Villa Bertramka

Bertramka, a villa located in the Smíchov district of Prague, is a place steeped in history and culture, known primarily for its association with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Originally part of a Carthusian monastery for several centuries, the current villa was built around 1700. It was common for wealthy residents of Prague to build country houses for relaxation, and Bertramka was no exception, combining luxurious residences with agricultural activities such as fruit, wheat, and wine production. In 1784, Bertramka was purchased by the Czech composer František Xaver Dušek and his wife Josefa Dušková, a renowned soprano of the time. The villa quickly became a gathering place for artists and aristocrats, with musical evenings and concerts regularly held there. František and Josefa were prominent figures in the Prague music scene and hosted numerous musicians and composers, including Mozart himself. Mozart visited Prague and Bertramka several times, finding a quiet retreat here to compose and relax. Mozart’s first documented visit to Prague was in January 1787 for a performance of “The Marriage of Figaro.” It was during this visit that he met and befriended the Dušeks, who invited him to stay at their villa. Later, Mozart returned to Prague in the fall of the same year to complete and conduct the premiere of “Don Giovanni,” which was performed at the Estates Theatre on October 29, 1787. It is said that part of the opera was completed at Bertramka, in a stimulating atmosphere of tranquility, with Mozart himself alternating work on the score with leisure time in the villa’s garden. An interesting anecdote concerns the composition of the aria “Bella mia fiamma, addio.” According to legend, Josefa Dušková playfully locked Mozart in a pavilion in the garden until he completed the aria he had promised her. To get back at the prank, Mozart included extremely difficult passages in the piece, but Josefa managed to perform the aria flawlessly, demonstrating her extraordinary vocal ability. After František Dušek’s death in 1799, Josefa faced financial difficulties and was forced to sell Bertramka. The villa passed through several hands until, in 1838, it was purchased by Lambert Popelka, a great admirer of Mozart. Popelka transformed Bertramka into a sanctuary dedicated to the composer, keeping intact the rooms where Mozart had stayed and organizing celebrations in his honor, such as the centenary of the premiere of “Don Giovanni” in 1887, which was also attended by Antonín Dvořák. In 1929, Bertramka received state funding and became part of the Czech Mozart Society. Gradually restored, the villa was opened to the public as a museum in 1956, on the occasion of the bicentenary of Mozart’s birth. Today, Bertramka is a museum that celebrates the life and work of Mozart, as well as the memory of the Dušeks, offering visitors a window into the rich musical and cultural heritage of the 18th century. The importance of Bertramka is not limited to its association with Mozart. The villa represents a significant example of Prague’s musical and social culture in the 18th century, a time when the city was a melting pot of artistic talents. The Prague music community, known for its expertise and passion, has always deeply appreciated Mozart’s work, distinguishing itself from other European cities for its warm and enduring appreciation for the composer. This musical fervor helped create a fertile environment for art and culture, making Prague a reference point for musicians of the time.