Lobkowicz Palace

The Lobkowicz Palace, nestled in the heart of the Prague Castle complex, is a true architectural and cultural gem that bears witness to centuries of European history. Built in the second half of the 16th century by Jaroslav of Pernštejn, the palace is a majestic example of Renaissance architecture, later enriched with Baroque elements. Its history is deeply intertwined with that of the Lobkowicz family, one of the oldest and most illustrious noble families in Bohemia, which played a fundamental role in the political and cultural history of the region. The palace passed to the Lobkowicz family in 1603, when Polyxena of Pernštejn married Zdeněk Vojtěch, the first Prince Lobkowicz. This marriage not only consolidated the power and wealth of the family, but also marked the beginning of a period of splendor for the palace. During the Thirty Years’ War, the palace became a refuge for Catholic loyalists, including the two imperial governors who were thrown out of the windows of Prague Castle during the Second Defenestration of 1618. Polyxena of Lobkowicz offered them protection, demonstrating the power and influence of the family. In the 17th century, under the guidance of Václav Eusebius, the second Prince Lobkowicz, the palace underwent significant Baroque transformations. These works included the creation of splendid rooms decorated with frescoes and stuccoes, such as the Imperial Hall and the Palace Chapel. The palace rooms, including the Concert Hall and the Balcony Room, feature ornate ceilings and artworks that reflect the taste and sophistication of the Baroque era. A central element of the cultural history of the Lobkowicz Palace is its connection to music. In the 18th century, Franz Joseph Maximilian, the seventh Prince Lobkowicz, became an important patron of Ludwig van Beethoven. Beethoven dedicated several of his most famous works to the Lobkowicz family, including the Third (Eroica), Fifth, and Sixth (Pastoral) symphonies, some of which were premiered in the palace. This musical tradition continues today, with regular classical music concerts held in the palace’s Baroque concert hall, featuring performances by composers such as Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Beethoven, Dvořák, and Smetana. The palace is also home to one of the most important private art collections in the Czech Republic, open to the public as a museum since 2007. The Lobkowicz Collection includes works by world-renowned artists such as Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Canaletto, Diego Velázquez, and Lucas Cranach the Elder. In addition to paintings, the collection includes original musical manuscripts by Beethoven and Mozart, musical instruments, decorative arts, weapons and armor, and a wide range of rare manuscripts. The 20th century brought significant challenges for the Lobkowicz Palace and its collection. During the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, the palace and its properties were confiscated by German forces. Although they were returned to the Lobkowicz family after the war, they were again expropriated in 1948 by the communist regime. The Lobkowicz family was forced into exile, and the palace was used for various state purposes, including government offices and a museum of Czech history. After the Velvet Revolution of 1989 and the fall of the communist regime, the Czech government enacted restitution laws that allowed the Lobkowicz family to reclaim their properties. The palace returned to the family in 2002 and, after a period of restoration, was reopened as a museum. Today, the Lobkowicz Palace is not only a showcase of the family’s artistic and historical riches, but also an active cultural center that hosts concerts, conferences, and other cultural events. In addition to its extraordinary art collection and historical significance, the palace offers spectacular views of Prague from its terraces and gardens, making it a must-visit destination for city visitors. The palace also houses an elegant café and restaurant, where visitors can enjoy local and international specialties while admiring panoramic views of the castle gardens and the city.