Ditrichštejnský palác

Was this grand palace once a simple house? It’s true! This is the Dietrichstejnský Palace. You might hear locals call it the Walter Palace. This grand building has seen quite a bit of history. It grew over the centuries, adding pieces and parts like a fascinating puzzle. One of the most notable families connected to this palace was the Haugvic family of Biskupice and the Dietrichstein family. Imagine that, noble families walking these halls! But the palace’s story doesn’t end there. In 1846, a group of influential figures gathered here to establish the Prague Mladočeská Beseda. This group included names like Josef Jungmann, Pavel Josef Šafařík, and František Palacký. These were intellectuals who helped shape Czech culture. Later, the palace found its way into the hands of Matěj Valtera, a sugar entrepreneur. He commissioned architect Bedřich Ohmann to transform the building into the Neo-Baroque masterpiece we see today. The palace was completed in 1891, its stucco work and sculptures reminiscent of grand Viennese palaces of the 18th century. Look closely, and you’ll see the grand portal with figures of giants. It’s a nod to a grander era. In 1928, the palace changed hands again, becoming the home of the Apostolic Nunciature, the diplomatic mission of the Holy See in the Czech Republic.