Gallery

Hradčanské náměstí 8/67
Praha 1 – Hradčany

Martinic Palace is one of the most beautiful renaissance buildings that date back to the second half of 16th century. The four-wing palace is a part of Prague landmark reservation registered on the UNESCO list. It stands at the begining of Kanovnická street, the main front faces the Hradčanské square.

Brief history:
At first, 4 gothic houses were situated here in the second half of the 14th century. These four houses were damaged by the big fire in 1541 which started on the Lesser town and destroyed most of Hradčany. In 1580 the house was sold to Mr. Jiří Bořita of Martinice. In the second half of 16th century the palace was finalised in baroque style.

The exteriers:
The exteriers are rich in figural sgraffitis that are cover the area of 800 m2. The facade represents  scenes from the Old Testament.

The Interiors:
In almost of the all rooms you can find the renaissance cielings totalling 1400m2. In between the through-beams there are thousands of small allegorical  scenes from the world of animals as well as the myths, whereas none of the motives are repeated on 520 squares you can find. On the palace walls many of the fresco paintings, out of those, the most remarkable are the ones of the Adam and Eve figures painted well over lifesize. These figures were painted as a copy of the ones of Albrecht Dürer. In the reception room and in the chapel you can find biblical paintings and some lovely wall paintings that were made during the transition period from the baroque to the renaissance period.

Links:
Further information at:
www.martinickypalac.cz

http://virtualni.praha.eu/squares/hradcanske-square.html