Valkounský House
Nerudova 14
The history of house number 14 dates back to the 17th century. Valkounský house is named after the owner, Knight Bohuchval Valkoun from Adlar, from the beginning of the 17th century.
According to an early Baroque project of Kryštof Dientzenhofer, the house was rebuilt in the 16th century, as all the neighbouring houses were just after the fire of 1541.
.In 1601 it was bought by Kašpar, brother of Kaplíř from Sulevice, who was executed on the Old Town Square.
The house acquired its Baroque shape during 1705-1727, when it was owned by a famous baroque architect, Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel.
Santini prospered and bought the house Valkounsky dum for 3000 gold coins in cash in 1705. Two years later, he bought the neighbouring house, U Zlaté cise (At the Golden Goblet) and connected both houses. **At The Golden Goblet was Monday's House Insignia of the Day by the way.** However, when Santini died, a renowned goldsmith, Diesbach, bought the house in an auction and built up the third floor.
This town house served its tenants until 2002, when it was closed. At the same time, very sensitive reconstruction of the whole property came underway, thanks to which, we now have the opportunity to admire authentic wooden ceilings, ribbed vaults, wall fresco paintings and an original porcelain stove.
Today, the building houses the Santini Residence, a romantic, luxury hotel.
