Is it possible for a palace to hold musical notes in its very walls? Here before us stands the Palác Pachtů z Rájova. It whispers tales of musical gatherings and artistic brilliance. This rococo palace is located on Anenské náměstí in Prague’s Old Town. It is part of a larger complex with buildings at several addresses.
Let’s step back in time to the 17th century. Five medieval houses once stood on this very spot. Daniel Norbert Pachta z Rájova bought them after 1647. In 1770, Hubert Karel Pachta z Rájova united them. Jan Josef Wirch designed the four-winged, one-story rococo building with its courtyard. Some older sources credit Josef Jäger as the architect.
Imagine the palace during Jan Josef Pachta z Rájova’s time. He was a great music lover and patron. The Palác Pachtů z Rájova became a hub for important musical figures. Concerts filled its rooms with melody. Count Pachta even had his own orchestra. Josef Mysliveček was a frequent guest. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his wife Constanze also visited.
One story tells of Mozart’s “imprisonment” here. Count Pachta repeatedly asked Mozart to compose some dances. During one visit, the Count locked Mozart in a room. He provided ink and paper. Mozart composed six German dances to earn his release. These are known as KV 509. Mozart often stayed in his favorite room at the Palác Pachtů z Rájova during his Prague visits.
Later, Ludwig van Beethoven and Richard Wagner also stayed at the Palác Pachtů z Rájova.
In the early 20th century, the Palác Pachtů z Rájova faced demolition. It was in poor condition. Thanks to the Club for Old Prague, it was saved. Today, it is privately owned. The palace and a classicist extension serve as a hotel.
The palace’s architect emphasized the courtyard’s appearance. He focused on the facade’s articulation. There is a columned portico, an entrance to the balcony, and sculptural decoration by Ignác Platzer. These are more prominent than the exterior facade. The exterior is simple. Parts of it are hidden by surrounding buildings. These include the Theatre Na zábradlí and a classicist extension. The coats of arms of the Pachta z Rájova family are above the entrance. You can see them from Anenské náměstí. A small fountain with a lion mask adorns the courtyard’s western wall. A monumental double staircase connects to the passage under the balcony.
Originally, the palace garden stretched to the Vltava River. In 1836, the New Pachtovský Palace was built on part of the garden. Jan Maxmilián Heger designed it. The Slovanská kavárna in the new palace was a meeting place for Czech patriots.
The Palác Pachtů z Rájova stands as a testament to Prague’s rich musical history. It reminds us of the influential figures who graced its halls. Take a moment to absorb the atmosphere. Imagine the melodies that once filled the air. The Palác Pachtů z Rájova is a place where music and history intertwine.