their homeland. parents of the current farmer may live. Photo courtesy Wallachian Museum .