Liberec’s colour is held within the confines of their villas, mansions and town houses. The city got its start in the thirteenth century and since WW1, has had strong influences from the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. For newcomers to town, you'll easily note how nature provides a majestic backdrop for such residences. The streets that run parallel to the reservoir in Harcov are perfect examples of romanticism and neo-renaissance style architecture. Many of the mansions serve their original function as residential addresses. Others operate as restaurants and offices. During the nineteenth century Liberec went through a period of growth in the textile industry. Under ties with Austria, large villas for patrons and workers were constructed; each with their own personality and unique slice of history.