New Provost Residence

Gazing upon the New Provost Residence, one can almost feel the echoes of its rich history. The New Provost Residence stands proudly beside St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle. Originally built in 1877, this neo-Gothic gem served as the home of the provost. The New Provost Residence faced a turbulent period during the communist era. Confiscated in the 1950s, it was abandoned and its courtyard and outbuildings were destroyed. The main building became barracks for construction workers. However, a new chapter began in 2016. The New Provost Residence was returned to the Church. A meticulous reconstruction breathed life back into the historic structure. The façade was restored to its 19th-century glory. The interiors now harmoniously blend original features with modern updates. A prime example is the main staircase, where a contemporary lamp complements the restored painted wooden ceiling. The New Provost Residence now serves as the administrative center for church institutions, including the Metropolitan Chapter of St. Vitus. The reconstruction also extended to the courtyard, now a public space with stunning views of the Deer Moat. Two new extensions, built where outbuildings once stood, house a café and a commercial unit. These modern additions feature glass façades and sandstone cladding, blending seamlessly with the historic surroundings. A new overlook and a granite and bronze fountain enhance the courtyard’s charm. The fountain’s water flows from a cross, washing over the names of three saints before seeping into the ground. Even the tiled stove, with its seventeen original rows of tiles, has been painstakingly restored. The New Provost Residence, once a neglected relic, is now a vibrant testament to its enduring legacy within Prague Castle.