Zámek Malešice

Did the walls of Zámek Malešice ever dream they’d house a thriving community? This unassuming baroque palace, nestled in Prague’s Malešice district, has witnessed centuries of change. Zámek Malešice started life as a humble fortress, mentioned as early as 1408. Between 1686 and 1689, it underwent a transformation. Architect Jakub Antonín Canevalle, known for his work on Prague Castle’s Riding School and the Tuscan Palace, redesigned it into the charming palace you see today. Zámek Malešice, with its rectangular footprint and simple, unadorned facade, whispers stories of its past. It has served as a noble residence, a university holding, and even part of a state-owned farm. Imagine the echoes of Kryštof Vratislav z Mitrovic, who purchased the original fortress and commissioned Canevalle’s redesign. Later, the Vratislav family sold Zámek Malešice and the surrounding estate to Charles University in 1727. The university further renovated the palace in 1755, solidifying its baroque character. Over the years, additional farm buildings and outbuildings sprang up around Zámek Malešice, creating the complex we see today. While it’s currently closed to the public and houses various businesses, the local community is striving to revitalize Zámek Malešice. They envision a future where this historic gem serves as a vibrant cultural center for Malešice and beyond. Their initiative, aptly named after the architect Canevalle, aims to restore the palace and open it to the public. The spirit of community and the echoes of history intertwine here at Zámek Malešice, waiting for the next chapter to be written.