Křížova vila

Křížova vila is a historic villa in Žatec, standing in the old Skotník district and today serving as a branch of the K. A. Polánka Regional Museum. It's both an architectural landmark and a working cultural venue, hosting exhibitions, concerts, guided tours and even weddings.

What is the history behind the villa?

The first written record of a building on this site dates back to 1769, when the plot belonged to Josef Osswald and his brother-in-law. Ownership changed hands several times over the following decades until 1863, when the property was bought by Josef Anderle. He rebuilt what had been a modest, run-down cottage into a handsome, comfortable residence — largely the form the building still has today. In 1895 the estate passed to Anderle's daughter Františka and her husband Ambrož Wolfram. The villa's current name comes from its last private owner, district court counselor JUDr. Vilém Kříž.

What is there to see inside?

The interiors are the main reason to visit. Upstairs, richly decorated rooms feature ceiling paintings from 1898 by the Ústí-based painter Josef Reiner, giving the space the refined, bourgeois character typical of the late 19th century. Three rooms still hold their original tiled stoves, a rare survival in a public building of this kind. The villa itself is built in the Neo-Renaissance style, drawing on Northern Italian Renaissance architecture, and is considered one of the more notable examples of the style in the region.

What does the villa look like today?

Between 2000 and 2001 the building underwent a complete reconstruction, which restored its original character while making it safe and accessible for visitors. Since 2003 it has operated as a branch of the K. A. Polánka Regional Museum in Žatec and is open to the public year-round. Alongside its permanent historical exhibition, the villa hosts lectures, concerts and conferences, and since 2006 it has also served as an intimate venue for civil wedding ceremonies. The building is owned by the town of Žatec and run by the regional museum.

How do you get to Křížova vila?

The villa stands on Zeyerova Street in Žatec, in a quiet, historic part of town not far from the centre. The easiest way to reach it is on foot from the main square or the town's other sights — Žatec is compact, so walking between its key attractions typically takes only a matter of minutes. It's worth pairing a visit to the villa with a wider stroll through Žatec, a town best known as a historic centre of hop growing and trade.

When is the best time to visit?

The villa welcomes visitors throughout the year, so you can plan a stop here around your own itinerary. It's worth checking the current schedule of guided tours and cultural events before you go — summer tends to bring more concerts and themed programmes, while winter opening times for tours can be more limited.

Frequently asked questions

What is Křížova vila? It's a historic Neo-Renaissance villa in Žatec, now operating as a branch of the K. A. Polánka Regional Museum and open to visitors.

Where does the villa's name come from? It's named after its last private owner, district court counselor JUDr. Vilém Kříž.

What can you see inside? Richly decorated rooms with 1898 ceiling paintings by Josef Reiner, plus original tiled stoves preserved in three rooms.

Does the villa host events? Yes — it holds lectures, concerts and conferences, and since 2006 has also hosted civil wedding ceremonies.