COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE TO JOHANNES MATHESIUS AT THE TOWN HALL
Introduction
On the façade of the Town Hall in Jáchymov there is a commemorative plaque honouring Johannes Mathesius, an important Lutheran theologian, preacher and chronicler of the town. Although he was born in Rochlitz in Saxony, his name is closely associated with the period of Jáchymov’s greatest prosperity in the sixteenth century. The plaque was installed in 1874 as an expression of respect for his legacy.
History
Johannes Mathesius served in Jáchymov as a preacher at a time when the town ranked among the most significant mining centres in Central Europe. In addition to his spiritual duties, he devoted himself to writing and chronicle work. His texts represent a valuable source for understanding the religious, social and economic conditions of the town in that period.
In the nineteenth century, when historical figures connected with the region were being re-evaluated and commemorated, a decision was made to install a memorial plaque on the Town Hall building. The German inscription recalls both his origin and his activity in Jáchymov. The year 1874 engraved on the plaque refers to the date of its creation rather than to Mathesius’s lifetime.
Description
The plaque is made of stone, rectangular in shape, and bears a German inscription in relief. At the top appears the dedication “Dem Andenken”, followed by the designation “des Gottesgelehrten Johannes Mathesius” and a reference to his origin “aus Rochlitz in Sachsen”. The text commemorates his work in Jáchymov and concludes with the year 1874.
After the renovation of the façade, the plaque was temporarily soiled and visually impaired. It has since been cleaned, and its legibility has improved.
Restoration
The plaque remains in its original position on the Town Hall building. Its preservation contributes to the remembrance of an important figure in the spiritual and cultural history of Jáchymov. Regular maintenance is essential to safeguard its readability and historical value for the future.
