Pac Palace open again

The property dates back to when Michał Kazimierz Pac (1624-1682) purchased two adjacent buildings and converted them into one of the finest mansions in the country. The building has now been restored to a design by architect Saulius Mikštas, which kept many of the original details such as frescoes and statues.

“It was an incredibly exciting moment when we saw the history first-hand. It was a time capsule of our country, and we felt the lives of those living at the time of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. We saw the same paintings and artworks that were seen by Napoleon, Tsar Alexander I, Polish king Jan Sobieski and other influential figures from history,” says Saulius Mikštas.

TV cook Claus Meyer has created the 14 Horses brasserie with seating for 40 guests as well as the Sofija Bar where cocktails and light meals are served.

The hotel also includes a spa, a gym, two conference rooms and a jeweler’s store that showcases local amber and high-end watches.

Some 94 rooms and 10 suites are each created around their own distinct set of features. From intricate wall detailing, like painted faux columns and rugged exposed brick, to original wooden beamed ceilings and frescoes, all have been revealed and highlighted. Subtle room palettes range from eggshell and light grey, to taupe and deeper browns, ample mind paid to ensure the room’s natural characteristics dictate the design. Public spaces feature dark greys and blues, with the flooring and stairs receiving a treatment by Pandomo Loft. An expansive courtyard is flanked by the hotel. The open-air space is the social heart of the hotel. Unearthed wall paintings were restored fragment-by-fragment, and many layers of wall paint were removed to reveal the most interesting and well-preserved layers, mostly from the Baroque period when the palace belonged to the Pac family. In the process of restoration, many doors that were closed and cemented after the palace was taken over from the family were opened again. Details like the enigmatic staircase, authentic statues, and an abundance of historical artifacts have been incorporated into the new incarnation and two more floors were added, resulting in a five-story hotel with a reconstructed Baroque rooftop.

The hotel is part of the Design Hotels network of over 300 independently owned small boutique and luxury hotels in over 50 countries worldwide.