Czech name: Lobkowiczký palác
The House of Lobkowicz is part of the complex in which Prague Castle (Pražský hrad), the President of the Czech Republic’s residence, is located. The famous attraction in Prague consists of:
- Lobkowicz Collections
- Lobkowicz Events Management
- Roudnice Castle Winery
The Lobkowicz Collections are among the finest family artifacts in Prague and date back more than 700 years. Among the items in the collection are works of art, rare books, weapons, and armor. The family’s priceless treasures were confiscated by the Nazis during WWII, then by the Communist regime. Most of the artifacts have been returned to the family. The collection, including Mozart and Beethoven’s signed manuscripts, is on display in the palace and the castle, the President’s residence.
Location & How To Get There
Lobkowicz Palace is located at Prague Castle on the southwest side of Jiřská street.
Prague sightseeing tours include the palace and its elaborate grounds. Take trams 12, 18, 20, or 22 to the stop at Malostranská, or Metro Green Line A. The Old Royal Steps or the passage by St. Vitus Cathedral both lead to the palace. Visitors can also walk to the palace from Hradčanské Square to the area where the castle complex is located. The address is Jiřská 3, 119 00 Praha 1- Hradčany.
Opening Hours & Entry
The palace is open for tours each day between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tours take approximately two hours. The busiest times are between 12 noon, and 1 p.m. Entry fees vary depending on if visitors are taking the tour or planning on the midday concert and tour. The entry fees for the palace tour:
- Adults 275 CZK
- Seniors, Students, Children 7- 15 – 200 CZK
- Family with two adults, two children 690 CZK
What to Do & What to See
Lobkowicz Events Management professionals have successfully planned private celebrations, including anniversaries, birthdays, and weddings. Guests may choose venues for their special occasions, including the palace, Střekov Castle, Nelahozeves Castle, and Roudnice nad Labem Castle and Winery.
Tours of the ruins of Střekov Castle include the gothic Tower and Knight’s Hall. Tours of the castle are available to individuals, groups, and schools. The tour features a reproduction of the castle complex and replicas of weapons and armor. A visit to Nelahozeves Castle features tours of twelve stunning period rooms, the bedrooms of the prince and princess, the music room, chapel, and library.
The Baroque-style Roudnice Castle features 250 rooms and was built in the 12th-century. The complex also houses the Lobkowicz Roudnice winery, which has been producing excellent wines since the 1600s. The castle is a popular venue for private and corporate events, including weddings and receptions. Each year the castle hosts the Wine Harvest Festival.
The ground floor of Lobkowicz Palace features a cafe, restaurants, and Renaissance-style courtyards with panoramic views of the city. Lobkowicz Palace hosts classical music concerts in the elaborate concert hall each day at noon.
History
The palace was built in the 16th-century between 1528 ad 1560 and was initially called the Pernstein Palace after the nobleman who built the structure. When Pernstein’s niece married the first prince of Lobkowicz, the palace was renamed. The castle was rebuilt between 1651 and 1668. Franz Joseph Maximillian, the seventh prince, chose Baroque-style architecture to complete the renovation. The final renovation was finished in 1791.
The palace was always under the control of the Lobkowicz family until 1948 when it was placed under the control of the Czech government. The family regained control of the palace in 2002 when it became one of the city’s foremost tourist attractions and is included in Prague sightseeing tours.