Prague's historic Savarin district to be reimagined by Arab architect Omar Koleilat

Known for its wealth of beautifully preserved architecture, Prague’s historic centre will soon include a new development that will transform an entire inner block into a public destination – blending restored Baroque buildings with contemporary design.

Reimagined by Czech-Lebanese architecture and development company Crestyl Group, the 15,000-square-metre Savarin project, located just off Wenceslas Square, will open up a long-closed courtyard complex. At its heart are the 18th-century Savarin Palace, a sunny yellow Baroque riding hall, and several other protected historic structures.

“It’s extremely rare to find such a unique and central site that hasn’t already been developed, particularly in a historic European city centre, which makes this project quite special,” Crestyl Group co-founder Omar Koleilat tells The National. “Although Savarin now sits in the middle of the city, it was originally the only Baroque palace outside the old city walls, separated by a ditch that later became Na Prikope Street.

“Baroque palaces typically had a first courtyard, a second courtyard, stables and then a riding hall, where horses could be exercised in winter,” he adds.

During the communist era, the complex was converted into a printing factory for a state newspaper. After 1989, it fell into disuse. “It was essentially a brownfield site,” Koleilat says. “We removed structures added during communist rule, while preserving the historic buildings.”

Czech-Lebanese architecture and development company Crestyl Group will spearhead the 15,000-square-metre Savarin project.