
Schwarzenberg Palace, Prague
Easily one of Prague’s most striking architectural marvels, this Renaissance-style palace, built in the 16th century, makes quite the first impression. Its façade was designed to trick the eye with a painted pattern that mimics three-dimensional pyramidal stonework. The effect is so convincing, many passersby assume it’s sculpted relief, when in fact, it's a clever illusion rendered entirely in paint.
Step inside, and you’ll find the interior just as captivating. Ceilings are draped with vast canvas paintings stretched over wooden frames, depicting dramatic scenes like the Judgment of Paris and the Conquest of Troy. Carefully restored during a renovation completed in 2008, these paintings give the rooms a theatrical grandeur that’s hard to ignore.
Today, the palace is part of the National Gallery of Prague and plays host to a rotating calendar of exhibitions. On the ground floor, you’ll find a refined collection of religious art and sculpture. One level up, you’re in the company of Renaissance and Baroque legends—Rubens, Bruegel, El Greco, and Czech master Petr Brandl among them. But the real surprise waits on the top level, where visitors are treated to a formidable collection of Baroque weaponry and armor—helmets, swords, and ornate muskets that once saw ceremonial and battlefield use.
Here’s a handy tip: go for the combined ticket with nearby Sternberg Palace. If you're 26 or younger, you're in luck—the ticket is free. And for everyone else, it offers incredible value, granting access to all National Gallery sites in Prague for 10 days. It’s an art-lover’s passport to some of the city’s finest collections.
Step inside, and you’ll find the interior just as captivating. Ceilings are draped with vast canvas paintings stretched over wooden frames, depicting dramatic scenes like the Judgment of Paris and the Conquest of Troy. Carefully restored during a renovation completed in 2008, these paintings give the rooms a theatrical grandeur that’s hard to ignore.
Today, the palace is part of the National Gallery of Prague and plays host to a rotating calendar of exhibitions. On the ground floor, you’ll find a refined collection of religious art and sculpture. One level up, you’re in the company of Renaissance and Baroque legends—Rubens, Bruegel, El Greco, and Czech master Petr Brandl among them. But the real surprise waits on the top level, where visitors are treated to a formidable collection of Baroque weaponry and armor—helmets, swords, and ornate muskets that once saw ceremonial and battlefield use.
Here’s a handy tip: go for the combined ticket with nearby Sternberg Palace. If you're 26 or younger, you're in luck—the ticket is free. And for everyone else, it offers incredible value, granting access to all National Gallery sites in Prague for 10 days. It’s an art-lover’s passport to some of the city’s finest collections.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Schwarzenberg Palace on Map
Sight Name: Schwarzenberg Palace
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic
Create Your Own Walk in Prague
Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lesser Town Walking Tour
Mala Strana (or "Lesser Town") is a district in Prague situated on the left bank of the Vltava River. Renowned for its architectural beauty, this is one of the capital's most historically significant neighborhoods. Back in the Middle Ages, it was predominantly populated by ethnic Germans and, in later years, despite the prevalence of Baroque in its architecture, largely retained its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
New Town Walking Tour
The youngest (founded in 1348) and the largest (three times the size of the Old Town), the New Town (or Nove Mesto) of Prague is one of the five originally independent townships that today form the historic center of the Czech capital. This vibrant district offers a mix of historical charm and modern amenities and is traditionally dense with tourists.
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
The Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, is a part of the Old Town (Staré Město) of Prague.
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour
Prague’s Castle District is a neighborhood where history feels almost tangible—an atmospheric blend of towering landmarks, quiet courtyards, and sweeping city views. At its heart sits the mighty Prague Castle, often cited as the largest castle complex in the world. Its origins stretch back to the 9th century, and over time, it has been home to Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, Communist... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Prague Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is a living gallery of history and architecture, home to world-class museums, eclectic galleries, numerous theaters, and a seemingly endless collection of historic landmarks.
The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word “práh”, which means “rapid”, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word “práh”, which means “rapid”, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
Prague’s Old Town is a living tapestry of medieval roots and vibrant modern life, wrapped in narrow cobblestone streets and brimming with architectural treasures. Once a self-contained settlement, it was protected by a semi-circular moat and a fortified wall, both tracing the curve of the Vltava River. Although the moat is long gone, its path survives in the form of key streets—most notably Na... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
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