In the Austro-Hungarian period, a building appeared in the area of Lukavac that was primarily a hospital, and then a residential villa. From the architectural and historical aspect, it is reputed to be a true decoration of the city, and for eight years now it has had the status of a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), capturing the attention of the public.
Namely, the building, which even today has the status of a villa called “Solvay”, was built in the Austro-Hungarian period and represents the most significant asset of architectural and cultural-historical heritage in the area of the Lukavac municipality. Originally, the purpose of the facility was a health facility, and then it became a residential facility.
Due to its architectural expression, the building, which is unusual for modern times, was built during 1911 and 1912, and is known among the local population as “Miller’s Villa”. Namely, with the arrival of Fritz Miller as director of the “Solvay” company in the 1920s, the building changed its role and became a residential villa.
During the First World War, the facility housed a hospital for Austro-Hungarian soldiers, while dr. Hempt, as a reserve officer, served as commander of the Military Hospital in Trieste.
Villa “Solvay” for Lukavac represents one of the most important symbols of the city and today, as historians say, it has deservedly had the status of a national monument of BiH since 2015.
At the beginning of this year, the Lukavac City Council unanimously voted to exchange the land for a villa. Also, starting this year, the “Solvay” villa is also on the Post BiH postage stamp, Klix.ba reports.
E.Dz.
