Archbishop's Palace: A Rococo Jewel in Prague's Castle District

The Archbishop's Palace, a prominent landmark on Hradčanské Square, has been the residence of the Prague Archbishops since 1562. Its history dates back to 1538 when Florian Grispek built the first structure. Ferdinand I later purchased it in 1562 and passed it to Archbishop Antonín Brus of Mohelnice. Over the centuries, the palace has undergone significant transformations. Initially built in the Renaissance style, it was later renovated in the Baroque style in the 17th century. The palace received its present-day Rococo facade in the 1760s, thanks to a renovation led by Jan Josef Wirch under Archbishop Petr Prichovsky. The palace is located on the site of eight former burgher homes. The palace's exterior is a creamy vanilla hue, adorned with arched windows. Inside, the palace features lavish ceremonial rooms with carved wooden furnishings, ornate stucco detailing, and collections of porcelain and glassware. The Chapel of Saint John the Baptist, dating back to the 16th century, is among its most treasured spaces. A creepy legend involving murder and torture surrounds the chapel in the palace; the artist who painted the suffering Christ for the chapel altar sacrificed a beggar in order to capture a realistic look of pain. While the palace's interiors are rarely open to the public, occasional open days, such as on Maundy Thursday, offer a glimpse into the Archbishop's private chapel and its artwork. Even from the outside, the Archbishop's Palace contributes to the spiritual heart of Prague.