Mill Colonnade

Built

Josef Zítek designed it, and it was built from 1871 to 1881

Josef Zítek, who also designed the National Theatre and Rudolfinum in Prague, designed the colonnade. The original design called for two levels, but a lack of funds restricted it to one.

Critics

Critics compared it to a bed of carrots or a bowling alley

Construction proceeded very slowly and costs grew higher. The colonnade was initially reviled by critics. When it was finished, many believed it had blemished the center of town.

The columns

124 Corinthian columns carry a portico with twelve statues

The Neo-Renaissance structure has a nave and two aisles, and measures 132 m long by 13 m wide. Twelve statues representing the twelve months of the year sit above the portico.

124Corinthian columns

Five springs

The colonnade covers five of the town's 13 major springs

Mill Spring, at 56 °C, has been used for therapeutic purposes since the 16th century. Rock Spring originally rose next to the river, and in 1845 it was diverted to the present site. Libuše Spring is a merger of four smaller springs.

Later years

It was extended in 1893 and restored in 1982

In 1893 the colonnade was extended to include the Rock Spring. By 1949 the adjacent stretch of river was bridged over, creating a plaza. Stone reliefs of historic moments in the town were added in 1995 and 1996.