Author: Travel Blog

Highlights to see in the Lobkowicz Palace Museum include:

• Masterpieces of European art such as Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s famous painting “Haymaking,” paintings by Canaletto featuring views of London, and works by Diego Velázquez.
• Original musical manuscripts and scores by classical composers Ludwig van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, including Beethoven’s 4th and 5th symphonies and Mozart’s re-orchestration of Handel’s “Messiah.”
• An impressive collection of arms and armor including military and hunting equipment dating from the 16th to 18th centuries.
• Decorative arts and fine porcelain spanning five centuries.
• Family and royal portraits showcasing the history of the Lobkowicz family.
• The richly decorated Baroque interiors of the palace, including frescoed halls and elegant salons.
• The audio guide, narrated by members of the Lobkowicz family and curators, which provides rich context about the art, music, and history on display.
• Spectacular panoramic views of Prague from the palace’s balcony.
• The museum café offering Czech and international cuisine in an elegant setting.

The museum visit typically takes 1 to 2 hours, and visitors often combine it with one of the classical music concerts held in the palace’s exquisite Baroque concert hall 

Lobkowicz Palace is a historic Renaissance palace located within the Prague Castle complex and is uniquely the only privately owned building there. Built originally in the second half of the 16th century by Czech nobleman Jaroslav of Pernštejn and completed by his brother, it came into the Lobkowicz family through the marriage of Polyxena of Pernštejn to Prince Zdeněk Vojtěch Lobkowicz in the early 17th century.

The palace is renowned for its significant cultural and historical collections, exhibited since it opened to the public as the Lobkowicz Palace Museum in 2007. Its 22 galleries display European and Bohemian art, including paintings by masters such as Canaletto, Bruegel the Elder, and Velázquez, as well as arms, armor, decorative arts, and musical manuscripts by Beethoven and Mozart. The palace also houses a copy of the famous Infant Jesus of Prague statue.

Architecturally, the palace underwent notable Baroque modifications in the 17th century, especially under Václav Eusebius, 2nd Prince Lobkowicz, who redesigned parts in an Italianate style, visible in richly decorated salons and frescoed halls. The palace was also historically significant during events like the Thirty Years’ War.

Confiscated during the Nazi and communist regimes in the 20th century, it was restituted to the Lobkowicz family in 2002. Today, it functions both as a museum showcasing the prestigious Lobkowicz Collections and a venue for concerts, private events, and cultural activities.

Visitors can explore the history of the Lobkowicz family through art, artifacts, and architecture, complemented by an audio guide narrated by family members and curators, with views of Prague from its balconies. The palace also features a café and gift shop, enhancing the visitor experience.

Address: Jiřská 3, Prague 1, within Prague Castle.

This palace offers a unique blend of personal family history, art, and Bohemian heritage in one of Prague’s most impressive historical settings 

The Prague Astronomical Clock, also known as the Orloj, is a medieval astronomical clock mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall in Prague’s Old Town Square. Installed in 1410 by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and astronomer Jan Šindel, it is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest still in operation.

The clock features two main dials: an astronomical dial that shows the position of the sun and moon in the sky along with other astronomical details, and a calendar dial added around 1490 that displays the day, month, and feast days with zodiac signs. The clock also has animated figures, including the procession of the Twelve Apostles which occurs hourly between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., and symbolic statues representing fears of the medieval citizens like Death, Vanity, and Greed.

The clock has a rich history of repairs and restorations, especially after damage during World War II. Its intricate Gothic design and mechanical ingenuity make it a symbol of Prague’s cultural heritage and a major tourist attraction. Visitors can also climb the clock tower for panoramic views of Old Town Square and see the inner workings of this 600-year-old marvel.

Overall, the Prague Astronomical Clock is not just a timepiece but a fascinating display of medieval science, craftsmanship, and art that continues to captivate visitors worldwide

Best times to watch the hourly procession at the Orloj

The best times to watch the hourly procession of the Twelve Apostles at the Prague Astronomical Clock (Orloj) are from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., when the clock comes to life on the hour. To avoid the largest crowds, it is recommended to arrive early in the morning, just before 9:00 a.m., when the area is less congested and visitors can enjoy a clearer view of the spectacle. Early visits also offer better opportunities for photography without heavy crowds.

The procession lasts about one minute, featuring the Apostles passing in the windows above the clock face, followed by the crowing of a golden rooster and ringing of bells. Since this is a very popular attraction, expect sizable crowds throughout the day, with peak times typically mid-morning to early evening. Visiting just before the hour and during off-peak hours enhances the viewing experience 

St. Vitus Cathedral, located within Prague Castle, is a Gothic masterpiece and the most important ecclesiastical building in the Czech Republic. Its construction began in 1344 under Emperor Charles IV, intended as a coronation church, royal crypt, and treasury for precious relics. The cathedral was designed initially by Matthias of Arras in a French Gothic style and later significantly developed by architect Peter Parler, who introduced bold innovations like net vaulting in the choir.

The cathedral took nearly 600 years to complete, with construction halting during the Hussite Wars in the 15th century and resuming in the 19th century under Neo-Gothic architects Josef Kranner and Josef Mocker, finally finishing in 1929. Architecturally, it combines medieval Gothic with Neo-Gothic features, achieving a harmonious and majestic appearance.

St. Vitus Cathedral houses key treasures including the tomb of St. Wenceslaus (patron saint of Bohemia), the Czech Crown Jewels, and stunning Art Nouveau stained-glass windows by Alfons Mucha. It has been the site of coronations, funerals, and significant religious and state ceremonies throughout Czech history.

Notable features include its soaring spires, intricately decorated interiors, gothic gargoyles, and a rose window depicting biblical scenes. The cathedral is a symbol of Czech national pride and a central landmark in Prague, admired worldwide for its architectural beauty and historical significance 

Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle complex in the world, founded in the 9th century by Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty. It has served as the seat of power for the kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and more recently, the presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. The castle complex is not a single structure but an aggregation of palaces, churches, offices, fortifications, and gardens spanning approximately 45 hectares.

The main attractions within Prague Castle include:

• St. Vitus Cathedral: A Gothic masterpiece with soaring spires, magnificent stained-glass windows, and the royal crypt housing Czech kings and queens.
• The Old Royal Palace: Historic royal halls, coronation spaces, and the famous Vladislav Hall with its vaulted ceiling used for grand state events and even indoor jousting.
• Golden Lane: A charming street of colorful medieval cottages once home to castle guards and alchemists.
• St. George’s Basilica: One of the oldest surviving churches in Prague with Romanesque architecture.
• Castle Gardens: Beautiful Renaissance and Baroque gardens offering panoramic views over Prague.
• Daliborka Tower: A former prison tower that now offers a viewpoint of the city.
• Museums and galleries featuring Czech history, art, and culture.

Prague Castle has witnessed centuries of historical events, including royal coronations, political upheavals, and cultural developments, making it a living symbol of Czech heritage. It remains the official residence of the Czech President and a treasured UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors can explore the castle complex to experience its rich history, architectural grandeur, and stunning views of Prague, making it a must-see landmark when visiting the city. The blend of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque elements within the complex reflects its evolution through many significant historical periods.

For a comprehensive visit, allow several hours to explore the cathedral, palaces, gardens, and exhibitions fully. The castle is open year-round and is the top historic attraction in Prague