Eggertova vila Villa

Welcome. You are standing in front of one of the most important and oldest historic buildings in our city. In front of your eyes is Eggertova vila, an object that carries an incredible variety of fates and ages. Before we take a deeper tour, allow me to introduce you to the atmosphere of where history touches the present. If you look around now, you may realize you're standing in a very special place. This villa was not built on an empty surface. Its foundations and its very existence are firmly linked to the history of this city, because it was built right where the original city walls once stood. Imagine the change - from the fortification that the city was supposed to protect from the enemy, it became a place to serve comfort, culture and knowledge.

Let us now return to the time when this story began to be written. We are in the middle of the nineteenth century, exactly between 1859 and 1860. In the Austrian Empire there was a period known as Bach's absolutism. It was a time of strong power, but also a time when people's lives began to change. It was then, thanks to the growing wealth and new possibilities, that the townspeople began to demand a different, more representative lifestyle. And for this new world, Eggertova vila was created. Its owner was Anton Eggert, a successful townsman and businessman who wished for a house that reflected its position and success. The project was prepared for him by the renowned architect Josef Sandner, whose vision gave the construction its unmistakable character.

Now pay attention to the construction itself, which is right in front of you. Look at her face and feel her empirical style. This style is known for its dignity and balance. If you could imagine the layout of this building, you would see that it is the shape of the letter T. This pavilion character of the building is very specific and gives it ease, although it looks very firm and stable. Notice the facade. It's not just a plain smooth wall. It is equipped with fine bossings. This means that the surface of the walls has its structure, its depth and its texture, which creates a beautiful game of light and shadow depending on how the sun changes after a day. The villa is oriented towards the south to make the best use of natural light. Also look at the roof - it is low, which is typical of this architectural direction and allows the construction to act harmonically in the surrounding environment.

When you look at this building, you can't miss out on the stories of the people who lived here. Anton Eggert built his home here until he left the world in 1875. After his death, his wife, Johanna Eggertová, stayed here. Her life's journey with this villa was also important. When she died in 1905, the villa went into the hands of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. From this moment on, the character of the place began to change - from a private home he gradually became an object with a more public touch.

Over the next decade, ownership of the villa was constantly changing, reflecting economic and political upheaval in our region. In 1920 the building became part of the property of the Czech stock brewery. Ten years later, in 1930, it was taken over by a Czech-Budějovice reserve. Each of these owners brought a piece of their own history to the villa. However, the period between 1939 and 1945 was very difficult for this object. During the war, the villa served as the seat of the German official court and also as a branch of the court. In these years there was a quite different, much stricter and more serious atmosphere than when entrepreneurs and their families lived here.

You might find this interesting: Eggertova vila is not just any old building. It is the oldest preserved villa of this architectural type in the whole of České Budějovice. It's living proof of how our city was supposed to evolve in the nineteenth century. It is a monument to the transformation from fortified city to modern, expanding urban space.

So how did this villa become what it is today? Since 1946, it has served as a seat of the South Bohemian Scientific Library. This is perhaps the most beautiful return to its importance. The place where rich people once lived and judges later decided is now home to thousands of books, knowledge, study, and anyone looking for answers. The place that once protected the city with its walls now protects human thoughts and history in the form of written words.

Now, please, continue your walk. Look at the facade from other angles, feel the atmosphere of this place and try to imagine what sounds and voices were heard here hundreds of years ago. Eggertova vila is waiting for you to discover it again and again. Thank you for your journey and I wish you a pleasant continuation in discovering the beauty of our city.