Summer in the château of Josef Hlávka in Lužany

In July and August 2008, the château will be opened to the public. This is to commemorate 100 years since the death of the important Czech architect and philanthropist Josef Hlávka, one of the previous owners of the château.

In the château there are the original apartment and chapel of Josef Hlávka, dating from the end of the 19th century, and an exhibition dedicated to his work, life and his foundation. The château park will also be opened.

History of the château From 1245, Jimrama of Lužany owned a wooden fort on this site. In 1583, the fort was rebuilt into a renaissance château, which has since had many owners. At the beginning of the 19th century, the renaissance gables were pulled down and a spire with an onion shaped dome and lantern was added. In 1866, Josef Hlávka became the new owner of the château, and he converted it into a summer residence. Hlávka provided the design plans for the interior of the new château chapel. It is possible to see here examples of rare 19th century organs.

Josef Hlávka (15 February 1831–11 March 1908)
This important Czech philanthropist, architect and builder was born in 1831 in Přeštice near Plzeň, and from his early childhood he was drawn to building. He studied at Prague Technical University and afterwards studied architecture at the Academy of Fine Art in Vienna. His most important work is the U sv. Apolináře Provincial Maternity Home in Prague, which was very modern for its time. Built in the Neo-Gothic style, it is still functioning to this day. He also contributed financially to, amongst others, the St. Barbora Chapel in Kutná Hora, financed repairs to the Baroque church in Přeštice, and supervised the rebuilding of Karlštejn Castle. In 1904, he set up “The Josef, Marie and Zdenka Hlavka Endowment” foundation, with a mission to support all scientific, literary and artistic efforts, as well as the cultural needs of the Czech nation and, in particular, excellent but financially disadvantaged students of Czech universities in Prague.

Château Lužany is not normally opened to visitors during the year as it serves as a meeting place for important personalities from Czech scientific and cultural life.

The tours during July and August take place every half hour, every day, except Mondays and 15 August 2008.
Location: Lužany, the Pilsen Region