Troja Palace

The Troja Chateau, located in the quiet area of Troja in Prague, represents one of the most splendid examples of Baroque architecture in the Czech Republic. The construction of the palace began in 1679 and was completed in 1691, commissioned by Count Václav Vojtěch of Šternberk. The architectural project was entrusted to Jean Baptiste Mathey, a French architect who brought both French and Italian influences to the building’s design. Inspired by the great Italian villas, Mathey created a work that combined French elegance with Italian grandeur. The structure of the palace features a rectangular plan with side wings and a large central courtyard. One of the most fascinating elements of the palace is the monumental external staircase, created by German sculptors Johann Georg and Paul Heermann, who decorated it with statues representing the battle between gods and giants, an allegory of the conquest of Troy that gave the palace its name. Inside, the palace is known for its sumptuous Baroque frescoes, executed by the Flemish brothers Abraham and Izaak Godyn, painters called to Prague to decorate the main hall. These frescoes celebrate the apotheosis of the Habsburgs, using trompe-l’œil techniques to create optical illusions depicting mythological and historical scenes. The main hall, with its high ceiling decorated with celestial figures and walls representing the earthly world, is one of the finest examples of Baroque painting in Northern Europe. The garden of the Troja Chateau is equally impressive, designed in French style with geometric parterres, fountains, and a vast collection of decorative vases. The garden is crossed by a central axis that aligns the palace with the spires of St. Vitus Cathedral, creating a visual connection with Prague Castle. The garden is also famous for its allegorical sculptures representing the seasons and continents, further enriching the visual experience of visitors. Throughout its history, the Troja Chateau has undergone numerous modifications and restorations. After being purchased by the Czechoslovak state in 1922, the palace was used for various purposes until the 1970s, when a long restoration process began and was only completed in the late 1980s. Since 1989, the palace has housed the Prague City Gallery, which exhibits a collection of Czech paintings from the 19th century, including works by artists such as Josef Čermák, Václav Brožík, Julius Mařák, Antonín Chittussi, Jan Preisler, and Mikoláš Aleš. An interesting anecdote related to the palace concerns its vineyards. During the ownership of Prince Alfred of Windischgrätz, the palace boasted extensive vineyards and cellars. It is said that there was a huge wine barrel, one of the largest in Bohemia, which testifies to the historical importance of winemaking in the Troja region.