Staré proboštství, Provost residence in Hradčany, Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Staré proboštství is a stone residence within the Prague Castle complex featuring a Baroque entrance portal and an ornamental coat of arms above the door. The structure displays multiple building periods through preserved window openings of different architectural styles along its walls.
The residence began as a wooden structure around 976 and was rebuilt in stone before 1060 for Prague's first bishop. This shift from wood to stone reflects the growing importance of the city and the need for more permanent religious leadership structures.
The building's name refers to the provost, a high-ranking church official whose residence this became as the city and church grew. Its location within the castle complex shows how closely religious leaders were connected to royal power and administration.
The building sits within the Prague Castle grounds and can be viewed as part of visiting the larger complex. Paths in the area may be uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is helpful for exploring the surrounding monuments.
A sandstone statue of Saint Wenceslas from 1662 occupies a niche at the southwest corner of the building. The sculpture was carved by Jan Jiří Bendl, a notable artist of his era whose work here remains one of few original pieces from that period in this location.
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