A single Czech crown. That’s the annual rent the National Theatre paid for this magnificent building. Welcome to the Kolowrat Palace.
This isn’t just any palace. It’s a testament to Prague’s rich history and the enduring legacy of the Kolowrat family. Look closely. You see two Gothic houses forming its heart. The Kolowrat family acquired the first in 1670 the second a few decades later in 1697. Imagine the bustling activity as they began the extensive Baroque renovations. Giovanni Domenico Orsi a prominent architect likely shaped the first house’s transformation. It’s a remarkable feat. The reconstruction took place in 1670. The second house followed suit completed in 1725.
Only one wing of the original four-winged palace remains today. But what a wing it is. Descend to the ground floor. Explore the original vaults. They whisper tales of the early Baroque era. Then ascend to the first floor. There admire the exquisitely preserved Baroque painted wood ceilings. Each detail a masterpiece. A tiny window into centuries past.
The Kolowrat Palace has witnessed extraordinary changes. In 1948 the government nationalized it. Yet after the Velvet Revolution in 1989 the property was rightfully returned to the Kolowrat family. The symbolic one Czech crown rent reflects more than just a financial transaction. It showcases a unique partnership and a commitment to preserving cultural heritage. The palace’s attic now houses the Kolowrat Theatre. It’s one of the National Theatre’s venues. A hidden gem tucked away in this historical marvel.
Count Jindřich Kolowrat-Krakowsky a significant figure played a crucial role in this arrangement. He secured the long-term lease in 1993 a testament to his vision and foresight. His legacy lives on. He passed away in 1996. However his impact on this building remains profoundly felt.
The Kolowrat Palace stands as a symbol of resilience. It embodies the persistence of history the strength of family and the enduring power of art. It’s a place where past present and future intertwine. A place where a single Czech crown represents something far more valuable. It symbolizes a legacy that continues to resonate today. A legacy that you can feel as you stand before this remarkable palace.