Point 2a - ARCADE HOUSES

ARCADE HOUSES

The two arcade houses on the market square are particularly attractive and are of historical and town planning importance for Schirgiswalde.

Their design essentially dates from the middle of the 17th century and was always retained during later alterations. The arcades are still inviting, as they used to be several times, but are now rare.

The log parlour on the ground floor has been set back so far that there is a low walkway on the side of the house where one can walk or stand under shelter in rainy weather. This was used, for example, by greengrocers as a shelter for their market stalls.

Over the centuries, the arcade houses changed hands frequently. In 1839, master bookbinder Eduard Mannheim founded one of the oldest family businesses in Schirgiswalde in the corner house (Niedermarkt 2).

After many years of book printing, binding, framing and cardboard and folder production, the focus today is mainly on stationery trade.

The house on the right was probably initially a residence for servants, later it served as a tavern and housed the very popular "Unter den Lauben" inn until 2001.