Czech Folk Architecture

On one of my trips to the Czech Republic, I visited a small village that my family immigrated to the United States from.  I wanted to share with you photos of their buildings and architectural styles.  The below photos were taken in the Southern Bohemia region of the Czech Republic.  The southern style is different from the northern architecture.  While the northern style is often timber decorated with large simple gables, the southern style is often found to be more ornate with influences of Baroque and Empire design.  Classic southern homesteads often have 2 large gables connected by a wall with an arched gate and small door.  The gables have innumerable designs and styles in stucco with often symbolic meanings and the date of construction.  With bright color combinations that are often specific to a region, these homes look cheery even in the dead of winter.

 Here one can see a cross and the date constructed, 1818

 This beautifully restored home has the symbol for Jesus in the root ball which is spurting a tree, along with perhaps the doves of god.  It also contains the farmers tools; pitchfork, sickel and shovel. Beautiful example!

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