Big Kemenate

The Great Kemenate was built around 1368. At the end of the 15th century, the division of the house into two parts is mentioned. In 1594 and in the 18th century, the house was rebuilt.

The name "Kemenate" (from Latin "caminata") refers to a heated residential building, usually a stone house. The Kemenate was the main residential building of a medieval castle or a wealthy citizen's house. It often had several floors and was equipped with a fireplace or a stove. Kemenates were a sign of wealth and status, as only wealthy people could afford such a heated stone house.

The Great Kemenate is a multi-story stone building with a rectangular floor plan. The walls are made of quarry stone and are up to 2 meters thick in places. The building has a high gabled roof, which was originally covered with slate. The windows are small and few, which is typical for medieval defensive buildings. On the ground floor, there are still remains of a large fireplace, which indicates the original heating of the building.

The Great Kemenate is one of the oldest preserved secular buildings in the region. It bears witness to the medieval building culture and the living conditions of the time. Due to its strategic location, it probably played an important role in the defense of the city. Over the centuries, the building has undergone various modifications and extensions, which reflect the changing needs and tastes of its inhabitants.

The Small Kemenate was built in the 14th century. It is a smaller, but equally historically significant building located next to the Great Kemenate. It probably served as a secondary building or as accommodation for servants.

The Small Kemenate is also a stone building, but with a simpler design than its larger counterpart. It has two floors and a simpler gabled roof. The windows are also small, but slightly larger than those of the Great Kemenate. Inside, there are still remains of a simple fireplace, which indicates that this building was also heated.

Although smaller, the Small Kemenate is an important part of the historical ensemble. It complements the picture of medieval life and shows that even secondary buildings were built solidly and durably. Together, the two Kemenates offer a comprehensive insight into the medieval architecture and social structure of the city.

Both Kemenates have been extensively restored in recent decades. Great care was taken to preserve the historical substance and to restore the original appearance as much as possible. Today, the buildings are used for cultural purposes. The Great Kemenate houses a museum that presents the history of the city and the region. The Small Kemenate is used for exhibitions and events.

During the restoration, damaged walls were repaired, the roofs were re-covered, and the historical window and door openings were reconstructed. Special attention was paid to the preservation of original building elements, such as the remains of the fireplaces and historical wooden beams. Modern building materials were only used where absolutely necessary and in a way that was compatible with the historical substance.

The restored Kemenates are now an important cultural center and a popular destination for tourists and locals. They contribute significantly to the preservation of cultural heritage and offer a vivid insight into the past. Regular events, such as medieval markets, concerts, and lectures, bring the historical buildings to life and make history tangible for visitors.