The Archiepiscopal Palace (Arcibiskupský palác) is a magnificent historical building in the Baroque and Rococo styles in Prague, which is an archiepiscopal consistory.
The palace is the current residence of the Archbishops of Prague.
The Archbishop's Palace is located in the historical part of Prague, in the Hradčany district, on Hradcanska Square (Hradčanské náměstí) and the immediate vicinity of the main gate Prague Castle (Pražsky hrad).
View of the main gate of Prague Castle (in the center) and the Archbishop's Palace (on the left) from Hradcany Square
According to the act of donation dated October 5, 1561, Emperor Ferdinand I donated the house, which stood near Prague Castle and once belonged to Florian Grispach of Grispach, as the residence of the archbishop and his successors. This was the first stage of the construction of the Prague Archdiocese, which is not documented. In the future, the palace was rebuilt and expanded, including absorbing other nearby buildings.
Archbishop of Duba Zbynek Berka rebuilt the entire palace in the Renaissance style in 1592-1606. The chapel in the walls of the palace in its south-eastern wing, dedicated to "St. John the Baptist, St. Oldrzych, All Saints in honor of the Almighty and Most Holy Virgin Mary" belongs to this period.
A major reconstruction of the Baroque palace was carried out in the 17th century (1676-1694) under Archbishop Jan Bedrzych, Count Wallenstein, who caused fromRome by architect Jan Baptista Matei. It is this reconstruction of the Archbishop's Palace that is the basis of the preserved appearance of the palace today.
Subsequently, the palace was reconstructed several times.
The palace acquired its current appearance in the second half of the 18th century, when it underwent a significant reconstruction in the late Baroque style, the completion of the side wings, the 3rd floor and the decoration of the facade in the Rococo style.
The palace has been the residence of Prague bishops and archbishops since the 1960s.
The main facade of the palace, facing Hradcany Square, has balconies and is decorated with sculptures in the upper part, and also stands out with a powerful portal with a balcony.
The heart of the palace is the chapel of St. John the Baptist of the 16th century with frescoes and stucco. The chapel has pressed barrel vaults of the Renaissance with stucco and paintings by Daniel Alexy from Quetna (1599), altars of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Theologian, Gothic busts of Saints Peter and Paul made of gilded copper, the coat of arms and the name of Archbishop Albik of Unichovo are engraved on the pedestal.
A unique collection of Parisian tapestries is presented in the executive halls of the palace. Also in the rooms there are paintings depicting the archbishops of Prague and the Fathers of the Church.
On the railing of the staircase leading from the 1st to the 2nd floor, there are statues of putts-light bearers made of sandstone by Ignaz Frantisek Platzer.
Practical information
The Archbishop's Palace is closed to the public. To organize a tour of the interiors of the palace, it is necessary to arrange in advance.
Website: apha.cz .
The address of the Archbishop's Palace: Hradčanské náměstí 56/16, 119 02 Praha 1 - Hradčany.
All accommodation facilities in Prague (hotels, apartments, guest houses, etc.), including in the historical center of the city and more remotely from it, can be viewed and booked here
