Lužany U Přeštic offers three distinct topics to consider when planning a trip: the architectural and cultural history of Lužany Castle, the “Živé paměti krajiny Lužan” nature trail and the Lužany protected area. However, Lužany Castle is not intended for visits by the general public. You should therefore distinguish the castle’s history from the possibility of visiting its interior.
Lužany Castle: Architectural History and Access
In 1886–1887, Lužany Castle was converted into a two-storey building with a six-storey clock tower. The two storey counts refer to different parts of the structure: the building has two storeys, while the clock tower has six. This puts the conversion in context as a development of the castle with its distinctive tower.
The ground floor of the castle houses an exhibition about the work and legacy of Josef Hlávka. Access for specialists is possible only in exceptional cases, by arrangement with the foundation’s president and board of trustees. As this access policy may change, check whether a visit is possible before travelling.
The Chapel and Musical History
The Chapel of the Virgin Mary, Saint Wenceslas and Saint Anthony at Lužany Castle is dedicated to these three saints. It was built in Josef Hlávka’s characteristic style, with Byzantine elements; the interior paintings are by Viennese painter Karl Jobst. The dedication, architecture and interior paintings offer different perspectives on the chapel: its religious dedication, the design of the structure and the artistic treatment of its interior.
A musical connection leads to Antonín Dvořák’s Mass in D major, Lužanská, Op. 86. In 1887, Josef Hlávka commissioned the work for the consecration of the chapel at Lužany Castle. This links the Mass directly to the chapel and complements its architectural and artistic history with a musical perspective. Hlávka’s role is evident both in the chapel’s distinctive design and in his commissioning of the work.
The dates refer to two different events: 1886–1887 marks the conversion of Lužany Castle; 1887 is the year Hlávka commissioned Dvořák’s Mass for the consecration of the chapel. Both details belong to the history of the castle, but should not be combined into a single event.
Nature Trail and Landscape Protection
The “Živé paměti krajiny Lužan” nature trail was officially opened in Lužany on 22 March 2015 and has eight stops. Its name, opening date and number of stops give it a distinct timeframe and theme. The nature trail therefore provides a different focus for trip planning alongside the castle’s architectural and musical history.
The Lužany protected area preserves a remnant of the Úhlava River’s meandering channel. Meandering describes a river course with bends; the focus here is therefore on preserving a specific section of the riverbed. This landscape aspect differs from the cultural themes associated with the castle, chapel and music: it is about preserving a river course, not a building or a work of art.
When planning a stay around their interests, visitors can consider these topics separately: castle architecture and chapel history on the one hand, and the eight-stop nature trail and the protected stretch of river on the other. For a visit to the castle interior, checking access in advance remains essential.
Discover more destinations: Netunice, Měcholupy U Blovic, Kasejovice, Dolce, Roupov, Polanka, Horšice, Drahkov
For the broader travel overview: Plzeň-Jih.
