Prague’s Baroque palaces

Prague's Baroque palaces are some of the most beautiful sights in Europe, not to mention the Czech capital. Each has its own unique story. You can admire them from the outside, but the tours of the stunning interiors are way more interesting. A visit makes for an amazing artistic experience.

Clam-Gallas Palace: a stunning gem on the Royal Route

This is one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Prague. You can find it on the Royal Route, the path taken by the Czech kings when travelling from the Powder Gate to Prague Castle. Its décor, including the impressive portal, is the work of many of Prague’s artists, one of whom was the sculptor Matthias Bernard Braun. Its grand halls play host to occasional exhibitions, concerts and other social events. You can also take a look at this magnificent heritage site from the inside on one of the regular tours.

Wallenstein Palace: the residence of the richest Czech

On the opposite bank of the Vltava River stands the Wallenstein Palace, said to be the largest of its kind in Central Europe. This magnificent palace surpasses even Prague Castle with its grandeur and sumptuous decoration. It was commissioned by military commander Albrecht von Wallenstein, who fought in the Thirty Years' War alongside Emperor Ferdinand II of Habsburg. He is said to have been the richest Czech in history. This magnificent Prague mansion is currently home to the Senate of the Czech Republic, and is open to the public at weekends free of charge. Including the beautiful garden, whose sala terrena hosts some interesting cultural events in the summer.

Sternberg Palace: architectural uniqueness guarding the paintings of masters

One of the most important buildings of the Czech Baroque is located near Prague Castle. The palace has also played a very important role in the history of Czech science and art. Some prominent Czech figures used to meet there, who came up with the idea of founding the National Museum. The palace houses an exhibition of masterpieces from the National Gallery's collections. Classical music concerts are also held there.

Czernin Palace: home of the Imperial Ambassador and SS Headquarters

The longest baroque building in Prague was built for Count Czernin, the Imperial Ambassador to Venice. During the Second World War it was the headquarters of the SS for Bohemia and Moravia and is now the seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. The palace is only rarely open to the public. From May to October, however, you can at least visit the garden with the summerhouse.

Lobkowicz Palace in Malá Strana: Beethoven concerts and a walking Trabant

While strolling along the slopes of Petřín you can see its garden facade. Ludwig van Beethoven and Carl Maria von Weber, for example, gave concerts in the domed hall of the palace. This baroque gem has been home to the German Embassy since 1974. In 1989 it witnessed the dramatic exodus of refugees from the German Democratic Republic. These events are commemorated by the sculpture Quo Vadis, the famous walking Trabant by sculptor David Černý.

Schönborn Palace: a dream come true for Franz Kafka

This Baroque monument, designed by Italian architects, has been a big hit in travelogues and its charms have attracted the interest of many a visitor from abroad. Not to mention some famous names. It is no secret that the world-famous writer Franz Kafka spent some time living there in a modestly furnished apartment and was literally enchanted by the place. The palace currently houses the US Embassy.

Vrtba Palace: a little-known gem with the most beautiful garden north of the Alps

The palace itself, situated near Malostranské náměstí, is not very well known, but you're sure to be familiar with its garden: The Vrtba Garden, created by some of the leading artists of the Prague Baroque, is one of the most beautiful Baroque gardens in Europe. It is even said to be one of the most finest gardens of its kind north of the Alps.

Kolowrat Palace: this Baroque jewel below Prague Castle reminds us of Munich

This magnificent Baroque building, with one of the most beautiful terraced gardens below Prague Castle, is now one of the seats of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic. It has witnessed many important historical events. In 1938, the Munich Agreement was signed in the Green Room, under which part of the border area of Czechoslovakia, including its fortifications, was ceded to Hitler's Germany. The interiors are open to the public on special occasions.

Archbishop's Palace: a breathtaking portal and precious relics

The seat of the Archbishops of Prague stands right on Hradčanské náměstí near Prague Castle, with the Chapel of St. John the Baptist and its precious relics at its heart. Its interiors can only be viewed during important events, but there is plenty to see from the outside as well. The beautiful Baroque portal is particularly stunning.

Colloredo-Mansfeld Palace: unique works and meetings of mysterious Masons

This palace is located a short walk from Charles Bridge in the historical centre of Prague. It was formerly home to the first Czech fencing club, and after World War II the palace was used by the National Czechoslovak Grand Lodge. The palace is cared for by the Prague City Gallery but unfortunately it is closed to visitors at the moment, so you can only admire it from the outside while walking around.