Městská knihovna Villa

Welcome to Jaromer, the part called Pražské Předměstí. Right now, you're standing in front of a building that, with its elegance and calm, attracts the attention of anyone who passes by it. It's a villa that serves as a city library today. Look at her as a whole. See how beautifully it fits into the landscape on the edge of Masaryk's orchards? It's a place where history meets the silence of books and the greenery of the park. Imagine that this house is not just an ordinary building, but a silent witness to the changes this city has undergone in the last century. Feel the atmosphere of this place where urban tourism is dampened and the space around the villa is harmonious.

Let's go back more than a hundred and thirty years together. It's one thousand eight hundred eighty-eight. At that time, this building was completed for a man named Jan Náhlovský. Jan was not just a common citizen in Jaromer at the time. He was a lawyer and a miller. Imagine what life he had to lead in order to build such a representative mansion. In the 10th century such a villa was a symbol of success, education and social status. This building was not only a separate home in the original project, but was part of the wider area of its mill. When you look at the building, you realize that there once was a vibrant life associated with hard work in the mill and the intellectual activity of a lawyer. It was a space where two worlds met, the craft and the law, and they both formed together the basis of the wealth and influence of the Nahlovsky family.

Now pay attention to the appearance of the building itself. The architecture of the villa draws its inspiration from the Italian Renaissance, which is a style that places great emphasis on harmony, ratio and balance. Notice how symmetrical the facade is. This means that the left and right sides of the building mirror their form, creating a sense of stability and peace. Take a close look at the corners of the building. It is these elements that add to the construction of plastic, lift it up and mark its nobility. The architect František Hellmann is probably responsible for this design. Although we do not know every detail of his thought process, it is clear that Hellmann wanted to create an object that would emit the dignity and taste of his owner. Neo-Renaissance style was very popular at the time precisely because it reminded of the golden age of culture and science, and this exactly matched Jan Nahlovsky's personality.

When we think about the people who lived in these walls, it comes first and foremost to Jan Náhlovský and later also Jan Náhlovský mladší. Imagine the generations of one family that worked in these areas of childhood, discussed legal matters and planned the future development of their business. It's fascinating to think about how the function of the building has changed dramatically over the years. From a private family home, which was closed to the chosen, in the year one thousand nine hundred forty-nine, the town library became. That's a beautiful twist of fate. A place that used to serve the private life of one family opened up to all the inhabitants of Jaromer and all the readers. The books replaced family conversations and the silence of the studio replaced the daily rush of the miller family. The building has thus changed its role from a symbol of personal property to a symbol of public education and culture.

You might find one interesting thing to help us understand the context of this place. As I mentioned, the villa originally closed the mill. This tells us how property ties were organised at the time and how closely the housing work was linked. The mill was at that time a key centre for the economy and social life around it. The villa was such a bridge between productive work and relaxation. Another important milestone in the history of the building was the year one thousand nine hundred ninety-four. Just then the villa was officially declared a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. This means that the state has recognised its irreplaceable value for our village and architecture. This step has ensured that this piece of history will not be lost and that we will be able to admire the non-Renaissance beauty in the future.

Stop now for a moment and watch as the light reflects from the walls of the villa. Try to imagine what the sounds here sounded like a century ago, what cars passed by and what the conversations were in her rooms. It's a strange feeling to know that a building that was built for one particular man is today serving thousands of people here looking for inspiration in books. This transformation from villa to library is basically the best way to keep the memory of the family of Nahlovsky alive. The knowledge and education offered by the library today is consistent with the intellectual background of the original owner, who was a lawyer.

Now that you know the story of this building, I suggest you look at it quietly. Feel the atmosphere of this place, where the nature of the orchards is combined with the history of the Nahlovsky family. Look again at the symmetry of the facade and those corner elements that make this villa the real jewel of Jaromer. If you have the chance, look inside the library space and let the scent of old and new books consume you. It is an ideal way to end this short stop and experience history not only by looking at it, but also by feeling at peace that libraries bring.

Thank you for accompanying me to this monument. I hope this short trip to the past has helped you see Jan Nahlovsky's villa in a new light and that you will take a piece of her story with you. I wish you a pleasant continuation in discovering the beauty of Jaroměř, in walking on Prague Suburb and in exploring other hidden treasures of this city. Goodbye.