Category: History & Architecture

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 

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

England’s most famous castles include:

• Windsor Castle, Berkshire: The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, residence of the British Royal Family since the 11th century, and site of St. George’s Chapel and royal events .
• Tower of London, London: Known for the Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warder tours, medieval architecture, and key historical roles in English history [previous info].
• Dover Castle, Kent: A well-preserved fortress with origins in the 11th century, famous for its Great Tower, medieval tunnels, and WWII underground hospital .
• Warwick Castle, Warwickshire: A large medieval castle with extensive grounds, recreations, and historical exhibitions .
• Hever Castle, Kent: Childhood home of Anne Boleyn and notable Tudor architecture with gardens and historical displays .
• Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire: A family-inhabited castle from the 12th century, known for its unique keep and connection to King Edward II .
• Lincoln Castle, Lincolnshire: Houses one of the original Magna Carta copies and has a complete medieval wall walk and Victorian prison museum .
• Richmond Castle, Yorkshire: Dating from 1070, with well-preserved ruins and panoramic views from its tower .

These castles collectively offer a broad spectrum of England’s royal, military, and cultural history, representing Norman invasion roots, Tudor heritage, and ongoing royal traditions. Each site offers distinct experiences from state rooms to medieval reenactments and historic artifact displays .