Wallenstein Palace

Wallenstein Palace is one of the earliest examples of Czech Baroque architecture, the first secular structure made in this style. The building was erected in the first half of the XVII century for Field Marshal Albrecht von Wallenstein.He wanted his castle to eclipse the palace of Prague Castle. To get enough space for construction, Wallenstein bought 23 houses, 3 gardens and a brick furnace.

Notable is the central hall, two floors high, and a fresco on the ceiling depicting Wallenstein as the god of war Ares on a triumphal chariot. The architect of the palace and all the artists who worked on the construction and decoration of the palace were Italians. The interiors are designed in Italian style. Many rooms are decorated with frescoes by Baccio del Bianco. His work can be seen in the office, audience hall, astronomical hallway. In the huge Knights Hall, designed for solemn ceremonies, there are his frescoes, on which Albrecht von Wallenstein is depicted in the form of the ancient Roman god of war Mars. A lot of money was spent on the decoration of the Wallenstein Palace. Furniture, carpets and tapestries were specially brought from Holland and Italy. Of these items, only a few copies remain.

The palace is now owned by the state. From Letenska Street you can enter the gardens, which are preserved in the same form as when Albrecht von Wallenstein dined in the huge garden pavilion Terrence. In the most remote place of the garden is a pond with a statue in the center.

Today, modern art exhibitions are held in the palace.