Perla, Building complex in České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
Perla is a building complex in České Budějovice with a central nine-story main block and two extended side wings that contain apartments and a former cinema between them. The ground floor houses a restaurant and retail spaces, while the upper floors consist entirely of residential units.
The complex was built between 1959 and 1964, replacing an older postal building that had occupied the site. The project marked a turning point in construction methods for the South Bohemian region.
The building embodied a shift in how people lived and socialized: residential units in the main structure were intentionally built without kitchens to encourage shared meals in communal dining areas. This collective living approach shaped how residents used and experienced the space.
The ground floor with the restaurant and shops is easily accessible and open to all visitors, whether or not they live in the residential units. The spaces are straightforward to navigate and the building is typically open during daytime hours.
The structure features unusual details such as conical pillars and slanted corners influenced by Le Corbusier's design principles and Brussels style architecture. These elements give the building a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other Czech buildings of that era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
