Prague Sightseeing tours - SIS TOUR

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In the Czech glass industry, the name Rückl has significantly been known for several centuries. According to existing historical reports, Rückl´s ancestors came to Bohemia from Switzerland as early as the 18th century. 1846 was a milestone for them. At that time, Jan RYCKL took on lease of a glass funace in Cyranův Ostrov and founded his own firm there. After initial success, another enlargement of the capacity of these glassworks followed. In 1885, other facilities were established in Brádlo u Chrudimi. František, the oldest son of J. RYCKL, started to manage this factory. While the facility in Cyranův Ostrov was managed by his brother, Antonín Rückl, whom the history of the Czech glass industry has known as a founder and successful manager of several other glassworks. In 1875, he founded the glassworks and the grindery in Včelnička u Kamenice nad Lípou and in 1893 it was the factory in Skalice u České Lípy.

The firm´s growing economic success primarily resulted in strengthening its position and supported the enlargement of further entrepreneurial plans and the development of thes family based firm which was called "Antonín Ruckl and sons". In 1903, the newest and most state-of-the-art glassworks were built near Prague, in particular, in village Nižbor, region Křivoklát - the middle part of Bohemia, very soon, these glassworks became to be the center and headquarters of the whole enterprise. In 1921, the legal status of these galssworks was changed in a purely family joint stock company the shareholders of which were exclusively the members of Rückl´s family.

In the period between the two world wars, the staple production programme of the glassworks was a wide range of home and decorative glass: a variety of hollow glass product, both crystal and flint glass, smooth and cut glass and luxurious stained glass. Glass for illumination devices and laboratory purposes was also produced.

The glassworks in Nižbor kept close and intensive cooperation with some renowned Czech artists. Firs of all, it was Josef Drahoňovský and Ludvika Smrčková who was just embarking upon her career at that time.

Before the 40´s of the twentieth century, in local and foreign markets, the factory developed and deployed an extensive commercial network. Export of its products were especially targeted to the markets of Europe and the Orient. As the demand grew, the firm gradually estableshed its commercial branches in London, Paris, Copenhagen, Hamburg and Istambul. The glass made in Nižbor also found its way to customers in transatlantic countries.

Several months after the World War II., the glassworks in Nižbor were nationalized on the base of Presidential Decree No. 100 of 1945 and they were incorporated into the state controlled industry as it was with all other industrial enterprises and manufactures.

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The Czech Republic is world famous for its production of hand made and cut crystal. The oldest glass findings in Czech history were imported from Celtic regions at approximately 300 BC. Come and discover where glassmaking was born on this 4 hour tour to the Nizbor town, just 45 km south west of Prague.

Come and view the traditional techniques of the glass cutters and glass blowers step by step. The Rusk Nizbor factory produces hollow glass of all sorts, Bohemian crystal or lead glass, cut glass, coloured and luxury glass for your home. They also produce a wide range of lead crystal, cut too many designs; to simple to very complex and elaborate decorations.

At the end of the tour you will have the opportunity to take a visit to the factory shop and purchase some of their products at wholesale prices. On your way back to Prague sit back and enjoy the ride while we take you on a drive through Bohemia where you will be able to enjoy spectacular countryside views filled with hills and valleys and of coarse a panoramic view of the gothic castle Karlštejn the 2nd most visited monument in the Czech Republic. Entrance fee included.