History of Luhačovice — from Medieval Springs to Modern Spa
Luhačovice ranks among the oldest and most important spa towns in Moravia. Its history reaches deep into the past, when the local mineral springs attracted the attention of local inhabitants long before they became the foundation of modern spa culture. The history of Luhačovice is a story about the healing power of nature, visionary personalities and architectural gems that transformed a small Moravian settlement into a spa town of European standing. In this article, we shall embark on a journey through the history of Luhačovice — from prehistoric settlement through medieval dominion to its contemporary flourishing.
Prehistory and First Settlement of the Area
Archaeological Finds Around Luhačovice
The area of present-day Luhačovice and its surroundings was settled as early as prehistoric times. Archaeological finds from the broader region of south-eastern Moravia demonstrate that this landscape, with its favourable climate and abundant water sources, attracted human settlement for millennia. The valley of the River Šťávnice, in which Luhačovice is situated, offered particularly suitable conditions for habitation — a protected location, abundant water and fertile soil in the surrounding plains.
Slavonic Settlement
The first traces of Slavonic settlement in the immediate vicinity of Luhačovice date to the 7th and 8th centuries. This evidence comes primarily from archaeological finds at the Obora u Luhačovic site, where remains of early Slavonic settlement were discovered. It is likely that the inhabitants of that time knew about the local mineral springs, which naturally emerged to the surface in the Šťávnice valley. The salty water of the bubbling springs undoubtedly attracted attention and could have been used at least for flavouring food or primitive food preservation. However, specific written records of this early period naturally do not exist.
The earliest historical mention relating to the broader area dates from 1140 and concerns the nearby villages of Prakšice and Biskupice. Luhačovice itself, however, had to wait almost three more centuries for its first written mention.
The Middle Ages: First Mentions and the Luhačovice Estate (13th–15th Century)
First Written Mention of Luhačovice (1412)
The oldest surviving written record of Luhačovice dates from 1412. This document mentions for the first time a fortress in Luhačovice, suggesting that the settlement already had a certain importance within the regional administration at that time. The fortress served as the seat of local nobility and the administrative centre of the estate.
In the period between 1412 and 1517, Luhačovice was part of the Světlov estate. During the turbulent period of wars between the Bohemian king George of Poděbrady and the Hungarian king Matthias Corvinus in the second half of the 15th century, the Luhačovice fortress probably fell into ruin and ceased to function as a manor seat. These conflicts, which affected a considerable part of Moravia, left their mark on the history of Luhačovice as well.
Springs Known to Local Inhabitants
Although we have no direct written evidence from the medieval period about the use of Luhačovice mineral springs, it is almost certain that local inhabitants knew about them. The springs, which naturally forced their way to the surface in the valley of the River Šťávnice, were unmistakable — especially due to the characteristic bubbling sound created by escaping carbon dioxide, and the distinctly salty taste of the water. Folk knowledge about the healing effects of the local water was probably passed down from generation to generation, although their scientific study was to come much later.
The Luhačovice Estate in the Late Middle Ages
At the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries, Luhačovice went through a period of changes in estate ownership. After the demise of the fortress and the end of the wars, the region gradually stabilised. Luhačovice remained a small Moravian settlement, whose importance lay primarily in agriculture and local crafts. The mineral springs were still just a local curiosity during this period, not a source of systematic utilisation.
Discovery of Healing Springs and First Scientific Interest (16th–17th Century)
Beginnings of Systematic Interest in Springs
The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries brought growing interest in natural healing sources throughout Europe. This trend did not bypass Moravia either and gradually reached the Šťávnice valley. During the 17th century, the owners of the Luhačovice estate began to pay increased attention to the mineral springs.
A key figure of this period was Count Ondřej Serényi (died 1689), a member of a Hungarian noble family, who acquired the Luhačovice estate in 1633 under the name Gabriel Serényi. The Serényi family was to become the decisive force in transforming Luhačovice into a spa town. Around 1670–1680, Count Ondřej had the outflow of the first spring modified at the foot of Malá Kamenná hill. This spring, which forced its way to the surface with loud bubbling and had a distinctly salty taste, was popularly called the Salty or Bubbling spring. Later it was named Amandka after one of the members of the Serényi family. Ondřej Serényi had a shallow well built and the spring roofed over — this was the very first technical modification of the Luhačovice mineral springs.
Jan Hertod of Todtenfeld and the Work “Tartaro-Mastix Moraviae” (1669)
A fundamental milestone in the history of Luhačovice came in 1669, when Brno physician and naturalist Jan Ferdinand Hertod of Todtenfeld (born 4 February 1645 in Mikulov, died 1714 in Brno) published in Vienna a Latin work called “Tartaro-Mastix Moraviae”. This title, loosely translatable as “The Moravian Scourge of Deposits,” was based on the idea that mineral water could “scourge” pathological deposits from the body.
Hertod’s work represents the first written report on the chemical composition of Luhačovice mineral water. In it, the author described the method of drinking cure and recorded successful treatment results. Hertod, who worked as imperial personal physician in Brno, was involved in the botany and geology of Moravia, and his work became one of the first balneological treatises in the Czech lands. The book also contains descriptions of Moravian caves and other natural history observations, but it was precisely the passages devoted to Luhačovice water that were to have fundamental significance for the town’s future.
It is important to mention that Hertod probably conducted his research at the instigation of Count Ondřej Serényi, who thus demonstrated foresight and interest in the scientific verification of the healing properties of the springs on his estate. Hertod’s work laid the scientific foundations for future spa culture in Luhačovice and is still considered a historic milestone in the history of Luhačovice.
The Serényi Family and Spa Development (18th Century)
Count Vincenc Serényi and the Naming of Vincentka
The eighteenth century brought Luhačovice a decisive impulse for transformation into a spa town. The Serényi family, which had owned the estate since the 17th century, continued developing the mineral springs. The most significant figure of this period was Count Vincenc Serényi (1752–1810), an educated and enlightened nobleman who laid the foundations for the fame of Luhačovice spa.
Vincenc Serényi had other springs modified and was instrumental in building the first spa buildings. The most famous Luhačovice spring — Vincentka — has borne his name since 1792. This natural healing mineral spring, emerging in the very centre of the town on the banks of the River Šťávnice, became a symbol of Luhačovice and to this day ranks among the most famous Czech mineral waters.
In addition to Vincentka, other Luhačovice springs also bear the names of members of the Serényi family — Ottovka, Amandka or Aloiska. This fact eloquently demonstrates how fundamental a role the noble family played in the history of Luhačovice spa culture.
Spring Modifications and First Spa Buildings
Under Vincenc’s leadership, springs were systematically modified and the first buildings intended for spa guests arose in their vicinity. In 1795, the Chapel of St Elizabeth was built, which gave the emerging spa complex a spiritual dimension. Luhačovice gradually changed from a simple village settlement into a place where the first guests came for treatment and rest.
Spa operations in the 18th century were naturally still modest compared to later development. Guests arrived by carriage along unpaved roads, accommodation was simple, and healing procedures were mainly limited to drinking cures and baths in mineral water. Nevertheless, Luhačovice already gained a reputation during this period as a place with exceptional natural healing sources.
Beginning of Mineral Water Bottling (around 1820)
A significant milestone was the beginning of mineral water bottling, which started around 1820. Jan Nepomuk Serényi commissioned prominent Moravian builders František and Kajetan Vašíček to design new spa buildings, including Jan’s House with the Vincentka mineral spring and bottling plant. Mineral water began to be filled into glass bottles with a volume of 1.5 litres, thereby replacing earlier ceramic vessels. Thanks to this, the reputation of the healing effects of Luhačovice water could spread far beyond the regional boundaries, as bottles of Vincentka travelled to customers throughout the monarchy.
The Golden Era of Development (19th Century)
Construction of Spa Buildings
The nineteenth century brought Luhačovice a period of intensive building development. Under the administration of the Serényi family, construction continued on spa buildings, accommodation facilities and infrastructure needed for the growing number of guests. Luhačovice began transforming from small provincial spa into an increasingly important spa centre of Moravia.
During the 19th century, new spa houses, promenade paths and park modifications arose, giving the town a character typical of Central European spa towns. The history of Luhačovice in this period is marked by gradual but persistent infrastructure building, which was to attract increasingly demanding clientele.
Railway Arrival (1905)
The greatest obstacle to further development of Luhačovice was their remoteness and poor transport accessibility. Guests had to travel to the spa by carriage from the nearest railway station in Újezdec, which was uncomfortable and time-consuming. This situation changed fundamentally on 12 October 1905, when the first train arrived in Luhačovice.
Construction of the nine-kilometre railway line from Újezdec to Luhačovice began shortly after the founding of the joint stock company in 1902. Local inhabitants enthusiastically watched as a tender steam locomotive aptly named “Serényi” — in honour of the noble family that stood at the birth of Luhačovice spa culture — raced along the new track. The railway connection meant literally new breath for the town’s development. Direct trains from Prague, Brno and Olomouc soon began running, thereby opening Luhačovice to a much wider circle of visitors.
Luhačovice as Social Centre of Moravia
By the end of the 19th century, Luhačovice had become not only a spa, but also a social centre of Moravia. Concerts, theatrical performances and social events were held here, attracting Moravian intelligentsia and high society. Nevertheless, the spa faced a certain decline at the turn of the century, caused by lack of investment and outdated equipment. It was clear that Luhačovice needed a fundamental transformation if it was to compete with other European spas.
Jurkovič’s Transformation: Birth of Modern Spa (1901–1903)
Dr František Veselý and the Formation of Joint Stock Company
The turning point in the history of Luhačovice came in 1902, when a joint stock company was founded that bought the spa from the Serényi family. The key figure in this process was Dr František Veselý (1862–1923), a physician born in Bystřice nad Pernštejnem, who first visited Luhačovice in 1898. Although he found them in a dilapidated state with insufficient infrastructure, he was enchanted by their natural potential. Veselý threw himself with all his energy into realising his vision of a modern spa and became director of the new joint stock company.
It was thanks to Veselý that the person who was to fundamentally change the face of the town came to Luhačovice — Slovak architect Dušan Jurkovič.
Arrival of Dušan Jurkovič
Dušan Samo Jurkovič (1868–1947) came to Luhačovice in 1902 and in the following years created a complex of buildings that had no equivalent in the Czech environment. Jurkovič was fascinated by the folk architecture of Wallachia and Slovácko and managed to combine it in an original way with modern architectural trends, especially Art Nouveau. The result was a unique synthesis — folk Art Nouveau, a style that became the calling card of Luhačovice.
Construction of Iconic Buildings (1902–1903)
In the years 1902 to 1903, Jurkovič built a total of twelve structures in Luhačovice, which gave the town its unmistakable character. Among the most significant are:
- Jurkovič House (1902) — reconstruction of the old Jan’s House from the 18th century, in which Jurkovič connected two old buildings into one unit and added another floor and attic. It became the first and one of the most valuable buildings of Luhačovice spa.
- Sun Baths (1903) — a unique complex consisting of an entrance building and open cabins with white canvas curtains, placed on the sides of a pool.
- Villa Jestřabí (1903) — a free-standing villa with a characteristic block shape and transversely developed wings.
- Music Pavilion (1903) — originally designed for the spa orchestra, located on Spa Square near Jan’s House.
- Chaloupka, Valaška, Vlastimila and other buildings, which together created a unified architectural ensemble.
Jurkovič’s buildings are characterised by a combination of stone foundations with wooden construction, rich ornamental decoration inspired by folk patterns, and decorative use of natural materials, including bent saplings and branches. The architect continued working for Luhačovice until 1914, and his work still represents the town’s most valuable architectural ensemble.
Transformation from Provincial Spa to Modern Resort
Thanks to the collaboration between Veselý and Jurkovič, Luhačovice was transformed within just a few years from a declining provincial spa into a modern, architecturally exceptional spa resort. This transformation was so fundamental that the birth of Luhačovice spa in its modern form is often connected by historians precisely with the period around 1902. Dr Veselý led the spa until 1909, when he was forced to leave, but his visionary work and personal sacrifices laid the foundations of modern spa culture from which Luhačovice still benefits today.
Luhačovice During the First Republic (1918–1938)
Golden Age of Spa Culture
The period of the first Czechoslovak Republic represented a true golden age for Luhačovice. The newly formed state supported the development of spa culture as an important sector, and Luhačovice, as a Moravian spa with exceptional natural sources and unique architecture, significantly benefited from this support. The spa season attracted thousands of guests from throughout Czechoslovakia and from abroad.
During this period, construction continued on new spa buildings and villa houses. Alongside Jurkovič’s folk-Art Nouveau buildings, structures arose in the style of Art Nouveau, early modernism and later functionalism, making Luhačovice something of a showcase of modern architecture from the first decades of the 20th century.
Visits by Famous Personalities
Luhačovice played the role of an important cultural and social centre in the history of the First Republic. Among the most famous guests was composer Leoš Janáček (1854–1928), who became almost synonymous with Luhačovice spa life. Janáček probably first visited Luhačovice as early as 1886, but became a regular guest from 1903, when he spent part of his summer holidays here almost every year until his death.
It was in Luhačovice that Janáček met Kamila Urválková in 1903, whose life story inspired his opera Fate. In the Augustinian house, where he stayed regularly from 1918 to 1928, a considerable part of the famous Glagolitic Mass (1926) was created along with sketches for the opera The Cunning Little Vixen. Luhačovice and their unique atmosphere became an integral part of Janáček’s creative life.
Other notable visitors included President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, who visited Luhačovice in June 1924 during a pre-election tour. The main street was renamed Masaryk Street in his honour. Other famous personalities also passed through Luhačovice — actors Jan Werich and Vlasta Burian and many other representatives of Czechoslovak culture and public life.
Cultural Life and Festivals
During the First Republic, Luhačovice became an important centre of cultural activity. Regular concerts, theatrical performances and social events were held here. In 1923, the Spa Theatre opened, giving the town another cultural dimension. The tradition of cultural events that arose in this period continues in Luhačovice to this day — among other things in the form of the Janáček and Luhačovice festival, which commemorates the famous composer’s connection to this town.
The War Period and Post-War Years
Second World War
The period of the Second World War brought dramatic changes to life in Luhačovice. The town was occupied by German forces on 16 March 1939, when the first German soldiers arrived in Luhačovice in the early morning hours, followed by tank units which remained there for several weeks. The occupation marked the life of the town for six long years.
In May 1941, Jewish inhabitants were transported from the town to Theresienstadt. Most of them did not return. The same fate befell the Roma population. Spa operations formally continued, but under German control and under completely different conditions than in the pre-war period. Cultural and social life was significantly restricted.
Luhačovice were liberated at the very end of the war in 1945, and the town could gradually begin returning to normal life.
Nationalisation of Spa (1948) and Colonnade Construction
The February coup in 1948 meant a fundamental change in ownership relations for Luhačovice. The spa was nationalised and came under state administration. Paradoxically, it was precisely in this transitional period, on the boundary between democratic and socialist Czechoslovakia, that one of the town’s most significant architectural works was created.
In an architectural competition, architect Oskar Poříska’s project for a new spa colonnade won. The complex consisting of the Great Colonnade, Vincentka Hall and Small Colonnade was realised between 1947 and 1951 and represents a masterpiece of post-war functionalist architecture. It was one of the last buildings in the spirit of modern architecture from the first half of the 20th century, because from 1948 socialist realism was promoted in Czechoslovak architecture.
Socialist Spa Culture
During the socialist period (1948–1989), Luhačovice functioned as a state spa within the framework of centrally controlled healthcare. Spa stays were allocated by trade union organisations and health insurance companies. On one hand, this enabled access to spa care for broad sections of the population, but on the other hand, central planning led to gradual neglect of maintenance of historic buildings and an overall decline in service quality.
Nevertheless, Luhačovice maintained its importance during this period as one of the leading spa towns in Czechoslovakia. The healing effects of mineral springs remained undeniable, and thousands of patients came here annually for treatment of respiratory, digestive and musculoskeletal disorders.
Modern Luhačovice (1989–Present)
Privatisation and Renewal After 1989
The Velvet Revolution in November 1989 opened a new chapter in the history of Luhačovice. The spa underwent privatisation and Lázně Luhačovice, a.s. was formed, taking over spa operations management. Privatisation brought new investments, modernisation of accommodation and treatment facilities, and overall improvement in service quality.
In the 1990s and at the beginning of the new millennium, Luhačovice underwent extensive renewal. Historic buildings were reconstructed, including Jurkovič’s buildings, spa parks and promenades were repaired, and treatment procedures were modernised while preserving traditional balneological methods.
Colonnade Reconstruction (2018–2019)
One of the most significant building projects in recent years was the major reconstruction of the spa colonnade, completed in November 2019. Total costs reached 115 million crowns and the project was largely financed from European Union funds. The colonnade, which was declared a cultural monument of the Czech Republic in 2005, underwent comprehensive renewal including structural stabilisation, restoration of original elements and modernisation of technical facilities. The reconstructed colonnade once again became the pride of the town and one of the most photographed places in Luhačovice.
UNESCO World Heritage List Candidacy
Luhačovice in modern history also recorded an attempt to be included on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. The architecturally significant and unique ensemble of spa buildings, which gradually shaped the appearance of the town from the end of the 19th century, was nominated as an exceptional example of modern spa architecture from the beginning of the 20th century, inspired by folk architecture. Luhačovice was included on the so-called tentative UNESCO list.
Although the nomination was ultimately unsuccessful and Luhačovice was removed from the candidate list, the very fact that the town made it to the shortlist testifies to the extraordinary architectural and cultural value of the Luhačovice spa complex.
Contemporary Town Development
Today’s Luhačovice is a modern spa town that successfully combines rich historical tradition with the requirements of contemporary tourism. The town offers a wide range of spa, wellness and recreational services, cultural events and sports activities. The mineral springs that stood at the birth of Luhačovice spa culture remain the main attraction — Vincentka and other springs are still used for therapeutic purposes and are freely accessible to the public.
Luhačovice also actively develops as a destination for congress tourism, family holidays and weekend stays. The historic town centre with Jurkovič’s buildings, the colonnade and spa parks creates an atmosphere that is completely unique in the Czech environment.
Interesting Facts from Luhačovice History
Luhačovice Legends: Lake of Love
A number of legends and tales are inseparably connected with the history of Luhačovice, adding a romantic touch to the town. The most famous of these relates to the Lake of Love, a small water reservoir in the forests above the town. According to one legend, two lovers fleeing from the Turks hid by the lake, and water nymphs emerged from the lake to protect them. Another version of the story tells of a young man and girl from different social classes whose love was forbidden, so they decided to flee together.
There is also the story of a beautiful countess who secretly met her poor lover by the lake, or of a water sprite who lured local girls from the lake. According to folk tradition, it suffices to dip one’s left index finger into the lake water to receive good fortune in love, marital constancy and faithfulness. The Lake of Love remains a popular excursion destination and romantic spot in the Luhačovice area to this day.
Historic Springs and Wells
Luhačovice is extraordinarily rich in mineral springs. In addition to the most famous Vincentka, springs called Aloiska, Ottovka, Amandka and others emerge here, many of which bear names connected to the history of the Serényi family. Each spring has specific composition and healing effects, making Luhačovice a unique balneological location not only on a Czech, but also European scale.
Historic Photographs and Documents
The town museum preserves a rich collection of historic photographs, documents and artefacts from Luhačovice history. Period photographs capturing the town’s transformation from simple 19th-century spa through Jurkovič’s reconstruction to First Republic flourishing provide fascinating insight into the town’s history. The museum regularly organises exhibitions devoted to different periods of Luhačovice history.
Hotel Vincent — Modern Accommodation with Historic Legacy
Among accommodation facilities that embrace rich Luhačovice tradition, Hotel Vincent occupies a special place. The very name is a direct reference to the town’s historical heritage — it is named after Vincentka, the most famous Luhačovice spring, or rather after Count Vincenc Serényi, the enlightened nobleman who laid the foundations of modern spa culture in Luhačovice in the 18th century.
Hotel Vincent offers modern accommodation that respects the genius loci of the spa town. Guests will find comfortable facilities for their spa stay here, whether they come for treatment, rest or exploring Luhačovice history. The combination of modern amenities and historical legacy creates an environment where tradition and modernity naturally intertwine.
For accommodation reservations and further information about the hotel, the following contacts can be used:
- Email: ahoj@vincentluhacovice.cz
- Telephone: +420 720 072 780
- Online reservations: vincentluhacovice.cz/rezervace-ubytovani/
Where to Learn More About Luhačovice History
Those interested in deeper knowledge of Luhačovice history have several institutions and sources at their disposal to facilitate their journey into the past:
- Luhačovice Town Museum — preserves collections of documents, photographs and artefacts mapping the history of Luhačovice from earliest times to the present. It regularly organises thematic exhibitions devoted to individual periods of the town’s history.
- Gallery in Luhačovice — in addition to artistic exhibitions, it occasionally focuses on historical themes connected with the town and its spa tradition.
- Luhačovice Town Information Centre — offers guides, maps, informational materials and can arrange guided tours of the town’s historic buildings, including Jurkovič’s buildings and the spa colonnade.
- Guided Tours — during the season, walks through the town are organised with commentary about the history of individual buildings, springs and interesting places.
Luhačovice in history has undergone a remarkable journey from medieval settlement with bubbling saline springs to a modern spa town with unique architecture and rich cultural tradition. Each epoch left its mark on the town — from noble names of springs through Art Nouveau wooden villas to the functionalist colonnade. To visit Luhačovice means walking through a living textbook of Czech history and spa culture and convincing oneself that the healing power of the local springs, which has attracted people for centuries, is still as compelling as in the time when the first guests arrived by carriages along dusty Moravian roads.