Kolowrat Palace, Baroque palace complex in Old Town, Czech Republic.
Kolowrat Palace is a building complex that combines two former Gothic structures into one unified composition along Ovocný trh in the Old Town. The main facade displays intricate stonework and carved ornaments characteristic of Baroque style, while the interior contains barrel-vaulted ceilings from the early Baroque period.
The Kolowrat family acquired the first building in 1670 and the second in 1697, with architect Giovanni Domenico Orsi beginning renovation work in 1672. This transformation was part of Prague's shift from medieval to Baroque style that reshaped the Old Town during that century.
The rooms preserve original Baroque painted-wood ceilings from the 1600s, offering a glimpse into the artistic tastes of the family who once lived here. These decorative elements remain as reminders of how wealthy households expressed their status through interior design.
The complex currently houses the Kolowrat Theatre in the upper level, which operates as a performance space managed by the National Theatre. Advance planning is recommended to check for theatrical performances or guided tours that allow access to the interior spaces.
The National Theatre operates under an unusual rental agreement where the family leases the entire complex for a nominal symbolic payment. This arrangement reflects how Prague's cultural institutions have maintained connections with private ownership throughout the city's modern history.
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