The Martinic Palace in Prague opens to the public

Prague - The Martinic Palace in Prague is opening to the public. Visitors to the Renaissance building on Kanovnická Street can view numerous frescoes and unique panel ceilings. Guides will also explain how people lived during the Renaissance period. Michal Hora from the Martinic Palace informed ČTK. People can visit the monument every day from 10:00 to 18:00.
    The main façade of the Martinic Palace faces Hradčanské Square. The four-winged palace from the second half of the 16th century is part of the Prague Heritage Reserve and is listed on the UNESCO list.
    In the 14th century, four Gothic houses stood on its site. One of them was owned by the chronicler Beneš Krabice from Veitmile. After the great fire of Malá Strana and Hradčany in 1541, a Renaissance building was constructed on the site. The palace saw its greatest expansion 40 years later when it was purchased by the Martinic family. Jiří Bořita from Martinic had the eastern wing extended, built the northern house, and modified the southern house. The sgraffito on both the main and courtyard façades dates back to this time.
    Further modifications were made by the nephew of the original owner, Jaroslav Bořita from Martinic. However, work on the house was interrupted after the Prague defenestration, when he had to flee the country.
    His property was confiscated, but after the Battle of White Mountain, he returned and continued the reconstruction. The palace was completed in the Baroque style. An additional floor was added, along with a northern wing featuring a large hall and painted timber ceilings. The residence of the Martinics is commemorated by a plaque made of red marble with the Martinic family coat of arms.
    People can view photographs of the Martinic Palace at www.martinickypalac.cz.