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Schwarzenberg Palace – The Pearl of the Renaissance architecture
In Hradčanské Square you will find the pearl among the Renaiss
ance
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History of the palace
The palace replaced 7 houses after the great fire of the Prague Castle of 1541. The construction works were most probably performed between 1545 – 1567 based on the project of Augustin Vlach to meet the needs of the Czech aristocratic Lobkowitz Dynasty. It is curious for this period that the Lobkowitz dynasty lost the palace, apparently because they had insulted His Majesty Emperor Rudolph II. The Emperor consequently handed the palace over to Petr Vok of Rosenberg who in return for that gained the Rosenberg Palace in the Prague Castle.
Photo gallery of the Schwarzenberg Palace
The palace changed its owner in 1719 when it due to a marriage became a property of
the Schwarzenberg family. This dynasty also gained the neighbouring Salma Palace.
After 1948 the family residence became a Museum of the Military History. The palace changed its owner again in 2002, this time it was The National Gallery of Prague. Then an extensive reconstruction folowed. Since 2008, the palace has been used as an art gallery.
Appearance of the palace
The structure is built in the T-layout. Certainly everybody will notice the dominant sgrafitto decorations. Sgrafitto is a decorative technique based on the application of two mortar layers. After the mortar layers are apllied handy craftsmen scratch through the top layer until they reach the black bottom layer and a coloured ornament is created on the wall. You should notice another detail here – the so-called lunette cornice. The wall of the brickwall is just underneath the brickwork curved by a quarter arch.
Palace Interior
In the interior you can take a look at the rich and extant ceiling paintings from the period around 1580. There used to be a magnificent and extensive dance hall in the past. The ceilings of the four halls in the second floor are decorated by the original Renaissance paintings with animal motives and scenes from the ancient mythology.
What can we see during your visit?
After the the object had been handed over by the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic to The National Gallery an expensive reconstruction works were carried out to save this historic sight. During the reconstruction also the exceptional Baroque palace attic rooms were renovated. It is a rarity that all the building material taken out from the original buildings was used again. This way even the original wooden floors, ceramic tiles and bricks were saved. We also need to mention another rarity – the well-preserved garderobe shaft from which sewage was flowing down the nearby Nerudova street. The architect who participated in the reconstruction involved also some modern elements – such as the glass elevator which he incorporated right into the shaft. Also the original tiled stove was renovated, which, unfortunately, is no more functional. The total reconstruction costs have reached 260 million Czech Crowns. At present, you can also find here a permanent exposition of the Collection of the Old Masters of the National Gallery in Prague called Baroque in Bohemia.
Address:
Schwarzenberský palác (Schwarzenberg Palace)
Hradčanské náměstí 2 (Hradčanské Square)
118 00 Praha 1
You cannot overlook the palace, it is the most beautiful Renaissance structure with the unique envelope-shaped sgrafitto work.
OPENING HOURS:
Opened daily (excl. Mondays) 10 am – 18 pm.
Tickets
Basic: 150,-
Reduced: 80,-
Family: 200,-
School group: 20,-
Tickets are valid for the entire structure and all ongoing exhibitions in it.
Taking pictures is possible only without a flash.
Reduced tickets:
Children 6 – 15 years old
Seniors older than 65 years
Family tickets – for parents with children up to 15 years of age (2 adults and 1-5 children)
School groups – students, pupils with a teacher.
Holders of valid international student and teacher´s cards ISIC, IYTC,EURO 26, ITIC)
More about Etrance Fee click here
Contact:
http://www.ngprague.cz
Reception
tel.: (+420) 233 081 713
M. Pokorná – secretary
tel.: (+420) 233 081 716
fax: (+420) 233 081 719
Connection:
Tram 1, 8, 15, 18, 20, 22, 26 – Pražský hrad station
Transport connection:
Search for connections: click here
Information on Prague transport: click here
Information on Prague public transport: click here
Photo gallery of the Schwarzenberg Palace
Also visit:
All about: Prague 1 Monuments
All about: Prague 2 Monuments
All about: Prague 3 Monuments
All about: Prague Castle
All about: Royal route and the coronation of King
All about: Jewish Prague
All about: Old Town Square
All about: Petrin Hill
All about: Prague gardens and Parks
PRAGUECITYLINE Prague 1
Discover the most beautiful sights of Prague. Review the educational route PRAGUECITYLINE Prague 1. All sights are described with lots of pictures.Click here
Traditional Royal Route
Take the traditional route of Czech kings. Discover the most interesting sights of Prague. Everything is described in articles and accompanied by lots of photos. Click here to get on the page of the Royal Route.
Old Town Square
Come with us and explore the real heart of Prague. Do you know the secret of the Old Town Astronomical Clock? Do you know where to find the Prague Meridian and the meaning of the crosses on the paving stones? Click here and explore the Old Town Square on your own!
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The roof terrace restaurant Coda is open to all lovers of great gastronomy and unique views of the city. The terrace offers a 360° view of the entire Prague and looking at all the treasures of the Golden City.