Schönborn Palace, Baroque palace in Malá Strana, Czech Republic
Schönborn Palace is a baroque residence in Prague's Malá Strana district featuring ornate stonework, multiple floors, and extensive gardens that extend behind the main structure. The building contains numerous rooms and spaces that have been modified over time to serve different functions.
Construction began in 1715 under architect Bartolomeo Scotti, replacing an earlier structure destroyed during the Thirty Years War. The Colloredo family later acquired the property and made their mark on the garden layout and terraces.
Franz Kafka spent time living and working within the palace walls in 1917, adding a literary connection to the architectural significance of this structure.
The building currently serves as the United States Embassy and is not open for general public tours. The exterior facade and gardens can be viewed from the surrounding streets, though interior access is restricted to official business.
The original designer of the terraced gardens incorporated unconventional steps that allowed horseback riding access to the upper levels despite a personal physical limitation. This practical solution reflects how the estate evolved to accommodate its inhabitants' needs.
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