dům U Kamenného zvonu Museum building
The Stone Bell House, located on the Old Town Square in Prague 1, is a cultural monument with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. This palace, which today represents the remnants of the former larger residence, may have been used as a temporary residence for Eliška Přemysna and Jan Luxembourg after the fire in 1303. Over the years he has undergone several reconstructions that have fundamentally changed his original Gothic form. Since 1988 it has been in the use of the Prague City Gallery.
The history of the house dates back to the Middle Ages, when the Czech Kingdom developed under the rule of the Přemyslíkovs. In the 14th century, the arrival of Luxembourg brought significant political changes, which also affected the architecture and urban planning of Prague. The state of the house today is the rest of this history, reflected in building development. The first mention dates back to 1363, when it belonged to the townsman Henslin Pesoldo of Cheb. In the coming years, he became the property of rich townspeople and small nobles.
The architecture of the house went through a series of reconstructions from the 15th to 19th century. Originally, the Gothic palace was gradually transformed, which led to the loss of its original form. In 1685 and 1775 there were two major reconstructions: Gothic elements were obituaries and the palace acquired a new roof, the corner tower became four floors. In the 19th century, there were other adjustments that simplified the Baroque facade.
The house had several important owners and administrators. After Henslin Pesoldo he became the property of Václav Šlecht of Pomberk, who contributed to his Renaissance appearance in the 1960s. During the 17th and 18th centuries there were other modifications that affected both the outer and inner space of the palace.
The key event was regotization in 1975-1987. This reconstruction revealed and restored the Gothic facade, which was previously covered with baroque elements. More than 12,000 fragments of stoneware decoration were found in the works, indicating its historical value.
Today, the house is open to the public and serves as the headquarters of the Prague City Gallery. Its rich history and architectural significance make this palace an interesting destination for visitors who want to know the heritage of old Prague. The visit offers a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the history and architecture of one of the oldest parts of the capital of the Czech Republic.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
Then
Now
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1316
- The probable birth of Charles IV.
- 1363
- Evidence of a house owned by Henslin Pesold of Cheb
Architectural development
The house underwent a number of reconstructions from the 15th to 19th century, when the Gothic elements were killed and the palace gained new Baroque elements. In the years 1975-1987, a regotization took place during which the Gothic facade was uncovered and restored.
Historical events
- 1303
- The fire at the Royal Palace has led to temporary use of today's house as a residence.
- 1316
- The probable birth of Charles IV in the palace.
- 1685
- The fundamental reconstruction, during which were the Gothic elements of the obituary and the palace gained a new roof.
Owners
- 1363
- 1500- ies
Points of interest
- The Stone Bell House is a cultural monument with a history dating back to the 13th century. - After the fire in 1303, it may have been used as a temporary residence for Eliška Přemysně and Jan Luxembourg. The first mention of the house dates back to 1363, when it belonged to the townsman Henslin Pesoldo of Cheb. - In the years 1975-1987 a regotization took place which revealed and restored the Gothic façade of the house. - More than 12,000 fragments of stoneware decoration were found during reconstruction.
Guide
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Welcome to the Stone Bell house!
You are standing in front of one of the oldest preserved houses in Old Town Square, whose roots date back to the 13th century. In front of you is the historic palace, which has been changing over the centuries, but still bears the mark of its past. See its stone facades, which reflect various building modifications - from the original Gothic form to later reconstruction. Notice how the homes line up into a collection of surrounding historical buildings that make up the unique face of Old Town.
Let's look at his history. The Stone Bell House originally belonged to a larger residence from around 1200. In 1303, however, the city was hit by a big fire that destroyed many homes. After this tragic event, the palace may have been used as a temporary retreat for two prominent personalities - Eliška Přemysnódna and Jan Luxembourg. They could have found refuge here until the situation calmed down. In 1316, the future emperor and founder of Prague was probably born here as a royal residence - Charles IV. His birth left a permanent mark in the history of the city.
Now pay attention to his architecture. Although the original Gothic features are no longer so obvious, the homeland still bears signs of its past. Look at the facade - stone masonry and window openings reflect various building phases. Over the years, the palace has been rebuilt, leading to the loss of its original appearance. However, despite these changes, he maintained his historical value.
The key personalities associated with this place are Eliška Přemysovna and Jan Luxembourg. They may have stayed here after the fire that destroyed the city. Their presence here reminds us of how important the house was when Prague was the center of political action. Charles IV then left the most important clue - his birth here in 1316. This fact makes it one of the most important places in the history of the Czech monarchy.
The interesting thing is that the first written mention of the house dates back to 1363. Back then, it belonged to a townsman from Cheb named Henslin Pesold. This shows how the house changed over time - the royal residence became a private property of a township. From 1975 to 1987 he went through other modifications which gave him back part of his original glory. Since 1988, the Gallery of the City of Prague has been in use, which presents exhibitions from the field of art and culture.
There's a place in front of you that connects the past to the present. His walls tell stories about the great personalities who lived here and the events that were taking place here. See the surroundings, feel the atmosphere of Old Town and stay for a while at this place, which is part of its rich history.
If you like this building, it's certainly worth exploring other historic houses in Old Town. Every one of them has their own story and secrets to tell you. Enjoy your walk around Prague and always be open for exploring the beauty of this city!
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon, when there are fewer tourists in Old Town Square and the light is ideal for shooting the palace. In the morning you avoid crowds that flood the square in the morning, and in the evening, when the lighting is lit, you get a unique atmosphere of the historical centre.
Transport availability is ensured both by car and public transport. Due to the central location in Old Town Square, parking is difficult and expensive, so we recommend taking advantage of public transport. Check current connection and departure times in search engine or information panels at stops.
Take comfortable shoes with you because the surrounding area of the monument is paved pavement, which can be slippery in the rain. We also recommend that you bring drinking water and light refreshments so you can enjoy a walk around the square without having to look for a restaurant in the tip.
For photography is the best place right in front of the palace facade where you can capture details of stone bell and Gothic elements. The best light occurs in the late afternoon, when the sun shines at an angle and highlights the texture of historical walls. Watch out for other visitors so that there is no restriction on movement.
The Palace of Golz- Kinski is located in the immediate vicinity, which is only a few steps away and represents another important architectural monument. This proximity allows you to combine a visit to both historic buildings into one short walk around Old Town Square, which is ideal for families with children who enjoy the movement and discovery of history without long journeys.
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Events nearby
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Nearby
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Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
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Search tours and activities →Themed route
1. Old Town Square Type: historical town square Why: This place is the heart of the old town and offers a view of the historical development.
2. Golz-Kinski Palace Type: architectural monument Why: This building represents the beauty of period architecture in the surroundings.
3. Stone Bell House (Palace) Type: Main objective Why: This building is the main point of your route.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring In the spring months dům U Kamenného zvonu is surrounded by light, which penetrates through glazed facades and creates a game of shadows on historical details. The surrounding gardens and streets awaken to life - flowering trees and green leaves provide fresh space, while mild temperatures and changing weather bring a change of sunny and rainy moments. The atmosphere is quiet but full of movement: visitors stop at the windows to see the architecture, and the park outside the palace first picnics appear. I recommend visiting early in the morning or in the afternoon when there are fewer crowds. Clothes should be easy, but with the possibility to cover themselves - spring Prague can be cold and warm in one day. Comfortable shoes are also suitable because the pavements are often wet and uneven.
Summer In the summer months, dům U Kamenného zvonu becomes more lively thanks to long days and warm light, which highlights its Baroque details. The surrounding areas are full of life - cafes and terraces in front of the palace attract visitors to rest while small cultural events or concerts take place in the park. In the main summer season, however, it is necessary to count on more attendance, especially in the afternoon. I recommend coming early in the morning to avoid crowds, or in the late evening, when the atmosphere becomes quieter. Clothes should be light, airy and suitable for heat, but with the possibility to hide from the evening cold. Don't forget the sunglasses and hat - the sun in Prague in the summer months can be intense.
Autumn Autumn brings around the house By the Stone Bell golden and red colour leaves that create contrast with dark facades of the palace. The light changes - the sun sets earlier, and long shadows provide a more mysterious touch. In Advent time, the neighborhood starts preparing for the holidays, but it's not full of hustle. The atmosphere is calm, almost nostalgic, and the traffic is falling. I recommend visiting in the morning when the light is the most beautiful and the crowds are the minimum. Clothes should be warm but not too heavy - autumn weather is variable, and temperatures vary between cold and mild. Comfortable shoes are also suitable because the pavements can be slippery on the leaves.
Winter In winter, dům U Kamenného zvonu turns into a fairy-tale set - snow cover and ice crusts on the facade give the historical building a magical look. The light is weaker, and long winter evenings create an intimate atmosphere where visitors gather inside or under shining windows. In advent time the surroundings are decorated with Christmas decorations, but the opening times of the sights are shorter. I recommend visiting in the afternoon when the light is the best and the crowds are less. Clothes should be very warm - temperatures fall below freezing, and the wind in the streets may be steep. It is also suitable for fixed footwear with anti-slip sole, as the pavement is frozen or covered with salt.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
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Sources and literature
Photos: neuveden / CC BY-SA 3.0 — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
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