Pernštýnské náměstí č. p. 3

Pernštýnské náměstí No. 3 is one of the oldest burgher houses on the main square of Pardubice, standing right next to the town hall. Also known as the Šišatkovský house or the "House at St. Wenceslas," it dates back to before the town came under the rule of the Pernštejn family, and its ground floor and cellars today hold the Mázhaus art gallery.

Where exactly is it?

The house stands on the north side of Pernštýnské náměstí, built on a narrow, deep Gothic plot in the heart of the historic Pardubice-Staré Město district. Being right beside the town hall makes it an easy landmark for anyone exploring the square on foot, whether you're coming from the direction of St. Bartholomew's church or heading toward Pardubice Castle.

What is the history behind the building?

The house has stood for several centuries and survived one of the town's most dramatic episodes: the great fire of Pardubice in 1538, which destroyed a large part of the town. Following that disaster, the building was rebuilt in Renaissance style, and details from that reconstruction — terracotta lintels and portals — are still visible inside today. Below ground, however, much older Gothic cellars and vaulted rooms survive, evidence of the house's original medieval construction, predating the era when Pardubice passed into the hands of the powerful Pernštejn family.

The building has been listed as a protected cultural monument since 1964 and enjoys additional protection as part of Pardubice's urban heritage conservation zone. A major renovation in 1979 restored the plastered façade and added a relief of St. Wenceslas — the saint the house is named after. Thanks to this work, it is considered one of the oldest surviving buildings on the entire square.

What can visitors see inside?

The main draw today is the Mázhaus gallery, which occupies the ground floor and the former cellars of the house. It's a small, intimate exhibition space showing contemporary art and temporary local exhibitions — a good excuse to step out of the bustle of the square and see the inside of a genuinely historic building. The Gothic vaulting is still visible in the cellars, while the interiors retain Renaissance architectural details, including the terracotta portals mentioned above.

How do you get there?

Pernštýnské náměstí sits right in the centre of Pardubice, within walking distance (roughly 15–20 minutes on foot) of the main railway station and of Pardubice Castle. Numerous city bus and trolleybus lines stop near the Old Town; the most convenient approach is to get off at a stop near the centre and continue on foot through the narrow streets of the old town. The square itself is a pedestrian zone, so it's best explored without a car.

When is the best time to visit?

The square and gallery are worth visiting year-round, but spring and autumn tend to be quieter, with light that flatters the details of the Renaissance façade. Summer brings more outdoor events to Pernštýnské náměstí, which livens up the area but also draws bigger crowds around the house.

Frequently asked questions

What is the building at Pernštýnské náměstí No. 3? It's a historic burgher house in Pardubice, also known as the Šišatkovský house or the "House at St. Wenceslas," now home to the Mázhaus art gallery.

Is the building a protected monument? Yes — it has been listed as a cultural monument since 1964 and is additionally protected within Pardubice's urban heritage conservation zone.

What can you see inside? Gothic cellars and vaulting, Renaissance terracotta portals and lintels dating from the rebuilding after the 1538 fire, and rotating exhibitions in the Mázhaus gallery.

How far is it from the train station? About a 15–20 minute walk toward the Old Town and the town hall, next to which the house stands.