U Hybernů building

U Hybernů Palace has a varied history. It is situated in a remarkable place, across from the and across from where the once stood (and where the Municipal House now stands). The building has been here since even before the foundation of the New Town by Charles IV, and in the 14th century it was an Ambrosian monastery. After the Thirty Years' War (1618 - 1648) Ferdinand II allowed the Irish Franciscans to establish a college on the site of the desolate monastery. Since this time, the house has been called U Hybernů.

Construction of the baroque church was begun in the middle of the 17th century, however it was considerably damaged by the Prussians. In 1785 the monastery was dissolved by the reformist Emperor Joseph II. The building has been secular ever since. At the end of the 18th century it was used by the Czech Theatre Society; however, following the death of its owner, Earl Sweerts-Sporck, it was converted into a customs house. The present Classical appearance of the building dates back to 1806 - 1811 and is the work of the Viennese court architect L. Montoyer and the professor J. Fischer. The building served as an exhibition site in the 20th century and only in 2006 was the dilapidated building saved by the Hybernia Theatre project. The chapel was replaced by a stage and the whole site offers an extraordinary experience. The roof terrace offers a unique view of and a feeling of "finding lost time".