Rakoczi Palace

The destiny of Prešov in the 17th – 18th century was more than any other eastern city linked to the powerful Rákoczi family and its important personalities. Rákoczi residence, as a reminder of those turbulent times, still excludes the east side of Main Street (house no. 86) facing the Roman Catholic Parish church.

Two medieval burgher houses stood originally in its place. At the end of the 16th century, two parcels were purchased by Sigismund Rákóczi, prince of Transylvania, who had city palace reconstructed in the Renaissance style. After the reconstruction another followed, late-Renaissance repair of the whole object at the beginning of the 17th century. While it was typical suave facade with windows, bay windows, finished with a beautiful attic, consisting of combinations of tags, crimps and blind arcades.

The entire facade and the attic are richly decorated by graphite. Thus Rákoczis succeeded in creating a genuine masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, regarded as the most beautiful urban Renaissance palace in the former Upper Hungary.

History of the Palace, since its establishment, is closely linked to family history of Rakoczis. In 1633 there were conducted the negotiations between representatives of the Transylvanian Prince, George I. Rákóczi and Emperor Ferdinand II, completed by signing the Prešov Peace. In April 1701 Habsburg authorities imprisoned there Francis II. Rákóczi,who had been captured in his mansion in Veľký Šariš. In 1711 it was confiscated and several owners changed off.

During the 18th century the wings of the courtyard were renewed in the Baroque style. In 19th century building had several owners or tenants who have adapted it for business and workshop premises.

Careful reconstruction of the palace to its original Renaissance form, completed by restoration of graphite decoration of the facade was in 1950-1956. Currently, the building houses the Regional Museum.

Opening hours
IN SUMMER / MAY – SEPTEMBER

Monday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday 2 pm – 6 pm
Sunday 2 pm – 6 pm

Also open during bank holidays: 2 pm – 6 pm
(only applies during the summer season)

OUT OF SEASON / OCTOBER – APRIL

Monday – Friday 9 pm – 5 pm
Saturday closed
Sunday 2 pm – 6 pm

Tel.: +421 51 773 4708

Adress:
Rakociho palác
Hlavná 86
080 01 Prešov

www.tripolitana.sk