Imagine if these walls could talk. What tales would Doln\u00ed Landhauska tell?
Doln\u00ed Landhauska stands before you. It is a testament to Prague’s layered past. This charming building whispers stories of vineyards. It also tells of noble owners and architectural rebirths.
Originally, this area was known as Hal\u00ed\u0159ovsk\u00fd grund. In the 17th century, it stretched across today’s Havl\u00ed\u010dkovy sady. These gardens are also known as Gr\u00e9bovka. The estate included vineyards and fields. After the Thirty Years’ War, Jesuit monks used the buildings. They housed ailing members. This gave rise to the name Landhauska. It means country house.
Fast forward to the early 19th century. Franti\u0161ek V\u00e1clav Pachta z R\u00e1jova owned the estate. It became known as Pacht\u016fv dv\u016fr. Later, Baron Jakub Wimmer acquired it. Josef Tade\u00e1\u0161 Lumbe from Malonic followed. He renovated both Horn\u00ed and Doln\u00ed Landhauska. He even built a new residential building and transformed vineyards into gardens.
In 1870, Moritz Gr\u00f6be purchased Horn\u00ed Landhauska. He eventually acquired Doln\u00ed Landhauska too. Gr\u00f6be expanded the estate. He added parts of the Vondra\u010dky, Ham\u00e1\u010dkov\u00e9, and Gr\u00fcnwaldky vineyards. He commissioned a new building. It was the Neo-Renaissance villa now known as Gr\u00f6bova Vila.
Doln\u00ed Landhauska itself was rebuilt in 1871. It became a two-story Neo-Renaissance structure. Its facade is richly decorated. The building stands on the banks of the Boti\u010de stream. It sits on the site of an older estate.
Look closely at the asymmetrical main facade. Notice the main entrance. It is slightly off-center. Admire the Neo-Renaissance stucco decor. Spot the inscription tablet above the entrance. Windows on the left are grouped. They feature a relief panel on the ground floor. Above, there is a niche with a vase. On the right side of the facade, you’ll see medallions. They depict cherubic heads on the first floor. Niches with vases adorn the second floor.
On the eastern facade, stucco frames connect the central axes. These bear inscriptions. They commemorate the building and its name. The overhanging roof is supported by ornamental carved rafters.
Inside, some original features remain. These include floors, stairs, and window sills. In 2007, a reconstruction gave Doln\u00ed Landhauska a new roof and facade. The villa features a hipped roof. Its color adds a touch of warmth.
Today, Doln\u00ed Landhauska is a protected monument since 1964. It currently houses the CEELI Institute. They oversaw the building’s renovation. This includes the retaining wall with niches and arched staircases. These staircases support a terrace with a restored vineyard.
Doln\u00ed Landhauska stands as a reminder. It is a symbol of Prague’s enduring beauty. It is a testament to the city’s ever-evolving story. Take a moment to appreciate its history. Envision the generations who have walked these grounds.