In Sokolov, a book was presented that maps local buildings and other significant sites

Sokolov – Today, a new book about significant as well as ordinary Sokolov buildings was presented at the Sokolov castle. The authors of the Guide to Sokolov Buildings are Jan Rund, who has been dealing with architecture for a long time, and his son, historian and director of the local museum, Michael Rund. The publication is intended for local residents, tourists, and architecture enthusiasts, Michael Rund said today to ČTK.

"This time we decided to write not only about famous buildings but also about commercial buildings, which, although not as significant, are of basic interest to people. For example, who owned it, where it is located, and some basic construction information,” said Michael Rund.

The publication describes objects that local residents know well and visit regularly. They are divided by the purpose for which they were built, such as ecclesiastical buildings, public buildings, administrative structures, cultural buildings, or hotels. It also mentions significant bridges, sports facilities, a lookout tower, and transportation terminals.

The book also features notable visitors to the city. Karel May, J. W. Goethe, and T. G. Masaryk stayed here. "We have information about the Theierl hotel, which was later bombed and was on the site of today's department store Perla. In 1911, T. G. Masaryk visited it during an election meeting,” Michael Rund noted.

Sokolov patriots worked on the 128-page book for about a year. They mapped over seventy buildings. They supplemented it with period photographs, plans, maps, and for easier orientation, GPS coordinates. There are also house numbers of the individual buildings, along with the most important data about their construction. The authors drew information and materials from their own archives, the Sokolov museum, and the museum archives of other cities.

The title builds on a series of books by both authors that thematically dealt with the art, architecture, and history of Sokolov. This is the fifth joint book by the Runds. The previous ones focused on the miners' house, local settlements, and the former elementary school, where a seniors' home was established years ago. According to Michael Rund, however, it certainly will not be the last publication. Ideas are already emerging for what other topics could focus on.