Wallenstein Palace, Baroque palace in Malá Strana, Czech Republic
Wallenstein Palace is a palace in Malá Strana that now serves as the Czech Senate building, covering several plots in the northern part of the neighborhood. The rectangular garden behind the building features neatly arranged beds, a pond with fountains, and a painted loggia that functions as a summer concert hall.
Albrecht von Wallenstein purchased two dozen townhouses in 1623 and demolished them to clear space for his new residence, which was largely completed by 1630. The military commander served the emperor as supreme general during the Thirty Years War before being murdered in Eger in 1634.
The grotto features Saturn devouring his children, a theme from Roman mythology that visitors can observe carved into the garden walls. Stalactites and cryptic faces made of different materials decorate the facade, while bronze figures represent Hercules and other mythological characters.
The garden entrance is located on Letenská Street and opens free of charge on most weekends, while the interior rooms of the Senate building can be visited only through guided tours. Visitors should watch for signs, as some areas remain closed during parliamentary sessions.
The bronze statues in the garden are actually copies of the original sculptures, which were stolen by Swedish troops in 1648 and taken to Drottningholm in Sweden. The riding stable in the northern wing is considered the first purely functional Baroque space in Bohemia, built entirely from bricks without decoration.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
