In Kadani, Terezián bricks are being made. They bring life back to the fortresses

Do you know how Czech fortresses are being repaired? You might be surprised: even today, bricks are being made that correspond to those originally used. They are called Terezíánky and they are produced in the West Bohemian town of Kadaň by the company BRISPOL.

The original Terezíánky were produced directly on-site

During the construction of fortresses like Terezín or Josefov, it was necessary for the building to proceed quickly and without unnecessary costs. Therefore, clay was mined and processed directly at the construction site. The quality of the mined clay reflected in the properties of the bricks: while the bricks from Josefov contain more clay components and are thus more brittle but more durable, those from Terezín have a higher sand content, making them easier to work with but less durable.

Soldiers also helped with the bricks and no material went to waste. Well-fired bricks without defects were used for the facing masonry, and bricks of poorer quality were simply "hidden" within the construction.

Local materials were used in production. Its composition reflected in the properties of the brick.

Terezíánka is making a comeback

So how is today’s Terezíánka brought to life? Similarly to back then, but with more care. When repairing monuments, we are no longer in a hurry and we do not cut corners on quality.

Today's fortification bricks have been developed by BRISPOL based on the original ones. For the prototype brick, they obtained clay from the original site, according to which they created a brick of the same dimensions and similar properties. Bricks are still made by hand, just like during the construction of the Czech fortresses – in wooden molds with metal edges. They are then pressed, dried, and fired at high temperatures.

Stoneware bricks are still made by hand in wooden molds.

This creates a solid stoneware brick that resists frost, chemicals, and mechanical damage. This allows for the repair of fortresses and other monuments so that they remain for future generations.

In Terezín, experts, architects, and enthusiastic amateurs joined forces

In June, an event took place in Terezín that contributed to better awareness of the repair of fortresses, particularly the one in Terezín. BRISPOL, in cooperation with the city of Terezín and the studio of architect Hudák, organized a workshop focused on masonry a part of the fortifications. All participants contributed by building a shooting wall, thereby taking part in the repair of this significant Czech fortress.

Experts and the public participated in the repair of the wall.

You can also create something valuable that will remain here for future generations. Get to know not just fortification bricks, but also stoneware in general: with an honest material that will last for centuries.