Schwarzenberg Palace

Schwarzenberg Palace is just as fascinating as Prague Castle, and the two are very close to one another. At first glance, its structure stands out, and it looks even more striking at the foot of the building. This grand residence perfectly reflects the diverse styles of the Renaissance. Its elongated shapes are enhanced by a sgraffito design, where wall patterns appear to be etched directly onto the façade. Here, the diamond-shaped motif adds elegance, alongside cornices and turrets which rise to the top, creating a striking sense of depth. Built in the 16th century, the palace stands on the site of three houses, two of which were destroyed in the great fire of Prague in 1541. Originally a private residence, it was later occupied by various museums, the most famous being the city’s Military History Museum. Since the 2000s, it has housed a collection of Baroque and Renaissance art from the National Gallery in Prague.