The Offices of the Council of Governors Established in 1723

Abstract

This study reviews the history of the Council of Governors, which was established in 1723 and began its work in 1724, from the point of view of one of the conditions of its operation, namely the question of its location. The Council of Governors began its work in Bratislava, in a building in the Castle and later in the Main Square, with the intention, as expressed in the law of 1723, to move it to the centre of the country as soon as possible. This was achieved mainly out of a centralisation motive by Joseph II. From 1784, together with several other dicasteries and the Curia, the Council of Governors was given a new seat in Buda, but this was also a temporary accommodation in the former Jesuit educational buildings. After the death of Joseph II, in 1794, the office was moved to the former church building complex on Úri Street in Buda, which was enlarged in 1824. It was the seat of the government until 1867, when the Council of Governors was abolished.