Several theories exist about the origin of the town’s name. However, it is most commonly stated that the name derived from the name of the founder of the family. The first mentions of settlement in this region are documented from the 7th and 8th centuries, but for centuries the area remained uninhabited. Luhačovice lay on the edge of a border region. The settlements were therefore very often afflicted by hostile raids. The first written record of Luhačovice dates to 1412. The source of livelihood in the hilly area was cattle breeding and fruit growing – signs related to these livelihoods can also be found on the seal: a leafy tree with apples, a plane on the right and a ploughshare on the left.
It was the year 1629 when the estate was acquired by Gabriel Serenyi, in whose family it remained until 1945. The Serenyi family was responsible for the greatest development of the place. They recognised the significance of healing mineral waters and thus the impact on business. Count Ondřej Serenyi had the first healing spring modified and named it Bublavý (Bubbling). It was later renamed and is now known as Amandka. The Serenyis often chose spring names after members of the noble family. Around 1860, another spring was discovered and modified. It first bore the name Hlavní (Main) – today it is one of the spa’s most important springs, known as Vincentka.
News of the healing effects of the spring waters spread to the wider surroundings and soon the first guests began to arrive. However, for multi-day stays, there was a lack of accommodation, catering facilities and treatment facilities. For these purposes, an inn with several rooms was built near the spring. At the end of the 18th century, construction activity intensified and many new buildings were erected – the Château, Vincent’s House, and the Chapel of Saint Elizabeth. The sound of the bell on its small tower announced the beginning and end of the treatment day. Guests demanded ever greater comfort. Thus the spa gradually expanded.
At the end of the 19th century, the spa was threatened with decline. The transformation into a joint stock company in 1902 was a significant milestone. A railway line was built from Újezdec u Luhačovic to Luhačovice. Otto Serenyi was elected chairman of the board of directors, and Dr František Veselý became the spa director. Everyone strove for maximum development, equipment and high treatment standards.
The dream of modern spas was also realised alongside them by Slovak architect Dušan Jurkovič. His picturesque works gave Luhačovice its unmistakeable character. He cultivated a feel for environment and understanding of place. His effort to understand nature and environment, as well as his effort to understand the people for whom he created, can be seen when touring Jurkovič House, formerly Jan’s House on Spa Square. His signature can also be found in the charming Sun Baths, the Jestřabí building or in the Chaloupka villa.
In 1928, construction of the Luhačovice Dam was completed. Three years later, the town was electrified. The Social House was built on Spa Square, and after the Second World War the spa can boast the Great Colonnade. The period of the Second World War was stagnant for both the town and the rest of the republic. After liberation, a new stage of development begins for the Luhačovice spa. The Great and Small Colonnades are connected by a hall with the bubbling Vincentka spring. Luhačovice Spa currently boasts the distinction of being the largest Moravian spa and the fourth largest spa in the Czech Republic.
