Martinický palác

The Martinic Palace on Hradčanské náměstí in Prague is one of the city's finest Renaissance buildings, dating from the second half of the 16th century. The four-winged building was erected after the great fire of 1541 on the site of medieval houses. Originally owned by the Teyfl family, it passed to Jiří Bořita of Martinice in 1589, who had the palace extensively remodeled. The characteristic sgraffito facades date from this period, depicting scenes from the life of Joseph, the deeds of Samson, and the heroic feats of Hercules.

In the early 17th century, the building was expanded under Jaroslav Bořita of Martinice, who added another story and a northern wing. Worth noting are the red marble plaque in the main portal bearing the family coat of arms and an early Baroque gable. Later, the owner's widow added painted beamed ceilings to the halls and built a chapel onto the palace. After the male line of the Martinic family died out in the 18th century, the palace served for a long time as a residential building with numerous rental apartments.

In the 1970s, the building underwent a thorough restoration. Using old plans, workers were able to uncover valuable wall paintings and the original painted ceilings, which had previously been plastered over because of the risk of fire. Today the palace houses event spaces that can be rented for conferences, weddings, and other social occasions. You can experience the historic architecture and the reconstructed interiors, which recall the former splendor of the noble house.