Dům U Jonáše, Cultural monument in Pardubice-Staré Město, Czech Republic.
Dům U Jonáše is a residential building located in the old town district of Pardubice, displaying traditional Bohemian architectural features and intricate stone decorations across its facade. The structure forms part of a larger historical ensemble with characteristic details found throughout this part of the city.
The house preserves late Gothic interiors from before the 1507 fire, including a unique cellar vault, and early Renaissance wall paintings with plant motifs. After the 1538 fire the rebuilt town gave it arcaded gables and terracotta window surrounds; most painted decoration dates from the late 16th century. Baroque work followed after 1704, and the facade was reshaped in 1797.
The house is named after the biblical prophet Jonah, shown in the facade stucco inside the open jaws of a whale; the work is attributed to Pardubice sculptor Jakub Teplý (1729–1802). The same name inspired the scout nickname Jonáš for the hero of Miloš Zapletal's trilogy Sedmička, Ostrov přátelství and Cvoci, set in this house.
The building stands in the heart of the old town and is easily accessible on foot from the main square and surrounding streets. Visitors should check with local heritage offices to learn about interior access and any ongoing restoration work.
The house sign shows the prophet Jonah in the open jaws of a whale, a theme usually attributed to the Pardubice sculptor Jakub Teplý (1729–1802). The scout nickname Jonáš, used by the hero of Miloš Zapletal's trilogy Sedmička, Ostrov přátelství and Cvoci, was taken from this house.
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