vila Helenka Villa

Kordova vila Helenka, located on Prague's Smíchov in Na Václavce street, is an example of Art Nouveau architecture from the beginning of the 20th century. This five-storey house was built in 1903 by the Smichov builder Alois Korda and named it after his daughter Helena. Unique facade with sgraffiti designed by painter František Kobliha. The building stands on a steep slope, which deepens its visual scope. In 1993 the villa was registered in the list of cultural monuments of the Czech Republic and was renovated in 2009.

The creation of the building is closely linked to the Art Nouveau period, which was dominated by Central Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This style brought new artistic directions and stylization, which is also evident in the decorative elements of the facade. Alois Korda, a trained masonry master and since 1896 registered as a builder at Smíchov, has built a house for his five-member family. The architecture was intended to meet the needs at the time, while presenting progress.

The building has a square plan and stands on a steep slope. The facade is decorated with Art Nouveau stucco with floral decoration, sun clock and angel, which increases its artistic value. The interior includes a ballroom with plant decoration and palm leaves, which is typical of Art Nouveau style. The entrance part has a tile floor, while the other rooms have parquet floors. There is a metal decorative staircase with a lamp and a corridor leading to living rooms oriented to the street, which originally served as Kord's office. On the first floor there were bedrooms (originally the owner's apartment), while in the high tower on the northeast side there is a pyramid wooden roof inspired by orientation. In the attic there is a large room and original Kord studio.

The owner of the villa was Alois Korda, who built it for his family and used the tower as a study. After his death, the fate of the house changed. An important moment was 1993, when the villa was included in the list of cultural monuments of the Czech Republic. This status confirms its historical significance. Another key event occurred in 2009 when the building underwent reconstruction, which ensured the preservation of the original character for future generations.

Today Kordova vila Helenka is accessible to visitors and represents an important cultural monument to Smíchov. Its historical and architectural values attract people interested in the arts and heritage of the 20th century. The visit offers an opportunity to appreciate the unique Art Nouveau style and to understand the historical context at the time.

Villa Helena is not only an architectural monument but also a witness to the cultural development of the Art Nouveau period. Thanks to its preservation and restoration, future generations can admire its beauty and understand the importance of this time. Visiting the house is therefore not only a way to the past, but also a reminder of the importance of protecting cultural heritage.