Martinický palác (Loretánská ulice) Site of events

The Martinique Palace on Loretanská Street in Prague 1 is a two-storey Baroque building, built as a representative residence of the Martinique family. It is located in Prague's Hradčany and represents an important example of Baroque architecture from the 18th century which reflected the power and wealth of noble families during political changes and the growing influence of absolute rulers.

Getting land for the future palace started Maxmilián Valentin hrabě Bořita z Martinic in 1629, the process lasted until 1658. Jiří Ignác hrabě Bořita z Martinic, imperial emissary in Rome, demolished dissimilar buildings and made contact with architect Carl Fontana, who worked out a project of the new Prague representative palace. The construction took place between 1701- 1704 and the project was modified during the implementation.

Architecturally, the palace is symmetrical, with two floors and a facade oriented to Lorethanska Street. The ground floor has a horizontal striations and a portal in the centre above which there is a balcony supported by columns. Above the second floor there is a shield floor with side skylights. The space behind the palace is enclosed and divided by the wings of the building into yards and gardens.

The building served as the headquarters of the Martinique family until 1789, when the house died by the sword. The property was transferred to Maria Anna Martinique, who married Karl Josef Count Clam. The palace remained in the possession of the Clam-Martinique family until 1837 when it was sold to the military erosion for the establishment of a hospital. The military erosion made changes: the original halls in the main building and the north side wing were cancelled, the space was modified by partitions and passageways. Two other objects were built into the garden.

Today, the military administration is serving the building; Since the 1950s there have been barracks for the Castle Guard. The history of the palace, from the noble residence to the military object, is part of the history of Prague's Hradčan. A walk in this part of town offers the opportunity to observe Baroque architecture in its historical context.