Dům U černého lva House

Dům U černého lva, also known as the Thun-Hohenstein Palace or the Three Golden Hands House, is a three-storey Baroque Palace in Karmelitská Street. The building is significant as a ball house and later used as a noble residence or hotel.

The history of the object dates back to the beginning of the 17th century. In 1609, the Grand Prior of Maltese Knights Matouš Děpolt Popel z Lobkovic sold the land to Pavel Sutter. Based on the imperial privilege of Matyš from 1614, Sutter built here with the permission of the Grand Prior of the Ball House. It served for recreation and training of noble youth for over a hundred years.

The present Baroque appearance was acquired by the building after reconstruction. In 1741 Michael Fissinger and Eva's wife bought the building at auction and converted the smaller residential house into a three-storey palace. He had 18 rooms and four kitchens. In the courtyard there was a stable for 13 horses, a shed for five cars and a well. An important architectural element is the entrance portal with a cartouche framed by a laurel. The relief shows the grip of three hands and the 1745 chronogram.

After the purchase in 1741, the house came into the hands of various owners. In 1758 it was purchased by František Leopold Hanick, which was established here by the inn U Black Lion, which became a hotel. In 1801 František Brunner renamed him the Hotel U Archduke Karl. During the 19th century, the building was owned by a knight from Lichtenfels, Countess Gabriela Buquoy and Theresa, a single Mrs. Zesner. Later, the palace became the seat of František Antonín of Thun-Hohenstein. The Thun family kept it in possession until 1945.

The building hosted significant personalities. In 1800, during his travels across Europe, Admiral Nelson surpassed with Lady Hamilton. In 1811 the music composer Carl Maria Weber was housed. From 1841 to 1852, Miroslav Tyrš grew up here, which reminds Emanuel Kodeta of the memorial plate.

There are various business companies in the palace today. Since 1964, the building has been protected as a cultural monument. Walk around the building offers insight into the history of the Small Party and its variable character. It's an important place for anyone who cares about architecture and the fate of the figures of the past.