Vratislavský palác

Vratislavský palác (Wratislaw Palace) is a Baroque palace on Prague's Malá Strana, standing on the narrow street of Tržiště among the district's cluster of aristocratic residences and embassies. The two-storey building, with its classicist facade and a terraced garden tucked behind it, takes its name from the Wratislaw of Mitrovice family, who shaped the property into its present form around the turn of the 18th century.

Where does the palace's name come from?

The name traces back to Kryštof František Vratislav of Mitrovice, a member of a Czech noble family who bought the plot on Tržiště in 1671. Two medieval houses with vineyards had previously stood there, already remodelled in Renaissance style and joined together before the purchase. Vratislav merged them into a single residence, giving it a deep front wing and an almost square inner courtyard.

How did the palace take shape during the Baroque period?

Construction continued in stages through the end of the 17th century. Between 1675 and 1676 the owner had the adjoining garden terraced, added stairs and a grotto, and built a sala terrena — an open-air garden hall typical of Baroque aristocratic residences of the period. In 1717 the estate was entered into the family's entailed property (fideicommissum), which triggered a further, more extensive Baroque rebuilding of the whole complex. Toward the end of the 18th century, builder J. Zika carried out additional alterations as the needs of later owners changed.

Why does the palace look classicist today?

The facade visitors see now dates from a rebuild carried out between 1824 and 1834, when the palace received its current classicist front. Interestingly, the owners of that era do not appear to have used the palace as a everyday residence — it seems to have served more as a representative and investment property than a family home.

How did the palace pass into institutional use?

Between 1861 and 1876 the building housed the Malá Strana Gymnasium, one of Prague's secondary schools — evidence that by the 19th century the palace had already shifted from a private aristocratic residence toward public and institutional functions. Its use kept changing over the following decades until a thorough restoration in the 1990s returned the building to a more representative role.

What is inside the Vratislavský palác today?

Following its 1990s restoration, the palace was given over to diplomatic and cultural use: the building today houses the Embassy of Ireland and the American Center. As a result, the interiors and garden — while not open to casual visitors the way a museum would be — remain well maintained and continue to shape the streetscape of Malá Strana as a fine example of an adapted noble residence.

What is worth noticing while walking past?

Tržiště itself is one of Malá Strana's most representative lanes, lined with palaces and townhouses that have served diplomatic functions for generations. The palace's restrained, classicist street facade contrasts with the richer Baroque garden front, partly visible from the hillside behind it. It makes a natural stop for anyone walking through Malá Strana toward Prague Castle or the Wallenstein Palace.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Vratislavský palác located? The palace stands in Prague's Malá Strana district, on Tržiště street, close to other historic residences and diplomatic missions.

Who built the palace and when? Kryštof František Vratislav of Mitrovice shaped the residence after buying the site in 1671; construction and remodelling continued into the early 18th century.

Can visitors go inside? The building currently houses diplomatic and cultural institutions, including the Embassy of Ireland, so public access is limited — most visitors see the palace from the street.

What is the most notable feature of the complex? The Baroque garden, with its terraces, grotto, and sala terrena built in 1675–1676, is considered one of the most distinctive parts of the whole property.