Nikolajka Apartment house

Welcome to Smíchov. You're standing in front of a building called Nikolajka. It is a place where time stopped and where you can feel the atmosphere of old Prague, which was once much greener and less urban than today. Look at this elegant villa. The first impression is a sense of peace and harmony. You see a building in front of you that looks noble but cosy. It is a typical representative of the town estate, which in today's dense development acts as a small island of history.

Let us now move much deeper in time. In order to understand why this building is even standing here, we have to go back to the end of the seventeenth century, namely around the year one thousand six cities of ninety. Imagine that there were no modern streets or noisy traffic in the place where you are now standing. Instead, the vineyards spread out. The then Smíchov was known for its vineyard terraces, which gave the landscape a unique character. In this very environment, a man named Antonín František Nikolai built his villa. It was not just an ordinary resident, but a land attorney and a council of several noble families. So he was a man with influence, education and resources who wanted to create a place to rest outside the city centre, close to nature and his guilt.

Now pay attention to the architecture of the building itself. When you look at it, you see a look that belongs to a period of late classicism. This style is characterized by purity of lines, balance and certain moderation, but it is very noble. Please look up on the roof. Notice its shape, it is the so-called valb roof, which makes the house a compact and closed whole. Then move your view to the front of the building, i.e. the front. Note here the balcony which gives the facade depth and rhythm. It is a detail that underlines the representative character of the villa.

It is important to remember that what you see today is not exactly what Mr. Nikolai built over three styles ago. The building has undergone some fundamental changes throughout history. The first big wave of change came about a thousand seven hundred and fifty, when radical reconstruction took place. This means that the house was very significantly changed at the time, probably to meet new needs and then taste. However, the most significant intervention, which defined the current form, occurred in the year one thousand eight hundred sixty. It was this year that the villa gained its present appearance in the spirit of late classicism. Within this reconstruction, the building was increased by one floor, which gave it the current height and power.

When we think about the personalities associated with this place, we return to Antonín František Nikolai. Imagine him as a responsible administrator and lawyer who sought refuge in this house from the duties of Prague. His role as a lawyer means that he was responsible for the legal affairs of the high levels of society. This villa was therefore not only his home, but probably also a place where he could host his important contacts in an environment surrounded by wine terraces.

Now I'm going to lead you to one interesting thing that may not be visible at first sight, but which is crucial to this place. It's fascinating to realize that this villa was created right where the vineyard was located. This reminds us of how much the landscape of Smíchova has changed. While we are surrounded today by houses and roads, there was once the smell of grapes and the work of winemakers. This monument is one of the last tangible evidence of what this space looked like centuries ago.

Another important milestone in the life of the building is the year one thousand nine hundred sixty-four. This year, the estate was officially declared a protected building. This means that the state has recognised its unique value for the history of the city of Prague and decided that it must be preserved for future generations. With the building being repaired, it's in good shape today. Although the building is currently used for residential purposes and is not opened as a museum, its external appearance remains a faithful witness to the past.

Stop for a moment and feel the atmosphere of this place. Imagine the silence of the seventeenth century, the noise of leaves in the garden and the view of vineyards that once surrounded the walls of this house. It is a strange feeling to stand in front of a building that has survived for centuries, several architectural modes and a complete transformation of the whole area. Nikolajka remained a silent witness to Smíchov's history.

If you look around you, you'll see how contrasting the surroundings of the villa are compared to its peaceful facade. In this contrast lies the magic of this place. It is a reminder that even in the heart of modern city we can find corners that accompany us with our ancestors and with history that took place right here on this soil.

We are now approaching the end of our short stop at Villa Nikolajka. I hope you enjoyed this insight into the past and have noticed the details that make this house a unique monument. I suggest you now slowly surround the building and see from different angles how light hits it and how its silhouette changes in Smíchova space.

Thank you for your attention and I wish you a pleasant continuation in discovering the secrets of Prague streets. When you're ready, continue your journey and search for the next trace of history that carries this beautiful city. Goodbye.