Welcome to the Alchymist Prague Castle Suites
The first written mention of the mansion dates back to 1415, when the house was owned by an important representative of the Czech Catholic nobility, Mikuláš Zajíc of Hazmburka, who was a strong opponent of the Hussites and a great supporter of the king. During the Hussite uprising in 1420, the Lesser Town was badly burned and devastated. Unfortunately, Mikuláš Zajíc's house suffered the same fate and was sold in the 1460s for a very low price. It was then rebuilt and at the end of the 15th or beginning of the 16th century the two adjoining houses were joined to form the present chateau. At the beginning of the 16th century the house was inhabited by Albrecht Rendl of Ušany, the deputy chamberlain of the Kingdom of Bohemia, and in 1518 it was sold to Wolf Ždárský. In 1541, another fire destroyed a large part of the Lesser Quarter, including the manor house and its surroundings. Renovation work was slow until 1583, when the imperial court of Rudolf II moved to Prague; the emperor's introduction to the area resulted in a significant regeneration of the Lesser Quarter, as everyone wanted to be close to the ruler.
At this time the house was rebuilt in Renaissance style and bought by the court ribbon weaver, Michael Langrand of Burgundy. In the ten years that Langrand owned the house, its value tripled - another sign of the extensive building and improvements he undertook. The Renaissance reconstruction of the house resulted in a two-storey building with Renaissance gables, which remained until the end of the 17th century.
Historical sources confirm that the famous Baroque painter Petr Brandl (1688-1739) spent six years of his life in this mansion. An entire hall in the National Gallery in Prague is dedicated to the work of this great artist, with his magnificent work "Bust of an Apostle", dating from some time before 1725. Brandl is known for his technique called impasto, which refers to applying paint very thickly to the canvas so that the strokes of the brush or spatula are visible.
In 1687, the widow of Michal Brandl (Petr Brandl's father) sold the house for 1500 guldens to Tomáš Ignác Pretschner, who invested heavily in the baroque reconstruction of the building. From 1796 to 1804 the house changed hands several times and its value increased fourfold. It soon became an object of speculation, as the rapid political and social changes in the Empire led to an influx of rural people into the cities and, consequently, an increased demand for housing. Over time, the house was altered many times and in many ways to make the most effective use of space and to increase the number of rooms. There is not much information about the history of the house in the 19th century, its owners or its value.
In 1903, Vojtěch Hrstka, a book printer and binder, sold the house to Josef Fanta. Fanta (1856-1954) was a Czech architect, furniture designer, sculptor and painter; he was one of the most prominent representatives of Czech Art Nouveau architecture and created many notable public works, such as the Prague Railway Station. Fanta was also friends with Alfons Mucha, a famous painter and decorative artist whose style is distinctive and easily recognisable. Mucha's touch can be seen throughout the mansion; when you arrive at the Alchymist Prague Castle Suites, you will notice the beautiful main entrance and balcony railings designed by Mucha.
Fanta was granted permission to renovate the house on 14.5.1903 and it is amazing to think that his builder, Frantisek Schlaffer, completed the work by November of the same year. In stark contrast to this speed is the care and attention to detail that has gone into the current restoration of the villa. Not only have the owner and his team painstakingly researched and restored all the Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau features of the house, but they have also had to contend with some fifty years of complete neglect that the property suffered during its period of confiscation by the Communists.
The Alchymist Luxury Group represents the pinnacle of hospitality, masterfully blending the splendor of historic grandeur with the charm of contemporary luxury. With roots deep in Prague's illustrious history, the Group's reach spans the globe, offering captivating experiences from the picturesque cobbled streets of Europe to the radiant shores of Brazil.
In Prague, the Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa is a beacon of 5-star opulence. Nestled in the heart of the city, this enchanting hotel offers sumptuously decorated rooms and suites that reflect the building's rich heritage. The Aquarius Restaurant is a feast for the senses, serving exquisite contemporary Italian cuisine in a lavish setting adorned with Venetian plaster, Murano chandeliers and vintage furnishings. For those seeking peace amidst the city's dynamic pace, the Ecsotica Spa & Health Club offers a serene sanctuary.
Adding to Prague's allure, the Alchymist Prague Castle Suites invites guests to immerse themselves in an exclusive experience within the historic mansion known as "At the Turk's Head". This 15th century gem has been meticulously restored to create a new concept in luxury accommodation. Guests are welcomed as personal visitors to the owner, Giorgio Bonelli, and pampered in one of eight opulent suites, a music room, library, fireplace room and spa.
In Brazil, the Alchymist Luxury Resort in Jericoacoara is a haven of tranquility. The Alchymist Beach Club promises warm temperatures, pristine sands and peaceful relaxation areas, all complemented by delicious cuisine and exceptional service.
The group's commitment to unparalleled excellence is also evident in Prague's San Carlo and Aquarius Restaurants, where guests can enjoy the culinary artistry of Executive Chef Frantisek Mizerovsky's Italian and Czech creations.
The forthcoming Alchymist Prehistoric Park will offer an escape to an ancient world with over 80 realistic dinosaur figures, including the majestic Argentinosaurus, set against the picturesque backdrop of Cumbuco Beach near Fortaleza.
The Alchymist Luxury Group is more than a collection of destinations; it is a gateway to a world where exceptional service and the excitement of discovery combine to create lasting memories.
Operated by: Alchymist s.r.o., registered seat: Vlašská 24, Praha 1, 118 00, Czechia
ID No. 25149148, registered with the Commercial Registry maintained by the Municipal Court in Prague, section C, insert 53707
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