Arcibiskupský palác v Praze Archbishop's palace

Welcome to Hradèany Square. You are now facing an important historical building, which is Arcibiskupský palác v Praze. Look before you at this impressive work, which is the unimaginable dominance of the whole area. Enjoy the unique moment when you have a building in front of you that serves as the current residence of Prague Archbishops and is located in the immediate vicinity of Prague Castle. Let the atmosphere of a place where deep spiritual history combines with the masterful building arts of the past centuries. Take a moment to look at the exterior and look at the main facade of this important building, which has undergone a number of changes over the centuries and today boasts a noble look.

Let us now return in time and look at how this extraordinary palace was created and what its historical context was. The year is 15 hundred and sixty-one, October precisely. The monarch, Emperor Ferdinand the First, donated a house to establish the Archbishop residence. This generous gift laid firm foundations for a place that was to play a key role in the ecclesiastical and social life of Czech countries in the centuries to come. The first great personality associated with this seat was Archbishop Antonín Brus z Mohelnice. But the palace was not built on the green meadow. Several layers are reflected in its development because the construction has undergone many reconstruction from the original Renaissance and Gothic bases. When you look at the structure of the building, it's fascinating to think that inside there are even preserved medieval walls and rare wall paintings in the chapel. The fact that the chapel has long been at the spiritual heart of the entire mansion is also evidenced by the fact that in the year fifteen hundred ninety and ninety it was consecrated. That's when she was dedicated to St. John the Baptist and other saints.

Now pay attention to the architecture itself and the details that tell you the story of many construction stages. As has already been mentioned, the building has Gothic and Renaissance roots, but it has acquired its present face thanks mainly to its magnificent baroque modifications. A major break in the form of a palace came in 16,000. That was when the period of major reconstruction started according to the design of the famous architect Jean Baptiste Matheey. This master printed a clear manuscript on the building, to which other important creators such as Jan Josef Wirch or Daniel Alexius z Květné later followed. When you stand before this monument, feel the thought of the entire space. Every detail on the facade bears the mark of a time when the Baroque style tried to express the strength and nobility of the Church. Although the architects took turns over the centuries, they managed to maintain a harmonious whole, which still arouses admiration for experts and lay visitors. Recent history then brought another important milestone, because since 26, this historic building has the official status of a national cultural monument, which only underlines its extraordinary importance for our whole country.

Let's take a closer look at the key stories and significant personalities that have brought life to this place. The Archbishop's palace was not only a cold wall but a centre of power, faith and often dramatic historical events. Among the key figures that housed and shaped the destinies of the Prague Archdiocese, next to the already mentioned Antonín Brusa of Mohelnice also includes Zbyněk Berka of Dubé. Another distinctive figure was Matouš Ferdinand Sobek z Bilenberku and last but not least Jan Bedřich z Valdštejna. Each of these men has left his mark in the history of the palace. They had to face difficult times, address the difficult religious and political issues of their time, while ensuring that the residence is dignified to represent their position. When you imagine those generations of clergy, nobles, builders and craftsmen who came here, a rich mosaic of the human destinies associated with this place opens up to you.

Stop now at one interesting thing, which may surprise some and give this place an unrepeatable touch of mystery. The current Archbishop's Palace in Hradčanská Square does not stand at the first seat of Prague's bishops. Many people think that church dignitaries have lived in the Hradčany since time immemorial, but the truth is elsewhere. The oldest residence was standing right in the castle, next to St. Vitus's Temple. And that wasn't all. Before the Archbishops found their home here in Hradčany, there was a second residence on the small side. It was only mentioned that Emperor Ferdinand's gift of the first of the fifth of October in the year fifteen hundred sixty-one gave the impetus to the establishment of a permanent residence in this very place. The palace thus carries a memory of the move of power and the search for the right space to match the importance of the Prague Archbishop.

Now we are slowly approaching the conclusion of our walk today. I hope that the view of this extraordinary building has been rewarding to you and that through my words, you have felt the breath of history, which is still wandering on Hradène Square. Arcibiskupský palác v Praze remains a living part of our cultural heritage and a place that still has something to tell people. When you continue your journey further along the Hradčany or set out to discover the other beauty of our capital, remember the centuries that shaped these walls. Thank you for your attention, I wish you a wonderful rest of the day and I look forward to seeing you next to the sights of our rich history. Goodbye.