Location: U Trojskeho zamku 1, Troja
Tel. 283 851 614
Bus 112
from Holesovic subway station
Open: Apr- Oct 10am- 6pm Tue- Sun
Nov- Mar 10am- 5pm Sat, Sun
Entrance Fee:
Adult: 100 CZK
Student, children, seniors: 50
CZK
Family: 200 CZK
Troja Palace (Trojský zámek) is a stunning Baroque palace located in the Troja district of Prague, Czech Republic, on the right bank of the Vltava River. Built as a summer residence for the noble Sternberg family, it exemplifies the opulence and artistic flair of late 17th-century European architecture, blending French and Italian influences into a harmonious villa-style structure. The palace is surrounded by meticulously designed gardens and is now owned by the City of Prague, serving as a museum for 19th-century Czech art.
The construction of Troja Palace began in 1679 under the
patronage of Count Václav Vojtěch of Sternberg, a prominent Bohemian
nobleman who sought to create a grand suburban villa inspired by
Italian models. The project was initially handled by Italian
architect Domenico Orsi, but soon transitioned to French architect
Jean Baptiste Mathey, who finalized the design and oversaw much of
the building process until its completion in 1691. Silvestro Carlone
served as the master builder. Work was briefly interrupted by the
plague in 1685, but resumed to include elaborate interior
decorations.
The palace remained in the Sternberg family's
possession until the early 20th century. In 1922, it was acquired by
the Czechoslovak state, and extensive restorations began in the
1970s to preserve its historical integrity. Today, it stands as a
cultural landmark, reflecting the Sternbergs' allegiance to the
Habsburg dynasty through its thematic decorations.
Troja Palace is a prime example of early Baroque architecture in
Bohemia, characterized by its villa-like form with a central hall
flanked by enfilades of salons and two-storey belvederes on either side.
The facade features a striking red-and-white color scheme, with
intricate stucco details and grand staircases leading to the gardens.
The most iconic element is the monumental external double staircase,
adorned with sculptures depicting the Gigantomachy—the battle between
the Gods and Titans—crafted by Dresden sculptors Johann Georg Heermann
and Paul Heermann. Additional sculptures along the perimeter represent
Classical gods, allegories of the seasons, times of day, and continents.
The design draws heavily from Roman suburban villas, with Mathey's
French background infusing elegance and symmetry. The palace's alignment
creates a visual axis connecting its gardens to the distant spires of
St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle, enhancing its integration with the
landscape.
The French-style formal gardens surrounding Troja Palace are a highlight, featuring geometric layouts, a central Neptune fountain, and a hedge labyrinth that adds an element of whimsy. Terraces are decorated with rare vases by Bombelli, and the gardens bloom vibrantly in spring with flowering trees. They are open to the public free of charge from April to October, with varying hours, and include a bistro for visitors. In winter, access is limited, and the gardens close during frost.
Inside, the palace boasts lavish Baroque decorations. The ground floor features paintings by Carpoforo Tencalla, while the first floor includes works by Francesco Marchetti and his son Giovanni Francesco. The grand main hall is a masterpiece, adorned with trompe-l'œil frescoes by Flemish artists Abraham and Isaac Godijn, depicting the apotheosis of the Habsburg dynasty, including Emperor Leopold I's victory over the Turks in 1683. These frescoes, among the finest in Northern Europe, blend celestial and terrestrial scenes with illusionistic architecture, grisaille busts of rulers, and floating figures. References to the Habsburgs and their military triumphs are woven throughout, symbolizing the Sternbergs' loyalty.
Today, Troja Palace houses the Prague City Gallery's collection of 19th-century Czech art, featuring works by artists like Josef Čermák, Václav Brožík, Julius Mařák, Antonín Chittussi, Jan Preisler, and Mikoláš Aleš. It also hosts short-term exhibitions tailored to its historic interiors. The palace is open from April to October, Tuesday to Sunday (with adjusted Friday hours), and closed on Mondays. Its location near the Prague Zoo and Botanical Garden makes it a popular spot for cultural outings, offering a blend of history, art, and natural beauty.