Zámek Lužany, Luzany Castle (Lužany)

 castle, park

Lužany village(means meads) was founded in 12th century in bottom land of Uhlava river. It is one of oldests in this region. In 13th century for certain a wooden stronghold was built here. It was later rebuilded in rennaisance style and owned by various holders. During 1774 to 1886 was the manor in possession of Count of Schönborn, who selled it to emminent Czech architect Josef Hlavka, native of near Prestice. In his property was the manor to his death. Hlavka reconstructed the castle in present style and spent here long time of his life during his illness and invited and collected here contemporary Czech intellectual and artist elite. Hlavka´s friend great composer Antonin Dvorak stayed here several times. His Mass in D major (called mass of Luzany) had it´s origin here and this castle landscaped-park, the Hlavka´s bonniest performance, situated partially in flood-plain forest and meanders of Uhlava river get to Dvorak certainly a great stimulation to creation of his opera Rusalka (Undine).
Architect Hlavka endowed in his last will the Foundation to sponsore arts and sciences. Later the (Royal) Czech Academy of Science and the Arts was founded owing to Hlavka´s significant, at this time greatest financial support and Hlavka became its first President. The castle and park has been occasionally accessible in summer months, last in 2008 due to 100th anniversary of Hlavka´s death, or on request to owner.
Other informations here : www.aboutczechia.com/luzany/
A picture here : data.czechtourism.com/premiery/foto/2008-07-03-1510-pam...