History of the Slezák House
Hotel Slezák
Adress: Smetanovo náměstí 77, Litomyšl GPS: 49.8691842N, 16.3118575E Data: 1933-1934 (P) 1934-1935 (R)Architect: Krč - Novotný - Tomka Builders: F. J. Leopold , Jan Lustyk
Owner Čeněk Svoboda
On Smetanovo Square in the heart of Litomyšl stands a building that has witnessed over a century of change. Today, the Slezák House is both a reminder of the town's rich hospitality heritage and a vibrant hub for meeting, shopping, and accommodation. Each chapter in its story reflects the spirit of its era – from the eclectic hotel beginnings, through a functionalist makeover, to its present role as a multi‑purpose landmark.
It wasn't until the mid‑1930s that its historicising frontage saw a major transformation. The owner at the time, Čeněk Svoboda—perhaps inspired by the recent functionalist makeover of the nearby rival hotel Zlatá hvězda—applied for permission to add a second floor and redesign the façade. The initial plans, prepared in a clean, functionalist style by the Krč–Novotný–Tomka firm (designers of the Zlatá hvězda project), were rejected by the State Heritage Authority.
A revised proposal by Prague architect F. J. Leopold, a hotel‑and‑inn specialist, met a similar fate. Heritage officials insisted the design avoid excessive verticality, maintain a horizontal rhythm in line with neighbouring buildings, and remove certain above‑window details they deemed unsuitable. Ultimately, it was architect‑builder Jan Lustyk, based in Ústí nad Orlicí and Litvínov, who steered the design to completion. Respecting Leopold's basic layout, he streamlined the façade, introduced horizontal divisions at varied heights, and crowned the slightly recessed central bay with a modest attic rise. Smooth, light‑toned plaster was punctuated with large signage—some of it illuminated—signalling a modern architectural sensibility.
The ground floor opened onto the square through three generous plate‑glass windows, housing a café. Upper floors offered guest rooms and service spaces, while an adjoining garage and petrol station reflected the motor age's growing influence.
In the latter half of the 20th century, the space before the hotel served as the town's bus station. Inside, a canteen and buffet replaced the café. Following its 1990s privatisation, the property continued as a hotel and restaurant for a time, before both closed.
In 2000, the building was sold to 77 s.r.o., which set about repairs and repurposing it into a multi‑functional property. The former restaurant became one of the largest retail spaces on the square. Guest rooms were converted into offices, clinics, and other commercial premises. In the inner courtyard, storerooms gave way to the legendary Buddy Bar, while the rear wing welcomed new shops and the Buddy Bed guesthouse.
The next change of ownership came in 2014. The current proprietor, working with the P.A.W. architectural studio, embarked on an ongoing programme of restoration, beginning with a study and several initial phases. These included refurbishment of the façade, expansion of the dm drogerie markt retail unit, upgrades to heating and electrical systems, and—perhaps most fittingly—returning some spaces to their original purpose as rooms and apartments for visitors to Litomyšl.
Today, work continues on the building's passage and courtyard. Any inconvenience to visitors is, as ever, in the service of keeping the Slezák House vibrant for years to come.