Palác Pachtů z Rájova in Prague

Palác Pachtů z Rájova is a late Baroque building standing on the corner of Celetná Street and Ovocný trh in Prague's Old Town. Today it houses district courts, but its history stretches back to the Middle Ages and even includes a stint as a royal mint. The building has been a protected cultural monument since 1958.

How far back does the building's history go?

The site was originally occupied by a patrician house belonging to the Velflov family. In 1409, King Wenceslas IV acquired the property and used it for courtly purposes. From 1420 to 1434 the building operated as a mint, a function it took up again between 1539 and 1784, making it one of the sites most closely tied to coin production in old Prague. Briefly, around 1454, the house also belonged to Queen Joanna of Rožmitál, wife of George of Poděbrady.

When did the building take its current Baroque shape?

The turning point came in 1737, when Josef Ignác Langer bought the property and commissioned a Rococo-style reconstruction. After 1755, work continued under František Josef Pachta, whose family name — Pachta of Rájov — gives the palace its current name. Architect Jan Josef Wirch oversaw the comprehensive Baroque rebuilding during this phase, which shaped the appearance visible today.

What stands out in the palace's architecture?

The Celetná Street façade spans nine bays in late Baroque style. Its most striking feature is a monumental portal decorated with sculptures by Ignác František Platzer, topped by a balcony with a Rococo wrought-iron railing. Inside, the vaulting reflects different eras of construction: the basement retains late Gothic vaults, while the ground floor has late Baroque ones. The wing facing Ovocný trh dates from the 19th century and runs a full seventeen bays, giving the whole complex a much larger footprint than the Celetná façade alone suggests.

What happened to the building in the 19th and 20th centuries?

In 1849, the palace was handed over to the Ministry of Justice and a district court, permanently shifting its role from residence to public institution. Further alterations followed between 1857 and 1861, and in 1938 arcades were opened on the ground floor, improving pedestrian access along the street. The building was granted protected cultural monument status in 1958.

What is the palace used for today?

The building now serves as the seat of the District Court for Prague 1 and the District Court for Prague 7. A former aristocratic residence and one-time mint therefore still serves a public institution today, this time in the judiciary.

Where exactly is the palace located?

The palace stands at Celetná 587/36 and Ovocný trh 587/14 in Prague's Old Town, right along the route linking Old Town Square with Republic Square, one of the busiest tourist paths in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who built the palace's current Baroque form? Josef Ignác Langer started the reconstruction in 1737, and František Josef Pachta continued it after 1755 under architect Jan Josef Wirch.

Where does the palace's name come from? It comes from the Pachta family of Rájov, who took over and expanded the building in the mid-18th century.

Did the building ever operate as a mint? Yes, it functioned as a mint from 1420 to 1434 and again from 1539 to 1784.

What is housed in the palace today? The seat of the District Court for Prague 1 and the District Court for Prague 7.

Is the palace a legally protected monument? Yes, it has been listed as a protected cultural monument since 1958.