Fates Prešov In the 17th and 18th centuries, they were more closely linked to a powerful family than in any other town in eastern Slovakia The Rákóczi family and its notable figures.
The appearance of the palace which now houses the museum
The palace was created by converting two town houses, one of which belonged to the bookseller Gašpar Güttler. Sigismund Rákóczi decided to purchase and convert them into a stately palace in the late 16th century. The conversion took place in the early 17th century. During this work, the characteristic façade with bay windows was completed. The façade was topped by a parapet consisting of a combination of gables, small arches and blind arcades. The most beautiful town palace in Upper Hungary – this was the title held by the Renaissance building in Prešov’s most prestigious location at the time of its construction. Its elegant architecture and rich yet understated sgraffito decoration remain a source of pride on Hlavná Street to this day and rank among the finest examples of Renaissance urban architecture preserved in Slovakia. The Rákóczi family thus succeeded in creating a true gem of urban Renaissance architecture.
The history of the palace inherently includes the signing of the of the Peace of Presov in 1633 between the prince of Transylvania George I. Rakoczy and Emperor Ferdinand II. and the anti-Habsburg uprisings, when after 1701 became a prison and later the residence of the leader of the rebellion, Francis II. Rakoci. After 1711 it was confiscated and changed several owners. During the 18th century, the courtyard wing was rebuilt in Baroque style. In the 19th century, the building had several owners or tenants who adapted it to commercial and workshop premises.
A thorough reconstruction of the palace to its original Renaissance appearance, completed with the restoration of the graphite decoration in the façade, was carried out in the 1950s. At present, it is the seat of the Regional Museum in Prešov.
Source: Prešov Regional Museum
Source of photographs: OOCR RŠ Prešov
Map
Information
Rákoci Palace is located at 86 Hlavná Street, right in the historic centre of Prešov, and can be easily reached on foot along Hlavná Street.
Since 1956, this Renaissance monument has served as the home of the Regional Museum, which preserves and showcases the region’s history, art, natural heritage and folk culture.
