Vila Emila Simona Villa

Vila Emila Simona, located in Hejnich on Spa Street No. 463, is an impressive example of modern residential architecture from the beginning of the 20th century. This building has preserved its original state and has significant architectural value, making it an important historical monument. It was designed according to the Czech-German architect Rudolf Bitzano and stands in an extensive forest park designed by the garden architects Hektor Eck and others.

Originally belonged to the owner of the flock weaving plant Fritsch & Co., Eduard Fritsch. According to some sources the villa was built in 1917, but the National Monument Institute lists the year 1921 as the date of completion of the construction. Rudolf Hampel, the Frýdlant builder, took the place. In 1921, the villa was transferred to the property of Emils Simon, a factory manufacturer from Fojtek, who sold it to the apple exporter Carlos Witte in 1935. This new owner made modifications to the interior in art déco style and built a chapel in the park dedicated to St. Anthony, which was later demolished.

Architecturally, the villa is built on a rectangular floor plan with a valb roof and a distinctive cylindrical risalite on the southwest front. The main entrance is located in the middle of the northeast facade, decorated with a portal with stucco decoration and a deer motif in the jump. The facade is also decorated with medals with motifs of mythical animals and relief of the corner of abundance.

The forest park to which the villa belongs has an area of nearly 2.5 hectares and was designed in 1887-1889 for the local factory owner Franz Fritsch. The park contains diverse species of wood, some of which are protected by law, such as spring wood (Cornus mas). In the park there are also unusual species such as lilies tulip and maple dlanitolist. The park has two handcrafted gates headed towards Spa Street, making it also accessible to the public.

After 1945 the villa was used as a kindergarten until 2021. It has not been used since then and is not accessible to the public. The city of Hejnice tried to declare the object a cultural monument, which was successful on 22 June 2023. This initiative aims to protect the villa from reconstruction, which could lead to the destruction of its historical elements.

Today Emil Simona's villa is a cultural monument and stands in a relatively large forest park that is freely accessible. The forest park contains a new building for the elderly. Despite the fact that the villa itself is not accessible, its historical and architectural value makes the surrounding park an interesting destination for visitors.

Vila Emila Simona is not only a monument to modern residential architecture, but also to industrial development and urbanization in the Czech Republic in the early 20th century. Its preserved original state and historical changes to which it was subjected make this monument a valuable part of the region's cultural heritage. Visit Hejnice and explore the forest park around Emil Simon's villa to acquire its historical context and architectural beauty.