Dušan Jurkovič and Luhačovice — Complete Architectural Guide
The spa town of Luhačovice on the eastern edge of Moravia ranks among the most beautiful Czech spa towns. However, its unique atmosphere owes itself not only to healing mineral springs, but primarily to the architectural legacy of one man — Dušan Samuel Jurkovič. This Slovak architect, born in 1868 in Turá Lúka, Slovakia, gave Luhačovice its unmistakable character that distinguishes it from all other European spa towns. His buildings in Luhačovice, created primarily between 1902 and 1903, represent a unique example of so-called folk Art Nouveau — an architectural style that connects traditions of Moravian and Slovak folklore with modern principles of Art Nouveau architecture.
This guide will take you through all preserved Jurkovič buildings in Luhačovice, introducing their history, architectural details and current use. Whether you’re lovers of architecture, history or simply seeking inspiration for a trip, Jurkovič’s Luhačovice will undoubtedly enchant you.
Who Was Dušan Samuel Jurkovič
Dušan Samo Jurkovič was born on 23rd August 1868 in Turá Lúka near Myjava in western Slovakia. He grew up in an environment where folk culture traditions lived on, and this experience accompanied him throughout his life. He studied at the State Industrial School in Vienna, where he became acquainted with contemporary architectural movements, and subsequently worked in Brno under architect Karel Hugo Kepka.
From the beginning of his career, Jurkovič distinguished himself with a unique approach to architecture. Instead of blindly adopting historical styles that dominated European architecture at the time, he sought inspiration in folk architecture of Moravia and Slovakia. He studied wooden cottages in Wallachia, chalets in Slovakia, observed construction methods of folk builders and recorded ornamental motifs from beautiful embroidery and ceramics. This research became the foundation of his creative programme.
Jurkovič’s architectural style is often termed folk Art Nouveau or folk art nouveau. Unlike Viennese Art Nouveau, which drew from abstract geometric forms, or Prague Art Nouveau influenced by French examples, Jurkovič created a completely original synthesis. He combined organic forms of Art Nouveau architecture with specific motifs of folk art — colourful ornaments, wooden carvings, timber-framed masonry and columns decorated with carved patterns.
Jurkovič’s Collaboration with Luhačovice
How Jurkovič Came to Luhačovice
The story of Jurkovič’s Luhačovice was preceded by an important change in spa management. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Luhačovice was a declining princely spa town that could not compete with renowned spa metropolises of Central Europe. The turning point came in 1902, when the spa was transformed into a joint-stock company. Otto Serényi was elected chairman of the board of directors and Dr František Veselý became director of the spa.
It was František Veselý, together with Dr Cyril Holubý, who in 1901 approached the young architect Dušan Jurkovič with an offer of collaboration. Veselý had a clear vision: to transform the backward spa into a modern, architecturally interesting spa centre that would attract guests from throughout Austria-Hungary. Jurkovič, already known for his buildings on Pustevny in the Beskids, was an ideal candidate for this task.
Jurkovič’s Vision for Luhačovice
Jurkovič approached the work with extraordinary energy and visionary intention. He did not limit himself merely to designing individual buildings — he prepared a comprehensive urban planning concept for the entire spa centre. His approach was revolutionary in that he strived for harmonious connection of architecture with surrounding nature. Buildings were to flow seamlessly into parkland greenery and the entire spa complex was to function as an organic whole.
The architecture of Luhačovice was to be diametrically different from contemporary Western and Central European spas, which had succumbed to a wave of historicism and eclecticism. Jurkovič consciously brought inspiration from folk creation into spa architecture, thereby creating something absolutely unique in the context of pan-European spa culture.
Period of Main Creation
During the years 1902 to 1903, Jurkovič realised the fundamental transformation of Luhačovice. During just two years, he built or rebuilt fourteen structures, three of which were private commissions. Overall, he worked in Luhačovice until 1914. Eight of his Luhačovice works have survived to this day, forming the core of the spa centre and all are listed buildings.
Complete Guide to Jurkovič’s Buildings
Jurkovič House (1902)
Jurkovič House is undoubtedly the most significant and famous of all Jurkovič’s buildings in Luhačovice. It is located directly in the heart of the spa complex and is considered the architect’s main work in this town. Originally, the building was called Jan House, after its builder — Count Jan Serényi, who had it built in the Classicist style in 1822 according to designs by Franz Waschitschek. In 1947, the house was renamed in honour of its transformer.
In 1902, Jurkovič joined two older buildings into one unit, added another floor and an attic, and decorated the entire building both externally and internally with colourful paintings and wooden elements. During the adaptation, he demonstrated his ability to combine diverse materials — he connected original dried clay bricks with modern concrete columns, timber-framed masonry with ceramic tiles.
The two-storey building in folk Art Nouveau style consists of four wings. The facade is decorated with a series of wooden architectural elements inspired by folk architecture — turned columns, colourfully painted window frames and strips with geometric and plant motifs. The walls of the house are decorated with stylised floral patterns, in which one can recognise, for example, the motif of bedstraw, which was Jurkovič’s favourite plant.
On the sides of the building, he added polygonal staircase halls lined with Falconiere-type glass blocks, which transmitted light and created plays of colour in the interiors. He richly decorated the entire interior of the building, inspired by English architecture, with wooden elements whose themes he drew from Slovak and Moravian folklore. He connected the rooms with a gallery, thereby creating a surprisingly spacious and airy interior.
Today, Jurkovič House serves as a four-star spa hotel with a capacity of 80 beds. The rooms are furnished with period furniture that completes the original atmosphere. As part of the reconstruction, a swimming pool, sauna and restaurant for hotel guests were established. Since 1958, Jurkovič House has been listed on the List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic.
Chaloupka — Villa Vlastimila (1902–1903)
Chaloupka ranks among the most original Jurkovič buildings in Luhačovice. In 1902, the architect adapted a former kitchen house from 1850 into a residential villa. He supplemented the original single-storey wooden building with a new timber-framed floor with a wooden attic. He added a staircase, sanitary facilities and chimneys to the building and created a flat with three rooms and a kitchen on the ground floor and four rooms for spa guests on the first floor.
Chaloupka is one of those buildings where Jurkovič’s love of wood spoke most clearly. Wooden facade cladding, carved shutters, painted ornaments — all evoke traditional Wallachian architecture, but translated into modern spa proportions. The building still stands in the spa complex and belongs to its most charming corners.
Villa Vlastimila, built in 1903, is another example of Jurkovič’s art. This free-standing villa with a block character and transversely developed wings on the sides was designed almost symmetrically. The spatial concept of the building testifies to Jurkovič’s growing confidence and ability to work with volume and detail simultaneously.
Villa Valaška (1907)
Villa Valaška, built in 1907 for builder Novák, represents a remarkable shift in Jurkovič’s work. Unlike earlier Luhačovice buildings, Valaška is not a classic “painted” Jurkovič building and does not contain such distinctive elements of folk architecture. The free-standing three-storey villa with a square floor plan is surrounded by a garden.
The architect conceived it as a type of family house with a central entrance hall and staircase forming the axis of the building, crowned by an octagonal attached tower. Inspiration from Wallachian architecture is evident here rather in the overall conception of the mass and in the building’s relationship to the surrounding landscape than in surface decoration. Villa Valaška now serves as a luxury spa and wellness hotel and offers its visitors a unique experience of staying in an authentic Jurkovič building.
Villa Jestřabí (1902)
Villa Jestřabí is one of the most distinctive Jurkovič buildings in Luhačovice. The architect conceived it as a conspicuously symmetrical building whose main architectural feature is the transversely developed wings on both sides of the building. The building was created by reconstruction of the former Jestřábský mill — Jurkovič left the original stone ground floor and raised the building with a timber-framed wooden floor, then unified the entire building under one roof.
The villa was intended for luxury accommodation of spa guests and from the beginning belonged to the most prestigious addresses in Luhačovice. Its facade combines stone and wooden elements, creating a characteristic contrast between the massiveness of the lower part and the lightness of the upper wooden superstructure. Currently, the villa is part of the spa complex and is accessible to spa guests.
Sunshine Spa and Hydrotherapy Institute (1902–1903)
The complex of Sunshine Spa and Hydrotherapy Institute forms one of the largest Jurkovič complexes in Luhačovice. The Sunshine Spa, built in 1903, consisted of an entrance changing building and open cabins arranged along the pool, shaded by white canvas curtains. On the spa terraces stood tasteful wooden loungers and there were volleyball courts, table tennis, gymnastics equipment and children’s carousels. Famous swimming competitions were held here.
The Hydrotherapy Institute, where Jurkovič rebuilt an older building using the existing stone ground floor and brick first floor, represented the main treatment facility of the spa. Water treatment — so-called hydrotherapy — belonged to the basic procedures of Luhačovice Spa and Jurkovič designed a building for it that combined practicality with aesthetic quality.
Between 2021 and 2024, the entire complex underwent extensive reconstruction. In March 2024, an interactive museum was opened here, which is now one of the landmarks of Luhačovice. In May 2024, the Sunshine Spa was ceremoniously reopened. Visitors will find exhibitions dedicated to hydrotherapy, architect Dušan Jurkovič and composer Leoš Janáček. Three tour circuits are available, a wooden jetty above the pool and a relaxation zone. The reconstruction was awarded in the Building of the Year 2025 competition.
Music Pavilion (1903)
The Music Pavilion is one of the most iconic and most photographed Jurkovič buildings. This entirely wooden building on a narrow stone block foundation appears to stand on chicken legs — many visitors are reminded of a fairy-tale cottage when they see it. The pavilion was originally designed for the spa orchestra and placed on Spa Square near Jan House, later it was moved to the vicinity of Villa Jestřabí, where it stands today.
The funnel-shaped roof of the pavilion, originally covered with shingles, had excellent acoustic properties and allowed music to carry into the wide surroundings of the spa park. The entire building is richly decorated with carved and painted motifs inspired by folk creation. The Music Pavilion still serves its original purpose — concerts and cultural events are held here during the summer months. It is a building that perfectly illustrates Jurkovič’s ability to connect function with artistic expression.
Slovak Hut (1906)
Slovak Hut, built in 1906, became one of the most popular places in Luhačovice for almost a hundred years. The building served as a guesthouse and restaurant, where Czech and Slovak journalists, writers and politicians gathered. Slovak Hut became a symbol of Czech-Slovak meetings and a place of folk entertainment, thereby fulfilling Jurkovič’s ideal of architecture as a bearer of cultural identity.
The building combined accommodation and gastronomic functions and became the social centre of Luhačovice. Important social events with political impact were organised here, especially in the first half of the 20th century. The building, which once mediated dialogue between two fraternal nations, unfortunately has not been preserved.
Inhalatorium (1902)
Among Jurkovič’s buildings in Luhačovice was also an inhalation pavilion, established for inhalation treatment with mineral waters. The original Jurkovič inhalatorium was demolished in 1922 and a new inhalatorium with gargling rooms was built in its place. Although the original Jurkovič building has not been preserved, its existence documents that the architect designed not only representative and accommodation buildings in Luhačovice, but also all treatment facilities.
Dušan Jurkovič’s Architectural Style
Folk Art Nouveau — What It Is and What Makes It Unique
The term folk Art Nouveau or also folk art nouveau designates an architectural movement whose most significant and actually only consistent representative was precisely Dušan Jurkovič. Unlike Viennese Art Nouveau by Otto Wagner and Josef Hoffmann, which strived for pure geometric forms and new materials like steel and glass, and unlike Prague Art Nouveau influenced by French and Belgian examples, Jurkovič’s folk Art Nouveau was based on regional tradition.
Jurkovič studied folk architecture in Wallachia, Slovakia and other areas of the Carpathians. He recorded construction methods, ornaments, colour schemes and the way folk builders worked with the landscape. He then creatively transformed these findings into modern architecture. The result was not a simple imitation of folk buildings, but an entirely new architectural language that had folkloric roots but spoke a modern tongue.
Inspiration from Moravian and Slovak Folklore
The ornamental decoration of Jurkovič’s buildings draws from a wide range of folkloric sources. On the facades and in the interiors of his Luhačovice buildings, we find motifs inspired by Moravian and Slovak folk art — stylised floral patterns, geometric borders reminiscent of folk embroidery patterns, colour compositions referring to painted eggs and painted ceramics.
Jurkovič did not limit himself to mere visual citations. He deeply understood the principles of folk art — its rhythm, symmetry, relationship of ornament to surface and to the function of the object. This deep understanding allowed him to create decorations that appear natural and organic, not artificial or applied.
Materials and Construction Methods
Jurkovič’s architecture is inseparably connected with wood. The architect is often called the “poet of wood” for his ability to use this material in all its forms — from structural beams and timber-framed masonry through carved columns and shutters to fine carved details. Wood lends warmth, human scale and natural relationship to surrounding nature to his buildings.
Besides wood, however, Jurkovič also worked with other materials. In his buildings we find stone in foundations and ground floors, bricks, Falconiere-type glass blocks transmitting coloured light, wrought iron elements, ceramic tiles and coloured paintings. This diversity of materials is one of the key features of his work — each material is used where it best fulfils its function, while contributing to the overall aesthetic effect.
Relationship to Nature and Landscape
One of the most distinctive aspects of Jurkovič’s architecture is its relationship to the surrounding landscape. The architect designed his buildings to flow seamlessly into the surrounding park and nature. The use of natural materials, especially wood and stone, and the colouring of facades harmonising with surrounding greenery testifies to Jurkovič’s sensitive perception of landscape context. In this respect, he was ahead of his time — the idea of organic architecture, which became dominant only in the 20th century, was present in Jurkovič’s work from its beginning.
Tour Route of Jurkovič’s Buildings
All preserved Jurkovič buildings in Luhačovice are located in the compact spa centre and can be comfortably walked through on foot. We recommend allowing approximately two hours for the tour, so you have enough time not only to view the exteriors but also to savour the details and atmosphere of the spa park.
Recommended route:
- Jurkovič House — Start in the very heart of the spa complex. Pay attention to the facade with painted ornaments, wooden columns and glass block halls on the sides of the building. If the interior is accessible, don’t miss the unique wooden decoration.
- Chaloupka — From Jurkovič House, take a short walk through the spa park. Villa Chaloupka will captivate you with its intimate atmosphere and wooden details evoking traditional wooden cottages.
- Hydrotherapy Institute and Sunshine Spa — Continue to the newly opened complex with interactive museum. Three tour circuits will guide you through the history of hydrotherapy, Jurkovič’s architecture and Leoš Janáček’s legacy. A walk on the wooden jetty above the pool is an unforgettable experience.
- Music Pavilion — Continue through the park towards one of the most photogenic buildings — the wooden music pavilion with funnel-shaped roof and rich carved decoration.
- Villa Jestřabí — In close proximity to the pavilion stands the symmetrical Villa Jestřabí with characteristic contrast between the stone ground floor and wooden superstructure.
- Villa Valaška — End the tour at the latest built Jurkovič villa, which represents a shift in his work towards a more modern conception.
The total length of the route is approximately 2 kilometres. The route leads along level and maintained paths of the spa park, so it is suitable even for families with children or visitors with reduced mobility. Along the way you will also pass Vincentka, the most famous Luhačovice mineral spring, where you can stop and taste the local healing water.
Jurkovič’s Buildings Elsewhere in the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Pustevny on Radhošť (1897–1899)
Even before his work in Luhačovice, Jurkovič created his first significant works on Pustevny in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids. At the order of the Radhošť Mountain Association, he designed the Libušín tourist chalet and neighbouring Maměnka in 1897. Both buildings, ceremoniously opened in 1899, represented the first comprehensive realisation of Jurkovič’s vision of folk Art Nouveau.
Libušín, originally serving as a dining room and social hall, is known for its rich wooden decoration with motifs of Czech and Slovak mythology. In 2014, Libušín tragically burnt down, but was subsequently reconstructed and reopened to the public. Maměnka, serving as accommodation, has retained its original appearance and is now part of the Wallachian Open Air Museum.
Memorial on Bradlo (1928)
In Slovakia, on Bradlo hill above Brezová pod Bradlom, stands the monumental memorial to General Milan Rastislav Štefánik, one of the founders of Czechoslovakia. Jurkovič designed the memorial and the work was ceremoniously unveiled on 23rd September 1928. It is a building that completely departs from his typical poetics. Instead of wood and folkloric ornaments, here he worked with stone and pure geometry — the stepped memorial with travertine arches has a monumental, almost antique character. The memorial remains one of the most important monuments in Slovakia today.
Jurkovič Villa in Brno (1906)
Jurkovič built his own family villa in 1906 in the Brno district of Žabovřesky, on a steep slope above the Svratka River. The villa represents a significant shift in the architect’s work — Jurkovič here turns away from imitating folk wooden buildings towards a freer and more creative handling of folkloric motifs, with a marked inclination towards geometry and abstraction.
Today the villa serves as a museum and exhibition space under the administration of the Moravian Gallery in Brno. Permanent and temporary exhibitions introduce the life and work of the architect and allow visitors to glimpse the intimate environment in which Jurkovič lived and worked. A visit to the Brno villa is an ideal complement to touring the Luhačovice buildings.
Current State of Buildings and Reconstructions
Most of Jurkovič’s buildings in Luhačovice have undergone various degrees of reconstruction over the years. The largest and most expensive was the recent renovation of the Sunshine Spa and Hydrotherapy Institute complex, which took place between 2021 and 2024. This reconstruction included renovation of the Hydrotherapy Institute, River and Sun Baths, Sulphur and Mud Baths and other technical buildings.
The result of the reconstruction is a modern interactive museum that was opened during 2024 and introduces visitors to the history of Luhačovice hydrotherapy, the architectural legacy of Dušan Jurkovič and the musical heritage of Leoš Janáček. The complex offers three tour circuits and a number of interactive elements. The reconstruction was nominated for the prestigious Building of the Year 2025 award and ranked among the fifteen best projects in the Czech Republic.
Jurkovič House serves as a four-star spa hotel operated by Lázně Luhačovice, a.s. It is accessible primarily to guests staying there, but the restaurant and common areas are partially accessible to the public. Villa Valaška functions as a luxury spa and wellness hotel. The Music Pavilion is freely accessible and hosts cultural events during summer months. Villa Jestřabí is part of the spa complex.
All preserved Jurkovič buildings are listed on the List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic and are subject to strict heritage protection. Any building modifications must be approved by the National Heritage Institute, which ensures that reconstructions are carried out sensitively with regard to the original architectural intention.
Nomination for UNESCO World Heritage List
The uniqueness of Jurkovič’s architecture in Luhačovice led to the idea of inscribing the spa centre on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The complex nomination process was officially launched in 2006, when comprehensive documentation was prepared and sent to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris. A team from the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Culture, the city of Luhačovice, Lázně Luhačovice, a.s. and Zlín Region participated in its preparation.
An area of the spa centre with an imaginary centre in Jurkovič House was proposed for inscription on the World Heritage List, extending on the northern side to Villa Jestřabí and in the southern part to the theatre. The proposed zone included Jurkovič House, Villa Chaloupka, Hydrotherapy Spa, boiler house and laundry, River and Sun Baths, Sulphur and Mud Baths, Villa Jestřabí and the Music Pavilion.
The main argument of the nomination was the fact that Luhačovice with its architecture is diametrically different from most Western and Central European spas, because it did not succumb to the wave of historicism or eclecticism. Despite all efforts of the working team, however, the final verdict of the World Heritage Committee was not favourable for Luhačovice and the town was not inscribed on the List. Efforts continue, however, and the possibility of future inscription remains open, especially in the context of growing international recognition of Jurkovič’s work.
Hotel Vincent — Where to Stay During an Architectural Walk
If you’re planning an architectural walk through Jurkovič’s buildings in Luhačovice and looking for comfortable accommodation, Hotel Vincent is a suitable choice. This cosy hotel offers 13 newly renovated rooms with capacity from one to six beds, most with private bathrooms. Accommodation in Luhačovice allows you to devote sufficient time to the tour — you won’t be rushed and can enjoy the morning and evening atmosphere of the spa park, when the light is most beautiful for photographing buildings.
The hotel is located in a quiet part of the spa town, near the Radostova sports centre. A spacious outdoor terrace with seating under mature trees and a picturesque view of the town is available. For relaxation after a full day of walking, you can use the infrared sauna. The hotel also offers bicycle and scooter rental, which is ideal for rides around Luhačovice.
Self-service access is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as well as a self-service bar with round-the-clock access to drinks and refreshments. This flexibility is ideal for travellers who want to adapt their programme to their own pace.
- Contact: ahoj@vincentluhacovice.cz
- Telephone: +420 720 072 780
- Reservations: vincentluhacovice.cz/rezervace-ubytovani
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
An architectural tour of Jurkovič’s buildings is possible throughout the year, but each season brings a different experience. Spring and early summer (April to June) are ideal — the spa park is in full bloom and buildings stand out in contrast to fresh greenery. Autumn offers beautiful colourful backdrops with deciduous trees in flaming colours. Summer sees the most visitors in Luhačovice, which may complicate peaceful photography, but it’s also the period when there are concerts in the Music Pavilion and cultural events take place at the spa. The winter period brings quiet and the possibility of undisturbed tours without crowds.
Photography Tips
Jurkovič’s buildings are photographically rewarding in any light. For best results, we recommend:
- Morning hours (7:00–9:00) — soft light, few people, beautiful shadows on wooden facade details
- Early evening hours — warm sun will colour wooden elements golden and highlight colourful paintings
- Music Pavilion — most photogenic from a low angle with the spa park in the background
- Jurkovič House — facade details deserve macro shots, the overall view is best from the opposite side of the spa square
- Sunshine Spa — the newly reconstructed complex offers many interesting compositions with water surface
Guide Services
For deeper understanding of Jurkovič’s architecture, we recommend using guide services. The city of Luhačovice and Lázně Luhačovice offer organised tours with expert commentary. Information about current tour offerings can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre of Luhačovice city. The interactive museum in the Sunshine Spa complex offers three thematic circuits with commentary that cover architecture, hydrotherapy and the musical history of the town.
What Else Not to Miss in Luhačovice
Besides Jurkovič’s buildings, Luhačovice offers a whole range of other attractions. Taste Vincentka, the most famous local mineral spring, stroll along the colonnade, visit the Spa Theatre or go on a hiking trip to the surrounding White Carpathians. Luhačovice is also the gateway to the Slovácko region, where rich folkloric tradition lives on, from which Jurkovič drew his inspiration. A visit to the Museum of Luhačovice Zálesí will introduce you to local history and traditions.
Dušan Jurkovič’s Legacy for the Present
Dušan Jurkovič died on 21st December 1947 in Bratislava, but his legacy lives on — and nowhere so vividly as in Luhačovice. His buildings are more than architectural monuments. They are proof that modern architecture need not deny its roots, that tradition and innovation can coexist and mutually enrich each other.
At a time when European architecture was turning its back on regional traditions and seeking a universal modernist language, Jurkovič showed another way. His folk Art Nouveau proved that local cultural heritage can be a source of living and contemporary architecture. This idea is more relevant today than ever — in an age of globalisation and uniformity, we seek precisely that authenticity and local specificity that Jurkovič’s buildings offer in such abundance.
A visit to Luhačovice is therefore not only an aesthetic but also an intellectual experience. Jurkovič’s buildings invite us to think about what is truly valuable in architecture, what endures and what gives places their unmistakable identity.