Hrzánský palác

The Hrzánský palác (Hrzán Palace) is a historic building complex in Prague's Hradčany district, located between Hradčanské náměstí and Loretánské náměstí. Because of the steep terrain, the structure is asymmetrical: on the north side facing Loretánská Street it rises only two stories, while the south side, facing Malá Strana, climbs to five. Originally a Gothic property that belonged to the St. Vitus Chapter in the 14th century, the estate was rebuilt in the 16th century by Jindřich z Plavna. Later owners such as Adam ze Šternberk and Oldřich Desiderius Pruskovský z Pruskova shaped the building with Renaissance-style alterations. In the 17th century, Vilém Albrecht Kolovrat-Krakovský expanded the complex with a five-story wing and stables.

The palace takes its name from Zikmund Valentin hrabě Hrzán z Harasova, who bought the property in the early 18th century. After his indebted heirs sold it, the building passed to the Metropolitan Chapter of St. Vitus. Under Provost František Kazimír Strachovský ze Strachovic, the palace received its present Baroque façade in the 18th century, complete with the provost's coat of arms and Rococo elements. In the 20th century, the house served as a studio and residence for artists such as Ferdinand Engelmüller and Jan Slavíček, who painted his famous views of Prague here. Beginning in 1949, the palace was remodeled for state use, and monumental works of art in the style of Socialist Realism, such as sgraffiti and mosaics, were added.

Today the Hrzánský palác serves as the official seat of the Czech prime minister and the government. You can get a sense of the site's historical significance from the commemorative plaques honoring figures such as Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, who lived here in the 1890s, and the artists mentioned above. The building is managed by the Office of the Government and houses official offices as well as ceremonial halls used for political and social events.