The Glassmaking Settlement of Kristiánov
The Glassmaking Settlement of Kristiánov
Zauber Kleines Dreieck
»Uncover the story of Johann L. Riedel, a visionary glass entrepreneur who founded a glassworks amidst the woods in Kristiánov. Join the journey along the Glassmakers' Trail, a path forged by history and supported by the descendants of glassmaking pioneers. Experience the enchantment of Kristiánov, a place where the artistry of glass blends with the charm of the landscape.«
For the first time, a glass furnace was lit on the holiday of Epiphany - the Feast of the Three Kings, in 1776, and the first glass was melted on January 17th. The initial products were functional glass and semi-finished goods, such as rods and tubes for jewelry. Glass entrepreneur Johann Leopold Riedel had the courage to establish a glassworks in the midst of forests, northeast of Bedřichov - Friedrichswald, at the foot of the Black Mountain - Schwarzberg, at an altitude of about 800 meters. In honor of the owner of the Liberec estate, Count Christian Philipp Clam-Gallas, this settlement was named Kristiánov - Christianstal. The settlement, which included not only the manor house and several glassworks but also a cemetery and a school.
From an economic perspective, the glass trade went through turbulent times. The remote location eventually led to Riedel's departure from Kristiánov in 1881. In 1887, the building burned down. The new owner of the abandoned manor in 1890 became Count Franz Clam-Gallas and later the Czechoslovak Tourist Club (1929). Until 1933, the building served the German Alpine Club from Liberec as a free recovery center for needy girls. On October 4th, 1938, the manor burned down again. Only the so-called Fuchsbaude - Fox's Cabin, the original house of the glassmaker Fuchs, remained from the original settlement. In house number 52, there is now a small exhibition about the glassmakers' settlement, showcasing typical products from the former glassworks. In the attic, children can assemble a wooden model of the settlement and follow the traces of the glassmaker Fuchs and the treasure of the wizard Talman. On the ground floor of the half-timbered house, refreshments are served to guests in a cozy environment by the tile stoves.
Kristiánov is a magical place where the spirit of glassmakers still lingers in the picturesque landscape. For a trip to the settlement, we recommend the Glassmakers' Trail, which leads from the Glass and Jewelry Museum in Jablonec nad Nisou to Kristiánov and was created with the financial support of Georg J. Riedel, a descendant of the founder of the glassworks.
The museum is open to the public during the summer season from mid-May to the end of September. For current information, click here »
Kontakt:
Bedřichov č.p. 52, 468 12 Bedřichov
+420 483 369 011, +420 602 872 649
info@msb-jablonec.cz