Foreign affairs

I've passed by this beautiful building so many times on my way somewhere else that I decided to track down some information on its history.

This is the ceremonial office for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It's located a couple of blocks west of the main train station on a busy street, Pražská. Known as the Palugyay Palace, it was built in neo-Renaissance style in the late 19th century for a wealthy wine merchant and restored in 2000.

There is also a Palugyay House on the Main Square, also from the 19th century, but with a French Baroque style. The wine business must have been good back then. I took this last Friday while it was being decorated with Christmas lights. If you like the smell of chocolate, you'd love the Maximilian Delikateso on the first floor. It has a chocolate "fountain" -- and fabulous coffee of all kinds.

NOTE: Click on any image in this blog to see it full-size.