The County Hall in Prešov It is one of the city’s most significant historic buildings and stands as a striking example of Rococo-Classical architecture. It is situated on Slovenská Street and serves as a reminder of the period when Prešov was an important administrative, political and economic centre of the Šariš region.
The seat of the Šariš County
The County Hall was built between 1769 – 1770 pursuant to a decree issued by Maria Theresa, under which the authorities were required to have a suitable administrative building at their headquarters. The building was created by joining several older structures, including two Renaissance houses and a corner house that had previously belonged to the Prešov printer Friedrich Paracelsus.
The building served as the headquarters Šariš County, where the county governor, deputy county governor and other representatives of the county administration carried out their duties. The county hall thus became one of the centres of the region’s political and administrative life.
Rococo and Classical architecture
The County Hall is a multi-storey palace-style building with an L-shaped floor plan. The main façade is symmetrically divided and is flanked by two stone entrance portals. Above the central section is a triangular tympanum with a relief Solomon’s Judgement, which is one of the most striking features of the façade.
The architecture is complemented by pilasters, stucco decoration, volute pediments, festoons and stone vases. The building’s imposing character is further emphasised by a wide staircase with a balustrade.
The historical development of the building
The county hall served its original purpose for more than 150 years. It has undergone several structural alterations over the course of its existence. It was severely damaged by the great fire in Prešov in 1887, followed by a restoration.
During the period of the First Slovak Republic, the building served as the seat of Šariš-Zemplín County. It also sustained damage during the bombing of Prešov in December 1944. After the Second World War, it was gradually restored and used by various state and public institutions.
The County Hall as a landmark of Prešov
The County Hall is now a significant part of Prešov’s historic architecture. Its value lies in the combination of the history of architecture and the administrative history of Šariš.
Whilst exploring the city, it is also worth visiting Slovenská Street, where you can admire this impressive historic building alongside other structures in the wider centre of Prešov. The County House is a reminder of a time when decisions regarding the administration and running of a significant part of the region were made right here.
Source: OOCR RŠ
Source of photographs: OOCR RŠ
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Information
County House It is situated at 40 Slovenská Street, in the immediate vicinity of Prešov’s historic centre. You can reach it on foot from Hlavná Street via Metodova Street. The building is therefore easily accessible whilst strolling through the city centre. It is also part of the historic development along Slovenská Street, which leads on to other landmarks in the wider city centre.
It is interesting to note that, following the Second World War, the building was gradually used by various public institutions. The historic building thus remains an integral part of Prešov’s administrative life to this day.
The County House is not currently a traditional tourist attraction offering regular guided tours of the interior. It is therefore advisable to check whether it is open to the public before visiting. However, the building can be viewed from the outside whilst strolling through the town.
