Cerna Ruze

The Cerna Ruze ("Black Rose") is a bit of a ruse in its own right. The deceptive looking shopping centre is actually two buildings joined by an arcade. Never has shopping been such a historical experience - the first building is from the 1840s, which was joined by the second almost a century later in the 1930s on Panska street. The arcade itself is an important illustration of inter-war modern architecture, and is now protected by the city's laws as a cultural monument. Enough history though - how about the shopping? Well, since being renovated in 1996 the buildings now house some upscale brand-name shops (Adidas, Pierre Cardin, Laroche, etc.) on all floors, a cafÈ, and an excellent pizzeria on the highest floor.

God save us from the (apparently unstoppable) march of monoculture.