Town Cellars, Jirkov, Czech Republic
Posted by: 
ToRo61
N 50° 29.995 E 013° 26.759
33U E 389790 N 5595369
The historical town cellars in Jirkov
Waymark Code: WMFJ57
Location: Ústecký kraj, Czechia
Date Posted: 10/24/2012
Views: 58
The preserved historical town cellars in Jirkov were mostly built between 1555 and 1595. There are 5 similar underground structures in the Czech Republic, and that of Jirkov is the oldest.
In 1555 a big fire involved Jirkov. Due to the fire, first cellars were built and were called The Long basement. Construction was order by the owner of the estate Christopher of Karlovice. Cellars served to a protection of goods, food, supplies and documents in case of fire or other natural disasters and could be used early on brewing, the oldest business tradition in Jirkov. The beer was not only kept into storage, but also fermented, and thus obtained the quality and popularity.
At the same time, next underground work started in close proximity of The Long basement on the basis of a hypothesis of Christopher of Karlovice about an existence of deposits of schist. He was not mistaken. Therefore, in 1556 the mining began at the mine, which was later named St. Christopher. Most ore and its derivatives directed abroad. The mine was mined despite the economic difficulties till 1630s.
Whether the cellars were used for other purposes than brewing and mining was not found in documents. Home owners were also able to mine a sand, what was profitable especially in winter.
Around underground is a few legends. Confirmed, however, is a connection of the former cellars to mine tunnels, linking of cellars with now inaccessible areas under a town square and further to former Cervenohrádecký brewery.
The "Official Tourism" URL link to the attraction: [Web Link]
Hours of Operation:
The entrance to the tower and into the cellars is organised by the employees of the Informační centrum (Information Centre) from the 1st of May to the 31st of October (Tue - Fri 10:00 am - 4 pm, Sa - Su 10:00 am - 4:30 pm).
Admission Prices:
40
Approximate amount of time needed to fully experience the attraction: Up to 1 hour
Transportation options to the attraction: Personal Vehicle or Public Transportation
The attraction’s own URL: Not listed
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