Previously, a gothic stronghold uses to stand in place of the present day Libeňský Castle. It stood in the middle of a settlement and was first mentioned in 1363 as the property of a rich family by the name of Rotlev. The stronghold had different owners and it was converted by gradual reconstruction into a convenient castle (it must have had toilets).
Emperor Rudolf II and his brother Matyas concluded the so called Libeňský Peace here on 25th June 1608. In those days, troops of Matyas were getting ready to invade Prague but the Czech looms successfully protected the throne of Rudolf II, even though it did not last long. The emperor had to make big compromises.
Prague’s Old Town acquired Libešký Castle from Jan Hartvík, the Earl of Nostic, by signing a purchase contract on 27th June 1662. After its renovation to an early baroque style the castle was used as a residence and a summer-house of Portreeves until the middle of 19th century.
The present-day appearance of Libeňský Castle was achieved after a large rococo reconstruction in 1769-1770. Jan Josef Prachner was entrusted with this reconstruction during which the main double-floored east wing was built including an ostentatious forefront and turret. In the north tract a new platform stairs and a Chapel of the Immaculate Conception were constructed.
In the centre of the castle’s ground floor there is an archway with a couple of plain pillars. An emblem of the Capital City of Prague is placed higher on the castle’s forefront between the vaulted cornices. Above the emblem there is a rounded clock face in a baroque framework. A proportionally balanced steeple rises above the castle’s mansard roof.
The property is being used by the Prague 8 district today for civil weddings as well as church weddings in the chapel.
