Vila Preciosa Villa
Vila Preciosa, also known as Villa Präziosa, is a representative non-Renaissance building in Karlovy Vary. The building was completed in 1903 and represents an important example of spa architecture in the early 20th century. Since January 2024 it has been registered as a cultural monument.
Project documentation was created in 1902 and the construction itself took place between 1902 and 1903. The investor was Karlovy Vary builder Josef Waldert. At that time Karlovy Vary experienced the peak of its fame as an international centre of European elite. In the Czech countries there was history and new architectural directions, such as Art Nouveau, were gradually being promoted.
The building is a stand-alone four-storey house with a conspicuous Mansard-backed roof. It stands on an approximately rectangular plan, which complements the amount of risalites, logbooks and terraces. The street facade is decorated with convex risalite with balcony and volute shield. In the neighbouring axis there are lodjies with corner pillars on all four floors. The side facade is captured by a triangular risalite, which is completed by a tower with a helmet roof and a hippopotamus with a horse or lamb motif. The façades in the lower floors are decorated with rustics, and in the upper floors the Lizens with rings. The windows are supplemented by stucco champagne and suprafenestry. The rails of the ships and balconies consist of either balustards or forged elements with rococo decoration.
After World War II, the building was nationalized and divided into separate apartments. In 1915 a plan was prepared to cover the originally open terrace, but this plan was never implemented. In addition to the building itself, there is also an original fence with a stone suspect and metal pieces as well as a terraced garden.
Vila Preciosa is located in the spa centre of Karlovy Vary near the Tepla river and colonnade. As a newly declared cultural monument, it illustrates the high level of the then building art and represents the historical face of the spa town. Visiting the villa offers an opportunity to explore detailed architectural elements typical of this period.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1902
- The creation of project documentation.
- 1903
- The completion of the building of the villa.
- 1905
- Complete fencing of the object.
- 2024
- Declaration of the villa for cultural monument.
Architectural development
The villa was built in neoRenaissance style with elements of rococo decoration on balconies. In 1915, a project was planned to cover an open terrace, but it was never implemented. The architecture combines a rectangular plan with distinctive tower elements and rich stucco decoration.
Historical events
The building of the villa took place between 1902- 1903. The fence was completed in 1905. After World War II, there was nationalisation and division into flats. Since January 2024 the object has been registered as a cultural monument.
Owners
The investor of the construction was Karlovy Vary builder Josef Waldert, after World War II the building was nationalized.
Points of interest
- The construction was completed in 1903 and has been registered as a cultural monument since January 2024. - The investor of the building was Karlovy Vary builder Josef Waldert. - The side facade of the building is decorated with a tower with a helmet roof, which has a hippopotamus with a horse or lamb motif on top. - In 1915 there was a plan to cover an open terrace, but it was never implemented. - In addition to the house itself, the monument protection also covers the original fencing and terraced garden.
Guide
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This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Welcome to Karlovy Vary, near a beautiful and historically rich monument - Villa Preciosa. You are facing a unique construction that boasts not only its architectural arts, but also an interesting past. Take a look up at the four-storey building with a mansard-rolled roof and richly divided facades, which are decorated with rustic, lizen and stucco champagne windows. It is true that this monumental house will enchant you with its beauty.
Let's go into history. Vila Preciosa was designed in 1902 and its construction was completed a year later, in 1903. Imagine how a new century began, full of hope and innovation, when this non-Renaissance building gradually appeared on the horizon of Karlovy Vary. The investor of this construction was Josef Waldert, a Karlovy Vary builder, who had a great idea of what building could be created here.
Now pay attention to the architecture. Note the rich breakdown of facades using risalites, logbooks and terraces that provide a colorful and elegant appearance to the building. Take a look at the side facade, where you will find it interesting: a tower with a helmet roof, the top of which is decorated by the hippos with a horse or lamb motif. These details give the construction a wonderful character and are truly remarkable.
Josef Waldert, a key character in the history of Villa Preciosa, was not only an investor, but also a person with a vision. His efforts were reflected in this impressive work of architecture. In 1905 he finished fencing the building, which gave its safety and beauty.
The interesting thing is that in 1915 there was a plan to cover some parts of Villa Preciosa. Although this project was not implemented, it reminds us how the building could evolve and adapt over the years.
Since January 2024 Vila Preciosa has been protected as a cultural monument. This means that this monumental house will be preserved for future generations so that it can continue to fascinate and inspire visitors with its beauty.
Allow me to invite you to explore Karlovy Vary again. Vila Preciosa is just one of the many wonderful places this historic area offers. I hope you enjoyed it here and that you will be happy to continue to discover its beauty. With God on the next road!
Tips for visitors
For visiting the villa we recommend the morning hours during the working week, where you can avoid the most exciting spa guests and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of non-Renaissance architecture. With you take comfortable shoes to walk on hilly terrain and camera, the best light to capture the details of the facade and the Mansard roof is in the afternoon when the sun lights the facade. In the vicinity of the villa you can visit the colonnades and spa center, or take a walk along the Teplé River or to the wooded hills of Slavkovsky Forest. For families with children the location is suitable thanks to the proximity of parks and flat sections along the river, which allow a pleasant walk with a pram.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
This is a residential or farm building, not a museum with opening hours. Please view it from public space and respect the owners' privacy. We have no information about access to the interior.
Where is the monument?
Location: Karlovy Vary, Karlovarský kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a cultural monument (register no. 2000011489).
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Nearby
Lázeňské centrum Karlových Varů, kolonády, řeka Teplá a okolní zalesněné kopce Slavkovského lesa.
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
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Search tours and activities →Themed route
1. Karlovy Vary Spa Centre (city zone) - The entry point of the road, where you will feel the unique atmosphere of the city. 2. Colonnades (architectural elements) - A walk through the roofed walks is a basic experience of the visit. 3. The River Warm (Water Flow) - The road along the shore offers peace and pleasant views. 4.Vila Preciosa (villa) - The main destination of the trip, which represents the peak of luxury and beauty. 5. Forested hills of Slavkovsky Forest (natural area) - The exit to the surrounding forests will ensure relaxation in nature.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: In spring, Preciosa Villa is fertilized with flowers that colour the surrounding gardens and add a pink and purple touch. Sun rays illuminate architectural details of the villa, making it an ideal place for photography. At this time the number of visitors is increasing, so we recommend to come at the beginning of the day to be able to enjoy a place without overcrowding. Clothes should be suitable for mild temperatures - short gloves and hat on the sun day.
Summer: In summer, the atmosphere around Preciosa Villa is full of life. Green gardens become a haven from heat, while wood and stone buildings absorb heat. The best time to visit is early morning or late evening to avoid the hot sun and crowds of tourists. We recommend wearing light clothes, hat and plenty of drinking milk.
Autumn: In autumn months, the gardens of the Villa Preciosa turn into emerald forest. Leaves fall on the road, which adds a romantic touch and silence to the atmosphere. At this time, there are fewer people than in the summer, so you can intertwine between the remains of the blooming nature. We recommend wearing warmer clothes and shoes suitable for walking on leaves.
Winter: Winter visit to Preciosa Villa offers a unique view of its architecture when the building is packed in snow. The atmosphere is calm and quiet, which allows you to become aware of the history of the place without disturbing the crowd. It's important to wear warm clothes and protective shoes for the snow corridor.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
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Sources and literature
Photos: Jan Starec / CC BY-SA 3.0 — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
Location on the map
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