Bretfeldovský palác, Palace in Malá Strana, Prague, Czech Republic.
Bretfeldovský Palace is a Baroque corner building at Nerudova 240/33 in Malá Strana, originally three-winged around a small rectangular courtyard. Its nine-axis facade has banded rustication and Ionic pilasters between the windows, and a gilded relief of St Nicholas with two angels by Ignác František Platzer sits under the main cornice. A lower Neoclassical house in Šporkova Street was later attached on the south side.
The site began as a Renaissance and early Baroque townhouse around 1659. On 13 June 1765 Charles University rector Josef Bretfeld bought it and had it rebuilt, probably by Jan Josef Wirch. His daughter Terezie Lažanská sold it in 1823.
The palace's name comes from Josef Bretfeld, rector of Charles University, who bought the house in 1765 and had it rebuilt. He filled it with a large collection of books and paintings and held well-attended balls and concerts; Mozart and Casanova were among the guests.
The palace stands at Nerudova 240/33 in Malá Strana, on the street climbing toward Prague Castle. Its nine-axis facade faces Nerudova, while a lower classicist wing adjoins it in Šporkova Street. The sources do not confirm regular public opening, so check access before visiting.
The palace's nine-axis facade on Nerudova street carries a gilded relief of Saint Nicholas with two angels beneath the main cornice, carved by Ignác František Platzner. The same sculptor made the sculpture group on the staircase. Wall paintings on the first floor were uncovered and restored in 1900.
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