Te llevamos a través del renovado palacio de Prister: cómo era la vida de los ricos en la plaza Strossmayer

The restored Palais Prister on Strossmayerov trg in Zagreb has reopened its doors after extensive renovations following damage sustained during an earthquake. The building, once home to one of the wealthiest Jewish families in 19th-century Zagreb, now serves as the headquarters of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (HAZU). Located among some of the city’s most historically significant buildings, the Palais Prister stands as a symbol of both architectural grandeur and cultural heritage. Construction of the palais began in 1893 under the direction of renowned Zagreb architects Leu Hönigsberg and Julius Deutsch. It was commissioned by Guido Prister, a prominent merchant who specialized in timber trade, and his two minor sons, Lovro and Miroslav. The family, originally from Friuli, had established itself in Zagreb through business ventures including livestock trading, leather production, and banking. Guido Prister, who later became a citizen of Zagreb, played a key role in the development of the city's infrastructure, contributing to the construction of the municipal water supply system and donating land for the establishment of the Zagreb synagogue. His son, Eduard Prister, continued the family tradition of philanthropy, notably by donating the Glazbena paviljon on Zrinjevac street in 1891. The Palais Prister, with its elegant design and historical significance, became a central part of the family’s legacy. However, the process of obtaining official permits for the construction was fraught with bureaucratic challenges, according to historian Dr. sc. Katarina Horvat-Levaj, author of a conservation report on the building. The palais remained in the Prister family until 1911, when Lovro and Miroslav sought formal recognition of their property rights from the City Magistrate. This led to the issuance of an official certificate for the residence and stable. The building’s layout reflected the strict social hierarchy of the time, with separate spaces designated for the owners and servants. A notable feature of the structure is its grand staircase, which dominates the interior space, along with representative rooms on the first floor. The façade facing the square is particularly striking, featuring a double entrance, a balcony, and an attic that once housed six sculptures. These were removed at some point during the 20th century, though the exact circumstances remain unclear. Despite these losses, the building retained much of its original character, serving as a private residence and later as a venue for public functions. Following the earthquake, the palais suffered significant structural damage, leading to years of restoration work. The project, completed recently, has returned the building to its former glory, with the support of the HAZU, which now occupies the site. The renovated structure includes the Archive of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, the Institute for Social and Historical Sciences, and the Department of Economic Research. Among eight HAZU buildings, this one was one of the last to complete its renovation. The Palais Prister represents more than just a historical landmark, it embodies the resilience of Zagreb’s architectural heritage and the enduring influence of its past residents. As the building reopens, it continues to serve as a living testament to the city’s rich history and cultural identity.