Hrzánský palác, Renaissance palace in Hradčany, Czech Republic
Hrzánský palác is a palace complex on a steep slope between Hradčanské náměstí and Loretánské náměstí, with its main entrance at Loretánská 177/IV. Because of the terrain, the north wing facing Loretánská Street rises only two storeys, while the south wing toward Úvoz and Malá Strana reaches five. The complex is used for diplomatic, political and social purposes.
The site has changed hands multiple times since the 14th century, with notable owners including cathedral builder Petr Parléř and chancellor Jindřich of Plavno. Over time, additions and modifications transformed it into the multi-winged structure seen today.
The palace passed to the Metropolitan Chapter of St. Vitus in 1756 and later housed the chapter's provostry. Provost František Kazimír Strachovský had it rebuilt, giving it the present Baroque facade facing Loretánská Street; the divided shield above bears the arms of the provosts of St. Vitus, and some stuccowork and Rococo overdoors survive from that period.
The palace is not open to visitors; it houses the office of the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic. The main entrance is on the south side of Loretánská Street at No. 177/IV, and the two-storey north facade facing that street is the part seen from public ground. The five-storey south side drops toward Úvoz and Malá Strana.
After a property division, Count Hrzán commissioned a steep spiral staircase with nearly one hundred steps that remains a distinctive feature of the complex today. This unusual structure demonstrates how the building was adapted creatively to meet changing spatial needs.
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