Vyskočilova vila Mosque

Welcome to Czech Třebová, where history intersects with every step you take here. Right now, you're standing in front of a building that tells its looks and history a story about ambition, luxury, but also about unexpected turns of fate. In front of you is Vyskočilova vila, a building that at the time of its creation represented the absolute peak of social status and architectural taste. Stop for a moment, take a breath and just feel the overall atmosphere of this place. Imagine what this neighborhood looked like over a century ago when this residence was one of the most important homes in the city.

Let us now return together in time more than a hundred years back to the beginning of the twentieth century. It is the year one thousand nine hundred and eight, and it is this year that applications were made for the construction of this house. At that time, Miroslav Vyskočil, a successful businessman who wanted to build a seat corresponding to his wealth and social position, worked here. The villa was not built randomly anywhere but near his family's mill, which made it not only a luxury house, but also a symbol of family prosperity and industrial success. Construction work, which began shortly after the application, lasted two years and in the year one thousand nine hundred and ten the construction was finally completed. At that time it was one of the most luxurious residences in Česká Třebová, a place where the local elite met and where each detail had its price and importance.

Now, please pay attention to the architecture itself. Look at the facade and see the building lines. You're facing a major Art Nouveau construction. The Art Nouveau was a symbol of modernity, elegance and desire for beauty, inspired by nature and smooth shapes. This project was the responsibility of recognised architects, Alois Dryák and František Plašil. It is their vision that this villa is ovated. Notice how a combination of functionality and aesthetics is manifested in architecture, which was typical for the time being. Even though we look at the building today through the eyes of a modern man, try to imagine the shock and admiration that the people of the city had to have when this building first appeared in their streets in the year one thousand nine hundred and ten. See the facade details, feel the rhythm of the windows and the overall balance of the object. It's an architecture designed to emit the owner's confidence.

But people and their life stories are connected to every building. Vyskočilova vila was not only a quiet home, but a place that hosted a truly significant personality. Now imagine the year one thousand nine hundred twelve. In this house, in these premises, a successor to the throne Karel František Josef, who later had the last Austrian emperor. He didn't come here alone, his wife Zita Bourbonsko-Parmská accompanied him. Imagine the incredible commotion that such a visit to Česká Třebová caused. The arrival of the future monarch with his wife at the merchant's private villa shows how high the level represented this residence and how strong ties Miroslav Vyskočil had to maintain at that time. It was the height of the glory of this house, the moment when the private space of the trader became for a short time the centre of European aristocracy.

However, history seldom works in a straight line. As we know from many life stories, after a great rise often falls. Not even Miroslav jumped this bill. There was a financial decline that changed the fate of the villa forever. The luxury residence that was created for rich life and social banquets changed its owner. The building was won by the Czechoslovak Hussite Church. This moment was a turning point not only in property, but also in spiritual and functional terms. The villa stopped being a private home for one family and became a place open to the community. It was adapted to the Hus Choir, which means that its interiors and the purpose of existence were redesigned to serve religion and the congregation of believers. Since the year one thousand nine hundred thirty, the villa has thus served the needs of this church, giving it a whole new dimension and importance within the city.

Perhaps now you will be interested in one question that floats over this place like a silent mystery. How did such an organically different presence unite in one building? On the one hand there was an unlimited luxury of a merchant and visits to Austrian emperors, on the other hand there was a place for a more modest spiritual search and community life of the Hussite Corps. It is fascinating to think about how the atmosphere in these walls was changing from privatized wealth to public faith. This transformation is basically a mirror to the history of the entire region and the whole country, where the old world of empires clashed with a new era of republics and social change.

The villa survived decades, testifying to two world wars and many regime changes. But its value only grew with time, not only the spiritual or social, but also the historical. This is why it was officially listed on the list of cultural monuments of the Czech Republic in the year two thousand and eighteen. With this recognition, the state has confirmed that Vyskočilova vila is not just an ordinary house, but an invaluable piece of our architectural and cultural heritage, which we must protect for future generations.

Now that you know the story of this house, I suggest you look around again. Feel the contrast between the original Art Nouveau elegance and the current use of the building. Try to imagine the steps of Emperor Karl and emperors Zita on the threshold here and imagine the silent prayers and songs of the Hussite choir that have been here for decades. This building is a bridge between two worlds.

Thank you for your attention and for stopping by this fascinating place for a moment. You can now calmly continue your journey along the Czech Třebová and discover other hidden corners and stories that this city offers. I wish you a pleasant rest of the day and an inspirational walk. Goodbye.